Large Scale Central

Why doesn't Bachmann build

General Discussion
#21

I can’t help but be amused with questions like “Why doesn’t…?” or “Why did…?”

It’s actually pretty simple. They didn’t because: A. They didn’t think of it. B. They don’t think they could make enough money back to cover the investment. -or- C. Someone in power at the company really hates the idea… Conversely, they did because: A. Somebody with a lot of clout thought it was a good project. B. Enough folks asked for it - or- C. a really vocal minority annoyed them long enough that they finally gave in…

Folks new to large scale, especially those coming up from the smaller scales, may not realize how small of a niche our hobby really is. Even worse, it’s further fragmented into half a dozen or so mostly incompatible sub-markets… In other words, it should be surprising how much different stuff is actually available already.

For those still in the 1:24 and 1:22.5 niches the simplest way to get a “new” model is to do a cab and tender swap. A Bug Mauler cab goes on a c-16 rather easily, or on a Connie with a little more work. A c-16 cab on an Indy takes it from mongrel to pretty darn handsome. The c-16 cab will fit the Aristo 0-4-0 as well. — If you lack the nerve to try it on your own, there are at least a dozen guys on here who can help walk you through it.

#22
Quote:
would like to see them come in around the $400 mark, maybe $500 at the most
Are we talking MSRP or street price? There's about 100% difference!
#23

Bob McCown said:
Talking about GE’s C25

(http://files.gereports.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Nigeria_Loco_in_Brazil-2.jpg)

Now, that’s cool … though … in that “transport” configuration, I expect to hear loud rap music and see the front end bouncing up and down … Any idea where that was going? I’ve got some ideas around someday building a U18C (or similar) just for some “modern” heavy 3’ power… Lots to accomplish first though. Matthew (OV)

#24

Pete - street. Don’t get me going on the outragous differences between MSRP, what people really pay, and the effect that has on the hobby…

Later,

K

#25

Matthew (OV) said:

Bob McCown said:
Talking about GE’s C25

(http://files.gereports.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Nigeria_Loco_in_Brazil-2.jpg)

Now, that’s cool … though … in that “transport” configuration, I expect to hear loud rap music and see the front end bouncing up and down … Any idea where that was going? I’ve got some ideas around someday building a U18C (or similar) just for some “modern” heavy 3’ power… Lots to accomplish first though. Matthew (OV)

It’s going to Nigeria.

#26

My wealth Nigerian uncle bought it with all the money you guys sent him. :lol:

#27

Hi Guys:

For me the Bachamann Connie is a very large loco. The AMS J&S passenger cars are absolutely massive. The Bachmann 1:22.5 J&S coaches are the perfect size for me. Too bad that 1:24 had to fall by the wayside. I now understand as to why 1:24 was replaced with 1:20.3 as the 1:24 simply does not have that narrow three foot gauge track look. I can accept that. Maybe there would be a 1:24 narrow gauge revival if HLW and Aristo Craft were to offer properly gauged 1:24 scale three foot track with a newly gauged product line. Offer two sets of wheels for the cars and have the customer order the specific gauge (fine scale or gauge 1) of locomotive. What have HLW and Aristo to lose? This seems to be the only way to revive their 1:24 scale product sales.

Norman

#28

My vote is the next release will be an EBT Mikado. Very vocal fans (you know who you are) clamoured for a mikado long before the K-27 was released. Of cause some jumped ship and went with the Accucraft model. Now we all know manufacturers always copy the ‘other guy’ and rarely come up with something unique.

Bob,
as far as a possible diesel, then the release would have to be narrow-gauge and most likely the SP ‘little giant’. A White Pass offering is too big and the WP&YRR may be the most popular narrow-gauge tourist line but for modellers the railway is not that important (sorry Terry, I also am a fan of the White Pass).

#29

Given the somewhat precarious financial climate in the World today, I would be willing to bet the best we can hope for are electrically updated and modernised versions of the Spectrum 4-4-0 and 2-6-0 in 1:20.3 scale.

#30

Tony,
given that Mr. Lee Riley is an ‘eastcoast’ man and has bitten his tongue for many a year with his distaste for Colorado prototypes, I feel that an eastcoast prototype is on the cards. Very strange that the comment was supposedly attributed to Mr. Riley that the ‘new’ release is not a rescale of a ‘h.o.’ item. Now Bachmann are dedicated to narrow-gauge so the inference as regards reference to ‘h.o.’ is indeed strange.

     One way to work out of a bad economic situation is to spend, spend, spend.  Look to President Hoover with his depression busting spending sprees in the 1930's.  It basically took a war to get out of the depression.  Now Bachmann are looking long term with any release, not just the here and now.  Look to the venerable 'Tweetsie', it has been around for twenty odd years.  Tooling up for a new release is a shot in the arm for the hobby and will foster sales.

Of cause the ‘new release’ could simply be the largescale ‘Emily’ single-wheeler, touted for a ‘late’ summer release. I am not holding my breath in ‘anticipation’.

#31

Are you sure it was Hoover that conducted spending sprees during the thirties given that FDR took over in 1933. FDR was certainly not averse to spending big time trying to get out of the depression he did not cause. Sort of like Obama really. :wink:

#32
TonyWalsham said:
Are you sure it was Hoover that conducted spending sprees during the thirties given that FDR took over in 1933. FDR was certainly not averse to spending big time trying to get out of the depression he did not cause. Sort of like Obama really. ;)
Yup it was FDR's New Deal. The war helped as well.
#33

Politics warning.

#34
Tim Brien said:
My vote is the next release will be an EBT Mikado......
Now that would suck...

…the money right out of my wallet!

#35

Understood. Apologies.

#36

Hopefully we never start a thread on vacuums! :smiley:

#37

Over there in the far left corner we see modelled a vignette of the building of the Vacuum Dam.

#38
John Le Forestier said:
Over there in the far left corner we see modelled a vignette of the building of the Vacuum Dam.
Pics, or it doesn't exist! :P
#39

Speaking of Hoover Dam:

(http://www.photochopz.com/gallery/data/500/medium/Hoover_skate_park.jpg)

Today let us remember Hugh “Hairball” Jagger, seen here beginning his attempt at the World Speed Record for Skateboarding, Hairball would have been 38 this August.

#40

:lol: