Thanks Richard and Rheil. I wasn't sure. I would certainly start buying P48 equipment if offered. I don't have the courage to take on converting anything I have now.
Rule292,
In my humble opinion the 2010 PA is one of the finest detailed American diesels ever produced. The full engine room and lighting on these models is incredible. For an out of the of the box affair; I am still amazed they pulled it off. This is the sort of thing you see on Euromodell or other high end Japanese or European brass. The market in Europe is vastly different than ours. They simply don't have the blurry distinction between 3 Rail oversizing or gigantism of details and track. Pleasing both of these markets and adding in P48 makes our market very difficult to produce models like this.
Here are some nice links to some Japanese models being produced to the level I like:
http://www.musashino-m.co.jp/topicks/topicks88.html
http://www.musashino-m.co.jp/topicks/topicks81.html
http://www.musashino-m.co.jp/topicks/topicks65.htm
I send my deepest respect to any importer like Key Model, Midwestern Model, Division Point, PSC, Protocraft, and any other that is willing to even ponder producing equipment like this for us these days. This is a tough nut to crack. So many buyers are happy with "good enough.." and not demanding it all like the Europeans or the Japanese.
The early E units.. ? The bodies certainly are as nice however the engine room detail is simply an etching; this concept was started back in the 90's at Challenger Imports in HO (Samhongsa). The latest FT's did have the detailing such as steam generators and such seen from the wide doorways. Also piping along the frame above the trucks is present on both the E and FT's so Key did follow the same fastidiousnous that was applied to the PA where possible in the design. I do agree that the PA was a better detailed model. Certainly the trucks are amazing while the F's and E's are mostly side frame detail and none of the internal workings seen on the PA trucks.
I don't believe this detracts from the E or F's at all. It's different and not sure how to explain it without coming off erroneously.
Sadly I believe this was the last call on Models of this caliber in o scale. The market is slowly diminishing and at this point even a plastic model designed for both 3 Rail and scale is a blessing.
Some more interesting links to a builder in Korea doing what I really think is cool
