I just noticed that PCM updated their website and included some new Brass & Hybrid Steam Locomotives.
I know they did already the Big Boy in both Brass & Metal and they plan the same for the already announced GN 4-8-4 (BLI did it in Brass & PCM will do it in the “cheaper” version).
Then a few days ago they announced the New Haven I-5 in both Brass & Hybrid and now they also have listings for a NYC L-4 Mohawk in Brass & Hybrid and also the UP 2-10-2 TTT-6/7 also in Brass & Hybrid!
Is this somekind of a new trend to make both the Brass and the Brass/Hybrid models? What’s the general opinion of these models? Do you think these are good choices?
I already pre-ordered the NH I-5 and 2 of the UP TTT’s… I hope these will turn out to be great models.
I think that PCM & BLI are reaching a niche group of collectors with the brass. Most will probably be put into a drawer (for investment purposes) or in a show case somewhere and never run. (A waste of a good locomotive, IMO.) At any rate, it’s way more than I can afford or want to spend.
Whoa! Missed the NYC L-4 Mohawk announcement! Cool!!! [:D][tup] That must have been what Andy S (MR) was eluding to here on the forum just a couple of month ago when he said, “Be patient. You may not have too wait long.”
Well, I hope BLI/PCM makes the hybrid affordable because I’ve been wanting one of these for a couple of years now but it has only been available in brass. I’ll have to check this out further.
I don’t believe we actually can know why they are bringing so many variations of some of their future models. It is probably impossible for us to know their reasons for the Brass and Hybrid models, but one factor always enter into model making. That factor is the cost of the basic preliminar engineering drawings along with the research of the protoype to get their drawing correct. After that phase, they need a pilot model to see if China can build it according to the instructions.
If they make a brass model also, then the basic structure drawings would cetainly be useful to make a plastic model. The actual drive train might be completely changes, but the drivers and both the leading and trailing trucks and tender trucks would be similiar. So much of the drawings and all of the research can be used for both types of models.
Only a few brass models can be sold today to this market since most of would not sell out cars to get money for the latest brass model. The figure of $2700 to $3000 list price is normal now for an articulated from Key, Ove
These are not yet on the BLI site but the PCM website has been updated;they’re under the Steam Locomotives listed. No pictures yet but the basic information.
Also they can be pre-ordered from Caboose Hobbies already and the Hybrids are $450 list and Caboose Hobbies have a pre-order price of $390.
While I don’t have a problem with the Hybrid concept I think it is a bold move from BLI to constantly announce new models when there are so many waiting for a release (re-runs of F7, E7, E8, E9… etc).
All 3 Hybrid (and the Brass versions) are announced for a summer 2007 release but that of course may still change. Then add the new Blue Line series as well and BLI has a huge programm running and that’s not even counting the PCM releases.
Now I know the UP 2-10-2’s but I can’t find any pics of the NYC Mohawk - does anyone have a link to a picture so I can get an idea of the loco?
Thanks! I finally found it! I hope PCM will be announcing sometime soon when we might expect the release and how much they are wanting for one of the hybrids. I was sorta hoping for an L1 or L2, but I’ll take what I can get. That is GREAT news!
Until I can increase the radii of my curved track (R22"), the only place one of these puppies will be running is on the straight portions of my servicing track…and at my MRR club track. I also wonder whether PCM will be using the ESU LokSound decoder in this locomotive.
If I ever bought brass, it might be that nothing else was availible in plastic for that model and IT WILL be run not left to rot in a box. The B&O I-5 Bay window caboose is one example.
While I applaud the quality of the brass coming out today I remember that there are ever-increasing numbers of steam engines coming out in plastic to choose from.
I agree and hope the trend does continue if the products are acceptable in quality and we buy them. That is the only way they will continue to make new and lower cost items if they sell lots of them. I only hope when they are review by MR and whoever, the reviewer will take pains not to point out every detail and every handrail that is missing.
I think that not only PCM but some other ‘brass’ manufactureres may be coming out with Hybrids. PSC, which makes absolutely exquisite (but pricey) brass locomotives has announced a line of ‘hybrid’ locomotives (so far only in narrow guage) which are cast and brass combos similar to the older Oriental “Powerhouse” series. Much more affordable than pure brass, and with today’s techniques, just as nicely detailed. I don’t think they’ll go into boxes or display cases, I think (like all of my older brass) they’ll be run on layouts.
I’m looking forward to seeing what this new line of PCM locos will be like. And CERTAINLY looking to see if PSC decides to extend their line of ‘hybrids’ into standard guage.
From my stand point this is smart buisness, they are cost averaging a lot of design and research. As someone who wants to acually run trains the Hybrid is exactly what I am looking for. I couldn’t preorder my I-5 fast enough. When I went and saw the proto type at the train show in Springfield, MA. I was not disapointed. I met some other hopeful owners when I was at the BLI booth, I was standing for no more then 10 min. They also order the hybrid. I don’t pretend to know the Plastic/Brass ratio is but I would estamate it to be pretty high. My guess would be that BLI will be able to bring a broader offering of locomotives if the marketing plan works. All the better for us.
I suspect the hybrids are being done because some parts are cost effective to manufacture in both brass or plastic. Brass parts cost more, but they do not need expensive injection molds to be manufactured. Since you’re design and building parts in brass anyway, use the more cost effective brass parts in the plastic model too.
I just new as soon as you saw the letters “NYC” your eyes would bug out lol. I can even hear you reading the post “mmmm BLI . . . ladedadeda . . .PCM . . . NYC . . . WHAT!!!”
While I"m not sure BLI/PCM’s strategy will work, I sure hope it does. Having all price points covered certainly can’t be bad for the hobby. Of course i’m having a heck of a time keeping up with the terminaology - Blue Line, Powerhouse, Heritage, Gold, Silver, Trainman, etc etc etc. But bottom line, if this strategy results in a broader offering across several “levels” then the future may be interesting indeed!
BLI, the parent of both PCM and FDT, has been criticized in its earlier efforts for over production. Trainworld is still running a closeout special on BLI’s sound equipped Hudson for $129.99. Over production and fire house closeout sales do not endear a manufacturer to his distributors and dealers who may have stock on their shelves that they paid more for than the item now on “get 'em while they last” closeout sale. So what? Well, BLI intends to follow the business model of some of their peers(Atlas and InterMountain come to mind) and produce by reservation. Reservations made on announced models give the manufacturer a much better gauge to measure the marketplace. If a given announced model fails to garner necessary reservation support it will in all likelihood not be produced. A successful reservations commitment list allows a reasonable expectation by the manufacturer that tooling and other startup costs for a new model will be absorbed by production without undue worry about “betting the company” on a given model’s success. BLI’s owner stated that once the requisite reservation numbers are in place and a decision to go is made the actual production run will be Res#'s plus a sufficient number to provide purchase a
I’m with Tstage on this one, finally a NYC Mohawk! I’ve always wanted one of those…Hopefully it will be affordable. Maybe I’ll just forget getting a Mikado for large freight trains on my layout and just get one of these.
You weren’t far off. [(-D] Initially I only read the first couple of paragraphs of the post, skimmed over the rest and completely missed the Mohawk reference the first time. It wasn’t until I was nearing the end of my response to Daniel that I noticed it.
There was definitely a very noticable and audible Warner Brothers “awbwbwbwbwbwbwbwb” sound clip, as I rapidly shook my head back and forth and my jaw hit the floor.
Click picture to enlarge