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Ah, but most responses are to offerings, not as write ins. Scott has never offered, to my knowledge, a modern piece of Northern New England equipment. Of course, if the answer were crickets, then I would agree with your point. Of course we can go to custom paints, a high quality answer, I'll swear by the work of Christine B. I've been a Third Rail customer for perhaps forty years. We might be approaching an era in which importers offer undecorated units and the marketplace decorates them.

@dkdkrd posted:

OK, can't resist...  It's time to dust off this idea ...again...!

I know that the design studios of EMC/EMD were charged with creating paint scheme proposals for their new generation diesels to be presented to eager customers.  Not all of the proposals survived to an iconic level as well as, say, the Santa Fe 'Warbonnet' scheme, but I also know that the artwork survived to this day in the hands of lucky collectors, fortunate collections, preservation mavens.

Wouldn't it be fun to locate some of these proposal artworks ( and select some to apply to a new runs of EMC/EMD's early diesels...E1's, E3's, E4's, E6's...maybe even FT's, F2/F3/s, etc.?

I know it's not very common...if at all...for Scott Mann to include a proposed model of something that existed only as artwork, that never made it to the 1:1 level for any amount of time...if at all.  But it would honor those graphic artists who helped foster a whole new generation of motive power for the railroad market.

After all, I believe the latest generation of industrial graphic artists were honored with the NS Heritage schemes applied to the latest generation of diesels.  Why not honor the work of other teammates of the Leland Knickerbocker era at EMC/EMD?

And, best of all?....No one could legitimately complain about the paint color being 'off'!!...what a relief that alone would be!!!!

Just a thought...

KD

So did you have any interest in the Lionel "what if" ns heritage units [ prior to ns painting heritage units] what about that UP challenger painted in the UP Forty Ninery scheme? How about that Conrail T1?

So did you have any interest in the Lionel "what if" ns heritage units [ prior to ns painting heritage units] what about that UP challenger painted in the UP Forty Ninery scheme? How about that Conrail T1?

Curve' I have seen some of the art work at the EMD facility right around 2001-2002 and I can tell you that real railroaders should NOT be in charge of design. There were some truly spatular designs that were passed over in favor of truly ugly designs that made it to production.

I would hope that someone has all or at least most of the artwork. I'm pretty sure I only saw a small part and would pay for a complete collection of the art work, both proposed as well as actually used.

As for "what ifs" from the manufactures, like all art, some are nice and some are not. I'm partial to the "curves" and colors used as opposed to the more current sharp angles that are probably much easier to paint and maintain. Just my opinion.

Much of the art from what I remember at EMD was long flowing curves and that was very easy on the eye.

Charlie

@Charlie posted:

Curve' I have seen some of the art work at the EMD facility right around 2001-2002 and I can tell you that real railroaders should NOT be in charge of design. There were some truly spatular designs that were passed over in favor of truly ugly designs that made it to production.

I would hope that someone has all or at least most of the artwork. I'm pretty sure I only saw a small part and would pay for a complete collection of the art work, both proposed as well as actually used.

As for "what ifs" from the manufactures, like all art, some are nice and some are not. I'm partial to the "curves" and colors used as opposed to the more current sharp angles that are probably much easier to paint and maintain. Just my opinion.

Much of the art from what I remember at EMD was long flowing curves and that was very easy on the eye.

Charlie

The November 84 and January 85 issues of Railfan & Railroad had articles regarding EMD styling, including ones that "didn't make it."  It showed how some design elements were modified from road to road.  Also there were some interesting variations of what was produced, while some of them were, shall we say "awkward."

Rusty

@rdunniii posted:

Looks like a good list.  I guess folks intend on pulling their Viewliners with E & F units and AEM7s.

I reserved 4 Dash 9s so I can use the chassis under my MTH and Lionel ES44 shells.  My current projects include putting Sunset SD9 chassis under my Lionel SD38s.

Super interesting idea on the SD38's .  I have a couple of those as well looking for conversion to 2R.   I'd be interested in your progress and thoughts on doing with the SD9 chassis.

So did you have any interest in the Lionel "what if" ns heritage units [ prior to ns painting heritage units] what about that UP challenger painted in the UP Forty Ninery scheme? How about that Conrail T1?

