Midwestern Model Works

Erik is a very methodical engineer-entrepreneur. While I cannot speak to the engines bodies, his drive mechanisms are without equal. Fantastic.

I am hoping he does early diesel switchers 

.......   I am sure the drive will be superb

  I have spoken to Erik Stott an length about this project and his longer term intentions, we have a common interest in highly detailed motive power. Erik assures me that he is currently in negotiation with a reputable Korean builder, reassuringly none of those Chinese imports here, that some European importers now use to cut costs.

I've also ordered one unit in Santa Fe Warbonnet colors, but Erik says I may be able to get a Kodachrome unit due to a late reservation from another modeler for this same scheme.  Looks like this project should be a real tour de force.  

This model is out of my league, but I'd really like to see some photos/videos when they're released.

Yes, they are understandably a little pricey.  They are dividing the payments into 3 installments.  The first is due around the time of my tax refund early next year, so no problem there.  Gonna have to put in some OT at work for the other two.  

Define a little pricey, to my knowledge no actual pricing has been set or estimated at recently,the longer and more detailed this project becomes the higher the ultimate price and obiviously a smaller market will contribute to this number also.

Greater than 1 week of the median household income in this country......

And still negotiating with a builder, or are they actually building something?

Poster near the top stated "in negotiation", so building anything now seems unlikely.  Wonder what year something will arrive......

I believe we are talking closer to 1 month than 1 week of MHI

I was only answering the definition of pricey,  

I fully expect MHI to exceed that closer to your guesstimation. 

Then again, your definition of pricey may vary,

They are dividing the payments into 3 installments.

Sounds like another current high end importer. Hopefully Erik's delivery is a lot quicker than the other company. Waiting years for delivery after you've invested $1000's is for the birds. 

butch

The new business model for high end brass is the buyer assumes a percentage of the  risk.  What percentage of the risk, I can only guess, but with 1000.00 down and a second payment and then a final payment, I'd say the risk of the buyer is at least 1/2.

Larry

Lets face it for a lot of us top of the line plastic is becoming pricey.

Only if you buy it,

Funny - I was just trying to get in trouble on the Berkshire thread - for most of them, a grand is big bucks, and they expect zero defects.  Apparently what you now get for a grand is a warmed-over K-Line locomotive, complete with snap-in axle bearings and U shaped boilers.  Count me out - I shall build my own with cast iron drivers and brass or bronze bearings.

I would like a better Diesel drive, but I suspect I could build one with the right gears and my current philosophy of rigid construction.  Adams showed the way . . .

Well, bob2, et al:

Lionel's Berkshire goes for $1449.95. 3rd Rail's Erie Berk is $1499.95, and limited run, available in 2- or 3-rail. Round boiler and all that good stuff. Sadly (but not to me) no whistle steam and that sort of jazz. Plus- if something goes wrong 3rd Rail takes care of it pronto. If I were in the market there would be no choice.

I have no idea why the above is bold-face.

Hah.  Because it was important.