RTR Loco

[tedp]

...  As regards N gauge chassis production, consider this, I predict that within 20 years there will be no ( or very few at best ) steam outline models available. It's simple demographics, as the generation that recall steam operation fades away, and that will make 009 modelling as we know it today very difficult.   

That is an interesting and sobering thought, Garry. I wonder what it means for 009 modelling and the obvious interest in RTR models expressed in this thread. We may be reduced to a small group of specialists building their own chassis, or etched chassis kits. The market for RTR 009 models will be reduced even more. Then how about entry level modellers, now and in the future?

I'm not sure about you or any others, but I started with RTR Egger and Jouef which I repainted in Festiniog livery and cut about till they were rubbish. A pugbash was my step up to building my own. My first successful models therefore were due to the availability of simple kits and N gauge chassis. If N gauge steam chassis become unavailable except for dodgy second-hand ones, we will need the likes of Neville Kent for RTR chassis. Otherwise the step from mainstream modelling to 009 will become a very big one.

We are really talking about economics of production here. How simple and inexpensive can anyone make the pre-production process and actual production costs to break even at only a few units put in the market? Despite the fact patience in some of the replies is wearing a bit thin ;D I think this is a valid discussion.

[pilotfriend]

If you were beginning now, you have a fine choice of RTR in H0e. Yes more expensive but so is everything else. Nothing has changed.

Rhobat thinks chassis should be available because some have siad they cannot source a chassis for a particular kit. That is because they have a vintage kit.

[tedp]

If anyone wants to use a vintage kit I think he should be prepared to adapt it to whatever present-day chassis is available. Many of us do so. This has nothing to do with RTR models however.

H0e offers a good range of RTR indeed, as you say. But it is essentially non-British and converting one to British outline is about as difficult as converting a vintage kit to a present day chassis. It won't attract an inexperienced British outline modeller to 009.

It's the size of the market, and perhaps the unwillingness to pay more, which limits the scope for British outline RTR. I may be wrong, but I feel there is only one way to get anywhere near it which is what I tried to show in my earlier posts.

I'm convinced this will work if it is set up by two or three 'cottage' manufacturers producing components that are tailored to each other. It hasn't worked very well in the past, but perhaps with modern CAD/CAM technology, development and production costs can be reduced. It isn't like black magic. I wonder what any small producers who may be on this forum have to say about it.

[pilotfriend]

Ted, while you continue to talk about 3d printing, it is much further away than two years. Hi Res printing is enormously expensive and will remain so for quite some time.

[Tigger]

A pugbash was my step up to building my own.

Likewise!  Never underestimate the humble Pug!! ;D

[B.Meldon]

I have a little more to add to this as I have been dong some research following a conversation with someone in the plastics trade.

Basically the cost of making injection moulding dies has reduced considerably in recent years with the advent of computerised tool making systems, improved polymer and low pressure moulding techniques that now allow

[tedp]

Ted, while you continue to talk about 3d printing, it is much further away than two years. Hi Res printing is enormously expensive and will remain so for quite some time.

I have recently seen some present-day Shapeways prints in another material called Fine Ultra Detail (FUD) that look much better than the standard White, Strong & Flexible (WSF) stuff. I'm not sure about the price though. Still investigating my source.

Meanwhile, Brian's explanation is food for thought. There may be more ways than one. I'm glad some serious investigating is being done.

Finally, nice pug, Dave! Much better than mine.   ;D

[Hobby]

Quite a bit more (about 30%), Ted, I got one of those Harz 2-10-2s in it, however its still not brilliant and its very brittle, I tend to say the same as John, its going to be a year or two yet before they get the same finish as brass or plastic... Having said that, for certain uses, I'd still use it!

[tedp]

Will you be coming to Wigan? I'd like to see your Harz 2-10-2.

[CharlieI]

I have a certain sympathy with JdF here - we are never going to see anything like mass-produced 009 at the sort of prices 009ers seem to expect.  End of.  Move on.  I'm puzzled by the 10 pages of discussion here - shouldn't we all be modelling?

Small batch-built examples, where an 'artizan' produced body - in resin (either cast or injection moulded) or printed plastic might be viable, but at a cost and the evidence seems to suggest that at much over

[pilotfriend]

The whole thread is circular. Indeed, it would appear that many 009ers will not pay reasonable money for a product. On the other hand, many of the same people tell me that they have 70 + locomotives.... (probably most, utterly useless). This is often given as a reason why they are not going DCC!

For the

[tedp]

I'm afraid is is utterly useless to try and discuss a perfectly normal case in the face of so much opposition. I rest my case.  ;)

[Hobby]

Will you be coming to Wigan? I'd like to see your Harz 2-10-2.

Don't know at the moment, Ted.

[garrywhiting]

This topic has now run its course, and is now locked. Any attempt to restart in a different guise will be viewed with disfavour.