things that could be improved upon

Rick, I think a little weathering on the red wire would help. I agree. To me it's was to bright and shinny. Something in that position on a engine would not look like that. As for the windshields, you can get very good metal ones and replace them. I don't buy many new engines anymore so I'm really not up on the new stuff. Don

Hi Don,

Re: the windows, it's clear plastic windshield glass panes I'm referring to. I agree, the windshield wipers, that sometimes looks like black licorice, could be improved upon.

Re: the red wires I mentioned; thin rubber tubing would look better.

My Master Line Atlas O CP SD40 has the right idea, when it comes to realistic looking oscillating ditch lights; others should follow their lead.

Rick

Here's something I hadn't heard about before; apparently, it's unique to CP's ES44AC models:

the rail cleaner feature, that blows snow off the rails, ahead of the wheels, to improve traction...

I found this information, while trying to find factual information, re: the filters/venting... seen on later model GE's(Dash 8 & 9's, AC4400CW's and GEVO's).

I think there is room for improvement, in this area of MTH's Premier models. I can't comment on other manufacturers products, because I haven't seen them.

I'm referring to those multiple areas housing tight(close together) vertical parallel lines, that are found at the rear of the longhood, below the radiator wing etc; in the lower to mid(height) portion, of the rear side panels.

Modelers sometimes darken these areas. I've always assumed they were filters for various components.

I have numerous O scale GE models that have these features; and, to me, they lack credibility. They just look like tight groupings, of molded-in vertical lines.

Cab front doors, appear unrealistic looking, too. They don't need to actually open; but, they should look separate(dimensional) from the rest of the cab.

I think by thickening the ABS plastic in that area, that would allow for deeply cut/ molded-in realistic looking door features.

Rick

Keep the pressure on, you guys.  Your models are now way better than our older 2- rail models, and we are benefitting with your increased realism above the floorboards.

Bob,

I think some of the improvements you refer to, were done at a time when the manufactures felt financially comfortable; and didn't mind going the extra mile...

A couple of things have changed that comfort level: the economy and the saturation level(having more equipment than one needs or wants).

Re: the manufacturers mindset - if they're not fairly confident they will get a return on their investment, will they gamble with their finite resources? I don't see that happening much, if at all, anymore.

The quest for realistic looking/operating 3-rail O gauge trains, is an uphill battle; is that even possible, or is it just something to shoot for?

I can't see my standards ever being totally met; but, I can still find some degree of enjoyment.

Rick

Of course there are the issues that many of us have commented on, over the years - i.e. fixed pilots, truck placement, chassis/body height...

A little while ago, I traded my scale wheels units, for a new 3-rail locomotive. They were fairly nice models(Premier CNW Dash 9 and CN ES44DC); but, they never totally lived up to my expectations.

Recently, I placed an order for a Premier scale wheels 3.0 CP train Master. I already have one of MTH's new Train Master(Lackawanna) models; it's a 2.0 hi-rail version, from the first production run.

Probably, if not the "best", it's definitely in my top 3, re: quality/realism...  I really like my Lackawanna's prime mover sounds; MTH did a nice job with that.

I'm looking forward to seeing the scale wheels version; with the fixed pilot and scale wheels; with the bell mounted up high, at the top of the short hood. CP's burgundy and grey livery should look pretty good, too.

If it turns out looking/sounding how I'm picturing it to be... that's my idea of a worthy O scale model.

Rick

There's still the 600-pound gorilla in the center of the track. This sets an upper limit

to realism, hence to fussiness.

'Course I'm a Hi-railer, so I made my peace years ago, weathered Big Knuckles and all.

If one can find only "...some degree of enjoyment" in so-called 3RS, maybe a big

re-think is in order.

And the horse continues to be dead.