New products for the week of August 8, 2013

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New products for the week of August 8, 2013

AH…

The Greed Continues! $99.98 for the EMD Model 40 diesel switcher? Irv Athearn is rolling over in his grave! His $4.95 4-wheel Hustler enabled kids to get into HO on their allowance.

Lionel, Marx and Tyco offered simular low priced diesel switchers in their product line as well. Where is the hobby headed? Only the rich and famous can enjoy model railroading today.

I agree with Joseph Toth! It just ain’t like it used to be. It’s nowhere like it even when you consider inflation.

Guys and Gals, things have changed because of “GREED” the almighty dollar. How much can I make. Yes the prices have changed from the $12.00 locomotive, and the $2.00 car athearn kits. But the detailing has changed and the molds and work all cost more, so therefore you have to pay more. There are a lot of mail order companies where you can still find good prices. I pay more myself for better quality locos and cars. It is like gas and groceries all cost more for less. Be nice to have 1960’s and 1970’s prices, just wishful thinking.

sounds right on the money - if you have any… i cringe when i see $300 and $400 locomotives. 25 years ago i thought $65 for an atlas was money well spent. the model railroader staff and model railroad industry cater to millionaires, period. if you aren’t rich forget this hobby these days. keith noble from michigan

So glad to see a comprehensive line of model barns. These structures contribute to an entity rarely depicted on layouts. A rural scene with railroad tracks passing nearby a farm with cows grazing and farm vehicles and figures should be used more often. These barn models are full value for realism and a quality structure product.

I agree with the above comments. Are we buying REAL LIFE full scale locos, based on real ones? Is it, whatever the market will bear? Maybe when they have millions of dollars worth of unsold products, clogging warehouses they will come down on prices. Prices are ridiculous!

$100.00 for the re-run of the Roundhouse Model 40? Irv Athearn manufactured HO model trains at an affordable price so kids and low income families could enjoy the hobby.

While I welcome all of the fine scale models there is a need for the return of good quality economical models too. The Hustler freight starter set was perfect for this purpose. It enabled thousands of boys who threw papers, bagged groceries or made milkshakes start model railroading on a budget.

Why can’t the makers of Athearn trains see that today?