A member of our Free-Mo group shared this with us tonight. A new manufacturer that made their debut at the NMRA show in Detroit. They are releasing the PS2CD 4740 covered hopper, unfortunately, this run has names/schemes too new for my era (but not by much!). Thought I’d share the website and I have no connection with them whatsoever, just like to see new products.
Rick
Nice, but $42.95 A CAR!?
Whenever you use "unparalleled scale replicas " and “discriminating model railroaders” in the same sentence, you’re usually talking high priced items. They do look very nice though. I’m assuming they are styrene RTR.
I agree. $42.95 for a car is a bit steep for me, too. However, if highly accurate “replicas” are very important to you (and I’m only taking TSM’s word that they are) and money is no object, these new cars will probably look very attractive on your layout.
Tom
They’re not![8D]
They are beauties though - best detail I’ve seen on a plastic model. If I needed a foreground car on an industry track, I’d be tempted to spend the money.
I paid 20.50 for a undec/kit at the NMRA show.
People are willing shell out 40 bucks for a kaydee hopper or a high quailty resin kit, so IMHO these are on the same level
How dare they enter the market and not have an F7 in their line up! They have violated the first rule of supplying model railroaders.
Or a Big Boy…LOL
My understanding is that they plan to release the hopper in as many as 30 roadnames that originally bought it.
Rick
It has become nearly impossible to say that something has become too expensive in this hobby. Seems like no matter what price barrier is broken, the stuff sells provided people can perceive a quality basis for the price.
For those of us who like operation however it is worth noting how brutal operators can be, even well meaning ones. The equipment and physical plant can really takes a beating if you feature regular operation. I take that into account when deciding whether exquisite detail and appearance are worth the price.
Dave Nelson
I have set a discount ceiling price on what I am willing to pay for a plastic freight car or locomotive.That car doesn’t even come close.
Now this new manufacturer is going to buck the odds and sell only direct and I suppose by the word of mouth.At that I hope he advertises in MR and RMC so modelers can become aware of his product.
I wish him success but,I will not become a customer.
There are 4 pages of forum chatter over at Atlas already on the Tangent models CF4740 hopper. The highlights are:
-It appears to be a very nice model, more detailed that Intermountain’s CF4750 - KD quality.
-It is only available direct and for full price ($43 each for painted RTR models)
-Seven road names offered for the first run.
-These duplicate (albiet in much greater and finer details) the Athearn model
Most of the comments have been about the high price. Personally, I might get a couple if they were sold thru dealers and I could get a discount but I’m not in any hurry to buy at that price. I don’t need a ton of grain cars and I have a few of the Athearn versions, which are “ok”. I have both orange versions offered in RTR form by Athearn that match the Rio Grande prototype. A plano roof walk would improve them of course.
Don’t get me wrong, I love highly detailed models and have obtained a fair number of Intermountain and Genesis box cars that I need, but I’m going to save my pennies for multiple orders of SD40T-2’s and upgraded MDC Thrall gons. And, I have generally obtained my highly detailed RTR cars in the $19-$24 street price range (ie less than half the price).
Kadee cars are in this same general high as the sky price range for their latest releases. As long as Atlas, Genesis and Intermountain continue to offer great modern era cars, these might occupy stores shelves for a many winters.
When the plastic BLI Zephyr passenger cars came out, they received a lot of comments about the price but they sold well.
One difference is that Kadee cars are often seen on sale at swap meets. At Trainfest last fall Kadee itself was selling selected cars at very attractive prices from its booth.
Dave Nelson
Ah well, I say good deal!
I also picked up an undec at the show. Not my scale but I will prob sell it when I get around to finishing it.
I have Intermountian kits and some late model RTR stuff and this is as good/better. They claim they are going to deliver what they say and on time. If true that will be a breath of fresh air.
The only issue is at the show they forgot the instruction CD’s for the kits, and havent emailed or posted on their website as of yet.
No UP and no F7, gotta love it!
I just got my instructions this afternoon via email.
Same here. Already picked my car, working on custom decals.
I just have to say that the car’s detail is great. The only problem is the price, which is way too high for my liking. I prefer train cars under $20 (Canadian) and these make the Intermountain cars look desirable. If only they would produce some cars that had Canadian specific detailing and paint schemes then maybe I would buy a car (or 5).
I wish them luck in getting their foot in the market.
Exactly what I was thinkin. If they want to stay in business and add on to thier product line, then they need to find a way to bring down costs.
Obviously prices will come down (not by much)once the eww ah factor wares off. Tangent is producing something that is light years beyond the Athearn 54’ hopper car.