This thread brings up a back story on the market. How many modelers exclusively model modern railroads versus how many model the transition era? That seems to have an effect on the constant recycling and reissues of transition era prototypes. Another question.
How many hobbyists model main lines versus short lines?
I would think it's a classic Catch 22 deal.
That being said, I see little hope for say, a Steeplecab, a Whitcomb, because its another Catch 22..How many modelers have read up on anything other than the common and very well publicized familiar prototypes? I think it would be a minority.
How many mainline transition era models are already in circulation that offer more variety of equipment types and less road names because one hand washes the other?
I think the modelers not the manufacturers drive the market.
Electroliner,
Good comments. Personally, I like steam, but like steam models manufactured in the modern times so I have good detail and sound and command control. So the purist would say I should not have anything that the railroads bought new during the transition era. I wouldn't adhere to that totally, but I wouldn't have any modern equipment either. I do have two Lionel post war sets, a 2026 and a 621 CNJ switcher, but that was an exceptional situation as to how I came by them. I like railroad cars and vehicles that fit into the late steam era as well.
All that said, since I have a limited budget and space, I do not anticipate acquiring a large collection. If I had those means, I wouldn't be so specific. There are scads of modern models out there that are exceptional, and I would acquire if I had more resources.
