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Let`s talk about "modern" stuff

AX Amtrak X995OGR Forum Member

Hello,

inspired through the Chicago show threat and the discussion there, a want whrite down some thoughts about modern stuff. I`am only talk about 2R.

In the past years in Germany O scale become more and more popular most in  Epoche III, similar to the transition era. As 2R modelers are more interrested in prototypical operations, the small branch steam engines, diesel switcher an diesel engines for branches (with 3 till 5 2axled coaches) are sold out or hard to find. Big diesel or steam engines for main lines are difficult to sell (altthought the have reasonable prices), mostly they are sold to clubs or fremo groups, who have the possibility, to run those engines an huge layouts like the prototype. The "branchliners" have no need of those engine, perhaps a few, only for collecting. No manufacturer can live with those few sold engines.

Same thing here...for a modern prototype oriented 2RL`ers they need for branches some MP15 (Atlas have anounced a re-run),  the "main" engine, a GP7/9 rebuilt to GP10, GP15, whatever, CF7, some B23 or similar, perhaps some Baldwins or ALcos. When you have a "normal" basement layout, 4axles engines are big enough. Look on the prototype (ok, there are some, they have 6 axle engines), but most have 2nd hand engines.

The only thing, what manufacturers have to do is--looking arround, have some interrest for the prototype. Those called engines can be use even for transition era with modifications.

In the Chicago threat there was mentioned a SD70, only a few clubs or groups can run this engine on layouts, they are big enough for prototypical operation. For most 3R`ers, those things doesn`t matter, they run, what they like, therefor the big 3R diesel will sell good enough for the manufacturer like MTH.

Same thing for the cars, i think, there is a need for modern cars, or why are some cars hard to find and reach high prices on auctions? For modern times, the "every day seen cars" are not available.

At one time there will be a less interrest in transition era (sounds hard, i know), i think, not many persons in my age (45) are interrested in transition era. In H0 i model 1975-81, conrail (and all stuff beside this time period) on the Northeast, in 0 i model 2012+. People mostly built this things, the can feel an see it. To get new customers, or satisfy existing, the manufacturer should be prepared for this comming situation.

BTW. in Germany the situation is the same...not only in 0 scale...

my thoughts..

 

kindest regards from Germany

Elmar

 

 

 

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Alan HummelAlan HummelOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by Amtrak X995:

Hello,

inspired through the Chicago show threat and the discussion there, a want whrite down some thoughts about modern stuff. I`am only talk about 2R.

In the past years in Germany O scale become more and more popular most in  Epoche III, similar to the transition era. As 2R modelers are more interrested in prototypical operations, the small branch steam engines, diesel switcher an diesel engines for branches (with 3 till 5 2axled coaches) are sold out or hard to find. Big diesel or steam engines for main lines are difficult to sell (altthought the have reasonable prices), mostly they are sold to clubs or fremo groups, who have the possibility, to run those engines an huge layouts like the prototype. The "branchliners" have no need of those engine, perhaps a few, only for collecting. No manufacturer can live with those few sold engines.

Same thing here...for a modern prototype oriented 2RL`ers they need for branches some MP15 (Atlas have anounced a re-run),  the "main" engine, a GP7/9 rebuilt to GP10, GP15, whatever, CF7, some B23 or similar, perhaps some Baldwins or ALcos. When you have a "normal" basement layout, 4axles engines are big enough. Look on the prototype (ok, there are some, they have 6 axle engines), but most have 2nd hand engines.

The only thing, what manufacturers have to do is--looking arround, have some interrest for the prototype. Those called engines can be use even for transition era with modifications.

In the Chicago threat there was mentioned a SD70, only a few clubs or groups can run this engine on layouts, they are big enough for prototypical operation. For most 3R`ers, those things doesn`t matter, they run, what they like, therefor the big 3R diesel will sell good enough for the manufacturer like MTH.

Same thing for the cars, i think, there is a need for modern cars, or why are some cars hard to find and reach high prices on auctions? For modern times, the "every day seen cars" are not available.

