Hello Everyone-- I checked Con-Cor's website and noticed that an N-scale Blue Comet may be manufactured. This is a great looking train, and I would love to have one. Unfortunately, it's only available in HO right now. So... does anyone have the "inside track" (pun intended) on whether Con-Cor is still feeling out the demand for it or if the company is definitely going ahead with it? Thanks, Steve Williams
No inside track but I do know this to be fact. Con Cor was to produce the U50 in SP & UP well the SP got cancelled and no other mention of not producing the SP version than the Ad on thier website that only states the UP U50 and Veranda coming out. After all the hype you would think that they would at least put out a statement saying exactly that. Not leave you guessing. Consumer beware and don't pre order this item; wait for the possible release. Good Luck
It is just their nature ConCor is one of my favorite long-time pioneer model railroad companes over the years, but they are an acquired taste. They pretty much operate "out of the box", and some of their products and methods of doing business are predictably unpredictable. Why this is, in my opinion is that they are under control of one person in charge, Jim Conway, who is both a genius, a guy who realizes his niche, and a strong individualist and rebel. No critique intended but his company has weathered a lot of storms by producing some brilliant locos, and products, making alliances with some "out there" companies, producing unusual products, making fantasy roadnames and non-prototypical locos, but at the same time, I have had nothing but great things to say about their service and parts department and personnel. One glaring example of their sensitivity is when the first run of Chinese Hudsons came out in '96, the first batch was short of horrible, and the ensuing batches were much much better, in fit and finish and performace. All considerations above and taken that is why I love them. And I think they are one of the innovators, and I check their website every day, always shaking my head in awe and "are you kidding me". The have produced some "mainstream" locos, but what makes them exciting to me are those "out there" products, For a company to advertise these new original urban passenger consists, and at the same time, advertise eighties Rivarossi steamers they found in the back of the closet steames, that is why this hobby is interesting. Hey, I haven't had this much fun since Lindberg model cars "stole" the tooling of the 34 Ford pickup from AMT, then had no problem of putting it "out there". Based on my long term experience in this hobby, and for the reasons, ConCor will but not always announce something to "test the waters" and if there is no reply or feedback, so to speak, will quietly change or withdraw it. Plus, since most if not all of their stuff is made in China or other parts of Asia, I guess, their announced stuff is subject to world trade market conditions, as well as geographic and climatic conditions, resulting in delay or even calling off a project. Nevertheless, after all of the dog and pony show, they end up usually with a good overall product, and well backed, and definitely not the traditional run of the mill common loco. Just hang in there, it is part of this hobby, and the longer you are involved the more you will understand this sad fact. But we are still a relatively small market not provided for by corporate giants, so they operate with great care and diligence because something they produce which is a failure or not as projected could be disastrous. We are a small market within a small hobby market. I appreciate the effort of all companies to have what we have now. Ken "FloridaBoy" Willaman
Blue? Do you mean the New Haven Comet? Apparently, they will make an N-scale version too: http://www.con-cor.com/HO-1935-New-Haven-Comet.html
To tell you the truth, I am not bothered by that price. For such a unique train that back in the day would only be produced in brass, unpainted, no windows, no interior, no lights, rolled like a sled at twice the price, I consider this fair. If somebody came out with a North Coast Limited right now at $150 bucks a car I would do it. The time and money it is going to take for me to build and paint one from kits to this standard is going to come out much higher than that.
