Large Scale Central

Polk's GeneratioNeXt

General Discussion
#241

After the turmoil of the last couple years if I was in Scotts shoes, with a new full time job, I would be making that and spending time with family the top priorities. Given all the hurtles in the way right now I personally can see why not much effort is being put into Next. Based on all I’ve read I suspect once the NOS stuff is sold off that’s likely the end of Next, as Kader doesn’t seem egger to do any more business outside their own companies.

I think the idea of printing parts would help. If you can scan a good part or have a cad file then that could help with some of the less durable parts, I don’t think the printed plastics are durable enough yet for motor block frames. But given a little time I’m sure we’ll be able to print entire engine kits custom to order.

#242

Vic has written more or less what I have been mulling over this morning. I am glad Scott has a full time job: I was sure some while ago that he probably had. Full marks to him he did try, with GenNext, but given the depressed state of large scale it must have been an uphill struggle.

I cannot see parts being a viable project for him, that seems to me to be a one way ticket to skid row at present.

Even from this side of the Atlantic it has been plain the way things were going for some sectors of large scale in recent times. Just think about the names of large scale dealers that closed their stores in recent years. Most just closed, they did not sell an up and running business! It seems the only viable ones are those that sell other scales and products and in that way they are able to keep the wolf from the door.

Others have said that the more expensive sector of the market is operating well and flourishing, well that’s welcome news, but out of my league of course.

#243

I agree, huge congrats on Scott getting a full time job, that in itself is a major accomplishment in the current economic state we are in. I dont think he could have lasted long on reruns of the same old product. Lionel tried that for several years and barely struggled along, depending on reissues of the same models they had done for years. Hopefullly the tooling does not lay dorment for to many years. Plenty of models on the market to rob parts from, as that is what will happen if an active aftermarket reproduction source does not develope in the coming years. It helped that Massoth stepped out of the shadows when LGB turned turtle and now enjoys a pretty healthy market for thier products. Shame the same cant be said for the Aristo parts arena. Spare motors, motor blocks, wheels ect will be needed in the coming years if the models are to remain functional. High end live steam must be doing well with Accucraft, Roundhouse and Aster still kicking out large and expensive engines. I still am holding my breath that the AML GP60 project sees the light of day as the GP60 was common power on Triple Crown Roadrailers when I worked for NS in the late 90’s. And I want one for my mantle. Mike

#244

IF Scott is reading this posting, I encourage him to offer his personal response.

With over 21,000 readings of this 13-page thread along with the understandable curiosity and resultant speculations, affirmations, and sporadic conspiracies of confusion, hearing from him directly would certainly be appropriate. Appropriate? No, satisfying is better. There might be closure on the status now and the future of a company that undeniably carries the heritage of a major contributor to our large scale hobby.

#245

Wendell, I’m not going to hold my breath on that. I kinda think we know regardless :frowning:

#246

Trust me, Scott is not stupid, and knows what goes on in the forums.

Greg

#247

Maybe if he stays long enough someone can ask him

Polk’s GeneratioNeXt
2 mins ·

Who is going to the NGRC next month? Look forward to seeing everyone.

#248

I started a new thread for this, on the arrival this morning (June 8th, 2015) of a new correspondence from Scott Polk. Maybe on the new thread we can hope to hear/see some more positive action.