Hi. I´m a train fan from germany and collect american model locomotives. But there is something, what i don´t understand. Why takes it so long, until a new locomotive is produced? Remember, the first AEM-7 runs in the 1980´s, the first HO Model from Atlas come more than 15 years later. Or the SD 60, first run in 1984, the model also 15 years later from Life-Like. Why? In Germany, some model locos come out just before the first prototype runs on the tracks. There are so many new locos, like the HHP-8 or some old one, like the Rohr Turbos, which run first in the 1970´s. Why are there no models? I think there are enough fans, which would buy such a model. Does anyone knows a answer on my question? Does anyone knows, as the HHP-8 will be produced next time? Or a re-run of the Budd Metroliner. I can´t understand it. so many locos, so many producers, but no models. Change this as well. Thanks for your answer, Michael.
Michael, Locomotives like the AEM-7 and the HHP-8 are electrics used only by Amtrak and only on the Northeast Corridor, which is a VERY small part of the country. Model train manufacturers like to produce models of locomotives and cars that are seen all over the country. Amtrak’s Genesis Diesels are used in the rest of the USA, and that model came out in HO not long after the real ones were put into wide usage. You also mention the Budd Metroliner, again used only in the Northeast Corridor, so most modelers never saw them. You live in a country with basically one railroad, we do not. Some locomotives are used everywhere, like SD40-2’s, and some are not, like Tunnel Motors or electrics. SD60’s were purchased by only a few railroads, so it took a long time before someone made a model.
There is something else involed.While I agree with gregg in all points,I will add this.In order for a manufacture to make a given locomotive there must be a market for it.Now,this takes research.Ok,they have a market.Now they must design a drive,dies,scale down the locomotive,research the roads that owned them,for the colors and numbers.check the different phase that the locomotive went through,ie:GP9 phase 1,phase2,and phase3.which raillroad had which phase? Now,the C&O had GP38s but,no GP38-2s.You see what it takes to produce a model of a given engine.
YO LARRY: BUT THEN A PERSON TAKES LIONEL AND THEY COME OUT WITH THE PHATHOM(NOT SURE SPELLING),NEVER HAS BEEN SEEN AS FAR AS I KNOW,AND HAS THE DUMMIST HORN I HAVE EVER HEARD>>>>>VINCENT
YEAH,THAT SOUNDS LIKE LIONEL!!!