Guys,
I have been following this thread with some interest. I model CPR in HO scale
but I am a little out of the loop regarding these newer plastic models. Back
in the 1980's, very few models were available, so I started buying Van Hobbies
brass models as well as a few Oriental and Alco Models units. The Samhongsa
drive system, although not perfect, runs well in my opinion. I couldn't
imagine back then that so many models would be done in (high quality) plastic.
I particularly like the Atlas Alco switchers and the C-424. Details on brass
models aren't perfect either. I could give you a few examples.
Regarding the Intermountain FP7, certainly if the horns and back-up light had
been provided seperately, it would have been easier to apply the correct part
in the correct location. The same applies for the Proto RS-10 bell. I suspect
that the problem is that lots of guys want ready-to-run these days and can't or
won't drill holes and apply these extra parts on a unit themselves. the other
issue is matching paint colour on a after market part. For proof of this,
check your local hobby shop shelves for all the built up Intermountain, Proto,
Red Caboose etc.cars vs kits from the same manufacturers.
The REAL problem with the RS-10's and RS-18's is the height of the carbody.
Changing the bell and horn is minor. I compared a friend's unit to my brass
one a while back. What a difference!! You can't fix something like that,
realistically. Compare that to their beautiful C-Liners. And, built to
Canadian spec's., no less! Great!
A VERY IMPORTANT point was made that we need to help out manufacturers with
ACCURATE information. The more that we help them, the better the models will
be. As long as we are careful we will avoid another fiasco like the Proto 36'
Fowler boxcars. What a waste! What a shame that this important model was done
incorrectly! Fortunately, the stock car is much more accurate.
Also, keep in mind that CPR's RCP units (1400 etc.) weren't lettered right
either! This is not an excuse but an illustration that shows getting things
"right" is not that easy sometimes. Hopefully the new units purchased by CP
will be done more accurately.
Paul Smith
Winnipeg
----- Original Message -----
From: Chris Marrable
To: cpsig@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Sunday, July 23, 2006 2:28 PM
Subject: RE: RE: RE: [cpsig] HO Intermountain CPR FP7 and F7B
Hi Adam
Good post. I will admit that it is only in the last 2-3 years that British
models got better and have decent motors put into them. Hornby and Lima
really did have rubbish. As for Graham Farish they still have a long way to
go, even the same loco will perform differently even when the serial numbers
are only a few apart! I used to model N and am now model HO. The difference
between the German and Japanese quality to British was so great I stopped
buying and modelling British railways and went continental. At times I still
find that the USA and Canadian market has better quality models. Taxes apart
it is still cheaper to buy in Canada when I come on holiday to Toronto than
to buy them here.
One wonders if the 3% would increase if they produced better models. A big
risk for them of course. Although getting the simple things right like the
paint job and the lettering is not rocket science and would add so much more
to the models acceptability. Also why not just put the extra bits in a
packet like the horns so you can have single / twins / triples. Maybe a few
other bits. They produce them it seems for the B unit (or are they different
to the A units.
I suppose these types of post will go on till we are all old and grey (not
that I have far to go)I shall certainly vote with my money on some Rapido
coaches :-)
Chris
-----Original Message-----
From: cpsig@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:cpsig@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of ADAM
MEEKS
Sent: 23 July 2006 04:08
To: cpsig@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: RE: RE: [cpsig] HO Intermountain CPR FP7 and F7B
>>>All true enough, but I'll still betcha that if we knew the facts in this
case, it still boils down to a very small Canadian market.
-The owner of Chinook & Hobby West here in Calgary had a discussion with
one of the reps from Kato USA last year over why the Kato F40PHs were not
done in VIA, but were released in Chicago RTA paint, which arguably has a
MUCH smaller target consumer base. He was told that Canadian sales
represent less than 3% of the North American market share. With that in
mind, I would venture to say that we are lucky that there are as many
Canadian models (inaccurate or otherwise) as there are available today. I
can remember a time in the not so distant past when it was difficult to find
any quality plastic models in Canadian road names.
>>>Have to agree with Roger gone are the days in the UK when companies could
produce Toys instead of Model Railway Trains.
-Admittedly it has been a few years since I have checked out any UK
imports, but from my experience with European model trains in the mid-1990s,
they left a lot to be desired. I will attest to the detail being much finer
than what was available in North America at the time, but the mechanisms on
the Lima and Hornby trains I saw were average at best. Comparing European
railway models to North American ones is also kind of like comparing apples
to oranges. Whereas North American manufacturers produced a certain model
(i.e. FP7) that was modified or customized by nearly ever railroad that
bought it, European locomotives are often specific to a single railway.
From a modelling standpoint, this leaves a company like Intermountain trying
to produce a single FP7 model that represents what essentially becomes
dozens of different locomotives, whereas when Horby releases a British
Railways Class 56 diesel, they are making a specific model of a single
prototype. What makes a huge
difference in the equation is if ten UK modellers go to buy a BR Class 56
diesel, they all want that specific locomotive in that specific roadname,
because that is all that exists in real life. When ten North American
modellers go to buy Intermountain FP7s, two of them want UP, one wants
Milwaukee Road, two want CPR, one wants CNR, and so on. The problem is that
they all want an accurate model for their road of choice, which become
impossible for the model maker to provide without incurring tremendous
expense.
>>>Actually why do they not contact groups such as these CPSIG &
CanModelTrains) to ask us what we think and want. Maybe we should volunteer.
They would get free consultation and then we would get what we want or at
least something that is nearer to 100% than we get now. Look at Rapdio he
has produced some nice models along with help from the groups.
-This is an excellent suggestion. I would encourage anyone who is willing
to contribute their time and knowledge to contact manufacturers and
volunteer their services. Most companies are receptive to this sort of
thing and are willing to consider suggestions. Rapido is an excellent
example of one of these companies, as I know for a fact that members of this
list helped with the research for the upcoming RCP cars, and as a result of
that input and Rapido's high standards, the accuracy of these cars appears
to be striking.
Adam Meeks
Calgary, AB
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