Nope.

Trying to help Scott (3rd Rail) achieve buildable levels of reservations on his projects by venturing into some outside-the-box paint schemes, perhaps of a historical nature.  The items you list aren't really among Scott's past or present projects....or, for that matter, items that EMC/EMD design studios of yore had anything to do with.

But, whatever...

KD

What I'd really like from Sunset is a Santa Fe 2-6-2 or light 4-6-2.  However the 2-6-2 failed to generate much interest when proposed a few years ago, so I am not laboring under false hope.

It would be nice to have a real Alco-GE RS2.  There is a significant difference in appearance between RS2s and RS3s.  However, both can be produced with the body castings being different, using the same frame and running gear, with variable underbody details.

Since Weaver ceased production, there is no longer an accurate scale O gauge RS3.  The hoods of the Atlas and MTH models are too high, affecting the proper shape of cab windows above the hoods.  Lionel has a good looking cab, but markets its RS3 with stamped handrails, in its ready to run line, instead of as a Legacy locomotive.  

But I did say RS2, not RS3.  I only mention the RS3 as it would be hard to market an RS2 without the more common RS3.  Erie, Union Pacific, Lehigh Valley, Lehigh & New England, Seaboard, Delaware & Hudson, Great Northern, Spokane Portland & Seattle, New York Central, Frisco, Southern, Monon, Rock Island, Peabody Coal, Chicago Great Western, Detroit & Mackinac, Maine Central (and Boston & Maine?), New Haven, Canadian Pacific, and Santa Fe all operated RS2's.  There were probably other buyers of the RS2, but those were all that came to my mind.

Last edited by Number 90

On the "probably not a market for it" side, a Monon J-4 Mike would be a sure buy from me. The Pittsburg and Shawmut rostered 8 of them in the last years of steam. I believe the TAG ended up with a few as well. Almost 70klbs TE, sharp looking machines, none of the generic 2-8-2s made can really be made to look like 'em imo.

Linked image below https://donsdepot.donrossgroup.net/dr1005/cil573.jpg



Not sure if either of the two have been mentioned yet, but a proper C&O K-4 would be awesome. To my knowledge, MTH was the only O scale manufacturer that decided that sand dome placement matters, among other things. And those engines haven't been produced in what, a decade now? Hard to find.

I'd be interested in a reissue of the Bessemer and Lake Erie H1G as well.

With 2716 being returned to steam and 643 being (slowly) moved to AoS for cosmetic restoration, I would imagine there is a decent market.

Last edited by P&Sfan
@P&Sfan posted:

On the "probably not a market for it" side, a Monon J-4 Mike would be a sure buy from me. The Pittsburg and Shawmut rostered 8 of them in the last years of steam. I believe the TAG ended up with a few as well. Almost 70klbs TE, sharp looking machines, none of the generic 2-8-2s made can really be made to look like 'em imo.

Linked image below https://donsdepot.donrossgroup.net/dr1005/cil573.jpg



Not sure if either of the two have been mentioned yet, but a proper C&O K-4 would be awesome. To my knowledge, MTH was the only O scale manufacturer that decided that sand dome placement matters, among other things. And those engines haven't been produced in what, a decade now? Hard to find.

I'd be interested in a reissue of the Bessemer and Lake Erie H1G as well.

With 2716 being returned to steam and 643 being (slowly) moved to AoS for cosmetic restoration, I would imagine there is a decent market.

I would absolutely LOVE a true C&O K4.   

C&O K4

Attachments

Images (1)
  • C&O K4
@Number 90 posted:

It would be nice to have a real Alco-GE RS2.  There is a significant difference in appearance between RS2s and RS3s.  However, both can be produced with the body castings being different, using the same frame and running gear, with variable underbody details.

Since Weaver ceased production, there is no longer an accurate scale O gauge RS3.  The hoods of the Atlas and MTH models are too high, affecting the proper shape of cab windows above the hoods.  Lionel has a good looking cab, but markets its RS3 with stamped handrails, in its ready to run line, instead of as a Legacy locomotive.  

