Can MTH move forward with catalogs?

Nope.

Rusty

I don't think the MTH entity will last very long.  Right now...it looks like Mr. Muffin is driving MTH production.

How much MONON can you sell/buy?

NO!!!!! 

Yes

MTH should do a digital catalog, showing all their special announcements in one location, The high cost of printing & publishing makes a paper catalogs just to expensive.

A digital catalog would be well received by their customers.

Gary

@trainroomgary posted:

Yes

MTH should do a digital catalog, showing all their special announcements in one location, The high cost of printing & publishing makes a paper catalogs just to expensive.

A digital catalog would be well received by their customers.

Gary

That’s what I was thinking. A bi annual small digital catalog would be cool. Supplement it with the limited dealer exclusives. With menards entering the mkt, anything could happen, including a new entity in the game (unlikely but stranger things have definitely happened).

@SD60M posted:

How much Monon can you sell/buy?

I'm still trying to figure that out because I can't stop buying it.

@trainroomgary posted:

Yes

MTH should do a digital catalog, showing all their special announcements in one location, The high cost of printing & publishing makes a paper catalogs just to expensive.

A digital catalog would be well received by their customers.

Gary

It would certainly be a way of gathering up enough orders (across all dealers) to do larger runs, especially for popular roads. I also love catalogs, so it would be nice if they did something again like they used to, but it's OK if they don't. I'm enjoying all these special run announcements, and I'm looking forward to what MTH ends up doing in the future.

@SD60M posted:

I don't think the MTH entity will last very long.  Right now...it looks like Mr. Muffin is driving MTH production.

How much Monon can you sell/buy?

Berwyn Toy and Trains has also been fairly active.

However, I wonder how long relying solely on the custom run business model can hold up.

Rusty

With MTH retaining 80% of their tooling, I’d say at least a digital catalog would be well within their abilities provided they have someone to do the desktop publishing part.  Heck, I’d volunteer to do it if given the assets used to make previous catalogs.

https://mthtrains.com/news/706

Paper train catalogs were never accurate and have become a thing of the past. You don’t always receive what was shown, especially colors.

I would like to see a rotating 360 view of the item like the automotive sites have. Web access to everyone and real time changes / updates could be made by the OEM's on the fly.

Example: It’s important to me to see the numbers on the front / back of an engine along with head lamp and railing details. We could never get that view from a catalog. Car dates and trucks are also an important detail for period modelers as well.

@SIRT posted:

Paper train catalogs were never accurate and have become a thing of the past. You don’t always receive what was shown, especially colors.

The same can be said for online versions.  Plus, not everyone's monitor renders colors the same.  When I was working, my work computer showed colors a little differently than my home computer.  Same for my laptop vs. my desktop.

Rusty

I doubt given the current business model of MTH that you’ll see a catalog in any format. It appears ( at least for the moment) the “new” MTH is only doing custom runs for its network of dealers. It’d be a nearly impossible task given the already multitude of custom runs in the works, and being delivered already,…..perhaps on their website they might have a listing on what’s being made, and who’s selling it, but that’s not likely either, I’d imagine trying to stay lean and trim to survive, they’ll leave the advertisement part of the program up to the retailer that initiated the custom run,…

Pat

@trainroomgary posted:

MTH should do a digital catalog, showing all their special announcements in one location,

Gary

I am fond of the MTH 36' Premier Reefers.  With so many custom runs being announced recently I would like to make sure I don't miss any that I would like to purchase.  I do receive the emails, but things do get lost.  I too would like to see a central place where I could see any custom runs.

@Frank Mulligan posted:

I am fond of the MTH 36' Premier Reefers.  With so many custom runs being announced recently I would like to make sure I don't miss any that I would like to purchase.  I do receive the emails, but things do get lost.  I too would like to see a central place where I could see any custom runs.

I thought there was a place on MTH’s website listing all the New issued items? Maybe someone here can confirm and/or post the link.

Edit - here is the link from the Mth newsletter for all the newly issued post catalog items - https://mthtrains.com/prod-sea...field_catalog%3A7742

here is the newsletter - https://mthtrains.com/news/701

@Up & Down the Monon posted:

It would certainly be a way of gathering up enough orders (across all dealers) to do larger runs, especially for popular roads. I also love catalogs, so it would be nice if they did something again like they used to, but it's OK if they don't. I'm enjoying all these special run announcements, and I'm looking forward to what MTH ends up doing in the future.