At one time there will be a less interrest in transition era (sounds hard, i know), i think, not many persons in my age (45) are interrested in transition era. In H0 i model 1975-81, conrail (and all stuff beside this time period) on the Northeast, in 0 i model 2012+. People mostly built this things, the can feel an see it. To get new customers, or satisfy existing, the manufacturer should be prepared for this comming situation.

BTW. in Germany the situation is the same...not only in 0 scale...

my thoughts..

 

kindest regards from Germany

Elmar

 

 

 

Elmar,

I've been discouraged about the lack of modern diesels especially since going to 2R.

I model mostly CSX,but also the major predecessor rail lines that now make up CSX,such as The Family Lines System. I've often wondered what will happen to O Scale,especially 2rail modeling since it's the minority compaired to 3 rail,when a lot of the modelers who helped build this scale pass on.(?) I think 3 rail is healthy enough to survive,but 2 rail?

 

The post that keeps drawing me away from O scale,is the article written in 1 of the major O scale Magazines in 2014,telling about the overall condition of O scale,which said mostly the things going through your mind as well as mine. It was rather a sad picture,but very real. He only stated the truth. I think it was from the Editor but am not familiar with the O scale magazines that well to know for sure,& I can't tell you what issue it was as I read it online.

The manufacturers are going for what sells,not that I can blame them,but this leaves much sadness especially for modern era modelers as O scale seems set in the steam era much more than the Diesel era.  This leaves the modern Era where? Waiting for things that may never arrive.

High prices like you mentioned have hit every modeling scale,O scale the hardest because it's the smallest market & largest in size except for G scale. I can buy an  O scale 4750 cvd hopper for a few dollars more than some highly detailed HO scale hoppers which doesn't make sense. The fact remains,as homes get more expensive N scale will win out over HO,as people will be forced into apartments.

Another thing about O scale, that I used to get discouraged with in HO,was the time it took for manufacturers to rerun lettering schemes. This is the same in O scale now. Atlas hasn't modernized or rerun the CSX 4750 cvd hoppers since they were released the 1st time & I think I bought up the last of their stock from many of the major hobby shops.

My comments aren't meant to offend any era of modelers, 3 rail or 2 rail modelers,nor to discourage newcomers,it's just the rollercoaster of up & downs I've been riding since I got more heavily involved with O scale. I LOVE the size of O Scale,as my eyes get poorer as I get older,but that's about all I can say in it's favor right now.

Just my take on the situation.

Alan Hummel

Alan HummelAlan HummelOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by phill:

i can see that more modern units need to be produced to attract younger modelers as there is more than enough early stuff out there. I am 66 and do like the look  of modern diesels too and do wish there was more on the shelf for us to pick from. 

 

Phil

Phil,

Being new to O scale,can you tell me how atlas replenishes its stock? I asked 2 hobby shop dealers this question,about when Atlas might restock their CSX 4750 cvd grain hoppers & got 2 different answers. I was told they don't by 1 dealer,&told yes they do,but successive runs will have different car numbers.

The latter sounds more logical as manufacturers do this in HO,but wasn't sure about O Scale. So I'm confused.

Thank you.

Al Hummel

DT d tuuriOGR Forum Member
Hi

I believe when Atlas reruns cars they almost always issue new numbers. There have been a few times when they rerun old numbers, but that is only when there just a few numbers of a certain loco or car type.  For example, D&RGW only had three GP60's. So they ran the three numbers once without sound and then reran them (same road numbers) with dcc/sound.

I have heard rumors that Atlas will announce a new freight car soon and it will be another modern car.  I think their sales have been very good with their recent modern cars so I hope to see more in the future.  Hopefully we will get another newer loco from them at some point as well.

Thanks

Don
AX Amtrak X995OGR Forum Member

Hi,

not only talking about rolling stock, what about modern switch handles? Or other stuff beside the tracks?

The prices for modern cars ( high cube box cars) are extremly high for second hand material, modern Atlas tank cars are fairly priced, compared with detailed H0 cars, there around 40$.

Perhaps, if Atlas really has one modern car in the pipe, let`s hope, it`s auseful one, both for branch and main.

