3rd Rail Update from China

Hi Scott,

Does this mean my El Cap set is a go??

It seems I've been on standby for quite a while now and this is one set I am really looking forward to! 

I'm not quite sure what to say other than, WOW! (again).

That DRGW steamer is impressive to say the least. I should say congrats on that product!

From the Burlington Route Cheering Section:     "Go O1a 2-8-2 - - - Go, Go!!"

Scott,

When can we expect the Harriman sets?

the passenger cars look really nice. I have a set, yet unopened, for the PRR.

Bob C.

The Harriman car project is tooling up right now. Production is set for this summer for a fall release.

Scott

Great! Would love to hear some details on the PA's plz

Scott: May I make a suggestion from a marketing stand point. How about posting this post on the 2-rail forum also, because there are those that do not look at the 3-rail forum. Second, RHeil stated that you were doing the RF&P extra cars in the Silver Meteor Series, it would great if someone at Sunset would post them on the website so that orders could be placed. Just some suggestions.

Stephen

Scott

Could you clarify your update on the SF El Capitan cars?  The last email update I received in January said that estimated completion date would be May.  Do you have a new completion date?  Will the price be different than the information provided when you requested our payment information?

Yes, we will add the RF&P to our line up of extra coaches and sleepers on the Meteor production. The El Capitan was held up by our previous factory that went rogue on us. They were taken over by a hostile group and we didn't feel comfortable ordering these cars from them. The key people that make our models have formed a new factory and we will proceed with the El Captain later this year.

Scott - China

sdmann posted:

... The El Capitan was held up by our previous factory that went rouge on us. They were taken over by a hostile group and we didn't feel comfortable ordering these cars from them....

Scott - China

Yuck!

sdmann posted:

The Harriman car project is tooling up right now. Production is set for this summer for a fall release.

Scott

Excellent!  Thanks for the info and your effort to make these projects reality!

What do you guys think of C&O H-6 #1309 being restored. This was a USRA loco, so possibly could be NKP, W&LE of an earlier H version. 

Also T&P 2-10-4 is an ideal for next year.

Your thoughts?

Scott Mann

Scott I think your request for future project suggestions should be its own title thread!  To answer your question directly, I actually liked the big ex-LS&I 2-8-0 better, I'm sorry to see it retired in favor of the articulated.  

I'm partial to Eastern steam and so much of it has already been done by other manufacturers.  Some suggestions might be a CNJ Super MacArthur, WM Potomac 4-8-4, Reading K1sa 2-10-2, or even the experimental Baldwin 4-10-2 #60000 which toured on several roads, and still exists in the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.  Getting outside of the Northeast, a compact DT&I Berkshire or L&N "Big Emma" would be considerations.

I've learned that there are several "big" steam locos being restored for potential operation right now.  Once photos/ videos of these start showing up, people will want a smooth running brass model of one for their collections.  Thanks for asking!!

I would like to suggest this for the next Canadian steam loco 

sdmann posted:

What do you guys think of C&O H-6 #1309 being restored. This was a USRA loco, so possibly could be NKP, W&LE of an earlier H version. 

Your thoughts?

Scott Mann

I'd be in for a model of the 1309, but it's not a USRA engine.

The H-6's were built in 1949 and were close copies of the C&O H-4's which were designed and mostly built before WW1. The C&O did have some USRA 2-6-6-2's classed H-5, but when they needed additional mine shifters after WW2 the railroad preferred the H-4's performance so they had Baldwin copy the H-4 instead of the USRA H-5.

The H-6 and USRA engines are very similar, but the major spotting differences are the H-6 had different sand and steam domes, a different cab, and different pilot. I'm sure there are some other minor differences, but that would require some research.

Lionel did the USRA mallet in several road names some years ago and more recently released a Legacy version. Lionel's C&O version was a fairly credible model of an H-5. From my perspective I would like to have a model of the H-6. If you made a USRA mallet and didn't incorporate the detail changes to make it an H-6 then I would pass on it.

Ken

I am probably in a minority, but my preference for steam would be a Pennsylvania RR K2 Pacific (4-6-2).      Many, many models of the PRR K4 have been done, and I think also the K5.    The K2 was a slight bit older and had a smaller boiler.    It is a sleeker looking loco than the K4.      I think it would be fun to add to my PRR fleet.

sdmann posted:

What do you guys think of C&O H-6 #1309 being restored. This was a USRA loco, so possibly could be NKP, W&LE of an earlier H version. 

As previously stated, the former C&O 1309 is not actually a USRA design. However, Lionel has already produced these models anyway.

Also T&P 2-10-4 is an ideal for next year.

Now you're talking!!!       

Also, how about a New York Central K5 Pacific?

Your thoughts?

Scott Mann

Ted Sowirka posted:

Scott I think your request for future project suggestions should be its own title thread!  To answer your question directly, I actually liked the big ex-LS&I 2-8-0 better, I'm sorry to see it retired in favor of the articulated.  