Astute observation. Dealer limited runs need a wider platform to reach a bigger customer base, beyond the usual sources, like hobby magazines and Internet forums. A manufacturer’s catalog, real or virtual, would go a long way to meeting that need.

Another option to see everything made this year is to click on the FG FH FI and FJ catalog link on one of the 2020 or 2021 announced products on their website.

Edit: I just realized FG and FI were 2020 printed catalogs.  That leaves FH and FJ for the new stuff.

Here’s the FJ listing.

https://mthtrains.com/catalog/fj-2021-all-scales

And it looks like dealer custom runs go under ZZ…

https://www.mthtrains.com/cata...zz-uncataloged-items

@MTH if you are reading this, you should consider separating ZZ un-cataloged items by year so folks can track what’s getting made.

I would bet we would see something like what 3rdrail does.  All on the website until the project is done.

It appears that MTH at least for the present will rely on special orders from their big dealers. Offer it, sell it, build it. Already sold just pack and ship. No inventory, no investment on their part.

They might also consider a description on the website as well!

@Rusty Traque posted:

The same can be said for online versions.  Plus, not everyone's monitor renders colors the same.  When I was working, my work computer showed colors a little differently than my home computer.  Same for my laptop vs. my desktop.

Rusty

The same can be said about color printers for paper catalogs.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

They might also consider a description on the website as well!

Click the link below it.

@rplst8 posted:

Click the link below it.

You really did miss the point, didn't you?

With the simple inclusion of the description, I don't have to follow each link!  Given the fact that the MTH site is REALLY slow nowadays, I could spend a long time looking through the list.  I don't know about others, but I have better uses for my time than to wait for a very slow website to spit out a description.

True, I agree.  I wasn’t sure if you noticed the links is all.

Why do you think the site is so slow: reduced server size or lots of interest driving traffic?  I know one person here on the forum mentioned they were downloading all the sound files in case they went belly up, but I don’t think that’s happening any time soon.

I would prefer catalogs, whether hard copy or .pdf.  Keeping up with all the emails, posts for special runs and new products is simply not feasible for many of us.  Either that or send a summary email every week or two with all the special runs and newly scheduled non-dealer runs.

Ring! Ring! 1960 is calling and they want their catalogs!

Personally, I like monthly announcements over waiting six months for any news of a new product.  I believe MTH is putting out announcements on their website whenever they have something news-worthy.  To me, this makes more sense, then putting together a catalog in terms of time and money.

Jim

Traditional  catalogs. It’s fun to turn the pages but most of all it’s good to have a reference to what was produced and what features it has. Look how much excitement the Lionel catalog has generated. Producing a traditional catalog is also a sign of a stable, healthy company.

@rplst8 posted:

True, I agree.  I wasn’t sure if you noticed the links is all.

Why do you think the site is so slow: reduced server size or lots of interest driving traffic?  I know one person here on the forum mentioned they were downloading all the sound files in case they went belly up, but I don’t think that’s happening any time soon.

As someone who works for a technology company, people scraping data isn’t anything new when it comes to web sites, so that’s a likely reason the site has been so slow lately.

I thought they were done as of April , and tooling sold to three different companies so why a catalog ?

@Up & Down the Monon posted:

As someone who works for a technology company, people scraping data isn’t anything new when it comes to web sites, so that’s a likely reason the site has been so slow lately.

One other issue is their tech stack is partially based on 2010~ish technology, would be nice to get a product data dump (searching their o scale line is painfully slow) to either spin up a new product info finder or rebuild their current one to use a more optimized search system

@SirCaptain posted:

One other issue is their tech stack is partially based on 2010~ish technology, would be nice to get a product data dump (searching their o scale line is painfully slow) to either spin up a new product info finder or rebuild their current one to use a more optimized search system

I hope the remaining MTH entities going forward invest in their web sites a bit.

No because the new
MTH cannot afford the costs of marketing and printing catalogs.