 

kindest regards

Elmar

 

Alan HummelAlan HummelOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by Amtrak X995:

Hi,

not only talking about rolling stock, what about modern switch handles? Or other stuff beside the tracks?

The prices for modern cars ( high cube box cars) are extremly high for second hand material, modern Atlas tank cars are fairly priced, compared with detailed H0 cars, there around 40$.

Perhaps, if Atlas really has one modern car in the pipe, let`s hope, it`s auseful one, both for branch and main.

 

kindest regards

Elmar

 

Tes Elmar,I agree on the switchhandles & other trackside details,thank you for not making me feel like a majority of "1."

I've wanted groundthrows &shelf couplers for the modern eras,ever since arriving at O scale. These should work well for 2&3railers. Switchstands are common through all the eras of railroading,with the high level 'stands being more prevalent in the beginning years of railroads but in the steam eras modeled in O scale,right up to present day,they are very common &absolutely necessary. Yes,the double shelf couplers were the 1st to be mandated on tankers beginning in 1975. Lower shelf couplers came along in later years but are a standard now days.

The switchstands cover a greater span of time than the shelf couplers&are largely ignored except for dummy 'stands where the targets rotate only off the action of electric motors that turn the points on switches.

Another product that was developed many years ago to protect mainline track from runaway rolling stock or even locomotives parked on sidings,is the "derailer." I've seen the effectiveness of these as I live near a large grain elevator & some loaded grain hoppers rolled towards the mainline switch,but were derailed by the derailer placed on the siding thus saving engineer's lives on trains on the connecting mainline.

2 bevel gears inside the switchstand,1 on the switch handle,the other attached to a rod that runs through the switchstand mesh providing the movement of the points or derailer.

I'm not meaning to sound like a know it all here by any means,but if the size used for the working part on a Caboose Industries ground throw,were applied to a working model like the prototype 'stands,I think this could be produced.

Caboose Industry has a great product,but how about all the realism we can get?

At any rate,how about at least modifying the handles themselves or the weights attached to the handles to make a more realistic model.

A friend of mine,a p48 modeler drew a 3D model out on paper of a "New Century Adjustable" switchstand,but I've heard no more about it for months now.

I see Caboose Industry ground throws on many O scale switches. I used the 210S &109R 'stands with moving targets in HO & steal the target off their high level 'stand to make a more prototypical target. These move Atlas points well.

1 more word on the shelf couplers,not to steal from the subject of this post. F couplers started back in the 50s,so they're not new. For those curious modelers,look at Sergent Engineering's website to see the many designs available in HO,or surf the internet for prototype couplers.

Thank you Elmar & to all for putting up with me.

Al Hummel

Alan HummelAlan HummelOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by d tuuri:
Hi

I believe when Atlas reruns cars they almost always issue new numbers. There have been a few times when they rerun old numbers, but that is only when there just a few numbers of a certain loco or car type.  For example, D&RGW only had three GP60's. So they ran the three numbers once without sound and then reran them (same road numbers) with dcc/sound.

I have heard rumors that Atlas will announce a new freight car soon and it will be another modern car.  I think their sales have been very good with their recent modern cars so I hope to see more in the future.  Hopefully we will get another newer loco from them at some point as well.

Thanks

Don

Don,

My question is,I guess,I was told months ago that Atlas has time schedules when they focus on rerunning certain models,say every 5 years just for conversation.

But in the case of my CSX 4750 cvd hoppers,will they start all new artwork which is fine,or will they disregard the CSX car entirely. The input I just got from Atlas is the CSX car is done,like all other cars,on "request" only,whatever that means.(?)

I've got enough CSX 4750s for now,but Intermountain in HO,for example,makes successive runs of CSX models every couple years with new car numbers & possibly with a new scheme.

Thanks,

Al Hummel

N naveenrajanOGR Forum Member

Alan,

I found some derailers for you on the Shapeways website for 3D printed parts. I am not sure if this is what you were looking for, but here is the link.

 

http://www.shapeways.com/produ...mp;optionId=41627509

 

Thanks,

Naveen Rajan

 

 
Originally Posted by Alan Hummel:
Originally Posted by Amtrak X995:

Hi,

not only talking about rolling stock, what about modern switch handles? Or other stuff beside the tracks?

