Will we ever see a SD70ACe or ES44AC produced in plastic that is similar in quality to the Overland Models brass engines?

There's a marked increase in credibility, re: a models believability... with that kind of attention to detail. Obviously, it requires a lot of skill and hard work, but the results speaks for themselves.

After seeing the intricate modeling, on the aircraft model, the below deck systems, on the prototype ACe, don't seem unobtainable...

The intricate work is like a lead vocalist/soloist in a band; visually, it focuses the observers attention and gets a lot of attention...

There are a few more visually interesting mechanical components worth exposing, on a highly detailed locomotive model, i.e. GE's alternator/generator, turbo charger(s) and the radiator workings. These would add a significant amount of visual interest, and help promote... "presence".

Rick

Stein...,

It's not a competition, just my views...

Yes, 60 in October.

Rick

Daniel,

Rolling stock, track... aren't a focus of mine, at the moment. This is more like a what if/wish list type of thing. I don't expect it to happen. It's just something that would impress me.

I have never looked into what the high end O scale players have offered, until recently, here. To be honest, I was expecting a lot more; especially for the money...

Regardless, my preferences for a super model have been with me, for some time.

Rick

and here is a photo of a highly detailed 1:48 steam engine to go along with the cars and planes haha. its on proto48.org so I'm sure many on here have seen it but in case anyone hasn't here we go.

Good Day,

Just wondering if Scott Mann has read these posts!

Regards,

Swafford

Nice examples of highly detailed work, KC.

I'm thinking operating coupler cut bars, would be a nice addition - using a new coupler design, that opens when the cut bar is raised.

Rick

I think we have gotten off the main subject of can a plastic model can be made as good as the OMI model. 

Steinzeit,

There is no need to insult people on this forum because you find their posting not to your liking. Just skip over the ones you don't like. Life is too short to get yourself upset over somebody's postings. 

Everybody's opinions, good or bad can add to the discussion. 

Obviously, an inferior model because it's made from brass and not steel.  Wot's dat I see?  Embossed rivets and staybolts instead of real rivets and staybolts?  Heaven's to Betsy!  Such poor craftsmanship.  And it's not even painted...  How unacceptable...  

Seriously, a fine model.

I'd wager that if you'd ask how much to build one to sell, the response would probably be something to the effect of "You couldn't afford it."

Rusty

I think I see his point.  He wants to see perfection.  He does not want to buy it, and does not want to make it.  As far as I am concerned, that is ok.  I want to see our Hariman ten- wheeler run under steam again, but I do not want to own it, buy it, or work on it.

I, of all people, forgot about the track gauge in all this steel and traction motor stuff.  Of course.  A perfect model is impossible in O Scale 1/4" tot the foot.  End of discussion.

Here's something that just came to mind: I look a the majors materials, in this case steel, as a being a type of significant locomotive feature.

To me, diesel-electric locomotives are steel; and, steam locomotives are iron...

That's a significant part of their allure, for me. Locomotives have an industrial looking appeal - allure. You can almost feel the material, visually. That's part of what I'm looking for... Even painted, I still know it's steel. That has value for me.

Rick

When I was younger, I used to think Corvettes were pretty nice. Then one day, I found out they had fiberglass bodies; never liked them as much, after that.

Rick

Sorry to burst your tiny little bubble, but steam locomotives were made out of steel, regardless of what you may like to think.

Cast steel frames, cast steel wheel centers, steel tires, steel boilers, steel piping, steel flues, steel side rods, steel cab, steel tender, steel pilot, trailing & tender wheels, axles, etc.

Rusty

Yep he sure is... Not worth the time.

I'd love to see and exact miniature of a diesel electric locomotive.  But like a Ferrari I wouldn't own one or pay for one.

Erik of Midwestern asked me if I would be interested in having working hood doors on his SD45s with full interiors.  Several people had asked and he was gauging interest.  Maybe I said, how much?  $1000 to $1500 additional per unit.  Aaaaaahhh no thanks.  But I would love to see one if he actually does do any.

I'm quite sure an exact miniature can be be done.  But for the quarter million dollars it would cost, again I'd love to see it but I wouldn't be interested in buying one. If anyone thinks I'm blowing smoke on the cost then they clearly doesn't understand what things cost these days; especially the tool and die work for the thousands of individual components required.  So there is nothing to debate.  

AMEN!

Rusty,

I am well aware that steel made it's way into steam; sometimes , I like to keep things simple; they started out iron.