As far as I know, the 2-8-0 isn't being retired, it's going in for much needed maintenance and time for it's 15 year inspection.

Rusty

FYI - the Pennsy K5 has never been commercially done in O scale.  Scott did propose importing one a couple of years ago but it didn't draw enough support.  From a sales perspective a better PRR candidate would be a suite of heavy H class consolidations (H8/9/10).  Points in favor of doing a Pennsy console include:

• PRR had thousands of them
• they lasted up until the end of steam in 1957
• Other roads had them (LIRR, DT&I, P-RSL, WA, Norfolk Portsmouth Belt)
• Widely different "looks" possible with same basic boiler & chassis components
• Prior O scale offerings (except Key's 25 yrs ago) not up to today's accuracy/detail standards, and focused predominantly on the H10s
• Fits in nicely on both small and large model railroads

If a H10s was offered I recommend doing it with a different tender than the Lines West variant Weaver, MTH. Key, and CLW offered on their H10's.  In the postwar era Lines West tenders were few and far between behind H10's.

Scott,

If you go ahead with the T&P 2-10-4, any chance of having some for the Chicago Great Western?  Per steamlocomotive.com, the CGW had 36 of them, 18 from Lima.

Chris

Additional vote for the Texas & Pacific 2-10-4........also would like, if possible,  the Chicago Great Western version, which is essentially a copy, except coal burning.  The T&P 2-10-4 could be decorated for the Southern Ry, too, as #610 ran in excursion service in the late '70's.    VERY handsome locomotives. Apparently the TP painted their boilers green. 

Take a look at Glacier Park Models TP and CGW versions in HO:    http://www.glacierparkmodels.com/T&P+CGW.html

Scott,
How about N de M Niagara (4-8-4)?  I have never seen any O scale N de M steam engines.  The only chance this engine has is 3rd Rail!  Thanks for considering!

The thought of a Texas & Pacific 2-10-4 has me poppin my fingers to Louis Jordan's "Texas & Pacific"  !!!!       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHzz5pp5YXI

Not sure if this is the thread to do it, but I second the choice of CP5900, the early, guts-hanging-out, unstreamlined 2-10-4 Selkirk! Couldn't help myself if it were offered. . . might even go for two?

Scott, while everybody is throwing out their dream sheet to/from you. 

How about adding the C&O K2/K3 with both tenders, then also an NYC H10. These were the "Super Mikado's"  and highly detailed.................Brandy!

Brandy posted:

Scott, while everybody is throwing out their dream sheet to/from you. 

How about adding the C&O K2/K3 with both tenders, then also an NYC H10. These were the "Super Mikado's"  and highly detailed.................Brandy!

When Scott announced both those models, some 3 to 5 years ago, not enough reservations/orders were ever received in order to put them into production. Too bad, but that is reality.

Scott,

  I would purchase a T&P 2-10-4 if you would make one. These were remarkable and memorable engines when they first went into service. The iconic image of them pulling long freight trains in west Texas still remains. You might want to consider a way to make the model tinder convertible from oil to coal by changing an insert.  

  I am eagerly waiting on my OGLE coaling tower to arrive.

Douglas

Hot Water and Brandy,that would make the three of us who would like the H-10 and K2/3 locomotives.I have the Erie Berkshire from 3rd Rail,it is one great runner

MR-150 posted:

Hot Water and Brandy,that would make the three of us who would like the H-10 and K2/3 locomotives.I have the Erie Berkshire from 3rd Rail,it is one great runner

I would also like the C&O K2 or K3 loco. I didn't find out this engine was even being considered until after it had been decided that there wasn't enough interest. I never saw it announced on the 3RD Rail website and didn't attend any of the shows that it was apparently discussed as a possibility. I don't understand how 3RD Rail does its market research, but in this case would it be possible just to put this engine up on the website as a future production possibility with a TBD price and see how many reservations you get?

I'm also waiting for the RF&P Silver Meteor coaches to appear on the GGD reservation site.

Ken

To this Eastern road fancier, a T&P anything seems awfully obscure. Now, a Reading K-class 2-10-2 would grab my fancy...

I updated our web site: http://www.3rdrail.com

ALCO PA/PBs

C&O H-6 

T&P 2-10-4

If we can get enough reservations for these, we will make them.

We will consider your great ideas in time. Thanks for your input it is much appreciated. 

MHO, I don't think that there is a better looking, more powerful looking, "Mikado" than the C&O K2/K3, nor the NYC(Big 4) H10's.

I think Great Northern had some exceptionally big Mikes, but never ever seen one, with the exception of pictures.

I wished Scott would run these up the proverbial flag pole again though!.....

I don't know what the show of hands were back when, but I know for sure that U/HW, and myself would be in for a few!..................Just Sayin! 

sdmann posted:

I updated our web site: http://www.3rdrail.com

ALCO PA/PBs

C&O H-6 

T&P 2-10-4

If we can get enough reservations for these, we will make them.

We will consider your great ideas in time. Thanks for your input it is much appreciated. 