The prices for modern cars ( high cube box cars) are extremly high for second hand material, modern Atlas tank cars are fairly priced, compared with detailed H0 cars, there around 40$.

Perhaps, if Atlas really has one modern car in the pipe, let`s hope, it`s auseful one, both for branch and main.

 

kindest regards

Elmar

 

Tes Elmar,I agree on the switchhandles & other trackside details,thank you for not making me feel like a majority of "1."

I've wanted groundthrows &shelf couplers for the modern eras,ever since arriving at O scale. These should work well for 2&3railers. Switchstands are common through all the eras of railroading,with the high level 'stands being more prevalent in the beginning years of railroads but in the steam eras modeled in O scale,right up to present day,they are very common &absolutely necessary. Yes,the double shelf couplers were the 1st to be mandated on tankers beginning in 1975. Lower shelf couplers came along in later years but are a standard now days.

The switchstands cover a greater span of time than the shelf couplers&are largely ignored except for dummy 'stands where the targets rotate only off the action of electric motors that turn the points on switches.

Another product that was developed many years ago to protect mainline track from runaway rolling stock or even locomotives parked on sidings,is the "derailer." I've seen the effectiveness of these as I live near a large grain elevator & some loaded grain hoppers rolled towards the mainline switch,but were derailed by the derailer placed on the siding thus saving engineer's lives on trains on the connecting mainline.

2 bevel gears inside the switchstand,1 on the switch handle,the other attached to a rod that runs through the switchstand mesh providing the movement of the points or derailer.

I'm not meaning to sound like a know it all here by any means,but if the size used for the working part on a Caboose Industries ground throw,were applied to a working model like the prototype 'stands,I think this could be produced.

Caboose Industry has a great product,but how about all the realism we can get?

At any rate,how about at least modifying the handles themselves or the weights attached to the handles to make a more realistic model.

A friend of mine,a p48 modeler drew a 3D model out on paper of a "New Century Adjustable" switchstand,but I've heard no more about it for months now.

I see Caboose Industry ground throws on many O scale switches. I used the 210S &109R 'stands with moving targets in HO & steal the target off their high level 'stand to make a more prototypical target. These move Atlas points well.

1 more word on the shelf couplers,not to steal from the subject of this post. F couplers started back in the 50s,so they're not new. For those curious modelers,look at Sergent Engineering's website to see the many designs available in HO,or surf the internet for prototype couplers.

Thank you Elmar & to all for putting up with me.

Al Hummel

 

AX Amtrak X995OGR Forum Member
Hi,         
thank you for the link, didn`t know, that those parts are existing on schapeways. A brass one would be more neat, but i give those parts a try
 
kindest regards
 
Elmar
 
 
Originally Posted by naveenrajan:

Alan,

I found some derailers for you on the Shapeways website for 3D printed parts. I am not sure if this is what you were looking for, but here is the link.

 

http://www.shapeways.com/produ...mp;optionId=41627509

 

Thanks,

Naveen Rajan

 

 
Alan HummelAlan HummelOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by Amtrak X995:
Hi,         
thank you for the link, didn`t know, that those parts are existing on schapeways. A brass one would be more neat, but i give those parts a try
 
kindest regards
 
Elmar
 
 
Originally Posted by naveenrajan:

Alan,

I found some derailers for you on the Shapeways website for 3D printed parts. I am not sure if this is what you were looking for, but here is the link.

 

http://www.shapeways.com/produ...mp;optionId=41627509

 

Thanks,

Naveen Rajan

 

 

Thank you VERY MUCH. Have 4 of these,but lost the link a while back.

These are the "flip up" type of derail that aren't connected to the switchstand. With work,I think these could be converted to work with a switchstand.

Tomar makes a similar working model in HO that connects to a switchstand.

Thanks again,

Alan

falconservicefalconserviceOGR Forum Member

It is about 1 year between the production run of Atlas O Train Man freight cars.

