Cool, I hope that's true. I have a B&O (Chessie System) on order with Erik but I think I'm going to change that back to CSX is that's possible. I'll wait for any update before contacting Erik.
I understand he's a machinist by trade and the model trains are a side hustle. I'm looking forward to future reports. No doubt, this engine will be the centerpiece of my roster.
1. Atlas O masterline Trinity 52'6" Mill Gondola.
Lionel made a similar Gondola that is 65' but the underside details are molded on and this version is not friendly for tight radius curves.
2. Atlas O masterline 5660 Pressure Differential (PD) Covered Hopper. This is available in HO scale only.
3. Atlas O curved turnouts. This is currently available in 3 rail O and HO only.
Signature Switch makes curved turnouts. Brad does custom work if you want a different radius than what he stocks. They are first rate switches.
@GG1 4877 posted:While I've already commented on the top three items on my wish list to start operating in 2R if I'm looking at locomotives specific to true 2 rail it would be:
- CNJ Atlantic Camelback 592
- CNJ Pacific 831-835 with the correct Wooten firebox
- PRR K2 Pacific
I'd do a second list on passenger cars and a third on freight cars, but I have more than a lifetime of projects already for the ones on my wish list. That was the gist of my original posting to this thread.
Who made the PRR K2?
Well, at least that will make it an even 2 years since the last update. Perhaps biennial updates will be the norm. 
mWB-"Another 3 months of waiting for an update?"
NO! "In due time."
If you can name one importer that is going over to Korea or China on a Level 1 travel (just lowered) Restriction, you would understand why updates are not happening. You should read Kohs 6/26/21 current news update. Just plain common sense why things are slowly progressing especially if you are a hands-on Importer. We are not out of the woods yet. China travel along should scare anyone! Patience big grasshopper.
@nw2124 posted:mWB-"Another 3 months of waiting for an update?"
NO! "In due time."
If you can name one importer that is going over to Korea or China on a Level 1 travel (just lowered) Restriction, you would understand why updates are not happening. You should read Kohs 6/26/21 current news update. Just plain common sense why things are slowly progressing especially if you are a hands-on Importer. We are not out of the woods yet. China travel along should scare anyone! Patience big grasshopper.
So tell us oh mighty Goo Roo, how long in total has this thing been going on? I would think a reassuring word to customers on the MWM update page would not be too much to expect.
Simon
@prrhorseshoecurve posted:Who made the PRR K2?
I do not believe the PRR K2 has been done by anyone in O scale. There are those who know a lot more about the history of brass than me here, but I would love to have one for my layout even if it is out of era for my NY&LB modeling.
How many have you ordered? Thinking may just get you in trouble. You seem to instigate. My answer was to Catnap.
Sorry you got confused.
@nw2124 posted:How many have you ordered? Thinking may just get you in trouble. You seem to instigate. My answer was to Catnap.
Sorry you got confused.
You seem to be the one who is confused. Why are you answering questions for Erik Stott? Why should anyone believe anything you say?
Simon
Because I will not lie and am a minister of God who upholds His holy commandments. You tell me how many models you ordered and I will tell you why I can answer for Erik.
Were done!
@nw2124 posted:Because I will not lie and am a minister of God who upholds His holy commandments. You tell me how many models you ordered and I will tell you why I can answer for Erik.
Were done!
Well that does nothing for me and I have more money invested with Erik than anyone else (feel free to ask him about that) BUT, yes travel to Asia is pretty much a non starter for the time being. Everything has to be done via zoom and the ability of the builders to take a sphere and interpret it as a cube is positively amazing. And the shipping costs for a sample is well over $100. I've heard closer to $250 each sample each way.
Just to get back on topic:
1. 2R SW1
2. 2R NW2
3. 2R C415
However with only a very small number of effective manufacturers left I'm not holding my breath. But it would nice to see a switcher suited to the smaller layout.
I don't know what a C415 is, but the NW2 has been done so many times that it simply wouldn't pay for a 2-rail manufacturer to compete with the used market.
All Nation made an SW1 - not totally accurate, and not many out there, but still, an importer or manufacturer would have to come in under $300 to compete. Not likely.
Get MMW to do them.
Burlington Junction C415 701 (ex Mt Hood Scenic 701, Columbia Cowlitz 701) at Burlington IA from my trip Stateside in 2012:
I'm aware both the SW1 and NW2 have been done in the past. Both Precision Scale (in early 1990's) and Oriental Brass (mid 1980's). Fortunately I have one from each of these manufacturers. The NW2 around mid 1980's too? If you can find one you will be paying around about the price someone like Sunset 3rd rail could build one. I'm not aware of anything being produced since, in 2R at least. C415 - wishful thinking. Anyway I'll keep saving....you never know.
If Sunset is the market level you want, I believe you can commission the model and share in the profits (or losses). Sunset would be competing with Atlas used models, at least for the EMD switchers. Probably not economically viable.