But I did say RS2, not RS3.  I only mention the RS3 as it would be hard to market an RS2 without the more common RS3.  Erie, Union Pacific, Lehigh Valley, Lehigh & New England, Seaboard, Delaware & Hudson, Great Northern, Spokane Portland & Seattle, New York Central, Frisco, Southern, Rock Island, Peabody Coal, Chicago Great Western, Detroit & Mackinac, Maine Central (and Boston & Maine?), New Haven, Canadian Pacific, and Santa Fe all operated RS2's.  There were probably other buyers of the RS2, but those were all that came to my mind.

Yes, yes, yes, Tom!!  Not only is there no longer an accurate scale RS3 on the market in terms of the size and shape of the hoods, but there also has never been one that had the correct hoods AND all the (correct) added-on (not molded-in) scale details that we’ve come to expect on the higher-end “O” diesel models today.  I would be all in on these if Scott would offer them!  

As for my “back-up” wish for 3rd Rail doing RS2’s, 3’s & RSD4’s...I’ve heard over the years since Weaver’s closing that Lionel ended up with their RS3 molds.  If that’s true, I wish they would use them to produce a highly-detailed Legacy engine.

Last edited by CNJ #1601

3rd Rail does not want my input.  I want what I want.  If its a locomotive I probably won't buy more than two.  If a passenger car I would only buy it in single car lots, not sets.  Plus I would be wanting a 3 year time window.  Oh, and did I mention it needs to be able to operate on something considerably less than O-72.  I really do like their stuff, and am blessed to be in a position where I can afford it.  I can foresee picking up the odd 3rd Rail already released item.  I just don't think I am the type of customer that they can sustain their company on.

@TrainBub posted:

A McKeen would be cool.  Years away from what I model but I’d reserve/buy one strictly from a historical perspective.


Yes! A McKeen car would be amazing. I was disapointed when MTH scrapped the project. 3rd Rail would do a tremendous job with this.

I’d also like to see another run of Harriman cars. Need more baggage cars for Coast Mail train. These can wait a couple years though since I have a Daylight set to save for.

Alco T-6s were done by Car Works but they didn't have the correct end railings for N&W and it was very obvious.

Lots of N&W As have been done but don't know how they would go with a new run. 

The N&W K-1s have never been done in O that I am aware of but the K-2 took a long time for Scott to sell.

The N&W Z1s are getting high prices as PSC did them and that is it.

I would still love a VGN Berkshire or PA steam engine.  Both have never been done in O scale.

Baby Trainmasters would be high on my list. Both versions of the VGN would get multiple buys from me.

@Number 90 posted:

What I'd really like from Sunset is a Santa Fe 2-6-2 or light 4-6-2.  However the 2-6-2 failed to generate much interest when proposed a few years ago, so I am not laboring under false hope.

It would be nice to have a real Alco-GE RS2.  There is a significant difference in appearance between RS2s and RS3s.  However, both can be produced with the body castings being different, using the same frame and running gear, with variable underbody details.

Since Weaver ceased production, there is no longer an accurate scale O gauge RS3.  The hoods of the Atlas and MTH models are too high, affecting the proper shape of cab windows above the hoods.  Lionel has a good looking cab, but markets its RS3 with stamped handrails, in its ready to run line, instead of as a Legacy locomotive.  

But I did say RS2, not RS3.  I only mention the RS3 as it would be hard to market an RS2 without the more common RS3.  Erie, Union Pacific, Lehigh Valley, Lehigh & New England, Seaboard, Delaware & Hudson, Great Northern, Spokane Portland & Seattle, New York Central, Frisco, Southern, Rock Island, Peabody Coal, Chicago Great Western, Detroit & Mackinac, Maine Central (and Boston & Maine?), New Haven, Canadian Pacific, and Santa Fe all operated RS2's.  There were probably other buyers of the RS2, but those were all that came to my mind.

Tom,

Out of the many postings to this thread, I could see the RS2 / RS3 having good potential.  Lots of variety there for most buyers.  RS2s teamed up with RS3s would be a winner.  Steam is just tough to do at the moment with the minimum 75 orders. 

CNJ relied on RS3s all the way into Conrail.  I'd certainly be interested in a few.  They pulled passenger and freight with 4 paint schemes over their life.

@GG1 4877 posted:

Tom,

Out of the many postings to this thread, I could see the RS2 / RS3 having good potential.  Lots of variety there for most buyers.  RS2s teamed up with RS3s would be a winner.  Steam is just tough to do at the moment with the minimum 75 orders.