 

The Pullman-Standard 4750 Cu. Ft. 3-bay covered hoppers have only 4 railroad paint schemes for 2015 production. There were 6 schemes for 2014, but two of them were so obscure that not enough people ordered them. Instead of running new road numbers for 2 railroad schemes made in the past plus 4 new paint schemes, they cut back to 4.

 

 

Andrew

Alan HummelAlan HummelOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by falconservice:

It is about 1 year between the production run of Atlas O Train Man freight cars.

 

The Pullman-Standard 4750 Cu. Ft. 3-bay covered hoppers have only 4 railroad paint schemes for 2015 production. There were 6 schemes for 2014, but two of them were so obscure that not enough people ordered them. Instead of running new road numbers for 2 railroad schemes made in the past plus 4 new paint schemes, they cut back to 4.

 

 

Andrew

Andrew,

I checked atlas' website & found their CSX 4750 & it says,"backorder or preorder",so they must not have dumped that scheme yet. Like you say,I suppose it'll depend on modeler demand if anymore are made.

Thank you,

Al

Mike DeBergMike DeBergOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER
Don,
 
Couldn't agree with you more!  Also wouldn't surprise me if that announcement from Atlas was ready by the York show.
 
Originally Posted by d tuuri:
Hi

I believe when Atlas reruns cars they almost always issue new numbers. There have been a few times when they rerun old numbers, but that is only when there just a few numbers of a certain loco or car type.  For example, D&RGW only had three GP60's. So they ran the three numbers once without sound and then reran them (same road numbers) with dcc/sound.

I have heard rumors that Atlas will announce a new freight car soon and it will be another modern car.  I think their sales have been very good with their recent modern cars so I hope to see more in the future.  Hopefully we will get another newer loco from them at some point as well.

Thanks

Don

 

Alan HummelAlan HummelOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by Mike DeBerg:
Don,
 
Couldn't agree with you more!  Also wouldn't surprise me if that announcement from Atlas was ready by the York show.
 
Originally Posted by d tuuri:
Hi

I believe when Atlas reruns cars they almost always issue new numbers. There have been a few times when they rerun old numbers, but that is only when there just a few numbers of a certain loco or car type.  For example, D&RGW only had three GP60's. So they ran the three numbers once without sound and then reran them (same road numbers) with dcc/sound.

I have heard rumors that Atlas will announce a new freight car soon and it will be another modern car.  I think their sales have been very good with their recent modern cars so I hope to see more in the future.  Hopefully we will get another newer loco from them at some point as well.

Thanks

Don

 

Anybody want to throw out a few educated guesses what that car might be?

Mine's not educated,just off the top of my head,but I'm hoping a 30K ethanol tanker.

Would also like to see a 4600 cu ft 3 bay ACF covered hopper,but think out of the 2 the Ethanol would win out.(?)

Al Hummel

 

Mike DeBergMike DeBergOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER
Lionel already makes some fairly decent ethanol tank cars which can be converted for 2R use.  Not as detailed as the Atlas Master Series 25.5 tanks, but not bad.
 
My guess would be modern double stack cars, 53' 3 or 5 unit sets.  I would also like to see 73' centerbeams, RD4 coal hoppers, Trinity 3281 2-Bay Covered Hoppers, or some modern boxcars.   
 
Not holding my breath though.
 
Originally Posted by Alan Hummel:
 

Anybody want to throw out a few educated guesses what that car might be?

Mine's not educated,just off the top of my head,but I'm hoping a 30K ethanol tanker.

Would also like to see a 4600 cu ft 3 bay ACF covered hopper,but think out of the 2 the Ethanol would win out.(?)

Al Hummel

 

 

Last edited by Mike DeBerg
DT d tuuriOGR Forum Member
Al

Sometimes Atlas reruns paint schemes and sometimes they don't. It probably depends on how well the first run sold.  For example, I have the first four numbers of the GATX 17,600 gallon tank cars (the -1 thru -4).  Then about a year or two later they ran more cars and some were brand new schemes and some the same paint schemes with new numbers, so I bought the next four road numbers from that run (the -5 thru -8).  So it is possible that in the next run or two they could run four new numbers in the CSX paint you are talking about.  For whatever reason, I don't think CSX is a big seller (I model CSX also).  I have been looking for an MP15 for a few years with no luck.  I asked Atlas if they would consider rerunning CSX in this upcoming run but it was too late to consider.  Maybe the next run, who knows!

