HO N&W steam (was Re: HO Scale limited runs)

[NW Modeling List]

The only non-brass N&W steam models that are correct out of the box are the J (Bachmann, Broadway Limited, MTH), A (Broadway Limited), Y3 (Proto), and Y6b (Precision Craft).  Technically, the Proto Y3 models with the footboard pilots are switchers; N&W mainly used them in Roanoke, Portsmouth, Bluefield, and other heavy switching assignments.  
N&W's most famous switchers were the S1's purchased from C&O, and the S1a copies built in Roanoke.  These were basically modernized USRA 0-8-0s, so you could start with either an IHC or Proto 0-8-0, and modify it to suit your needs.  PFM imported some S1a's, which you should be able to find for less than $800.00.
N&W also used older 2-8-0, 4-8-0, and 4-6-0 engines in yard service.  NWSL imported a W2 2-8-0 which can usually be found for well below $500, and Sunset offered the M and M1 4-8-0s.  Bachmann Spectrum's high drivered 4-6-0 makes a decent stand in or kitbash starting point for a V1 4-6-0.

Marty Flick

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: NW Modeling List 
  To: NW Modeling List 
  Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 4:40 PM
  Subject: Re: HO Scale limited runs


  Hi all, this is my first posting hope i am doing this right.

  I have a question, speaking of limited runs. What are my real options for steam n&w locomotives? BESIDES the j, y, and a. I would like a switcher, because i have already have the j and just got a class a. I would like something to switch my yard. I have heard brass is the only real option for a good model, but i cannot find any around or i think it is crazy to pay 800 plus dollars for something i need to hack to dcc  and paint myself.....

  Any suggestions?

  David


  On Tue, Jan 18, 2011 at 3:43 PM, NW Modeling List <nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org> wrote:



    I think the reality is that the model companies realized that the world changed and that to make a profit, they had to change the way they marketed and sold their products.  It was common for modelers to not buy the initial run of products but wait until the discounters offered a lower price a year or two later.  That action cuts into the manufacturer’s margin as it drives the overall market price (not cost) down on specific items and items in general.  

    For instance, everyone knew that LifeLike would eventually mark down their remaining inventory and sell it through their discounting arm.  They were competing against themselves in essence.  (Dumb.)



    One of the reasons that the PRR owned so much stock in other railroads and coal  fields in the 1880-90’s and early 1900’s was to control the freight rates; railroads were undercutting each other to move coal so much that the profit margin was negligible for the railroad.  By being on the board of a railroad, the PRR men wouldn’t allow poor or risky business practices that would be ultimately bad for all railroads. 



    With the model makers making limited runs, they can take control of the pricing again.  By limiting the production, they can reduce or eliminate the discounting efforts of the distributors or dealers to compete between  themselves.  This keeps the prices up and the resulting margins for the manufacturer.  For most distributors, this is a good thing.  For a ‘basement bomber’ whose business depends on having a lower price than anyone else, he will find it difficult to get inventory or get inventory at a price that makes it possible to him to discount effectively.



    This is a normal business cycle.  Mass production requires extensive distribution systems to get the thousands of items to thousands of buyers.  Periodically, the manufacturer has to ‘clean up’ his distribution system and distribution business model to get his costs and pricing back into a desirable ratio.  



    The market has changed, too.  Most of the buyers today do not want to build anything, paint anything or decal anything.  You can observe this at any model/toy train show.  The scratch building parts don’t sell, decals don’t sell in any volume and complex kits go unsold.  



    Gary Rolih

    Cincinnati


    ________________________________________
    NW-Modeling-List at nwhs.org
    To change your subscription go to
    http://list.nwhs.org/mailman/options/nw-modeling-list
    Browse the NW-Modeling-List archives at
    http://list.nwhs.org/pipermail/nw-modeling-list/





------------------------------------------------------------------------------


  ________________________________________
  NW-Modeling-List at nwhs.org
  To change your subscription go to
  http://list.nwhs.org/mailman/options/nw-modeling-list
  Browse the NW-Modeling-List archives at
  http://list.nwhs.org/pipermail/nw-modeling-list/


------------------------------------------------------------------------------


  No virus found in this message.
  Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
  Version: 10.0.1191 / Virus Database: 1435/3388 - Release Date: 01/18/11
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://six.pairlist.net/pipermail/nw-modeling-list/attachments/20110118/649e84e7/attachment.htm>