CNJ relied on RS3s all the way into Conrail.  I'd certainly be interested in a few.  They pulled passenger and freight with 4 paint schemes over their life.

I agree. RS2, 3 seems like a good recurring “want”. Lots of roads had them all across the US. I think this could be another Big Run for Scott down the road.

Yah - steam seems to be tough right now. To make a go you have to have a nearly identical - different road “tag along” to get it to fly. Along those lines - why not a run of USRA engines. Lots of roads, mostly the same with some manageable differences, mostly black or black and silver. Oft times only road name and number are the differences. Just saying...... seems like a simple way to get some needed numbers and make a Lot of people happy.
Cheers  

TrainBub

@rdunniii posted:

Scott still has lots of SP S-12 0-6-0s available.  And anything done now would be more expensive that those.

IMHO the problem with the S-12 was the price. $1450 for a switcher is real steep. I would like to own one of these but I’m just not willing to spend that much dough. The M-6 and M-9 moguls were quite nice with an excellent price point. I think if it were feasible to do a small loco for $1000 or less it would do well. The trick is selecting a model with enough wide appeal.

@GG1 4877 posted:

Tom,

Out of the many postings to this thread, I could see the RS2 / RS3 having good potential.  Lots of variety there for most buyers.  RS2s teamed up with RS3s would be a winner.  Steam is just tough to do at the moment with the minimum 75 orders.

CNJ relied on RS3s all the way into Conrail.  I'd certainly be interested in a few.  They pulled passenger and freight with 4 paint schemes over their life.

I would take Erie and EL RS-2s and RS-3s.

@VGN64 posted:

Alco T-6s were done by Car Works but they didn't have the correct end railings for N&W and it was very obvious.

I've never seen a T6 in 3 rail.

Lots of N&W As have been done but don't know how they would go with a new run.

I've never seen an early as built Class A either.

The N&W K-1s have never been done in O that I am aware of but the K-2 took a long time for Scott to sell.

Need to complete the N&W K classes with the K1.

The N&W Z1s are getting high prices as PSC did them and that is it.

Once again, never in 3 rail.

@GG1 4877 posted:

Tom,

Out of the many postings to this thread, I could see the RS2 / RS3 having good potential.  Lots of variety there for most buyers.  RS2s teamed up with RS3s would be a winner.  Steam is just tough to do at the moment with the minimum 75 orders.

CNJ relied on RS3s all the way into Conrail.  I'd certainly be interested in a few.  They pulled passenger and freight with 4 paint schemes over their life.

I might literally go broke if they release RS2/3’s and/or RSD4’s!!  At least 2 CNJ (RS3’s), 1 or 2 Lehigh Valley RS2’s, 1 or 2 D&H...at least 2 CNJ RSD4’s...I could probably keep going but I’ll stop there!  

And if the SW1 becomes a reality, I’d be in for a CNJ & maybe a Lehigh Valley.  I better keep selling down my current collection to afford all these great engines!

@CNJ #1601 posted:

I might literally go broke if they release RS2/3’s and/or RSD4’s!!  At least 2 CNJ (RS3’s), 1 or 2 Lehigh Valley RS2’s, 1 or 2 D&H...at least 2 CNJ RSD4’s...I could probably keep going but I’ll stop there!  

And if the SW1 becomes a reality, I’d be in for a CNJ & maybe a Lehigh Valley.  I better keep selling down my current collection to afford all these great engines!

I think there could be many of us could end up like you if this ends up being offered  - broke 🤣🤣🤣. But perhaps happy with your empire. I Compound that (being broke) because of all my current reservations for Scott’s products !!! 😮  It’s a good thing that the models don’t all happen at once !!!  Seriously though, I see that this could be a really popular offering.  👍
Cheers !!! 🙂

Last edited by TrainBub

Jeez it’s been since January since this thread has been active. It was so much fun and Soooo many people actively participating.
So ......  To hopefully kick it off again - how about some Erie builts ?  With a second run Olympian in Q, that would be sweet. And a good group of roads had them. Make a nice run for Scott.  
I’d also be In for a run of RS3s.
Cheers

Last edited by TrainBub

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