I like CSX and BNSF but I like CSX a little more.  But I always think about doing BNSF because there has been so much more of their equipment made so it's more available.  It's just easier to find older run locos I assume because so many more were made. 

Now all that being said, I am an idiot because at one point I had four CSX SD40s and a couple of MP15s when those first came out.  I sold them a while back.  So it's my own fault I have to find some to buy again.

Thanks

Don
Last edited by d tuuri
DT d tuuriOGR Forum Member
As far as my guess for Atlas' new car, I agree with Mike - I think it will be their three-car 53' double stack cars.  I would love to see a two-bay trinity and I wouldn't be surprised to see an auto rack either.  They could improve upon the Lionel one and could run tons of them!

Just think Mike!  Maybe the right new car could tip the scales in the dreaded N vs HO vs O debate!!!  ��

Don
SK Scott KayOGR Forum Member

I agree with you FalconService, a modern gondola would be nice and definitely would fill a gap.  That might be my top guess.  Atlas already produced a Thrall 2743 Gondola in the smaller scales so they have the drawings for this car already.  You might look for Atlas to produce a car that already has been done by them in the smaller scales.  In many cases, Atlas builds the same cars for all the scales they support, e.g. 25.5K tank car,  corn syrup tank car, articulated auto rack, etc. 

 

http://shop.atlasrr.com/c-414-h124.aspx

 

I could also go for some Trinity 5701 Plastics covered hoppers (Atlas already did this car in the smaller scales as well).  Or a nice ACF 2-Bay covered hopper would fill a much needed hole.  Although Lionel and MTH currently have clunky versions available.

 

Usually when Atlas announces, they are pretty far along in the tooling and usually have a nice pilot model to go along with the announcement so as not making it easy for competitors to catch up.  The other manufacturers do the same thing though too as in the case of Lionel's 86' High Cube announcement.

 

Another wish would be for Atlas to take the PS 4750 Covered Hopper and upgrade to an Atlas Master level but with so many current Trainman 4750s out there, I don't ever see this happening.

 

Scott K.

Austin, TX

 

AX Amtrak X995OGR Forum Member

Hello,

i don`t know, what you have for basements and layout, but for a SD70 or similar 6axle diesel with double stack you need at least a 30ft long train, (on my H0 layout i can run trains up to 15ft) to let it look like  a little prototypical.

My projected branch is L  shaped, one leg is ~26ft, the other leg is ~16ft, here i can run and handle trains with a little more then 6ft.

As i mentioned, i need good 4 axle for branches ( like GP10,15,18 etc.) or good GP38, GP40 like you find them on todays railroads.

And yes, hoppers, not with molded Grab irons on the end ladders, like the old ones, i like them on the Atlas newer ones.

As a also mentioned, modern boxcars (Evans and others) ,  are needed. Atlas has modern ones in H0, on model can cover many railroads.

kindest regards

Elmar

 

 

Mike DeBergMike DeBergOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER
Don,
 
Been there done that even got the t-shirt!  LOL!
 
Originally Posted by d tuuri:
I like CSX and BNSF but I like CSX a little more.  But I always think about doing BNSF because there has been so much more of their equipment made so it's more available.  It's just easier to find older run locos I assume because so many more were made. 

Now all that being said, I am an idiot because at one point I had four CSX SD40s and a couple of MP15s when those first came out.  I sold them a while back.  So it's my own fault I have to find some to buy again.

Thanks

Don

 

DT d tuuriOGR Forum Member
Elmar

Hi. I agree 30 foot trains would look nice!   But I think two locos and about twelve cars looks just fine.  I have a 14' by 32' layout with extensions in another room.  12 to 15 foot trains look fine to me. Any longer and I can't visually take it all I at once anyways.  Sometimes I think n and HO scalers get scared away from O-scale because they think they need four locos and 30 car trains.  It's great if you have the space but I have modeled in all three scales and I think as you go up in size, you just don't need as many cars / locos for the same "feel."  Maybe that is not true if you started in o-scale but I came from n & HO so that is what I have found.  I have actually had all three scales lined up with similar locos / cars.   I also think that makes n-scale the most expensive scale to model in as well. 