@Rick Rubino posted:

I thought they were done as of April , and tooling sold to three different companies so why a catalog ?

There was an announcement from one of the sponsors stating that mth would continue. We have no idea how much Lionel bought, as they said that there would be more than was released in the recent catalog.

@Madockawando posted:

No because the new
MTH cannot afford the costs of marketing and printing catalogs.

I figure print catalogs are long gone, but digital is still a possibility.

@Madockawando posted:

No because the new
MTH cannot afford the costs of marketing and printing catalogs.

Did you decide that for them, or are you speaking with first hand insider knowledge?……I do believe they won’t produce a catalog based on the current  business model they’re portraying as I’ve stated above, but I didn’t go as far as you’ve decided that they can’t afford it,…how did you decide that for them?…do you work there?..

Pat

@Madockawando posted:

Traditional  catalogs. It’s fun to turn the pages but most of all it’s good to have a reference to what was produced and what features it has. Look how much excitement the Lionel catalog has generated. Producing a traditional catalog is also a sign of a stable, healthy company.

That would definitely explain the price increases we see from Lionel!

@Madockawando posted:

No because the new
MTH cannot afford the costs of marketing and printing catalogs.

Can you site your source for this information or are you guessing.

@H1000 posted:

Can you site your source for this information or are you guessing.

The source is MTH themselves based on their current state of the company (declining and shrinking) and that they suddenly stopped issuing catalogs when it was their long practice to do so. Pretty logical. Of course, feel free to present a counter argument that MTH is a growing company  that believes emails to a few select mid-west dealers is a better marketing strategy then a large mass market catalog….

@Madockawando posted:

The source is MTH themselves based on their current state of the company (declining and shrinking) and that they suddenly stopped issuing catalogs when it was their long practice to do so. Pretty logical. Of course, feel free to present a counter argument that MTH is a growing company  that believes emails to a few select mid-west dealers is a better marketing strategy then a large mass market catalog….

Uhhh, Mike Wolf retired and didn't want work that hard anymore.

The MTH  website is absolute dreck. I really like the page-through pdf-thingy that lets you look at any years physical catalog, but that is just bought technology.

The MTH website I am betting was made in the early 'oughts and never updated. You can get cheap commercial software that does a much better sales-cart solution than what is on the current website.

Aside from retirement, MUCH funds could have been pumped into MTH with an appropriately designed digital storefront. That is a mixed bag, since traditionally trains have flowed through local dealers instead of direct from the manufacturer as it were. A highly efficient digital storefront/website could either make or break local dealers, so I understand how a bad website is good business for local dealers. "Does suchandsuch function per the catalog/website really work? Can I see it?" are two questions you need your dealer and/or youtube to answer for you, for example. An explicit example was the "smoking quilable whistle" text I was asking about some time back, which the catalog said the train had (greenbrier, 2016 catalog, premier), but was roundly disabused to me by the awesome people here.

Had I gotten that train unawares, I would have been pretty grrr, because a smoking whistle was something I was REALLY looking for, having just seen one in action on a muuuuuch more expensive Lionel train that same year. That, and finding out that smoking whistles arent all that, well, fancy, especially if you watch enough whistle failures on youtube!!! Smoke should jet out! Not dribble...

Tl;dr (too long, didnt read): MTH website: stinks. Much better sources of information, both practical and accurate, are found in non-MTH digital sites, or through local dealers.

Plz fix MTH website.

There's not much left of MTH as a producer.  Sure, 80% of the tooling by report is in the "company's" hands - but owning and producing are two different things, yes?

So, I'm not waiting for future MTH catalogs.  There won't be any.

@rplst8 posted:

True, I agree.  I wasn’t sure if you noticed the links is all.

Why do you think the site is so slow: reduced server size or lots of interest driving traffic?  I know one person here on the forum mentioned they were downloading all the sound files in case they went belly up, but I don’t think that’s happening any time soon.

I followed a couple links and realized that I could be there all day doing that as slow as it's responding. I think they probably downsized the server when they closed and moved, hopefully they're considering an upgrade.

I have all the sound and chain files, I'm not taking any chances.

@rthomps posted:

There's not much left of MTH as a producer.  Sure, 80% of the tooling by report is in the "company's" hands - but owning and producing are two different things, yes?

