Given the quality of CP TRACKS CPSIG is in an equally good
position to assume this role. But if we aren't going to
be proactive in approaching manufacturers as our CN counterparts
The CP SIG has in fact helped a number of manufactures. We have a nice
little handful of projects we're working on right now. Occasionally we have
even gone a far as volunteering for projects when we hear about them in a
timely manner.
Why don't we advertise the fact we do this service? Well because in some
instances we are bound by non-disclosure agreement. In some instances it's
just because these things happen very quickly and the mad dash to find
materials within production time lines is more important that tooting our
whistle.
However, I can say that each manufacture has their own targeted market place
- price point, requirements for model details and authenticity. It is
rather obvious when you see product lines like Athern and their Genesis
line. LifeLike and the Proto series and Overland's Tower55 line that the
market place has become tiered. And that's a great development.
Anyway, don't expect great fidelity from the lower tier offerings, for
example. A manufacture typically will do no more than what would be
expected in the targeted market segment plus factor in what their existing
produce line looks like - incremental improvement rather than revolutionary.
Older produces retooled when patterns become worn out or out dated by
current standards. Ie. Athern's recent retooling effort.
Then there are, of course, the other error factors that creep in the model
production like the research material is in error or the specimen is unusual
to the rest of the fleet, production compromises and lastly Engrish
translation issues! Man, got to love that Engrish! http://www.engrish.com
Be aware that all manufactures are targeting a specific spot in the market
place to get those modelling dollars. They are very aware that if something
isn't perfect that many of you will buy detailing parts and make the engine
your own. And they know that some of you don't care if the model is a red
blob of plastic with CP Rail painted on it - as long as it stays on the
track running at 200 smph who's complaining, right?
OTOH, if you don't make your wishes known they will continue to do what they
do because they can only go by their own feel for the market place. So
provide feed back, comments and don't forget to complain when you are
disappointed. And please remind them they should have contacted the
Canadian Pacific Historical Association. (previously.. CP SIG) so they get
it right next time.
That's my .02 cents worth.
Jeff Pinchbeck
CPHA, Vice Chairman