 

Scott seeing that you're planning an H6 C&O 2-6-6-2. If you didn't already know we have the twin sister to the #1309, the #1308, in Huntington, Wva.

If you need any pictures/dimension's, let me know.......................................................Brandy!  

Concerning the Pennsy PA/PB models,what did the single stripe pull back in the day?

And,those Consolidated H10s:they were real beasts.  I must have seen them back when I was a youngster.  I would go for one,count me in.

Norm

There is a pic of single stripe PA's pulling a passenger train in the 1960's It's a really nice sceme

If Grande fans are looking to pull CZ trains with PA's, why not offer the aspen leaf and black bumblebee paint schemes and see which one gets more reservations? The past 2 grande offerings have been in 4 stripes gold (FT and F7).

SANTIAGOP23 posted:

If Grande fans are looking to pull CZ trains with PA's, why not offer the aspen leaf and black bumblebee paint schemes and see which one gets more reservations? The past 2 grande offerings have been in 4 stripes gold (FT and F7).

I would go in for the aspen leaf for my zephyr set

I'd certainly be in for 2 or 3 PRR H series 2-8-0 with the appropriate tender for lines east. 

Originally posted by PRRJIM:

I am probably in a minority, but my preference for steam would be a Pennsylvania RR K2 Pacific (4-6-2).
Many, many models of the PRR K4 have been done, and I think also the K5. The K2 was a slight bit older and had a
 smaller boiler.    It is a sleeker looking loco than the K4.      I think it would be fun to add to my PRR fleet.

Posted by Keystone ed:

FYI - the Pennsy K5 has never been commercially done in O scale.  Scott did propose importing one a couple of years
 ago but it didn't draw enough support.

That's correct Keystone ed and that's because of timing. Both Lionel and MTH were marketing their latest PRR K4's and the last thing the market wanted was another HO HUM PRR Pacific. 

However right now is a good time for a unique PRR USRA 2-10-2 or a PRR pacific like the K5 or K2 or K3 even the J28 Prarie. This market in O gauge is ripe for something new and different!

PRR K2 Pacific

PRR K29 pacific

PRR K5 Pacific

OR the USRA 2-10-2!

Somebody, MTH?, did a short, obscure run of the C&O Pacifics (I am not a fan of that or another popular passenger wheel arrangement, both of which I avoid) but my checkbook would come far enough east for a totally out of theme K series C&O Mikado...flying pumps, brow-mounted Elesco, and coal-fired Vanderbilt...just what should show up as the illustration under "steam locomotive" in the Encyclopedia Whosis.   What roads ran that USRA 2-10-2 pictured above?

prrhorseshoecurve posted:

Originally posted by PRRJIM:

I am probably in a minority, but my preference for steam would be a Pennsylvania RR K2 Pacific (4-6-2).
Many, many models of the PRR K4 have been done, and I think also the K5. The K2 was a slight bit older and had a
 smaller boiler.    It is a sleeker looking loco than the K4.      I think it would be fun to add to my PRR fleet.

Posted by Keystone ed:

FYI - the Pennsy K5 has never been commercially done in O scale.  Scott did propose importing one a couple of years
 ago but it didn't draw enough support.

That's correct Keystone ed and that's because of timing. Both Lionel and MTH were marketing their latest PRR K4's and the last thing the market wanted was another HO HUM PRR Pacific. 

However right now is a good time for a unique PRR USRA 2-10-2 or a PRR pacific like the K5 or K2 or K3 even the J28 Prarie. This market in O gauge is ripe for something new and different!

PRR K2 Pacific

PRR K29 pacific

PRR K5 Pacific

OR the USRA 2-10-2!

You are correct there Horshoecurve, the market is ripe for something new!!

What we need is the C&O K2/K3, C&O non stream lined Hudson, which by the way was the largest Hudson ever built, and last but not least, the NYC H10 another "Super Makido".....................

colorado hirailer posted:

Somebody, MTH?, did a short, obscure run of the C&O Pacifics (I am not a fan of that or another popular passenger wheel arrangement, both of which I avoid) but my checkbook would come far enough east for a totally out of theme K series C&O Mikado...flying pumps, brow-mounted Elesco, and coal-fired Vanderbilt...just what should show up as the illustration under "steam locomotive" in the Encyclopedia Whosis.   What roads ran that USRA 2-10-2 pictured above?

Lionel did that one, C&O Pacific w/Flying front pumps!...........TMCC/5.o sound..........Nice engine.

Saw those engines in the late 40's early 50's at the Water Street Yard Louisville. One had the Vandy Tender, and another F18 had the big rectangle tender! 

I just happened to see some pics of the Lionel version of the C&O F-19 on the "Weekend Picture" post, page 1 scroll down to BigTruckEd, as he has 2 different shots of this engine!