So, I'm not waiting for future MTH catalogs.  There won't be any.

MTH still has a catalog, not as once was only more streamlined, like the company has become or as others have used the term “MTH Lite”. According to reports, they still retain 80% of their tooling for O & Accessories. Does the tooling just sit, get sold for scrap or does it continue to make money. If Mike could sell any more of the tooling he would, and I wouldn’t be surprised if more sells in the future. However the new MTH is able to remain profitable by releasing products in a different way, yes with digital releases and pre orders but not so much as a traditional catalog. As far as new tooling?

This year through end of June I counted more than 130 daily emails from MTH introducing O products & Accessories through Pre-Order new releases or dealer/club exclusives. Kinda like getting the catalog one page every day in an email.

From Railking:

11          Bump-n-Go Trolley - Multiple Road Names Including Dealer/Club Exclusives

5          40’ Boxcar w/Power Meter - Multiple Road Names Including Dealer/Club Exclusives

1          Alco PA AA Diesel Set Santa Fe Gold Bonnet w/6-Car passenger set

4              RS-1 Diesel - Multiple Road Names Including Dealer/Club Exclusives

3          RS-3 Diesel - Multiple Road Names Including Dealer/Club Exclusives                

27          SW1500 Diesel - Multiple Road Names Including Dealer/Club Exclusives

5          SD70Ace Diesel/Caboose Set - Multiple Road Names Including Dealer/Club Exclusives

2              SD70AC3 Locomotive Norfolk Southern Heritage Virginian & NYC

1          40’ Boxcar w/Blinking lights

1          PS-2 Hopper

9          4-Bay Hopper, - Multiple Road Names Including Dealer/Club Exclusives

6          F-3 ABA Sets w/6 & 8 Passenger Car Sets - Multiple Road Names Including Dealer/Club Exclusives

8          50’ Modern Boxcar - Multiple Road Names Including Dealer/Club Exclusives

1          40’ Dbl. Door Boxcar

7          TOFC, - Multiple Road Names Including Dealer/Club Exclusives

1          Engineering Car BNSF

4          Bay Window Caboose - Multiple Road Names Including Dealer/Club Exclusives

1          Modern Tank Car

2          SW-1 Diesel (7) Versions including Morton Salt

2          6-pc Figure sets

1          Die-Cast Fire Trucks

9          40’ Boxcar - Multiple Road Names Including Dealer/Club Exclusives      

4          1900s Tank Car

2          Gondola w/Crates

3          50’ Dbl. Door Plugged Boxcar, Political Series, Montana Rail Link

4          4-Car Window Boxcar Set Political Series

3          3-Story Building, 2 Political series, 1 USO

1          Billboard flatcar, Political Series

From Premier:

28          GP-9 Diesel Locos 14 Road Names (2 #s) each

6          GP-7 Diesel Loco 3 Road Names (2#s) each

4          ES44 Diesel Florida East Coast (2#s), Santa Fe Black Bonnet(2#s)

8          36’ Woodsided Reefer - Multiple Road Names Including Dealer & Club Exclusives

14          70-Ton Hoppers - Multiple Road Names Including Dealer & Club Exclusives

4          70-Ton Hoppers 6-Car set - Multiple Road Names Including Dealer & Club Exclusives

20          40’ AAR Boxcar MONON (4), Weirton Steel(4), Soo(2), IC(2), GT(2), NP(4), Seaboard(2)

16          40’ Modern Reefer - Multiple Road Names Including Dealer & Club Exclusives

20          Drop Bottom Gondola - Multiple Road Names Including Dealer & Club Exclusives

2          Drop Bottom Gondola 6-Car set MONON(2)

10          2-Bay Fish Belly Hopper - Multiple Road Names Including Dealer & Club Exclusives

11          2-Bay Fish Belly Hopper 6-car sets - Multiple Road Names Including Dealer & Club Exclusives

