According to this website, Life-Like berkshires are in the works. Late 2002 we should see C&O, NKP, PM, and Undec Berkshires. It has been a rumor for sometime, I am very happy to see it happen. http://www.lokshop.de/images/Kataloge/BRA/2002/neu_us/05.jpg Eric
<font color="336633">I do like those Berks its great to see lots of decent steam coming out these days</font>
Yep, me too, and I am also happy to see more steam being released. But I did get one let down this month. Got an email back from the Broadway Limited guys, the ones that will be producing the plastic steamers with factory DCC and sound. Seems they got a lot of email about them planning on doing a N&W J class, that HO modelers don't seem to want another J, so they scrapped that plan indefinitely. Bummer, I tire of the Bachmann units, and their mediocre performance and paint. However, they did inform me that they will be doing a N&W model previously unavailable in plastic in HO. Perhaps the A class that I've been craving? [ 12 February 2002, 04:49: Message edited by: Black Cloud ]
I am glad to see some Berks coming out. The NKP765 or PM1225 could fit almost any era. I went to the Broadway-Limited site and was disappointed that the N&W J plans have been scrapped. I had one of the earlier Bachmann's and it was a piece of junk. I have been told that the new one by Bachmann has corrected a lot of defects from the past, such as the lousy trailing truck, a new motor and better side rods. However, I would like to see one or hear a good review of two before I buy one. I am also leary of some retailers who may try to sell you an older model when you think you are buying a new an improved version. Unfortunately up here in New England there are not too many dealers who handle N&W items. They may special order but then you pay full retail, but you have to weigh your chances on paying substantially less vs worrying whether or not you got the right item. Well maybe Broadway-Limited will do a decent J class. In the meantime P2k bring on those Berks.
ajy6b, Bachmann is also releasing new heavy Mountains (4-8-2) in a couple of months under the Spectrum line. They will be DCC ready like the new J's, and they will have one lettered for N&W. I like the looks of these better than the previous mountains released. I too will wait until I read a review.
There are some superb steam locomotive models around these days, it almost makes me wish I was in HO scale.............only almost
For Black Cloud and AJY6B, I too heard about the plans for Broadway Ltd's N&W J. I have this to say on the subject. The new Spectrum 'J' is very nice. The detail is great, runs great and looks great. It is 100 times better than that earlier one they had. The paint is great. It weighs a good bit too. As for the new Spectrum 4-8-2s. I can't wait to see them. I personally like the old ones. But I guess this new run will be representing the K1, K2 class. The old Spectrum 4-8-2s they had could represent a K1 class with a little work. But, I'm really satisfied with the new Spectrum 'J', it really does the "Finest" justice. Hope this helps all you other discerning N&W modelers. There's not too many of us. Jeff
"El Linko" to the Life Like Train Directory site. Enjoy! 2002.... yep.. put me down for a C&O Berk' !
