Been a long time since I posted so maybe a little background is in order. Born in 1956, started in Brooklyn, then early on moved out to Long Island. Always wanted LIRR and Subway models, but what was around? By the time that I could earn money doing a paper delivery route (remember that?), the Silver Leaf and Traction Model cars were long gone. Had to satisfy myself with just standard RR models in HO.
Mid 70s found out about Q-Car and Model Traction Supply with their IND R1 and BMT Standards. For what it was worth, finally I could start modeling subways. Shortly afterwards, the explosion of brass subway and LIRR models; I was in heaven. But, if you wanted to run them, and were not gifted with painting, boy could it be expensive. But it was the only game in town.
Late 90s, MTH releases their pseudo R42. Now I start thinking, if they ever come out with models that come close to what they really should like, I would be all in. And Lo and Behold, the IRT Redbirds come out. For what one 2 car set of brass HO would go for, unpainted, no interiors, lights, etc; I could get a full 4 car set, I'm in. Besides, a Line of Duty injury has now left me with one eye damaged to the point that without excellent lighting and corrective glasses, I cannot make out details on HO models.
Began re-conversing with Joe Frank, (had been in touch with him in the early 80s, after seeing an article about his HO Layout in a magazine). Found out how much work, gratis, he had put in with MTH to begin producing subway cars. Does anyone here really think that MTH would have been as successful producing subway models if they had continued with the toy like items such as their R42? I think not. Besides, I would bet my last dollar that we would all be lamenting how we wish that MTH would put the time and money into scale models. It's amazing that models such as the Qs, ABs, R1s, Lo-Vs, etc. have been produced. While I am a bigger fan of the older equipment, I did not think that these models that had been removed from service long before many on this board could have seen them run in service, would be here. For that, credit MTH and Joe Frank.
Now that we have so many excellent models produced by MTH and Johnny Come Lately Lionel, some of us modelers have begun sniping Joe Frank, blaming him for what has fallen short with the last few models.
And the sniping continues. In such a niche market, instead of complimenting Joe Frank for the incredible amount of work he put in with MTH, and what has come to market, we pick apart every little supposed blemish.
Now the sniping continues with the LIRR MP-54; look at how much MTH missed or messed up (the silver windows, third rail beam and shoe, etc.) Or perhaps those here that declare these missives are deal breakers, were just looking for an excuse to back out of declarations such as "If they ever come out with ____, I will get them. (chose your model to fill in.) I got the LIRR MTH MP-54 sets; am I a little disappointed that they missed theses details? Yes, but they're not enough to cancel my purchase. If you are looking for perfection, instead of talking the talk, walk the walk, and scratch build them yourself. I can tell you this; with time for my family, work, and my eyesight problems, I am more than satisfied with what I got, I guess as in everything in life, compromise works best.
Been following the thread on the SIRT models. Will MTH ever produce them, being that they have produced the similar sized BMT ABs? If you think that we were lucky to have cars such as the ABs, R1s, and others long out of service, produced, you're dreaming if you think that the SIRT cars will be done. They ran the majority of their service only on Staten Island, and very few of them ran on the BMT lines for less than 10 years.
Which now brings me to the push to get Island Model Works to produce the SIRT cars as a shell. I can tell you this, Joe O. does one heck of job for a very reasonable cost of O scale models. And I speak of this from first hand experience. I was the person who initially approached IMW about producing the D-Types. I was told that I needed a minimum of 15-20 to make it happen.
Joe O. also told me that as part of the business, he could expect a certain percentage of "committed" people to never follow through, and had to make an allowance for that. Well, we made the minimum order to initiate production. Joe Frank and Steve Davis stepped up and chipped in with advice, photos, dimensions, etc, they were great. IMW produced them, and true to what Joe O. said, some of the reservations never followed through. Of course there was the usual "It's missing 8 rivets on the roof, I thought they were going to be cheaper, yada, yada, yada" All in all though, the D-Type has been one of the biggest sellers for IMW. Did the D-Type Model benefit from the input of Joe Frank and Steve Davis? You bet, but do you think enough people here on this board would just say thanks? Not happening, better to snipe and belittle those that do.
When I mentioned after the D-Types were produced, how some never followed through on their commitments, I was blasted. Better to kill the messenger.
After the D-Types, I pushed for the IRT MUDC, the iconic Manhattan El car. Didn't make the minimum commitment, so no go. Shortly afterwards, a push was made to produce the IRT 1938 World's Fair car shell. Wasn't interested at all in it, but I felt that to keep IMW going in producing subway cars, I would order 2. The point that I am trying to put forth is that in such a small niche market as ours, we have to support each others' projects, otherwise very little will get produced.
Finally, let's put things in realistic perspective; many of us like myself, for various reasons, do not have the time, skill, patience, to do what others are able to do. I acknowledge and thank guys like Joe Frank for what has been done in this niche of the hobby, and also thank others on this board who post their work, which serves to inspire me to attempt to replicate.
Sincerely, Michael Herer