6          Flatcar w/PUP Trailers

3          40’ Reefer

1          4-Car Flat w/DUKW Boat

1          4-Car Flat w/Bradley Fighting Vehicles

1          4-Car Flat w/Troop Vehicles

1          Alco S-2 Switcher

17          USRA Pacific Steam - Multiple Road Names Including Dealer & Club Exclusives

1          8-Boxcar set BNSF 25^th Anniversary

2          Caboose BNSF 25^th Anniversary

8          ES44 Diesel BNSF 25^th Anniversary

2          50’ PS-1 BXCR

2          4-Bay Hopper

4          TOFC - Multiple Road Names Including Dealer & Club Exclusives

7          50’ Dbl. Door Plugged Boxcar - Multiple Road Names Including Dealer & Club Exclusives

1          Big-Boy Steam Locos (4) Versions

2          Coke Hopper

1          Center Cupola Steel Caboose

1          33K Gallon Tank Car

Starting to look like a catalog yet?

I can’t  find the link to the MTH catalog…

My opinion is there is just too much that we don’t know to speculate what kind of business model what’s left of MTH is going to go with. There are lot of variables and unlike certain people on this forum I haven’t been sitting in on all the board meetings at MTH. I am not going to spew out what I think as if it were fact. I am just happy that a part of MTH will live on.

@Hudson J1e posted:

My opinion is there is just too much that we don’t know to speculate what kind of business model what’s left of MTH is going to go with. There are lot of variables and unlike certain people on this forum I haven’t been sitting in on all the board meetings at MTH so I am not going to spew out what I think as if it were fact. I am just happy that a part of MTH will live on.

Agreed!

"Starting to look like a catalog yet?"

LOL!  It's NOT a catalog! 

Granted, it's a nice list of product.     But I'm not seeing a "catalog" and that was the question.

@rthomps posted:

"Starting to look like a catalog yet?"

LOL!  It's NOT a catalog! 

Granted, it's a nice list of product.     But I'm not seeing a "catalog" and that was the question.

You can lead a horse to water but...

Catalog? Necessary? I dunno. Back in the 70's, Sears, JC Penney ...sure.

In 2021? Not so much. If you have a good internet site/ catalog.

Amazon sells just about anything . No catalog required.

This reminds me of the anguish over the closing of  local brick and mortar hobby shops.

Unless I'm mistaken, the biggest online dealers were/ are someone elses local brick and mortar shop with a well done internet site.

Outside of 3 rails. From prototypical details to the control system. MTH has never really done it "Lionels way" have they?

Additionally, does Sunset /3rd Rail  have a catalog?

@Rail Dude posted:

You can lead a horse to water but...

We're talking trains, not horses.

@rthomps posted:

We're talking trains, not horses.

I know that's right!

@Rail Dude posted:

I know that's right!

BTW, great list of product you made.  Thanks. 

@rthomps posted:

BTW, great list of product you made.  Thanks. 

Thanks, I got them outta my "Digital" catalog.

@rthomps posted:

"Starting to look like a catalog yet?"

LOL!  It's NOT a catalog! 

Granted, it's a nice list of product.     But I'm not seeing a "catalog" and that was the question.

It's actually literally a catalog.

@rplst8 posted:

It's actually literally a catalog.

I think it is well understood what is meant on a train forum by the word “catalog “ and what is posted above is not a “catalog “ by that definition.  

@RickO posted:

Catalog? Necessary? I dunno. Back in the 70's, Sears, JC Penney ...sure.

In 2021? Not so much. If you have a good internet site/ catalog.

Amazon sells just about anything . No catalog required.

This reminds me of the anguish over the closing of  local brick and mortar hobby shops.

Unless I'm mistaken, the biggest online dealers were/ are someone elses local brick and mortar shop with a well done internet site.

Outside of 3 rails. From prototypical details to the control system. MTH has never really done it "Lionels way" have they?

Additionally, does Sunset /3rd Rail  have a catalog?

There is something nice about having a collection drop, rather than random releases. Anticipation and budget planning are the main advantages, outside of nostalgia. Furthermore, I think Amazon started sending out a physical catalog to prime members for the holidays. Obviously, my argument would be weaker if mth had a decent website. While I prefer a catalog, i am definitely happy new MTH will continue.

MTH is most likely negotiating dealer special runs all year long. I don’t know how they would keep a catalog current. I think the website is the best way to keep current.

