I saw a thread like this on the Atlas forums, so I decided we might as well have one too…
Just post your predictions as to what will happen or what will be released in the model railroad world in 2005.
Examples:
Atlas will finally release an HO scale steam engine in 2005. The prototype will be CB&Q #4960. Chance of happening: [:(]
Some other rr will start licensing agreements.[}:)]
Intermountain will release an HO version of the SD40-T2.
Rivarossi will be back on the HO market again with a UP Big Boy as their new model (I can dream, can’t I[;)])
MTH will do horribly in HO sales and exit the HO market.
Trix will reduce the MSRP of their Big Boy (pleeeeeease![:D])
BLI will produce a UP 3 unit Gas Turbine in HO
I’ll finally get a layout set up.
Horizon Hobbies will buy out Lionel.
Kato & Atlas merge.
& I might buy a Kato & or Atlas locomotive
Gordon
MTH will sue every HO manufacturer.
I will buy more K4s (even though I say I won’t).
I predict that as soon as I get any significant amount of work done on scratchbuilding one of those white BNSF reefers, an HO manufacturer will announce that they’re coming out with highly detailed models of them. Then I will give up working on them and wait for the models to come out, only to find out later that production is cancelled.
I will still be interested in TRAINing[:D]
Hopefully there will be more than 2 or 3 non-brass locomotive manufacturers ,and maybe make other engines than ANOTHER big boy or 25 of the same engine and only change the number on it. Strange that all electronics are dropping in price, but not model railroading equipment ???
A RTR QR Tilt Train from Bachmann will become available plus a wrecked one to model the Bundaberg crash.
Well I can’t and won’t make predicitons unless I have good info.
But I can hope!
I hope the Soundtraxx’s Tsunami decoder will be on the market and selling so well that its price will drop.
I hope that MTH loses the QSI lawsuit! No ill-will towards Mike Wolf, but if he loses then WE ALL WIN. And as I’ve stated, so does he in the long run.
I hope that Atlas or LL (P2K) comes out with an HO U36B!
I hope that LL (P2K) re-introduces the E7, but this time with the larger “box” numberboards on the nose.
Organized boycott against MTH starts and grows beyond all expectations…MTH sales fall and continue to fall due to the ill feelings that most O scalers feel for them. They drop HO and suffer huge losses due to reduced sales revenue.
On30 soars in popularity, and spurrs new O scale narrow gauge accessories and building kits.
Based on the fact that entry level DCC systems are well under $200, in fact closer to $100, and that decent decoders can be had for $12-$15, I would say that the electronics part of Model RR is dropping in price. Just as in the consumer electronics world, don’t expect new hot innovations to be cheap!
1.) The product manufacturer Atheran finally decides on a unitized way of spelling its’ name, after many years of spelling it many different ways, that way shall be Athearn, as announced by company president Erv Athearn, whom arose from the grave to make the declaration.
2). MTH owner Mike Wolf has an epiphany and determines producing product is a better method of gaining market share than “Litigation”!
3). The world, per the 1967 Beatles song, determines that; “All you do need, is LOVE”!
S Helper finally releases its 2-8-0 steam locomotive. HO market collapses as everyone rushes to switch to S scale. [:D][:D]
Enjoy
Paul
NCE will lower the MSRP of their DCC systems. And Athern’s P42 Amtrak phase V will also be cheaper.
I predict that I will buy more freight cars and locomotives that I don’t really need.
I will get around to adding the second staging yard that I planed 3 years ago. (don’t bet on that one)
We will all get another year older [sigh]
In 2005 I predict more lhs’s closing. I see this as good as the ones that are able to survive will have more business and will be able to have more stock and lower prices.
I predict I will move and lose my dream of ever finishing a layout.
One last prediction the last number of pi will be found quelching all theorys that it is an infinite number.
Andrew
IHC gets bought out.
“The Coffee Shop” thread will surpass over 7000 posts.
MRR will seek a price increase.
you’ll be able to operate your DCC with your cell phone.
I predict that I will still be as frustrated in 2005 trying to get my railroad up and running as I am now.
MTH withdraw all suits, people give their products a chance, MTH suceeds in HO by making a series of small steamers.
Trix announces dicast SP AC-12 with sound.
N scale becomes more popular than HO.
HO steam manufactures all lower prices to reach of common man.
Shortly after Aggro Jones’s death, BLI announces Platinum series DM&IR M-4.
IRON I don’t know about the collapse of the HO train market. I think thats a little far fetched, but I wouldn’t mind seeing NCE lower the cost. I just might have to make the move from DC then. I look for the year 2005 to be another year of cost increases which will keep some from entering this hobby.