I have only seem one of the model C&O Pacifics, and that was in an auction some years ago.  I searched for one but did not want a Pacific so not very hard.  I gather the Lionel C&O Pacifics are not common.

colorado hirailer posted:

I have only seem one of the model C&O Pacifics, and that was in an auction some years ago.  I searched for one but did not want a Pacific so not very hard.  I gather the Lionel C&O Pacifics are not common.

They ran those engines 2010/2011, and did 2 versions one was lettered for the "George Washington", and the other just had Chesapeake and Ohio on the Tender. I think this was a one time production, can't remember if it was a" JLC" model or not.

I do remember the 1st time I saw it, I thought of seeing it around Louisville back in the 50's.

There was one on the bay about 6 months ago, and it went off for $800.00+ dollars

I'll echo the desire for a cgw 2 10 4

Scott,

I'm in for a T&P #610 in American Freedom Train colors.    While filling in the "dream sheet",  I'd also be in for a NYC(system or lines) K5 Pacific with an Elesco feedwater heater.(My P&LE favoritism is showing!)

Nick

Scott just put the D&RG silver aspen PA/PB units on the web sight! Count me in! ��

David

Scott - I'll be reaching out to you and Jonathon Peiffer this week. I got some great news from the Southern Railway Historical Society this last week!

Also would you consider doing another run of the Powhatan Arrow add on cars? There have been several posts to date on the forum of folks asking about the add on cars. 

I just wanted to know when the DM&IR SD9 will arrive in the USA.

If the one Soo Line SD9 repainted in the 1960's scheme is ever made. I would get that one.

Andrew

prrhorseshoecurve posted:

Originally posted by PRRJIM:

I am probably in a minority, but my preference for steam would be a Pennsylvania RR K2 Pacific (4-6-2).
Many, many models of the PRR K4 have been done, and I think also the K5. The K2 was a slight bit older and had a
 smaller boiler.    It is a sleeker looking loco than the K4.      I think it would be fun to add to my PRR fleet.

Posted by Keystone ed:

FYI - the Pennsy K5 has never been commercially done in O scale.  Scott did propose importing one a couple of years
 ago but it didn't draw enough support.

That's correct Keystone ed and that's because of timing. Both Lionel and MTH were marketing their latest PRR K4's and the last thing the market wanted was another HO HUM PRR Pacific. 

However right now is a good time for a unique PRR USRA 2-10-2 or a PRR pacific like the K5 or K2 or K3 even the J28 Prarie. This market in O gauge is ripe for something new and different!

PRR K2 Pacific

PRR K29 pacific

PRR K5 Pacific

OR the USRA 2-10-2!

I'm in for the USRA 2-10-2!

Due to the downturn in passenger traffic and reliability issues with the Alco's in 1954 the PRR re-geared their ten Alco PA's from  60:23 100 mph gearing to 64:19 85.5 mph gearing, making them suitable for freight and secondary passenger service. Two of the PA's were repainted in the DGLE freight scheme while most ended their service in the 5 stripe Tuscan red scheme.   I suspect the photo of the DGLE PA's on the point of a passenger train posted above was taken on the P-RSL - as that pair of PA's (5757, 5758) for awhile were assigned to the Philadelphia area. For several years the PB's were not re-geared and served in first line passenger service MU's with EMD E units (the PRR didn't order E8 B units).  Photos show single unit Tuscan red PA's serving as helpers on the Elmira Branch. For more info on PRR's PA's see Pennsylvania Railroad Diesel Locomotive Pictorial - Volume Seven - EMD E Units and Alco PA's by Paul Withers.

Thanks for the info,Ed.  I'll check it out.

Norm

Speaking of PRR K5's . Here are several pictures of a K5 5698 Frank Miller custom built for me around 2002.   At the same time Frank built a model of K5 5699 for a close friend, and together we researched the prototypes and acquired prints of PRR K5 drawings in the PA State Library in Harrisburg.  Over their service lives the K5's (there were only 2 built) changed in appearance several times.  In the late 1930's 5698 had her smokebox extended to minimize ash buildup.  I decided to model the locomotive based on a fall 1947 photo - just before the headlight generator position swap spoiled her good looks.  The model was built on a modified PSC K4 chassis (the PSC boiler was re-used on a USH PRR L1 chassis).  The tender is a 130P75 that came with the PSC K4  upgraded with unique tender trucks found only on K5's.  Frank made the patterns using PRR drawings published in the PRRT&HS's The Keystone and had them cast by Dennis Mashburn.   Frank's model (my contribution was research & painting) won first place in the locomotive category at a PRRT&HS meet.  Note in the 4th photo the difference in boiler diameter between a K4s on the left and the K5 on the right.  

The K5 is a special locomotive for me as the Christmas after dad returned from WWII he gave me my first train set - an American Flyer O gauge set headed by a 3/16 scale model of 5698. The last photo shows the difference in size between the 1/4" scale K5, and the AF 3/16" scale 3 rail version.  At 3 years old I didn't know the difference

John23 posted:

OR the USRA 2-10-2!

I'm in for the USRA 2-10-2!