On the other hand, the center cab is unique - I bet there is a market.
Opinion.
I've asked Scott about a C415 a couple of times. He says I'm the only one. So, strike up the email and let him know. I'll sign up for a couple.
@Ian Munro posted:Just to get back on topic:
1. 2R SW1
2. 2R NW2
3. 2R C415
However with only a very small number of effective manufacturers left I'm not holding my breath. But it would nice to see a switcher suited to the smaller layout.
Maybe you could suggest to the current incarnation of All Nation to 3D print the shells?
My wish list:
(1) DCC ready two-Rail versions of ALCO-GE S-1, S-2
(2) DCC-ready two-rail versions of ALCO-GE HH-660
(3) DCC-ready two- rail versions of ALCO-GE RS-2
Having seen the modular set-up at the 2021 National O Scale Convention at Denver, I believe that the area most likely to provide future growth in broad-gauge two-rail railroading comprises switching and shelf layouts, either bolted to the walls or done up in something like HO guy David Barrow's "Domino" modular system. This is not to slam people with basements, attics, "mother-in-law" spaces above their garages, or spare buildings, but a lot of model railroaders live in places with concrete slab foundations. just above bare rock.
I admit that my choices for early first-generation switchers may seem annoying for O scale modelers doing later eras. On the other hand, some of the early ALCO S-series switchers had incredibly long lives as industrial locomotives, outlasting cab units and contemporary steam locomotives for as long or longer than half a century.
from Bob2
"If Sunset is the market level you want, I believe you can commission the model and share in the profits (or losses). Sunset would be competing with Atlas used models, at least for the EMD switchers. Probably not economically viable."
xxxxxxxxxx
Perhaps. Perhaps not.
However, I find it interesting that the train shows I visit in Texas that offer O scale seldom offer diesel switchers in either three-rail or two-rail, unless you could the occasional Lionel three-rail NW-2. Also, I find it interesting that good O scale switcher models don't up for sale on the Bay very often. I'm not advocating five thousand plus locomotive runs, but I would think that if new switchers would sell that poorly, we'd already see more of the existing stock of Atlas and brass production up for sale. Maybe there's a room for new runs after all.
I guess you are correct - a quick search shows only one overpriced 2-rail NW2 on eBay today. It just seemed to me that these things were like Varney ten-wheelers - simply everywhere. I sure stocked up when they were $25/pop.
As Bob2 says if you think they will do well risk your money. Scott does not think they will do well enough to risk his money. If about 8-10 people email him DIRECTLY that they will reserve so and so he may well list it and see what happens. Hasn't happened so far. That's what he did with the E60s and they were cancelled. He did the same years ago with E44s and they were cancelled.
I agree with you there. If we want new switchers (Or CF-7s or the RS-2 I’m thinking about), we’ll probably have to make advance deposits, then wait and hope for the best.
No advance deposits would be required for Sunset, just enough pre-orders to cover a run of 350-500 models total in 2 rail and 3 rail in all roads. The challenge is the same as it is for steam though in that there is market perception that smaller means less cost when the cost of design, tooling, fabrication, and construction is the same. The savings in material costs is almost zero.
@GG1 4877 posted:No advance deposits would be required for Sunset, just enough pre-orders to cover a run of 350-500 models total in 2 rail and 3 rail in all roads. The challenge is the same as it is for steam though in that there is market perception that smaller means less cost when the cost of design, tooling, fabrication, and construction is the same. The savings in material costs is almost zero.
You can tell folks that over and again, but it simply does not seem to sink in.
So folks need to pick one that is the overwhelming popular and go for it. If you don't try, it's just another bit of wishful thinking.
I did have a brief exchange with Scott in regards to an SW1. This switcher is perhaps unique amongst EMD switchers due to a number of features; the front and rear 'porches' and distinctive changes over the 15 years this model was produced. From the early phases with the arched front cab window and single headlight to the later phases with the square window and dual headlight. Over 600 were built finding their way into rosters of a large number of railroads.
I believe Sunset 3rd Rail would be the only manufacturer capable of handling such a project. I have an SD9 and GP7 so aware of the quality they would strive to achieve. Even though it is a smaller locomotive I do expect to pay a price similar to the recent geeps, if not more. I'm happy with this. I know Atlas have produced later EMD switchers but future production from this manufacturer is very doubtful. I would like to think that the availability of an SW1 would encourage more to move into O scale with a locomotive that is at home on the smaller layout.
Of course I made a commitment to purchase during my exchange with Scott but I'm in no position to underwrite a production run!
Neither, I bet, is Scott. He seems to be a savvy businessman. Get a group together, pool your money, stick it in an interest-bearing escrow, and get under contract.
If more folks did that, we would have a more vibrant O Scale hobby, and some "skin in the game."
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