Hi everyone, I have a few important inquiries, and I hope that you can help a newcomer to the hobby with your experience and knowledge.
I am just stepping into the HO train collecting hobby, and have something specific in mind what I want to purchase. I am most interested in getting some of the new Tower 55 GE Evolution ES44DC (and AC version when released), and am wanting to focus on the BNSF locos (H3).
Do you know of any reputable dealer who offers the Tower 55 products, and if they ship to Canada (and has positive dealings with them)? I live in Canada, and my dealer gave a huge amount figure (in Can$$ to get it to his store), and I am sure that I can find it cheaper at a reputable dealer in the U.S. (or Canada?), and my total cost will be less than $300US (i am wanting to get the non-DCC/Sound version as it’s somewhat cheaper, and with the exchange rate, etc, I need to be as cost-effective as possible.
I also heard that there has been some quality issues with the finished product of the Tower 55 BNSF ES44DC Heritage Seriesengines than that of the first release of Tower 55’s UP ES44DC engines. (particularily on the top of the locos, but maybe other locations too?
I sure hope that for the higher cost of Tower 55’s products compared to the other manufacturers (even for the non-DCC and sound version), that their quality to exact and fine details would be flaw-free. If there is indeed this problem, I am apprehensive about purchasing the model (which I have desired ever since Tower 55 anounced the new lines).
If anyone has the new Tower 55 BNSF H3 engine, can you take some close-up pics of them, so I can see the fine details (sides, front, back, top. etc.?