Heavy or Light???  Seaboard had some light 2-10-2s but I think they rode hard and wore out the rail faster than other engines.

Note to Scott:   the 3rd Rail reservation sheet for the Texas & Pacific 2-10-4 at the website lists "grey boiler in service" as an option. Should probably read "light green",  as the paint employed on the T&P was Charles R. Long Co. No 162, "Light Russia" (which would be a light green). All of the models I have seen on the web display light green.  

Above info gleaned from Charles M. Mizell's "T is for Texas, Texas & Pacific and TWO-TEN-FOUR". This article is an excellent brief on the locomotives and includes some great anecdotes; it appeared in the February 1978 issue of Trains.

Hey Ed -- that is one sharp-looking engine there! I like all the pipping on the boiler. I'd get behind a 3rd Rail K5.

Scott,

Please, PLEASE, no more PRR steam locomotives, especially since you have pretty much done most of them!

Hot Water posted:

Scott,

 

Please, PLEASE, no more PRR steam locomotives, especially since you have pretty much done most of them!

Sunset steam power production schedule in order:

T&P 2-10-4

C&O H-6

PRR H10

PRR K5

PRR G5

PRR I1

PRR K2

PRR anything else steam

Good grief!!!!

rheil posted:

Hot Water posted:

Scott,

 

Please, PLEASE, no more PRR steam locomotives, especially since you have pretty much done most of them!

Sunset steam power production schedule in order:

T&P 2-10-4

C&O H-6

PRR H10

PRR K5

PRR G5

PRR I1

PRR K2

PRR anything else steam

I've certainly said (along with a few others) that I'd like a PRR H series Consol with Lines East features since this has not been done with 21st century Sunset quality.     I'm also a realist that sees that there are still some L1s still in stock and that the O1 electric did not seem to sell well (yet G's did fine!).  Only you know whether we bought enough PRR  so far to make it worthwhile to offer another PRR project.

Yeah, a real G5 would be nice along with an I1 short tank or a neat-o E3sd Atlantic with solid mount spoked trailing truck.  But then again there are a million neat steam locos.     

I'm just glad I bought my Pennsy L1's and thank you guys for doing them.

Hot Water posted:

Scott,

 

Please, PLEASE, no more PRR steam locomotives, especially since you have pretty much done most of them!

AMEN!

A Union Pacific 4-6-2, 4-8-2, 2-10-2, or 2-8-8-0 Bull Moose would be welcomed...never offered in 3R and many 2Rs may want-they haven't been offered forever.

How about a second go at a NYC/B&A Mikado?   With Weaver gone, you might have success with something in New England Steam.  Rutland, Maine Central, Boston & Maine, Central Vermont.

Do not forget about an N2 !  I understand that one has never been made.

Norm

86TA355SR posted:

Hot Water posted:

Scott,

 

Please, PLEASE, no more PRR steam locomotives, especially since you have pretty much done most of them!

AMEN!

A Union Pacific 4-6-2, 4-8-2, 2-10-2, or 2-8-8-0 Bull Moose would be welcomed...never offered in 3R and many 2Rs may want-they haven't been offered forever.

+1

Rule292 posted:

........or a neat-o E3sd Atlantic with solid mount spoked trailing truck.  But then again there are a million neat steam locos.

 

Or just a bit earlier......for an E2c

or earlier yet...........for an E1

or even just a plain D16......or an H1

Scott,

Please, PLEASE, no more PRR or NYC steam locomotives, especially since you have pretty much done most of them!

Douglas

mwb posted:

Rule292 posted:

........or a neat-o E3sd Atlantic with solid mount spoked trailing truck.  But then again there are a million neat steam locos.

 

Or just a bit earlier......for an E2c

or earlier yet...........for an E1

or even just a plain D16......or an H1

You're in a pickle since the trend is to build more modern equipment.  Luckily as a turn of the century modeler you can scratchbuild most everything else that you need since most of it is wood.   

Oh, I'd go for a D16 (D16sb of course) just since it was the first steamer I ever rode behind.  

Back to the question at hand.  What locos are popular enough to sell en masse, whether PRR/NYC or not. 

TP Fan posted:

Scott,

Please, PLEASE, no more PRR or NYC steam locomotives, especially since you have pretty much done most of them!

Douglas

You had better go back and do your research. Sunset/3rd Rail has NOT done an NYC K5 Pacific, nor the H9/H10 2-8-2s, nor the L4b roller bearing rods Mohawks, for example.

Re "no more Pennsy",  I personally am Pennsy-ed out , but the PRR represented something like 14% of all freight cars in service for a long swath of US railroad history. I would Imagine their steam locomotive roster would represent a similar ratio. And the PRR went to a goodly number of major population centers, as well as the most populous quartile of the country. Hence PRR's enduring popularity: familiarity.

But we O Scalers have been treated to a pretty grand spread of steam locomotives, from a wide variety of railroads, including Canada. And Sunset 3rd Rail has been a major contributor to that variety. Many, many thanks !! And Scott's proposal of a late model C&O 2-6-6-2 and the Texas & Pacific 2-10-4 is right in tandem with Sunset's varied offerings.

