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Sroten
909 Posts |
 Posted - 07/26/2008 : 13:16:52
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| the original MTH 2 rail units from about 10 years ago came with coupler pads set up for kaydees so in a way, this is nothing new. |
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reutling
763 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2008 : 19:31:57
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Rich T,
Thank you for the lead to Rich B's WWW. site. And also for the other reply. I hd written a reply and then stored it in the draft folder, and I guess I'll attach it to this
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Rich T,
Thank you for the reply. Re the 2/3 or 3/2, I'm aware of the offerings by MTH, it is just seeing a 2rail wheel on 3rail track said to me that it might be just posed there??? I am not sure that many modelers would wire their layouts in a combination system of 2/3 rail. Then again I have seen a layout wired; 2rail DC, 2rail DCC, and 2rail TMCC. The owner didn't leave it that way very long, due to the inherant wiring problems.
The Coupler certainly looks Kadee(c) to me, and up to now MTH has always been very propriatary about what they do, and I can't see them using Kadees (c).
OK, Rich Battista, I am familiar with ihs name and modeling.
johnnyspeed,
As to the members of forums often writing about wanting someone to make a so-and-so for them, after a while it gets a bit repetitious? If the addition of 2rail wheels to the product, which are necessary to finish the product, adds $2-$3 for two rail modelers, how much extra do you imagine a package of parts to make a fixed pilot would cost, and for (in reality) how many, or what percentage of modelers? As to the coupler, I'll stand by my impression that it is Kadee(c) and was probably not suplied by MTH. K-Line had their own clone, Weaver and Atlas O have their own clones. |
Ed Reutling
reutling@embarqmail.com |
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jonnyspeed
USA
30 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2008 : 23:12:54
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Ed,
Those are Kadees on Rich's model. MTH does not include the Kadees, but they have the pads predrilled for them.
I understand what you are saying about everyone wants something special. The difference to me is that there is a movement in O gauge right now towards 3 rail scale. MTH certainly believes this. Andy Eddelman <sp?> has mentioned in public that MTH sees the 3RS market as the fastest growing segment of the Ogauge market.
It seems like a no brainer to me. Atlas already offers kits for rolling stock (I'll bet that metal wheelsets cost more than plastic pilots). They have already taken the step to offering a fixed pilot option for the F units. They just need to figure out how to include a kit or spacer or something.
In my opinion Atlas has to continue moving in this direction. Their whole claim to fame is scale fidelity. MTH has fixed pilots and DCS, Lionel has Legacy and have all but eliminated the gaps on their swinging pilots. Both MTH and Lionel have details that rival Atlas for lower prices... So where does that leave Atlas? If the 3RS market is the next big thing as some in the market (MTH) believe, then I would expect to see Atlas start to offer more products along these lines. I sure hope so. I am a big Atlas fan. I think they've just fallen a little behind in this particular segment of the market. |
http://RailfanX.blogspot.com |
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Pete Kruimer
USA
132 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2008 : 13:27:57
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it is just seeing a 2rail wheel on 3rail track said to me that it might be just posed there??? I am not sure that many modelers would wire their layouts in a combination system of 2/3 rail
Ed,
That is the beauty of the MTH 3/2 system. You can run scale wheel engines on 3 rail track, simply by moving a toggle switch on the bottom of the locomotive, no need for different layout wiring.
Johnny,
Well put. Everyone must understand we want Atlas to do this, we want them to succeed or be even more successful in 3RS, with their attention to detail and incredible paint jobs an easy or RTR fixed pilot option will put them over the top. |
Visit My layout http://204.156.4.209/memberpages2/frame.asp?sid=1080 |
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reutling
763 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2008 : 14:18:04
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Pete,
You make it sound so basic. "....simply by moving a toggle switch on the bottom of the locomotive,...." and the DCS system automatically switches itself from cent and one outside rail, to the two outside rails.
You make it sound like I used to tease people at GATS and other mixed show/sales, when they would ask how I can run O Gauge on just 2 rails. I'd tell them i got tired of the middle rain and just pulled it out!! |
Ed Reutling
reutling@embarqmail.com |
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Pete Kruimer
USA
132 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2008 : 17:33:49
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| Funny story. It is amazingly simple. You buy an MTH 2 Rail engine. Runs on any 2 rail layout of course. To make it a 3 rail engine, flip a switch, screw in pickup rollers and you're off! Great option for those 3RS guys like me that may move to 2 rail one day. |
Visit My layout http://204.156.4.209/memberpages2/frame.asp?sid=1080 |
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Jerry Kimble
247 Posts |
Posted - 07/30/2008 : 16:25:21
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| Gentlemen, we hear your comments loud and clear.This is also a subject that has been discussed both at our behind the curtain seminar and the Hi-Railers Unlimited meetings at York. As has already been pointed out, any of our 3-rail locomotives can be converted to a fixed front pilot and it's something we would be willing to do for any of you here at Atlas, of course done correctly. From a standpoint of a kit, it's something we've looked at and to do it properly with handrails extended, painted pilots, scale coupler, etc. wouldn't be cheap ($50.00 or more). Our dilemma in making a business case for this is if we gear up to do it, how large is the market. Is it just for the few who have room for 072 curves or is the market larger. We will continue to monitor this movement going forward as we certainly realize there is opportunity, we just don't know how much at this time. |
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jonnyspeed
USA
30 Posts |
Posted - 07/30/2008 : 20:31:35
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quote:
Originally posted by Jerry Kimble
Gentlemen, we hear your comments loud and clear.This is also a subject that has been discussed both at our behind the curtain seminar and the Hi-Railers Unlimited meetings at York. As has already been pointed out, any of our 3-rail locomotives can be converted to a fixed front pilot and it's something we would be willing to do for any of you here at Atlas, of course done correctly. From a standpoint of a kit, it's something we've looked at and to do it properly with handrails extended, painted pilots, scale coupler, etc. wouldn't be cheap ($50.00 or more). Our dilemma in making a business case for this is if we gear up to do it, how large is the market. Is it just for the few who have room for 072 curves or is the market larger. We will continue to monitor this movement going forward as we certainly realize there is opportunity, we just don't know how much at this time.
