How many of you want to see a SD70M-2 in a model(besides tower 55)? I myself would love to see a model. How many people would it take for kato to even think about making one?
Let’s hear it for a SD70M-2 model
-Smoke
Unless I missed something (quite possible) EMD dropped the dash 2 designation with its 50 series locomotives and higher.
-George
I’m waiting for the Tower 55 models for my SD70ACe’s and the SD70-M’s because I really like their models (the GEVO is simply fantastic).
Of course the delays aren’t making people happy but as long as this helps with making the models better and more accurately detailed I don’t care…
NS SD70M-2
George
In general, you are correct. EMD reused the -2 for the SD70M since they already had a SD70M and this was an update much like the SD40-2 was an update to the SD-40.
Electric Motive Diesel is using the same names as EMD GM used.
http://www.emdiesels.com/lms/en/locomotive/na_freight/sd70m-2/index.htm
It is unlikely anyone will do the SD70Ace or SD70M-2 except Tower 55. The upfront money invested in these models is the factor that will make other companies hold back on building a model which is already underway. The Ace and SD70M-2 are almost identical except for the box behind the cab on the left hand side.
Wait for the Tower 55 model. It will be great.
There are aftermarket radiators that you can add to custom make one, I think canon made these. Other than that it will be $300.00 for a Tower 55. Maybe Atlas will do one in a Trainman, yeah right.
Thanks, Zephyr!
Back in the mid 90s I used to run a mail order business selling Rail Power Products shells. I used to keep on top of the new prototype locos coming out. Now that I’ve gone to narrow gauge and steam I’ve sort of gotten out of the loop.
Of course that was back in the day when if nobody made the exact engine model you wanted, you broke out the scale ruler and the razor saw! [(-D]
-George
No doubt that it will be great, but I don’t know if it’s $300 great.
-Smoke
The Tower 55 models are way too expensive. A lot of new modellers, are getting into modern trains. The tower prices will scare off people. Personally Im getting one model, and the rest will be Kato’s and Atlas. I know the tooling cost is high, maybe they should have targeted to sell more models, to reduce their selling price. Simple supply demand. But as one mentioned something is really wrong, all the models keep getting delayed. Is there something wrong in Tower 55 Land?
Caso
Ah, give it time. More companies will get in and make them. The SD70-2 is not going away any time soon. In fact, considering how the railroads have been going like gangbusters and buying power as soon as it is made, the SD70M-2 or the SD70ACe, has a chance to turn into the modern day SD-40. I am expecting in a year or two the “regular” companies will get into the market for the SD70-2 and ACe series loco’s.
Some of the latest news/rumors are that Brian is working out of his garage now and has given up his Overland/Tower 55 address. I was not able to verify this, but with the lack of products and the brass market hitting a new low, it is beginning to make sense. I hope he is able to continue as the Overland products are highly regarded.
Times are not good in the industry and the China connection is actually hurting our future for many of the companies now in business. It seemed BLI/PCM was doing so well and they are having problems also with schedules because of money.
We should be so lucky to have so many products in the last two years, but that may be the new problem. Too much product and not sufficient amount of money to buy it.
I really really miss Rail Power products…they filled a much needed niche for a lot of us. I am not an RTR kind of guy, in fact…I don’t even have a layout right now. My thing is building and detailing engines and cars over the winter months to eventually display on my railrax.
RPP filled a big void by producing shells of prototypes that were otherwise unavailable. Many of them even utilized an Athearn chassis. I know the biggest cost is tooling for the shell design…it is just a shame there is nobody out there to fill the RPP void any more. [:(]
Thats too bad about Brian. Good guy
Anyone know whats the latest with Tower and Overland?
Getting back to the bigger picture:
the market is primed for two things:
-
consolidation of companies. Ie. atlas and kato
-
bankrupt companies
Its a hard reality, maybe they can all work together to use economies of scale, for the tooling and shipping and “jobers” in china to make them. The brass bubble should have been blown a long time ago, like common the price is so high. I buy second hand good brass pieces for half the prices, and if something is wrong, I take it to a guy. As commodity prices up, the market will feel it via, copper, plastic, oil, and such.
Caso
Brian Marsh was at the World’s Greatest Hobby Show in Fort Worth today. After I read this, I called my LHS owner to relay this message, knowing he was attending the show. He was actually talking with Brian Marsh when I called and after he and Brian quit laughing, Brian said that things are progressing as planned. Tower 55 is having most of the injection molded parts and cast brass parts made in the USA, then shipping them to Korea for assembly and painting. They are in the process of changing factories, causing a delay in new stock arrival. Fear not, your NS SD70M-2 is in the works and will have operating ditch lights at each end, as does the prototype.
I hope this helps,
Don Z.
Looks like i’m going to be buying a tower 55 sooner or later. that is going to take alot of convincing somebody that it’s worth the money.
-Smoke
Smoke,
Speaking as an owner of four Tower 55 units, I will state they are well worth the money. There are dealers that will sell them for less than MSRP. With a list of $295.00 on the units I bought, I paid $250.00 through my dealer. An added bonus, he has a lay-away program so I could pay them off as funds became available.
Don Z.
I have a preorder in for one each of 70ace’s and a GEVO in CSX livery. Still waiting as I ordered them both last summer, but from what I saw at the Springfield show, they are more than worth the wait!!!
Marc
I wish Atlas,Athearn or even Kato would produce the SD70M-2 but,I don’t see that happening any time soon.