Anyone tired of using SD60s and C44-9Ws as stand ins for SD70s and C44ACs on unit coal? We need C44ACs and SD70s badly. We also need a GP60 and either/both a MP15 or SW1500. Kato or Atlas could make a fortune if they produced these locos. Another area in N scale that is lacking stuff is high quality steam. How about a USRA 4-6-2 Pacific or 4-8-2 Mountain?
As a Santa Fe/BNSF fan I would like some SD75's I am not in the steam era, but I agree that steam locomotives are badly needed in N scale. Trouble is that they are so road-specific, so the most likely candidates would be USRA designs. But that would be no bad thing!
Colonel asked about the differences between an SD70 and SD90 Here is a photo of UP8216 (SD9043) http://www.widowcreek.com/wcrr/unionpacific/locomotives/SD90AC/pix/UP8216.htm *********** Here is a photo of SP9800 (SD70M) Not real obvious in the broadside view is that the radiator grills are vertical (almost flush against the body) where the SD90 radiators are flared out at a definite angle. http://espee.railfan.net/picindex/sd70m_photos/9800-dave_henry_sp-sd70m.jpg *********** eNjoy Don B [ 18 August 2001: Message edited by: dbn160 ]</p>
This is a good topic. As always, customer demand will likely drive the manufacturers plans. Since the basic frame designs already exist for some of these models, here are some likely future models: Kato has the C44-9W, which would be a good basis for an AC44CW. Atlas has a GP40-2 and an SD60, which could be used as the basis for a GP60 and SD70M respectively. If not Atlas, shortening of the Kato SD90MAC frame would be a starting point for a Kato SD70M and/or SD70MAC. While I don't know about Kato, Atlas does have a forum on their website. If a large number of customers flooded their forum with requests for a certain model, as a business they would be foolish to ingore the demand (if they built a Trainmaster, why not a GP60?). That would be a place to start in trying to get a certain model produced. Other than that, your local hobby shop operator may have some pull with manufacturers as well. After all, hobby shops deal directly with manufacturers and distributers which gives them more influence than an individual consumer.
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Kevin Stevens: While I don't know about Kato, Atlas does have a forum on their website. If a large number of customers flooded their forum with requests for a certain model, as a business they would be foolish to ingore the demand (if they built a Trainmaster, why not a GP60?). That would be a place to start in trying to get a certain model produced. Other than that, your local hobby shop operator may have some pull with manufacturers as well. After all, hobby shops deal directly with manufacturers and distributers which gives them more influence than an individual consumer.<hr></blockquote> If you are going to besiege the Atlas forum with requests for a SD70, 75 or AC44's you better get you butt in gear because right now the SW1500 and MP15 crowd has the stage. As for me I would like something truly unique like an 0-10-2.
Paul Graf at Atlas has repeatedly said that campaigns to "flood" the Atlas forums with requests for specific models have very little weight with Atlas, as the actual number of potential purchasers generating the "flood" is so small. Atlas listens to dealers, distributors, and the people they meet at train shows. Several people were campaigning for a GP38 on the forum and one was produced - but it was pointed out to them that the lead time to produce a new model is such that the engines were in production before they started the "campaign".