So that Milwaukee Road fans could run both passenger & freight, I'm surprised that with all of the A class Atlantics and F7 Hudson's out there, that a Milwaukee Road S2 Northern wouldn't sell.

I want a CNJ H1s 4-6-4t.  What a stocky little brute.   Never mind an NYC/B&A 4-6-6t was offered in a CNJ fantasy paint scheme in O scale . 

Hot Water, did you ever see one in operation when you were little?

Just added my reservation for the T&P Texas in Freedom Train colors and I can't wait for it!!!!  This completes my locomotive collection for the Bicentennial Freedom Train.

Rolland

Scott, are you taking suggestions for steam only? God knows I'd be in for a couple variations of the pioneer zephyrs, a legendary train that has yet to be done in today's standards. You could do it in polished aluminum or plated brass to avoid thick window frames, and using the drives used in the RDCs no Lionel's stuff. 

Rule292 posted:

I want a CNJ H1s 4-6-4t.  What a stocky little brute.   Never mind an NYC/B&A 4-6-6t was offered in a CNJ fantasy paint scheme in O scale . 

Hot Water, did you ever see one in operation when you were little?

Sure don't remember those. All I remember seeing were those big Pacifics with the Wooten Fireboxes, and lots of camelbacks.

Very excited to see the prospective models

I know the big L-131 is on its way; however, I'd definitely be up for a GN 2-8-8-2 R1/R2 in the future. It would be great to have a highly detailed/accurate O-scale version.

The only previous version I've come across is the Orient-LTD version from the 80s. 

photo credit: gngoat_org

Hi Guys,

My vote for the following steam engines to be considered by Sunset:

Please no more Jersey Central 4-6-0's.  This nice, chunky freighter will fill a void with regard to Camelback offerings.

Speaking of Sunset announcing the T&P/CGW 2-10-4's, please consider the Central Vermont 2-10-4's:

How about a Rock island 4-8-4?  They rostered more 4-8-4's than any American railroad

And how about a southern railroad 4-8-4?  Below is a photo of a Central Railroad of Georgia 4-8-4.

And finally for now a Lackawanna Hudson.  A truly beautiful engine.  Speaking of Lackawanna steam models; just try and find a Weaver Pocono 4-8-4.  The Anthracite roads have been much under represented.

There are some many steam models that haven't been offered yet.  I'm hoping for a mix of them featuring steam power of various regions of this country.

Steve

A strong second to Steam Guy's Rock Island 4-8-4 and the Central Vermont 2-10-4.  Wonder if folks who have a proclivity for one road realize that railroads allowed trackage rights to other railroads, such as the D&RGW hosted Rock Island 4-8-4's in their Burnham roundhouse in Denver and the Union Pacific granted trackage rights to the Rock Island in eastern Kansas. So a UP or Rio Grande buff could certainly rationalize a CRI&P 4-8-4 in their midst.  And there are numerous examples of co-mingled motive power all over the country.

Scott,

With the hopeful popularity of the Silver Meteor, I would think a continued "Southern" swing would be appropriate. I would like to see the blunt end obs already created modified for the ACL, the Pullman sleepers offered with Southern or ACL lettering (especially the purple/silver versions) and maybe another run of the 54 foot express reefers. 

Yes, many of your products are out of my price range, but I do try to pick up some extra cars here and there from you. 

As for steam, here are my suggestions:

ACL R-1 (also suitable for RF&P)

ACL K-15s 4-6-0 (suitable for ACL, Rockingham RR, East Carolina RR & V&CS)

ACL P-5a Pacifics

Southern PS-4 1380 (Only streamlined steam locomotive on Southern)

Rule292 posted:

You're in a pickle since the trend is to build more modern equipment.  Luckily as a turn of the century modeler you can scratchbuild most everything else that you need since most of it is wood.   

Oh, I'd go for a D16 (D16sb of course) just since it was the first steamer I ever rode behind.  

. 

While I may have been pickled at times in the past, I try very hard to not be in one,

I have yet to build a steam engine out of wood, however, steeple cab electrics are prototypically known.....

A D16sb is too modern,

Hot Water posted:

TP Fan posted:

Scott,

Please, PLEASE, no more PRR or NYC steam locomotives, especially since you have pretty much done most of them!

Douglas

You had better go back and do your research. Sunset/3rd Rail has NOT done an NYC K5 Pacific, nor the H9/H10 2-8-2s, nor the L4b roller bearing rods Mohawks, for example.

And there is a long list of missing PRR engines, too..... 

Central Vermont Consolidations please.  Depending on price and configuration, I'd be in for two to four.

I see a pattern-all of us want particular items but nothing in common! Haha.

86TA355SR posted:

I see a pattern-all of us want particular items but nothing in common! Haha.

C'mon now... either we want PRR or we don't want PRR! 

Boy,,,,,talk about "thread drift".

