Hello,
inspired through the Chicago show threat and the discussion there, a want whrite down some thoughts about modern stuff. I`am only talk about 2R.
In the past years in Germany O scale become more and more popular most in Epoche III, similar to the transition era. As 2R modelers are more interrested in prototypical operations, the small branch steam engines, diesel switcher an diesel engines for branches (with 3 till 5 2axled coaches) are sold out or hard to find. Big diesel or steam engines for main lines are difficult to sell (altthought the have reasonable prices), mostly they are sold to clubs or fremo groups, who have the possibility, to run those engines an huge layouts like the prototype. The "branchliners" have no need of those engine, perhaps a few, only for collecting. No manufacturer can live with those few sold engines.
Same thing here...for a modern prototype oriented 2RL`ers they need for branches some MP15 (Atlas have anounced a re-run), the "main" engine, a GP7/9 rebuilt to GP10, GP15, whatever, CF7, some B23 or similar, perhaps some Baldwins or ALcos. When you have a "normal" basement layout, 4axles engines are big enough. Look on the prototype (ok, there are some, they have 6 axle engines), but most have 2nd hand engines.
The only thing, what manufacturers have to do is--looking arround, have some interrest for the prototype. Those called engines can be use even for transition era with modifications.
In the Chicago threat there was mentioned a SD70, only a few clubs or groups can run this engine on layouts, they are big enough for prototypical operation. For most 3R`ers, those things doesn`t matter, they run, what they like, therefor the big 3R diesel will sell good enough for the manufacturer like MTH.
Same thing for the cars, i think, there is a need for modern cars, or why are some cars hard to find and reach high prices on auctions? For modern times, the "every day seen cars" are not available.
At one time there will be a less interrest in transition era (sounds hard, i know), i think, not many persons in my age (45) are interrested in transition era. In H0 i model 1975-81, conrail (and all stuff beside this time period) on the Northeast, in 0 i model 2012+. People mostly built this things, the can feel an see it. To get new customers, or satisfy existing, the manufacturer should be prepared for this comming situation.
BTW. in Germany the situation is the same...not only in 0 scale...
my thoughts..
kindest regards from Germany
Elmar
Really??? 
Hmmmmmmmm.
Wouldn't know what to do without her,just had to throw in a needed laugh.
