RAILforum: R-T-R Mikes

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Posted by pjb (Member # 2671) on :

I have found out that MÆRKLIN/Trix is going to introduce a diecast NYC 'H-6' , which is a USRA lookalike . BROADWAY is bringing in another USRA MIKE , and ATHEARN has made a USRA light mike just recently (that , by the way, TRAINWORLD is remaindering at about i/10 th the price of these others ). It is also no secret that IHC , and RIVAROSSI make mikes that are kissing cousins .
Which pretty much leaves us with with Bowser's 'L-1', and Mantua/Model Power's modern loco of no provenance (with an all weather cab , and a little tinkering with appliances it can make a pretty good DT&I loco ), as alternatives.

You would imagine that someone entering the market now would produce a more distinctive prototype , but the makers march to different drummers. MÆRKLIN/TRIX , has an enormous worldwide collectors following that surpasses anything , of that nature for any other maker (including Lionel and Hornby). So they will sell several thousand to folks , who otherwise would never buy a North American prototype (as with their new PA-1 and the articulated ), regardless of how many other companies make . It will run well , and have the latest electronic goodies , because that is the nature of their products .

It is also worth noting that is why they have so many collectors , because unlike LIONEL and HORNBY they did not go through a period(s) when they made crap . I don't know what to do about all the look-a-likes. However, maybe we should write the German firm and suggest that their next offering be say one of those collosal IC 4-8-2s or a late 4-8-2 (e.g. NYC 'L-4', Lehigh & New England/Bangor & Aroostook ), because unlike the tiny BROADWAY LIMITED , and small ATHEARN companys they will sell whatever they make to the collector segment and find many interested North American modellers.

Quien Sabe? They probably wouldn't listen.

Posted by Challenger (Member # 1298) on :

You bring up several valid points. However, there is an irepreble rift between modelers and collectors. Companies like Marklin do have a wide following and do sell what they make. But their market is purely collectors as noted by small runs and sky high prices. People like Athearn and IHC market to modelers who can iether accpet what comes out of the box, but if they don't the model was inexpensive eneugh that they will have no qualms customising to suit their modeling. And they can rest assured that they can get ahold of one of they want one. Which is not the case with companies who's market is collectors.

Another reason there is a rift between modelers and collectors is the collectors market has a nasty habit of a little phenomenon of "Collector Induced Inflation" by which the the collecting of model railroad equipment as an investment trading comodity drives the price well beyond what the item is worth. That is why we often see Tyco pieces going in the High Teens and Twenties, Not because they are rare (Like Ambroid Kits) But because collectors have artificially inflated their prices. And thats for an item who's quality is so low you couldn't pay a modeler to take a piece from Tyco.

This Collector Induced Inflation has become so rampant that the Assembled Kits that comprise Athearns Ready to Roll Line are nearly Double the price of the Unassebled car. And the only difference is an added 10 minuts of labor. What really makes me mad is Athearn is Bowing to it and Starting the sales cycle with an artificially inflated price.

I my self am about to enter the manufacturor field. My kits I will be making are geared for the modeler. And thus will reflect its honest value. Should I see this "Colectors Induced Inflation" taking place with my kits in the open market I will initiate legal action. Since my kits wont have any special run associated with them there should be no way for the collectors to screw them up.

James

Posted by pjb (Member # 2671) on :

MÆRKLIN/TRIX routinely make massive runs , which is why they are the world's largest model railroad equipmemt maker. Their models of the 'T-3', which is the most duplicated prototype in model form in the world (and is also probably the most preserved prototype , with over three dozen operating in historic/tourist lines and another thirty or so stuffed and mounted on plinths throughout Europe) is the world's largest selling model locomotive.

They also make what they call "White Glove" models for the wealthy collector. These amount two a couple of dozen models of prototypes usually made in 'HO' scale , with a few in 'O' and 'No.1' scale. Their total production of "Whiite Gloves" amounts to around twenty five thousand models per annum. These range in price from 1500 to 6000 dollars , and are fabricated from brass (usually in Japan , but also China )so they touch all bases , in all sectors of the market. The North American prototypes they produce , and will produce , are priced within the range of ordinary collectors and operators who can spend 300 bucks on a locomotive , so they are not short runs .

Only the Chinese company known as Bachmann in U.S. (makes trains under Branchlines, Lilliput, other marques as well ) , and the Italian Rivarossi Company (Jouef , Lima , Pocher , other marques ) approach MÆRKLIN/TRIX in size. ATHEARN is minor producer alongside these firms.

Posted by Russ Bellinis (Member # 2377) on :

I think that the biggest problem for manufacturers of plastic steam locomotives is that so many of the steam locomotives were custom made for an individual road. The only prototypes found on numerous roads were the USRA locomotives. Tooling to do injection molded plastic models is very expensive. The advantage is that once the tooling is ready, the shells can be put out very cheaply, but everybody wants specific prototype models. With diesels, it is relatively easy. Change a few add on details and paint it for a different prototype. Therefore, you will probably continue to see USRA models in plastic, but for other specific prototypes look for brass.