But, I sure could go for a Rock Island 4-8-4, one of the bigger versions. Besides, didn't the Rock Island have the largest fleet of 4-8-4s in the U.S.?

  The reason that I asked that no more NYC and PRR steamers be built is so many have already been built. Yes there are some relatively obscure variations that have not been built but the same holds true for all the major railroads.  How many versions of the NYC streamlined Hudson have been made?  One reason people have lost interest in buying new engines is it is the same old same old (read NYC or PRR) at a higher price.  With the exception of the Santa Fe the manufactures have paid little interest to southern and western railroads and now the market for eastern roads is saturated, at some point there are enough scale Hudsons and GG1s.

  There are so many engines that have not been manufactured in 1:48 scale that are interesting from a historical and mechanical point.  One of the reasons hobbyists go with HO scale is the selection of engine types and road names are greater. These would provide more interest than another NYC or PRR variation and appeal to a wider market.

  My personal suggestion is to manufacture smaller engines (think consolidations 2-8-0  that could appeal to smaller layouts with tighter turns and consider making engines from the 1890s.

  I am really glad to see the "Texan" might be built although the $1,700.00 price is daunting. 

Douglas 

Yes, the Rock Island had the largest American fleet of 4-8-4's.  There were 2 classes of them; 5000 and the 5100 series.  The photo that I posted is of the later 5100 class.

Yes, there is a drift in this topic but Scott of Sunset was asking for new ideas.  And I didn't want to bring up suggestions for models that have already been done numerous times before.

The Anthracite roads have been neglected.  Hence my mention of a Jersey Central 4-8-0 Camelback and the Lackawanna Hudson as shown above.  Thanks goodness Sunset brought in the Erie Berkshire; what a magnificent model!

So please chime in and let everyone know what you think would be a popular steam engine for Sunset to bring in.

Steve

I would like to see Scott do a B&O N-1, the first duplex steamer made, and for an anniversary series steamer the Virginian triplex 2-8-8-8-4. Mth has done the Erie triplex with Virginian lettering on it. The boiler is much bigger and the wheel arrangement is different from Erie. 

Just my 2 cents

TP Fan posted:

  The reason that I asked that no more NYC and PRR steamers be built is so many have already been built. Yes there are some relatively obscure variations that have not been built but the same holds true for all the major railroads.  How many versions of the NYC streamlined Hudson have been made?  One reason people have lost interest in buying new engines is it is the same old same old (read NYC or PRR) at a higher price.  With the exception of the Santa Fe the manufactures have paid little interest to southern and western railroads and now the market for eastern roads is saturated, at some point there are enough scale Hudsons and GG1s.

  There are so many engines that have not been manufactured in 1:48 scale that are interesting from a historical and mechanical point.  One of the reasons hobbyists go with HO scale is the selection of engine types and road names are greater. These would provide more interest than another NYC or PRR variation and appeal to a wider market.

  My personal suggestion is to manufacture smaller engines (think consolidations 2-8-0&nbsp that could appeal to smaller layouts with tighter turns and consider making engines from the 1890s.

  I am really glad to see the "Texan" might be built although the $1,700.00 price is daunting. 

Douglas 

Hot Water can confirm this as I know he has the Super Hudson done by 3rdrail which I'm pretty sure was the last NYC steam done by 3rdrail and I'm think that was 8-10 years ago?  So it's been a long time.  I'd sell my MTH L4b and buy brass if 3rdrail did a L4 with roller bearing side rods.  

TP Fan posted:

    My personal suggestion is to manufacture smaller engines (think consolidations 2-8-0&nbsp that could appeal to smaller layouts with tighter turns.

Well, good luck with that!  it's too logical...I couldn't agree with you more!

However, the reality, as explained to me at the 3rd Rail booth at York, is that small engines don't seem to garner reservations/sales like the larger ones do for their business.  I used your same logic in advocating the ATSF 2-6-2 Prairie for a project.  Well, Scott ran the test announcement a couple years ago.....to never get sufficient reservations for a 'go' project. () 

More recently, they're offering the B&O E-27 2-8-0.  But, as of April's York meet, they were way low on reservations for a viable project.  Go figure.

Maybe it's a 'guy' thing.....bigger is better!??  The DRGW L-131 2-8-8-2 had no problem in gaining sufficient interest!...delivery imminent!!!

Then there's the accepted O3R design standard that, if you knock enough flanges off the extra drivers on a steam engine, it'll negotiate street trackage!...You know, a 4-12-2 rated for O-72 curves (18" radius in HO terms!)!!.

So, again, I wish you luck on this advocacy.  Of course, we'll both keep trying to push this idea up a hill with a rope!  As Spock once said......"It's only logical!"

KD

KD is completely correct about smaller steam power. The Santa Claus Prarie garnered very little interest although part of that was due to  the fact that the version to be done was never clearly defined, The B&O E-27 is a locomotive people have said for years they really wanted to see made.  40 some reservations say otherwise. 

