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As popular as the SD40-2 was, I'm surprised Sunset can't obtain enough reservations to produce the model.

What is the explanation for this?

My own theory is that the current Sunset market is geared toward earlier models, so the venture toward selling more modern equipment needs to capture a different segment if the market. And that market might have been tainted when they produced their first diesel in the 1990s..the GE dash 9, which was really bad compared to what they're doing now.

Other manufacturers have produced this model for the 3 rail market, but the same other manufacturers have produced most of the other stuff that Sunset has no problems selling.

Does anybody have any ideas as to how we can assist Sunset with getting enough orders to run the model?

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Brad Kowal posted:

As popular as the SD40-2 was, I'm surprised Sunset can't obtain enough reservations to produce the model.

What is the explanation for this?

Apparently not enough SCALE modelers, whether 2-Rail or 3-Rail, are all that interested on any models of SD40-2 units, especially with all the variations.

My own theory is that the current Sunset market is geared toward earlier models, so the venture toward selling more modern equipment needs to capture a different segment if the market. And that market might have been tainted when they produced their first diesel in the 1990s..the GE dash 9, which was really bad compared to what they're doing now.

No comparison. That was way back when.

Other manufacturers have produced this model for the 3 rail market, but the same other manufacturers have produced most of the other stuff that Sunset has no problems selling.

Except, those "other manufacturers", i.e. 3-Rail toys, didn't make them accurately, plus they have that "China Drive" system.

Does anybody have any ideas as to how we can assist Sunset with getting enough orders to run the model?

Just my opinion but, how don't know of ANY method to force more modelers in O Scale, to place enough reservations/orders for models that have already been produced in mass, no matter whether they were/are actually accurate or not.

 

GVDobler posted:

I would ask how many orders they need to produce something and then give them an order for that many. If you can't sell them after you get them, then you'll know why they wouldn't do it.

Yes, AND you’ll also have bragging rights (“I bought ALL of them...”) at your favorite singles bar which I’m sure will make the ladies swoon!😝

Hot Water posted:

I thought that Midwest Model Works was planning on offering SD45/SD40 and SD45-2/SD40-2 models (only 2-Rail SCALE, of course). I saw the samples at the Chicago March Meet, last March.

They are. I have a reservation for a CSX SD40-2. Erik is still taking deposits for this project which includes SD40's, SD39's, SD38's and SD35's.

Neither 3rd Rail (SD40-2) nor Atlas (SD40) received enough interest to move forward with their models.  The MTH SD40-2 is 2-rail convertible but you're still left with swinging pilots, undersized fuel tank and an unsightly gap between the trucks and pilots.

For what it's worth, I am far more interested in 4-axle diesels and smaller steam engines.  They just look better going around 60" radius curves.  Therefore, a correct GP40-2 in any phase would pique my interest.

That said, if a single SD40-2 reservation would make the difference (I doubt it), then I would place one to help get things going...but right now for me that money is better spent on other things.  I have a VERY short 'want' list of 6-axle diesels (NKP and black Erie Alco PA, maybe an SD50).

I suspect my opinion is not representative of the masses, because it seems everyone and their brother owns a Big Boy or Challenger, haha.

Overall, it is a good time for O-scale.  It would be nice if there were a company like A-Line/Rail Power for HO, cranking out undecorated diesel body shells in all variations so we can build our own.

catnap posted:
Hot Water posted:

I thought that Midwest Model Works was planning on offering SD45/SD40 and SD45-2/SD40-2 models (only 2-Rail SCALE, of course). I saw the samples at the Chicago March Meet, last March.

They are. I have a reservation for a CSX SD40-2. Erik is still taking deposits for this project which includes SD40's, SD39's, SD38's and SD35's.

Neither 3rd Rail (SD40-2) nor Atlas (SD40) received enough interest to move forward with their models.  The MTH SD40-2 is 2-rail convertible but you're still left with swinging pilots, undersized fuel tank and an unsightly gap between the trucks and pilots.

Undersized fuel tank? Undersized how... Length or width? The width looks perfectly fine with me on the PS2 & PS3 models.

It's been a while since I brought up the world's greatest loco and it could be built for 4 railroad lines.

Milwaukee, Soo Line, Wisconsin Southern, Wisconsin Central, and FEPASA (regauged to 5') in Chile.

PLEASE, SOMEONE, MAKE THESE LOCOS, AS I WOULD BUY A MILW AND THE FEPASA. My wife was raised in Chile.

Dick

 

One of the turn-offs for me in the 3rd Rail offerings is the QSI sound.  Certainly the 3rd rail detail and drive are better than most competitive offerings.  I've standardized on Loksound with a few Tsunami's still remaining.  If a straight DC version or Loksound equipped was offered I'd be in for at least 6.   If the newer Lionel units (SD40 and SD40-2) with the Kinematic pilots could more easily be converted to 2R I'd be just as happy with those as i can get the twin motors working well enough for fine operations.  Also, plenty of options to add ditchlights and the correct details, not to mention the market has been better for reselling the legacy components then the QSI decoder, at least for me.    

GG1 4877 posted:

Too many inferior versions to pollute the market for a good one.

That's the conundrum of  2 rail O scale.  Quantity seems to overrule quality.    Pennsy steam is that way.  For such a "popular" road with a supposedly saturated O scale following I NEVER see anything other than a few PSC K4s or Westside J's or H6sbs for sale in 2 rail.   Where did  all the rest of the 2 rail PRR steam go?

The -40-2 is arguably one of the best modern locomotives ever made but has seemingly a small following in O scale.  Too "pedestrian" maybe?

At the same time E and F units are done again and again and again in seemingly endless variations, ad nauseam.  They must have buyers or they wouldn't be made.

 

Last edited by Rule292
Rule292 posted:
GG1 4877 posted:

Too many inferior versions to pollute the market for a good one.

That's the conundrum of  2 rail O scale.  Quantity seems to overrule quality.    Pennsy steam is that way.  For such a "popular" road with a supposedly saturated O scale following I NEVER see anything other than a few PSC K4s or Westside J's or H6sbs for sale in 2 rail.   Where did  all the rest of the 2 rail PRR steam go?

The -40-2 is arguably one of the best modern locomotives ever made but has seemingly a small following in O scale.  Too "pedestrian" maybe?

At the same time E and F units are done again and again and again in seemingly endless variations, ad nauseam.  They must have buyers or they wouldn't be made.

 

For a model railroader, E and F units span the period from steam into full dieselization. Thus they allow a lot of flexibility in settings and acquisition of motive power. SD-40-2's are restricted to just the modern era.

I see most of the Pennsy Models from USH and MG and sunset at O scale shows.     Maybe not all at all shows, but within a year, I have seen 4-5 L1s, 4-5 I1s, some USH K4s, CLW H10s, GEM B6, USH C1, MG C1, Various M1 and M1A, N1 and J1

I also see many of these for sale on EBAY, but I have never dealt that way.  

Norm's O Scale, Allegheny Scale models usually have 5-10 pennsy models on their websites or in their ads.     They usually have many tables at the March Meet in Lombard IL (Chicago area).     American Scale Models (Bill Davis) also has a large variety of stuff that changes rapidly.        

The L1s seem to be most available, ie least popular.     I1s show up pretty often too, and then probably 3rd are the mountains.    K4 are actually probably most available, but are passenger locos.

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