Otto Vondrak wrote:jaystreetcrr wrote:My point, which other above posters have made, is to not wait around for your dream model, especially if you're modeling anything out of the mainstream. Kitbash, customize, compromise or shell out some $ to a custom builder or painter. It all depends on how accurate you want to be and what you can afford... So yes, push the big manufacturers for mass market models that they can actually make a buck on, work with the small time guys by doing some research or paying up front for some castings, and don't be afraid to pick up that Xacto knife or airbrush.
Indeed! The model railroad industry is not built on hopes and dreams, but what the manufacturers think the market will absorb. And never underestimate your own ability to create what you want! Practice, practice, practice...
Personally, I think some of us have become spoiled, and perhaps a skewed perspective. I agree with you on the point above about doing stuff yourself, Since a lot of these models can be had with a little extra time put in.
Going back to your point on NJ DOT E8s, I'm sure people are thinking "If atlas made a U34CH in bluebird colors, why not an E8 (by another manufacturer)?"
We see these models as highly desireable since everywhere we go (in the regions surrounding New Jersey), U34CHs are popular and go for good money. Atlas continuously brings out NJ transit models of one kind or another every once in a while (such as the recent GP40-2, gondolas and caboose), and two of the three manufacturers of F40PH models make them in NJ Transit schemes.
The truth is, there IS money to be made on these prototypes, but its a "One and Done" deal.
Modelers of NJ transit are lucky that the sheer numbers of jerseyites (we're the most populated state in the country surrounded by two of the largest cities in the US) are enough to warrant production of ANY NJ transit and related models. Manufacturers know they can sink some money on such a model at least for one run, since there is quite a small but ravenous demand for them. They know though, that after the first run, the market will reach saturation.
I think just the existence of some of these models provokes the "why not?" question that makes demands for things like the NJ DOT E8s a constant.
Personally, I would not be surprised if they did make an NJ DOT E8 at some point, since they did run for a little while and have a reasonably attractive paint job. However, I actually think the E8 is probably one of the only models in NJ DOT paint scheme that would have a chance at being produced.
I kinda hope they do, since painting one of those things will be a pain in the butt! Its going to be a bad day trying to mask and decal those curvey paint jobs on the nose.
Elite Juice Jack Modeler.