Some of you guys are extremely predictable - how dare an outsider come in here and raise the bar...

You're so insecure, that you actually get upset, on a model train forum, when a poster strays from your status quo.

Go back and reread some of your comments; very defensive... and unnaturally competitive... why?

Mike P., if I really wanted to be candid, I'd have let you know what I actually think of the layout, that you used, in your Overland review. If that's your idea of a highly realistic looking layout, then, obviously, we're not even on the same page, when we discuss the merits of realistic looking modeling.

At this level and price, I look at these models as art; and, I have my subjective opinion of it...

How does that make "some" of you so insecure and defensive?

BTW, all my comments, re: the models etc. are genuine.

Guys like Martin, Bob2, KC and a few more... I've enjoyed your input.

Rick

I think there is a four way trade off between accuracy, performance, price, and durability whenever a model is brought to market in our hobby. All of the manufacturers struggle to balance their offerings to the intended market, and I think the economics of the business are changing.

i think that a few of the manufacturer/importers are in a tough spot right now--and I believe that Sunset/3rd Rail is in a great position to adapt to the new reality.

Jeff C

Another interest of mine is the old steam shovels; they provide a similar type of experience, when viewed; especially, when they're in action.

An O scale, realistic looking, fully operational, command controlled, cast iron/or steel shovel, with a operating steam(smoke) feature, would be something...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...ature=c4-overview-vl

Rick

Will someone please answer the question  Will we ever see a sd70ace or es44ac produced in plastic that is similar in quality to the overland models brass engines?

Larry

Jeff,

My wish list is self-indulgent; definitely not made from a business perspective.  The "best" and prudent, don't really have a lot in common. Still, some companies make a living catering to an exclusive few.

For as long as I can remember, I've been able to quite vividly, visualize an idea; I think you would be impressed.

Rick

Larry,

It's hard to say, nowadays. It would be a business risk... some company might take.

Rick

I certainly hope not. I think plastic locomotives need to be affordable, available, and durable. I think the overall health of a scale can be determined by the availability, quality, and pricing of F-units

Jeff C

Steel made it's way into steam, sometimes?  Really now...

Ships began as being built out of wood, early aircraft was covered covered with fabric over a wood frame.  Yet it would be inaccurate to say that all ships are wood and all aircraft are fabric covered wood frames just to "keep things simple."

You say you like to keep things simple, yet you want all the complications of a modern diesel accurately modeled in 1/4" scale.

Rusty

Sometimes Rusty, I don't feel like going to the nth degree, with a topic.

It's just not that important, to me.

Rick

Rusty,

Here's an off topic recommendation; if you can get it, try an IPA called Fat Tug IPA, by Driftwood brewery, on Vancouver Island.

Cheers,

Rick

On the opening doors - a lot of high end models have them.  The day I have miniature people operating these things, being paid in miniature dollars and living in miniature crew quarters, is the day I will want hatches and doors to work.  I even glue my box car doors shut ( or open, depending on how good the interior).  I put a spot of Walthers GOO on those pesky locomotive doors and hatches so they do not pop open during maintenance.

I can afford them - I will avoid them even if I don't save a few bucks in the process.

Hi Bob,

I've put a little clear GE silicone on a few, myself. If a panel door opens, to expose a significant worthy feature, then I'd want the option..., but, for the most part, it's just the added dimension I'm after. Well done, a shadow line is often present, with a nice opening door, which enhances the dimensional appearance...

Rick

Bob,

To your point;

Earlier Golden Gate Depot passenger cars such as the PRR P70 had opening doors. Scott Mann and I had a number of "discussions" regarding this, after which he finally acquiesced and eliminated that so called feature. The upcoming modernized heavyweight coaches will not have opening doors which will permit doors to be made to the proper length which will look a whole lot better than the too short opening doors.

I have most of my coaches with the doors open, because that is the way I remember seeing them.  When they were whizzing by in the back yard, I barely saw them.  When we took the combine to Tombstone, the doors stayed open.

No. Not the point. You want Overland quality and expense, buy Overland.

I believe down the road Sunset will start doing hood units and although they will not equal the detail level of the Key products they should be quite acceptable for most O guagers, probably in the 650-750 range. Based on the pics so far and the previously done FPs the coming FTs look excellent for the money.

The only manufacturer/importer who could step up would be Sunset, but I think there's a distinct limit to what they would be willing to do (over and beyond what they are already doing) because of price point concerns and uncertain production costs.

Jeff C