SIRT / BMT cars –
We commend IMW for all their efforts; however the shells in either scale are not quite up to OEM quality as they are a bit rough.
It was pointed out to me that some details are missing and warping occurred on the H.O.SIRT shells.
O scale SIRT demand is there but finding MTH BMT Standards is costly and limited in a long time frame. It would be impossible to find 30 sets to support 30 people to do this at once.
It’s not like the cars are available everywhere of every day for years to come to purchase.
Aside from that most people want and can afford a ready to run set. As it stands now, painting decaling, dissemble and assembly have to be required on top of it all.
Plus, chances of re-selling the MTH BMT shells back on ebay are also slim to none.
Another drawback at least with the existing LIRR items is they are 2 rail items. They also would need decals and paint to decorate.
New tooling is costly but if IMW can do it, MTH should be able to do it.
Plus SIRT sets would sell out in advance. MTH could also sell the same units to the subway market as BMT’s. Several color schemes are also possible boosting sales even further.
This all was covered years back now with my visit and discussion with
MTH VP Mr. Hipp. Turns out he wasn't the correct person to get it implemented.
They have the complete package with every drawing / detail including MP3 sound ideas as well.
With the R&D of the R-1’s and Standards behind them, these sets would be easy to do.
Everyone interested needs to ask MTH why they are still dragging their feet on this project.
Bottom line is we need the complete package.
S.
