While there are plenty of great models out there, there’s still so many reknowned prototypes that have either never been modeled at all or have not been mass-produced. You can sometimes find brass versions but those can get incredibly expensive. So what prototypes (locos, rolling stock, etc) do you wish were easier to find in model form?
I know one I wish was modeled more is the Timken 4-8-4 demonstrator. Absolutely beautiful locomotive with an interesting history!
I would like to see Con-Cor do another run of Pioneer Zephers so I can convert one to a MEC/BM Flying Yankee
I’m still waiting for a small-drivered Mogul in HO scale. From around 1890 through 1920, small 2-6-0’s were common in logging, industrial, and short line usage, and were offered by Porter, Baldwin and other manufacturers such as Glover. Ken Kidder imported a small brass mogul many years ago but even after a remotoring mine runs poorly (gear alignment design not great). With the advent of smaller quality mechanisms for the smaller scales, it seems that someone could produce a relatively generic small-drivered 2-6-0.
Bill
Believe it or not, I am completely satisfied with what is available.
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I am sure there will be new items I just have to have, but there is nothing I am wanting for right now.
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-Kevin
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I’d like to see more western steam, NO UNION PACIFIC, maybe some SP 4-10-2s or AC-9s, anything big SP that’s not a cab forward would be great.
Well, I finally knabbed one of my “wish list” locomotives off eBay recently: A NYC H-10a 2-8-2 Heavy Mikado:
This one was manufactured by OMI “Ajin” back in '88. I’ve been wanting one for the longest time and decided to pull the trigger on it. While it wasn’t inexpensive, it was a reasonable price given it’s current market value. And the fact that it had never been out of it’s original wrapping made it a worthwile purchase. A bonus was finding out this particular version of the H-10a operated on the NYC’s “Big Four” Division.
Other locomotives on my NYC wish list:
#4 & #5 I can find in brass but they won’t be cheap. #1 & #2 I’ll have to paint/re-detail myself but they would be the least expensive path. #3 I have already kitbashed a prototype version of it. Now to make a finished model of it.
Tom
For loco’s, I’d like to see ScaleTrains do a GP30/35 rivet counter series.
For rolling stock, I’d like to see a modular International Extended Vision caboose done which can match many prototypes (of course I want a prototypical D&RGW EV caboose manufactured in the mid 1960’s). They were due out pretty soon but are now delayed by the chinese factory closing but with the Arrowhead and other new releases, the delay will give me a chance to catch up on some existing models I can’t afford to buy in such a short period.
For freight cars, it’s getting to the point that I’m running out of idea’s seriously. I’m looking forward to the evenual release of the Trainworx 40’ trailers and Wheels of Time straight taper SP ACF bulkhead flat cars.
We really could use an high fidelity series of 1970’s bulkhead flat cars to replace the generic MDC based bulkhead.
Viewliner bags and diners in HO. Heck, the Viewliner sleepers are so rare that they might as well count as “never produced.”
What is a Viewliner bag?
Anyway, the problem is Walthers; they are like that with some models; make some and then maybe someday, maybe never?
Another suggestion for the folks at Scale Trains…a Rivet Counter version of the EMD SD70acu. Norfolk Southern acquired 100 UP SD90/43 locomotives and the conversion/rebuild is being handled at the Altoona PA. locomotive facility.
Canadain Pacific steam locomotives. I have been waiting for my Rapido Royal Hudsons and I am confident they will be all I wished for. That being said, steam locomotives are something I don’t think I would ever be happy with if I tried to modify them to a Canadian version. I have looked closely at everything Dr. Wayne has done to modify various steam loco’s I am just not at that skill level (yet)[(-D]
I am pretty confident that on a good day I could scratch build anything else not available in my favourite road name. Extensive loco modification is out at this point in time.
I built some pretty good R/C airplanes from scratch and to this day I am a bit surprised at how well they turned out. I would encourage anyone to take a stab at building something they would like but is not available or is too expensive for their budget. Patience is the quickest road to success in scratch building.
I’m 99% sure he is referring to these:
https://www.railwayage.com/passenger/intercity/amtrak-viewliner-ii-baggage-car-field-testing/
My “wish list” is pretty extensive but I’ll throw one of these in the ring:
4368002 by John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library, on Flickr
4368007 by John W. Barriger III National Railroad Library, on Flickr
Yes, AHM and maybe Roco made them but I’d like something with present-day detailing and tooling.
Cheers, Ed
I would have to agree with gmpullman. And also riogrande5761. I am hoping for many more goodies from scaletrains in the future. My personal wish is for more ho scale gevos. YEAH, I KNOW THERE ARE PLENTY OUT THERE. What I’m saying is, in my opinion, scaletrains is the only manufacturer who has got those right. All the others have some problem, be it price, pickup issues, poor motor, lack of details, metal handrails (can’t stand those), or something else. Scaletrains has the lowest MSRP, more detail than I know what to do with, great pulling power, a keep alive which solves any electrical issues, and correctly sized handrails. If they made other gevo models, I could stick with them for life. Just my half penny’s worth.
My humble HO wish list.
Alco C-415 Affordable.
Affordable Athearn/Roundhouse Railgon GONX Gondolas.
HO first Gear International Havester TD-25 Sideboom pipelayer or similar.
Walthers Greenville Woodchip Hoppers
Walthers run of their Blast Furnace again.
Patrick
The rolling stock in support of my operating scheme is pretty much complete, though I’m still running bare Amfleet cars. Amtrak Phase 4a decals aren’t available. (Microscale told me that Walthers has the license and won’t allow them to make decals, so they can sell whole cars instead.)
What I’d like to see are more affordable structures, maybe at lower quality level than craftsman or super-detailed plastic. I’m at that stage where the earth is in place and painted brown, I have a blender so ground foam comes next, then I’ll be needing structures.
A gorgeous loco, Tom.
I’ve only gotten, so far, 1 loco off my “wish list” (which is different than the “must have list”). That would be a brass 4-12-2. Also gorgeous. To some of us.
But back to the true concept of the topic:
U33C’s (good ones)
U25B’s (good ones)
SDP40!!! I’m in for half a dozen, maybe more: GN simplified, GN BSB, GN BSB/BN, BN passenger, BN freight, BN bicentennial—it just keeps going!
a reissue of the P2K FA-1’s in the various SP&S schemes
modular International cabeese for various roads–as in: accurate
Ed
I agree with EMDSD40 with the SD70ACu. I would so like to see more HO AC44C6Ms from Athearn. Even better, what about AC44C6CF 8520? Lest we forget the PRR N2. Also I have the Athearn NS SD60E on my wishlist
I would like to see in HO scale an E44 Electric Locomotive. Bachmann did an E33 and I think Alco did an E44 in brass many moons ago. Maybe some runs on switchers like SW1000.
Neal
A 4-4-2 Atlantic, undecorated or UP.
Here’s a link to the Viewliner Baggage car. It’s Amtrak’s latest design in baggage cars.
https://www.railwayage.com/passenger/intercity/amtrak-viewliner-ii-baggage-car-field-testing/
Neal