From Trains.com via the Atlas N Forum ====== "A major player in HO model trains for years, Athearn will begin launching a complete N-scale lineup late this fall. George Riley, Athearn’s sales manager, said the new lineup will include everything from locomotives and passenger and freight cars to vehicles and scenic accessories. “We’re bringing our licensees with us on this. What has gone well in HO we’ll be offering in N,” Riley said. “We’re looking at marketing a complete train, an integrated unit,” which is how most N-scale enthusiasts model a layout, he said. “These will be premium quality, with a value component, following the same tenets as our regular line.” F59PHI available before holidays First up will be an F59PHI locomotive and Bombardier-style coach cars like those used on current passenger rail routes primarily on the east and west coasts. Riley expects the modern locomotive to be available just before Christmas and the passenger cars early in the first quarter of 2003. All items are pre-painted, ready-to-roll products. The F59PHI will be available in six roadnames: Amtrak West, Metrolink, Sounder, Coaster, West Coast Express and Dallas-TRE, which features the Texas flag. The coach cars will be available in three-car sets, including two coaches and a control cab. Pricing was not set as of press time, but Riley said N locomotives will retail for less than $100. Riley said to also expect Florida Tri-Rail cars and a 10th Anniversary Metrolink Bombardier-style car early in 2003. Expect more accessories However, Athearn will launch some N accessories as soon as late October, he said. First out will be a series of billboards and Ford C trucks. But expect other vehicles, too, including die-cast John Deere Model B and Series 50 tractors and trucks with Coke markings, by the first quarter. “There is a real dearth of tractor-trailer and delivery trucks on the market,” he said. Riley wouldn’t say what’s next, but said popular everyday-type freight locomotives and “modern image” rail cars were likely in the next year. Athearn has been working on the N-scale lineup for three years, although there have been rumors of such a move for 15 to 20 years, he said. “To me, it is very exciting to launch this sort of project.” The new N-scale items will be made in China and Korea, but others could be made elsewhere, depending on the project. All will use Micro-Trains couplers." =================== eNjoy
YEAH BUDDY!!!!!!!! Lets see if Athearn can give Micro-Trains a run for the money. Can you imagine what we could end up with! These guys messing with those big trains (HO) better be looking over their shoulders, 'cause N-Scale is getting bigger and better every day. BRING ON THE STEAM POWER!
Well, since Athearn will be using Micro-train trucks and couplers they certainly will be giving Micro-trains some money. But I digress ... The forthcoming entrance of Athearn into the N scale market is huge news and represents the coming of age of N scale in model railroading. Athearn has noted that they will offer a very broad line of N scale products and this diversity will only be a positive thing for the N scale hobby.
A great day for the N-Scaler...hopefully the product will be of an entry intermediate level in quality and price so as to draw in and KEEP people in the hobby. Who knows how many people leave because their equipment is some of that "Collectible" junk that everybody seems to get near the beginning. As long old age affects eye sihgt and dexterity, I can guarantee you there will always be a stong HO/Large Scale population. I am still waiting to see further applications of the small motors common in N and smaller scales into stuff in the larger scales...opperational cranes seems to be not too far off, with these small motors and DCC. N remains too small for me, but anything that reduces the market value on the MRSP is a good thing for me! Oh yeah....I always thought the locomotive that sounded like a coffee grinder had a very prototypical sound to me...unless I am flying in a helicopter, then yes, it wil lbe silent. but this silent stuff will probably mean new sound boards! Happy railing!
Tractors I can use, trucks I can use- can't use the F59s or the commuter coaches. Now, if the come out with decent EMDs and U-boats, not to mention freight cars, I'm there! The P&MtP is in more need of good Geeps. Unfortunately, the track can't handle them there newfangled commuter coaches. I'll let them city slickers have 'em
Ready before the holidays?! Either they have been working on this for quite some time and kept it a well kept secret or they are incredibly fast producers! I can't wait to see what they look and run like. The detail looks decent on the pre-prod pics. If they can deliver quality and speed of production, the "other guys" (that like making us wait for 2 years at a time) might actually have some competition. Russ
The article that Don posted above states that Athearn has been working on the N scale line-up for three years. Let's hope that future releases will be quick to go to production.
Athearns entrance into N scale just keeps looking better and better by the day. This press release has answered a lot of questions for us. Now all we have to do is wait for Christmas and see if the quality is just good or is great. I'm hoping for GREAT! Oh, and I'm hoping for some modern trucks!!!!! [ 07. September 2002, 13:26: Message edited by: BNSF FAN ]