I focus on operations though, so I know my opinion is narrow focused and certainly not all incompassing!   It's just my opinion!

By the way - I used to be on the old Atlas forum for many years.  Once they shut that down I really haven't found a new home.  But this forum looks great and has a ton of very knowledgeable modelers on it!  I this info sharing is great!  It gets me thinking...

Thanks!

Don
PM Pete MOGR Forum Member

Don, I think you nailed it re train length. If you can't see both ends of the train at once it qualifies as "long" imho, no matter the scale. Which implies more cars required for the same feeling in HO, and more again in N. I run 2 engines and 12-15 cars in O scale and it feels long enough because I have to turn my head or move to see the other end of the train.

 

Cheers,

 

Pete   

Alan HummelAlan HummelOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by d tuuri:
Elmar

Hi. I agree 30 foot trains would look nice!   But I think two locos and about twelve cars looks just fine.  I have a 14' by 32' layout with extensions in another room.  12 to 15 foot trains look fine to me. Any longer and I can't visually take it all I at once anyways.  Sometimes I think n and HO scalers get scared away from O-scale because they think they need four locos and 30 car trains.  It's great if you have the space but I have modeled in all three scales and I think as you go up in size, you just don't need as many cars / locos for the same "feel."  Maybe that is not true if you started in o-scale but I came from n & HO so that is what I have found.  I have actually had all three scales lined up with similar locos / cars.   I also think that makes n-scale the most expensive scale to model in as well. 

I focus on operations though, so I know my opinion is narrow focused and certainly not all incompassing!   It's just my opinion!

By the way - I used to be on the old Atlas forum for many years.  Once they shut that down I really haven't found a new home.  But this forum looks great and has a ton of very knowledgeable modelers on it!  I this info sharing is great!  It gets me thinking...

Thanks!

Don

Don,

I agree with you on train length. Like you said,it's just my opinion,but the 13 4750s I've got coupled together look really nice. I don't think 30 cars would be possible in O,would it?

 

My problem is I still have almost all the HO,including many things I can't give away,&lined up 18 4750s in HO-that looks fantastic too. it's been a hard pill to swallow,but I've come to realize a fellow doesn't need as much O scale cars as in HO.

 

I also agree that it's "hats off" to O scalers,they're a VERY innovative,skilled group of modelers building many things from scratch & leftovers.

That's not to bash modelers in other scales,but in HO especially,what's not on the market already,probably isn't worth mentioning.

 

I wish more GP38&GP40 loco's were on the market. The 'road diesels are pretty well being covered,but diesels used for switching on locals & work trains are lacking in CSX at least.

Al Hummel

 

FM Former Member
Modern stuff? The market is wide open in this scale, hardly been touched. Yeah there are some modern engines now, but in general..... no one has even explored the modern era for O scale trains. Intermodal equipment? The list is a mile long. Freight cars? Atlas has some, if you want to spend $100 per car. It's the same ole re-runs of the same stuff over and over. One of these manufacturers needs to spend some time doing some research, pick a couple products and make the tooling. There is plenty of money to be made in this market. Just Do It!
Last edited by Former Member
Alan HummelAlan HummelOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by Mike DeBerg:
Don,
 
Been there done that even got the t-shirt!  LOL!
 
Originally Posted by d tuuri:
I like CSX and BNSF but I like CSX a little more.  But I always think about doing BNSF because there has been so much more of their equipment made so it's more available.  It's just easier to find older run locos I assume because so many more were made. 

Now all that being said, I am an idiot because at one point I had four CSX SD40s and a couple of MP15s when those first came out.  I sold them a while back.  So it's my own fault I have to find some to buy again.