@harmonyards posted:

I doubt given the current business model of MTH that you’ll see a catalog in any format. It appears ( at least for the moment) the “new” MTH is only doing custom runs for its network of dealers. It’d be a nearly impossible task given the already multitude of custom runs in the works, and being delivered already,…..perhaps on their website they might have a listing on what’s being made, and who’s selling it, but that’s not likely either, I’d imagine trying to stay lean and trim to survive, they’ll leave the advertisement part of the program up to the retailer that initiated the custom run,…

Pat

Doesn't Atllas have a separate section where you can see all the "custom" runs they have done?

As mentioned it seems MTH production is now a specific item available at a specific retail store. An easy to access web location showcasing all the items would seem to be a great way to increase sales.

@BobbyD posted:

Doesn't Atllas have a separate section where you can see all the "custom" runs they have done?

As mentioned it seems MTH production is now a specific item available at a specific retail store. An easy to access web location showcasing all the items would seem to be a great way to increase sales.

I can’t speak for the “new” MTH, this is a question you’d have to ask them, …….as far as custom runs go, the retailer initiating the custom run is going to pound the ground to get the word out to see their project come to fruit, no??…..I’m just not understanding why you guys are so worried to death about a catalog???…..the custom runs done by Pat’s Trains, Berwyn’s and others are slathered all over the place!….what more do you need??……

Pat

@BobbyD posted:

As mentioned it seems MTH production is now a specific item available at a specific retail store. An easy to access web location showcasing all the items would seem to be a great way to increase sales.

And help out the individual dealers!

@harmonyards posted:

I can’t speak for the “new” MTH, this is a question you’d have to ask them, …….as far as custom runs go, the retailer initiating the custom run is going to pound the ground to get the word out to see their project come to fruit, no??…..I’m just not understanding why you guys are so worried to death about a catalog???…..the custom runs done by Pat’s Trains, Berwyn’s and others are slathered all over the place!….what more do you need??……

Pat

Not sure why you brought it up, I didn't say anything about a catalog. Atlas did/does it on their website under "Custom Runs" IIRC, a running history. Hobby shops sending emails to previous customers don't help us if we've never purchased there. That's why a manufacturers website compilation would serve us, and them plus their dealers,  better.

I just used Google to search for Berwyn’s web page. Cicked the link, there is nothing about any custom runs or inventory appearing on it.

This may sound unusual... but how does one become a dealer? We were originally (and may still) relocate to Japan for family reasons, where I had planned to open a model hobby shop (n, z scale trains, small scale hobbies, diorama building (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tneLw8VbKYQ)).

I still have an interest in doing this, but less brick and mortar, more 21st century online using 3d presentations of every loco or car sold, complete with demo of all functions, tied to each listing directly, with a more useful search function. The rationale behind this is simple: people new to the hobby, or returned years after childhood, really aren't aware of all the super fancy available in today's trains. A text blurb is only... I spend an inordinate amount of time on youtube trying to figure out all the "everythings" on these new fangled trains, with mixed to limited success. One example was the 2016 greenbrier I want(ed) to get, but could find zero MTH youtube videos that showed the details on how the **** thing worked. Another is the difference between railking and premier, which short of getting your hands on it physically, isn't terribly clear. The railkings look really nice! For the first train I had seen newer than 1983, it was an amazing experience listening to crew talk and sync chuffing for the first time ever.

I think there is untapped market out there, but (personally), getting into the hobby can be a bit daunting. SUPER glad to have found this forum by the way...

I am in the auto delete mode on the MTH Special Announcement emails especially when the title contains the words “Bump n Go” or even “RailKing”. I went all scale about 20 years ago. When a new MTH catalog was issued I did go through the “RailKing” section just so I would have an idea what was being offered but now I just delete the emails especially since they issue one email for each road name of bump n go trolleys being offered.

Perhaps a digital monthly catalog similar to what Atlas O does with a “custom run” section.

Basically I am a Legacy/TMCC guy so I do not buy a lot of MTH engines (or any for the past 20 years) but I do own a ton of their premier flat cars with military vehicles, double stacks and express refers.

