SD70ace in HO soon????

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have recently veied UP’s new SD70ace throwback paint skems for the 6 railroads that help build UP (SP CNW DRGW MP MKT WP).
Tower 55 Models is in the process of making these models but for the Railroader on a budget they run for **$**300. Not so good for me RIGHT NOW.
The question I wanted to ask is will Atlas or Athearn come out with A SD70ace any time soon because im not ready to buy a $300 Model (even though it is the best in detail and value) becuase I would like to own all six models with out having to loose an arm and a leg.

2

right now i do not think it is likly that either one will come out with the model not until the tower 55 one has settled down, then maybe in the future athearn or soem railroad manufacter migth release it

3

I am like you, and hope somebody like Atlas or Kato will come out with a model of those units. However, the trend that I have seen, is that manufacturers are reluctant to produce a model if another maker has a model of that loco already on the market. About the only exception to that rule would be the SD40-2, SD45, and SD70M, and the only reason for that is the fact that there are simply SO MANY prototypes of those models out there that a manufacturer can produce a model in a different road name, or cab/body version and not be in direct competition with the other manufacturer. Perfect case in point is the UP SD70M. Athearn came out with a model of this loco. a few years back. I had one, but just didn’t like it, compared to my Kato models ( I am NOT Athearn bashing here, just stating an opinion ). So, I have been waiting for Kato to come out with a SD70M in HO, but as yet they have not. I believe the reason is because the Athearn model is already out there. Anyway, just my [2c] worth …

4

…unless it’s an F7 diesel.

Tom

5

Tanks Tom, that is another good exception! I forgot about that one! [:)]

6

I also think there are some licensing issues here.

7

I bet by the time that KATO, Atlas or P2K comes out with it, it will be $300! (Well, canadian dollars anyway)
trainboy

8

That would be nice. Although I think that if Athearn or p2K were to come out with it for say $100-150 that they’d sell more than Tower55/OMI and thus make more money. [2c]