The SP 0-6-0 is being produced but reservations are below what was expected. If Scott had not committed to the project I doubt we would see it.

Remember the old Wendy's commercial "where's the beef?" The train version seems to be "where's the wheels?"  The more the better.

rheil posted:

KD is completely correct about smaller steam power. The Santa Claus Prarie garnered very little interest although part of that was due to  the fact that the version to be done was never clearly defined, The B&O E-27 is a locomotive people have said for years they really wanted to see made.  40 some reservations say otherwise. 

The SP 0-6-0 is being produced but reservations are below what was expected. If Scott had not committed to the project I doubt we would see it.

Remember the old Wendy's commercial "where's the beef?" The train version seems to be "where's the wheels?"  The more the better.

Bob, I know we all pile on these threads with suggestions... but what is the best way to get them to you and Scott for consideration?

Point being is that we know that  money and reservations are what makes models happen... so we'd like to at least get our likes and interests grouped together so you guys can have something to go on.

Thanks!

Now about that PRR H8/9/10... 

What I find a personal frustration, and falls into the "small steam does not sell" mantra is that I cannot get a 3-rd Rail "small steam" engine manufactured as recently as 2013. 

"I want" the Sunset 3-rd Rail CP D-10 "Early" 4-6-0. Managed to get the "Late" version. It really hasn't been such a long time since 2013. Seems like yesterday to me!

However, in 2013 I was not back in this hobby. I had no opportunity to order.

And now, already, it's "unobtanium!"

DaveJfr0 posted:

I do hope Scott can squeeze in a Southern Crescent to go with the E8's before its too expensive to make passenger cars anymore.  If not, I'll have fun making my own.

I'm hoping for a B&O 1950's Capitol limited, and a north coast limited domeliner.  hopefully we can get a few more sets in after the empire builder, sunset limited and the silver meteor are produced. 

Rule292 posted

Bob, I know we all pile on these threads with suggestions... but what is the best way to get them to you and Scott for consideration?

Thanks!

 

Now about that PRR H8/9/10... 

 

Rob,

I will be at the PRRT&HS convention on Friday the 13th with a table to discuss Sunset/GGD projects. If you will be there please stop and talk to me. I'll also be at all the Strasburg shows if you get to those.

Bob

Dj'sOgaugetrains posted

I'm hoping for a B&O 1950's Capitol limited, and a north coast limited domeliner.  hopefully we can get a few more sets in after the empire builder, sunset limited and the silver meteor are produced. 

North Coast Limited will probably happen after the GN Empire Builder. B&O Capitol Limited is a tough one. I have a 13 car version which is basically completely accurate for that train. It is a mix of various cars including GGD combine, 12 and 1 sleeper, and 10 and 6 sleepers, Mac Shops Bird series 12 and 4 duplex sleeper, Mac Shops "light" series ex C&O dome car, twin unit diner built from custom brass car sides, GGD Santa Fe sleeper, Wawassee sleeper/obs built from custom sides. As you can see no one style car can be used to make this train.

The best possibility is if GGD does some of the fluted cars as used on the C&O, DRGW, NYC, etc. A start would be to get one of the upcoming GGD B&O 12  and 1 sleepers.

rheil posted:

Dj'sOgaugetrains posted

I'm hoping for a B&O 1950's Capitol limited, and a north coast limited domeliner.  hopefully we can get a few more sets in after the empire builder, sunset limited and the silver meteor are produced. 

North Coast Limited will probably happen after the GN Empire Builder. B&O Capitol Limited is a tough one. I have a 13 car version which is basically completely accurate for that train. It is a mix of various cars including GGD combine, 12 and 1 sleeper, and 10 and 6 sleepers, Mac Shops Bird series 12 and 4 duplex sleeper, Mac Shops "light" series ex C&O dome car, twin unit diner built from custom brass car sides, GGD Santa Fe sleeper, Wawassee sleeper/obs built from custom sides. As you can see no one style car can be used to make this train.

The best possibility is if GGD does some of the fluted cars as used on the C&O, DRGW, NYC, etc. A start would be to get one of the upcoming GGD B&O 12  and 1 sleepers.

I have the GGD columbian and 1 B&O slumbercoaches. My hope is to one day have the combined columbian/ Capitol limited train. I saw the HO Walthers version of this set and it's beautiful. Would a 12-1 sleeper be correct for that time period? Also do you have any pictures of your custom Capitol limited? Would love to see it.  

David

rheil posted:

Rule292 posted

Bob, I know we all pile on these threads with suggestions... but what is the best way to get them to you and Scott for consideration?

Thanks!

 

Now about that PRR H8/9/10... 

 

Rob,

I will be at the PRRT&HS convention on Friday the 13th with a table to discuss Sunset/GGD projects. If you will be there please stop and talk to me. I'll also be at all the Strasburg shows if you get to those.

Bob

Thanks Bob.  I might make the convention and I usually make every one of the Strasburg shows. 

Oh, don't you mean Friday the 20th for the convention?