JohnB

@Rail Dude posted:

This year through end of June I counted more than 130 daily emails from MTH introducing O products & Accessories through Pre-Order new releases or dealer/club exclusives. Kinda like getting the catalog one page every day in an email.

From Railking:

4          1900s Tank Car

I could not find anything in regards to 4 1900s tank cars.  I've not seen any emails on these or postings here.  Do you have specifics please?

@JohnB posted:

I am in the auto delete mode on the MTH Special Announcement emails especially when the title contains the words “Bump n Go” or even “RailKing”. I went all scale about 20 years ago. When a new MTH catalog was issued I did go through the “RailKing” section just so I would have an idea what was being offered but now I just delete the emails especially since they issue one email for each road name of bump n go trolleys being offered.

I agree that they need to have a better way of determining what is being made, and also provide a way to browse it, sort of like an online catalog.

You may want to be a bit more discerning on the auto delete though.  There are a few nice RailKing models that are indeed Scale.  They don't have as much detail, but for instance in the case of the Alco RS-1, it is actually a really nice model with prototypical hand rails and more detail than some of the others.  The Baldwin VO-1000 is another one that is a pretty nice scale RailKing, and then there are a few other switchers that are pretty good too.

@BobbyD posted:

Not sure why you brought it up, I didn't say anything about a catalog. Atlas did/does it on their website under "Custom Runs" IIRC, a running history. Hobby shops sending emails to previous customers don't help us if we've never purchased there. That's why a manufacturers website compilation would serve us, and them plus their dealers,  better.

I just used Google to search for Berwyn’s web page. Cicked the link, there is nothing about any custom runs or inventory appearing on it.

Sorry, I should have replied “ not sure why some of these guys are worried to death about a catalog “  I didn’t mean it directed at you,….my mistake in typing,..

Pat

"It's actually literally a catalog."

Good grief. 

You. Missed. It. Completely. 

@Frank Mulligan posted:

I could not find anything in regards to 4 1900s tank cars.  I've not seen any emails on these or postings here.  Do you have specifics please?

Hi Frank, These were referred to as just "Tank Car" so I added the date to help with Identity. The text at the bottom of this post is from the original newsletter email.

I know the list (catalog) I shared missed quite a few items as well, still researching those.

E-mail Newsletter received Jan 25, 2021

E-mail Newsletter received Jan 30, 2021

E-mail Newsletter received Feb 3, 2021

E-mail Newsletter received Feb 6, 2021

The tank car was relatively uncommon until the 1870s, when the nascent petroleum industry ordered large quantities of metal tanks carried on wooden car bodies. By the early 1900s, a standard design had evolved that lasted throughout the steam and early diesel eras: an 8,000-11,000 gallon metal tank perched on a metal flatcar-like underframe.

The one big change during that time was the transition from riveted to welded construction beginning in the late 1930s. Car builders introduced X-ray inspection of welds to ensure safety, as well as giant annealing ovens that could heat-treat assembled tanks to relieve joint stress. Welded tanks were stronger, less susceptible to rust and corrosion, and less likely to rupture in the event of a wreck.

Our model represents a typical all-welded, insulated tank car built in the late 1940s or 1950s. A layer of insulation protected cargos that were sensitive to temperature extremes, and some such cars also had heating coils under their outer layer. Our model also features a safety platform around the dome — insulation and safety platforms being features commonly found on cars used in the chemical industry.

CAR FEATURES

• Intricately Detailed, Durable ABS Body
• Die-Cast Metal Chassis
• Metal Wheels and Axles
• Die-Cast 4-Wheel Trucks
• Operating Die-Cast Metal Couplers
• Decorative Brake Wheels
• Separate Metal Handrails
• Fast-Angle Wheel Sets
• Needle-Point Axles
• Unit Measures: 10 3/8" x 2 3/8" 3 13/16"

Operates On O-27 Curves

It's sort of amazing... With all the demands of stuffing more and more electronic razzmatazz into the models, people don't want to lose the hard copy catalogs.

Rusty

@Rusty Traque posted:

It's sort of amazing... With all the demands of stuffing more and more electronic razzmatazz into the models, people don't want to lose the hard copy catalogs.

Rusty

Not everyone wants more electronics put into models and not everyone wants hard copy catalogs. Who exactly are you talking about?