Thanks

Don

 

Don,

I model CSX & am in Bremen,IN where CSX reinstalled their 2nd mainline in the '90s after the Conrail buyout. This left a shortage of trackage in the East,so in an effort to compensate for that loss,CSX decided to reinstall the 2nd mainline again. In 1965,the then B&O/C&O,tore up 8 miles of #2 mainline every 8 miles,leaving single track every 8 miles. In the Chessie era,this started to be a pain,then the Conrail buy out further increased the problems,now #2 main has been fully restored,not to mention triple trackage in yards as well as double ending sidings in major towns to further keep traffic moving. It's VERY IMPRESSIVE!

 

I'm looking for CSX GP38s &'40s for switching chores & am looking to add 'road diesels as money allows.

BNSF run a lot of trains through Bremen,mostly coal & Ethanol. Also see some Union Pacific trains.

 

I'm further wondering why Atlas hasn't run CSX in the HOW TOMORROW MOVES scheme,on their 5161 cvd hoppers. I live near the Cargill grain elevator & they run 65-105 car grain trains from this facility. There's another large Cargill elevator just 8 miles west in Lapaz,IN.

Al Hummel

 

AX Amtrak X995OGR Forum Member

Hi,

as i mentioned in my starting post, the market in 0 modern is open for "normal" equipment, as similar as in Germany. In Germany all "bigger" main line engines stays in the shelf, only a few are sold to clubs or fremo, which have the space and the layout. Sold out are "branch line equipment".

For a prototypical switching layout you need perhaps 20-25 cars and 4-5 engines, for my H0 layout a have 100eds of cars and many engines, no, whats cheaper? In h0 you pay for a well detailed car 35-40$, for sound engines more then 200$.

So 0 scale is as double as big as H0, the prices are,too.

I think, passing time changes the producers mind, lately, when only less transition stuff will be sell, and the interest goes to modern stuff. 

 

 

 

kindest regards

Elmar

 

phillphillOGR Forum Member

"Being new to O scale,can you tell me how atlas replenishes its stock? I asked 2 hobby shop dealers this question,about when Atlas might restock their CSX 4750 cvd grain hoppers & got 2 different answers. I was told they don't by 1 dealer,&told yes they do,but successive runs will have different car numbers.

The latter sounds more logical as manufacturers do this in HO,but wasn't sure about O Scale. So I'm confused".

Thank you.

Al Hummel

 

 

 

 

Alan, I have bought many Atlas cars since 2007 and have gone through many feelings on how they release models. It was a hard adjustment having to reserve months if not years in advance for models I desired. On their web site they announce their plans and one hopes they stick to them as sometimes I have been disappointed as models have been delayed if not forgoten all together. Case in point announced was a GE 8-40C several years ago and then again announced to be produced think last year for a Dec. realease. Here it is March and still no plans for its release.  There are many excuses but they go their own way. Atlas has been working hard on filling out the CZ cars and glad they are following through on the units.Nothing worse than start buying a set of cars and having them stalled as I have most of them but waiting on the observation. which should be released soon. I haven't heard from my supplier yet when I can finish my train.

I was hopeing for a re release of a Union Pacific MP15 as I missed the first release,$$ short, but few yrs later was lucky to find one used. But, I'd like to have another. Like many,  I am wishing for a new engine, either a modern SD or GE in U.P. paint.

But then an SD 9 for yard service in the 70-80s, re-engineering the molds for the SD40 to a -2, or a great detailed GP20 and not like the odd  looking others out there. See many of the designs rest high on the trucks. But I have been closing in on completion of my fleet. I'd buy at least 2 DCC of the SD40-2 in UP as they were run 3+ per train and I can hookl them up with my SD40. Always looked great on the Cajon with about 5+ but with my 11x38 layout  no way will I run that many especially since it is FLAT. I could model B4 or after the hill but that isn't interesting. I'd love to buy another 40' or 50' mobile home and butt it to the end of the one I have for a bigger/longer layout. Real nice to have an 80 to 100' run.  Many of these 20+ year old double wide shells can be had pretty reasonable price and just gut the interior walls and one has a big  space as long as one has enough property to set them on. I see a few of these I could probably get from the Reservation near here as they are left out on the properties as new housing is built for the members. They are basically shells anyway. But I started out in HO and didn't need that space and now too late to do it again.

 Phill

 

 

Last edited by phill
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