Jerry,
Thank you very much for giving us some insight into what is going on behind the scenes at Atlas. I have a question and a couple of points that I would like to make. First, you mentioned that Atlas would help us convert the front pilot. I'm wondering why only the front and not both. Also, I think $50 is a fair price for the fledgling 3RS crowd. MTH charges that same difference for their fixed pilot models. Also, might I suggest that you offer more small diesels. Even with fixed pilots a SW class switcher for example should be able to negotiate O45 or O54 I would think.
In the mean time, how should we go about getting the conversion parts?
While I have your attention I would like to put in my plug for more Chessie System diesels :)
Thanks! |
http://RailfanX.blogspot.com |
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jonnyspeed
USA
30 Posts |
Posted - 07/30/2008 : 20:44:21
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Jerry,
I actually misread one portion of your post.
Just so I am correct, We can ship our 3R Atlas diesel back to Atlas to have them converted to fixed pilots? If that is correct, please provide us with details on price and how to go about this.
While I'm at it, I was wondering if Atlas 2R diesels w/TMCC can be converted to 3RS? Seems like it wouldn't be that difficult. Would Atlas be willing to do that as well? If so then I will be packing up 6 diesel and shipping them to you ASAP :)
Thanks again. |
http://RailfanX.blogspot.com |
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Pete Kruimer
USA
132 Posts |
Posted - 07/30/2008 : 21:05:21
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Is it just for the few who have room for 072 curves or is the market larger
Jerry,
Please make sure you use the correct premise! All of the Atlas 4 axle diesels will negotiate a much tighter turn (054) with fixed pilots and scale couplers. 6 Axle would require 072. Please let me know, I would like to drop off 6 (to start) diesels for fixed pilot and scale coupler conversions (both ends of course) Just let me know what the cost will be. I would also order all future Atlas diesels, and have them sent direct or order direct for this service. |
Visit My layout http://204.156.4.209/memberpages2/frame.asp?sid=1080 |
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Pete Kruimer
USA
132 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2008 : 09:10:55
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Jerry,
Also hope this service is a temporary thing, until you come up with a standard. I think people will also have to be "sold" on the idea of fixed pilots, and on smaller curves. This could be a great opportunity for Atlas. How can you beat more realistic looking engines? |
Visit My layout http://204.156.4.209/memberpages2/frame.asp?sid=1080 |
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RR
USA
630 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2008 : 09:14:49
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| Just what PETE said, I have 3 GP-35's I would like to convert to solid pilots. Is it possible to have ATLAS do it? and what is the price? |
Jim Bengert,at
Jim's Express
New web page coming! |
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Pete Kruimer
USA
132 Posts |
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Jim Weaver
1076 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2008 : 10:34:05
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jonnyspeed,
Since this is a new endeavor and to get this project underway, lets start with one diesel that you wish to be re-equipped. Please send it to our customer service dept. (attn: Bill Serratelli). Before we do the retro we will let you know the cost and what exactly we will include in the refit (pilots, handrails, etc.). Upon your approval we will do it and I do not expect a long turn-around time.
Just to let you know, I have been planning to include full scale pilots in all the 3-rail locos for some time. But to do it right, new handrail sets must also be included. 3RS is a relatively new push and just how far reaching it is with operators is an unknown. I cannot initially start including all of the necessary parts with a locomotive and raise the item's price if the majority of purchasers will never use the parts.
Atlas O is in an extremely good position to offer this sevice at this time. I am proud to say that for QUITE some time, there is absolutely no backlog in repairs, warranty or otherwise. And not speaking out of turn, I relate this to the quality we build into our products.
As to one of your other questions, the conversion of a 2R TMCC loco to a 3R TMCC is relatively easy with a change of the wheelsets and power pick-ups. We would still like to do the switch to ensure the re-wiring is correct.
And thanks for your other suggestions.
Jim |
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Jim Weaver
1076 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2008 : 10:35:49
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Pete.
As with jonnyspeed, let's start with 1 of your locos and get 3RS going.
Jim |
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Solid Pilots
