So, What is your take on Tinplate Prototypes

I suppose it varies depending on the prototype and the company, but many prototypes have a few bugs in them, and often lack the quality of the final product.  After all, the purpose is research/development of a final product.  That does nothing to diminish the value and "one off" appeal of a prototype.  

I can't speak for MTH or Lionel prototypes, but Dick Mayer sold me the prototype for his tinplate RichArt O gauge Bipolar engine.  There are several significant and minor differences between this prototype and RichArt's production-run O gauge Bipolar engines.  Some are simply cosmetic, others are structural, some make it easier to maintain, while others make it easier to operate.  One of these days I need to locate where the moving company stored it in my barn, pull it out, and take photos of it, and for comparison, of the production run RichArt O gauge BiPolars in my collection, and then post those photos here for your review.

Bob Nelson

very good points everyone

JoeG,

I just remembered, I also own the Pride Lines prototype for their version of the Arcade Standard Gauge cast iron taxi.  Joyce Davanzo sold it to me last year as part of her on going efforts to clean out all the remaining stock in the Pride Lines warehouse. 

The major difference between this prototype and the production-run model is that its paint scheme (yellow and green), is unique and is less complex than on the production-run models.  Also, Joyce was kind enough to sign it for me and write "PROTOTYPE" on the bottom, which she did using a gold paint pen.  It is quite nice and in fact the Pride Lines versions (prototype and production), are nicer than the original Arcade taxi from the 1930's after which they were modeled. 

I plan to use the prototype parked next to my T-Reproduction terrace/passenger station on my modules when I participate with SGMA at train shows later this year and next.  In fact, come see it being shown for the first time at Trainfest 2015 in Milwaukee on November 14-15 or early next year at the WGHT show in Chicago on January 16-17.  Hope to see you there!

Bob Nelson

The other thing to remember is that many prototypes will only be partially finished and/or will be finished using decals/hand painting/etc. as opposed to all paint or litho treatment. For example this Burlington stock car has a mix of paint, decals, and glued on illustration paper and is finished on one side only.