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Post by NS4122 on May 13, 2024 15:24:08 GMT -8
While the other 10%, those that dont't have layouts and just open the box to stare at the model with a magnifying glass, NOTIHNG is good. The (unfortunate) reality is they are still likely "close enough" for the 90%er's that circle burn at the clubs. |
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Post by cemr5396 on May 14, 2024 8:13:13 GMT -8
yeah, because "having a layout" and actually caring about accuracy are mutually exclusive, right?
/s
I've got a layout at home, AND I go to the RR club most weeks, and I absolutely do care about accuracy, especially on supposed "high end" models. I've got better things to spend 60-70 bucks on than models that the makers can't be bothered to do properly.
With C1MW's first couple releases, I'm starting to get Rapido vibes from them. The potential to make really nice stuff is there, but the execution is just..... meh.
I was interested in their ARI covered hoppers when they were first announced, but the initial artwork was horrible. They have said that it's been 'improved' but I haven't seen any improved artwork or samples. Their initial samples still had the horrible artwork from when they were first announced.
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Post by Colin 't Hart on May 14, 2024 9:53:06 GMT -8
With C1MW's first couple releases, I'm starting to get Rapido vibes from them. The potential to make really nice stuff is there, but the execution is just..... meh. Ditto.  |
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Post by lyonwonder on May 14, 2024 13:44:28 GMT -8
While the other 10%, those that dont't have layouts and just open the box to stare at the model with a magnifying glass, NOTIHNG is good. The (unfortunate) reality is they are still likely "close enough" for the 90%er's that circle burn at the clubs. If I'm paying Tangent-level prices of $60, I want Tangent-level accuracy, which the Class One models are lacking. |
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Post by wp8thsub on May 15, 2024 16:00:39 GMT -8
With C1MW's first couple releases, I'm starting to get Rapido vibes from them. The potential to make really nice stuff is there, but the execution is just..... meh. Which is why I'm not too excited about their supposedly upcoming GP40. The execution on the freight cars hasn't been encouraging for what they can do with that potential.  |
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Post by csxt8400 on May 16, 2024 8:37:06 GMT -8
Yeah, after SXT came out with the GP40 samples it's not a question for me. I'm not concerned with the other two offerings.
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Post by riogrande on May 16, 2024 9:19:09 GMT -8
The thing about the ScaleTrains GP40 (which I have pre-ordered) is that it is a different version than the version being offered by C1MW. I believe the C1MW is the early production GP40 where as the ScaleTrains GP40 is a later production GP40.
But with the experiences with the 86' Thrall boxcars, I'm not holding my breath.
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Post by cemr5396 on May 16, 2024 9:30:27 GMT -8
The thing about the ScaleTrains GP40 (which I have pre-ordered) is that it is a different version than the version being offered by C1MW. But with the experiences with the 86' Thrall boxcars, I'm not holding my breath. so just wait for SXT to do the one you want. Don't buy a mediocre product just because it's available first. |
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Post by riogrande on May 16, 2024 9:35:09 GMT -8
The thing about the ScaleTrains GP40 (which I have pre-ordered) is that it is a different version than the version being offered by C1MW. But with the experiences with the 86' Thrall boxcars, I'm not holding my breath. so just wait for SXT to do the one you want. Don't buy a mediocre product just because it's available first. The C1MW GP40 doesn't appear to be available first. ScaleTrains is available to pre-order for a couple months now and is due Nov 30 according to the website. Just crickets regarding the C1MW GP40. |
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Post by Colin 't Hart on May 16, 2024 11:04:44 GMT -8
The thing about the ScaleTrains GP40 (which I have pre-ordered) is that it is a different version than the version being offered by C1MW. But with the experiences with the 86' Thrall boxcars, I'm not holding my breath. so just wait for SXT to do the one you want. Don't buy a mediocre product just because it's available first. Just wait for SXT to do the one you want. Don't buy a mediocre product. |
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Post by prr 4467 on May 17, 2024 5:34:16 GMT -8
Most of the time the Tangent freight cars have been fantastic, but I've gotten brand new in box clunkers from them too, which had QA/QC issues that in some cases were tough to fix correctly. I tell them about those issues and have on occasion sent back a car or two for replacement, including cabooses.
No manufacturer is perfect; the best we can hope for is that civil communication with them can result in a good working relationship such that they take care of any and all issues efficiently.
My C1MW boxcars appear to be as well done as anything I've ever received from Tangent. I understand a few paint schemes have some artwork issues, but I do not believe that to be the case for all versions.
Also, it should be pointed out that BN in particular was notorious for paint scheme variations on repaints. It was a huge railroad, with multiple shop complexes, and wildly different shades of green were used at the exact same time (as documented by Diesel Era Magazine specifically relating to repaints of C-636's). However, I understand that it is not always practical to have a different set of artwork for each individual freight car road number, and I certainly would NOT expect that from a manufacturer that is still in the early stages of becoming established.
If I "never buy a mediocre product" then there will be MANY locos and freight cars that I will never own. Not everything is modeled or can be available in Genesis level detailing. I did just decide, for various reasons, to stick to brass hybrid locos when possible, rather than legacy plastic models which have their limitations.
For my money the Moloco cars have been slightly better than Tangent in assembly fit and finish, but that's me.
YMMV.
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Post by NS4122 on May 17, 2024 7:08:48 GMT -8
Scaletrains products aren't without faults. I have had six bad motors and units with bowed front and rear pilots. The bad motors shouldn't affect people here, as very few actually run their trains, but the bowed pilots look bad. They have had other quality issues as well, causing them to return products to the factory or sell them as is at highly reduced prices.
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Post by edwardsutorik on May 17, 2024 7:32:01 GMT -8
Also, it should be pointed out that BN in particular was notorious for paint scheme variations on repaints. It was a huge railroad, with multiple shop complexes, and wildly different shades of green were used at the exact same time (as documented by Diesel Era Magazine specifically relating to repaints of C-636's). I could be wrong, but I believe the BN cars from Class One were in the factory delivered scheme and paint. Thus they were painted whatever color BN directed Thrall to paint them. And all the same. And, in this case, there would have been no variation in the lettering between cars. The BN car has a "funny shaped" logo, with the bottom part of the B sticking out too far to the right. Other than that, I find the car acceptable. That ship has sailed. You might have missed it, but Class One did a whole batch of Southern depressed center cars, all lettered differently. Maybe others too, but the Southern cars caught my eye--I bought one. Very nice, except for the bendiness. Ed |
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Post by prr 4467 on May 17, 2024 8:38:03 GMT -8
C1MW is still a relatively new manufacturer, with the 86' boxcar being basically the second freight car made? I'm not interested in flat cars so totally ignored those earlier cars, and there seem to be a lot of issues with bowed flat cars from multiple manufacturers in general (that's why I avoid them--might have liked them if they were straight which, practically speaking, they never are).
And I thought some of the complaints were that individual car numbers for some of the boxcars were not lettered differently from each other, as some wanted/expected them to be, instead of all the same.
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Post by edwardsutorik on May 17, 2024 8:49:26 GMT -8
C1MW is still a relatively new manufacturer, with the 86' boxcar being basically the second freight car made? I'm not interested in flat cars so totally ignored those earlier cars, and there seem to be a lot of issues with bowed flat cars from multiple manufacturers in general (that's why I avoid them--might have liked them if they were straight which, practically speaking, they never are). No. The box car is their third. They first made a well car--pretty nice, I bought two. Then they did the flat--bought two also. I bought one of the BN box cars, since I don't need auto parts cars much. These cars hauled plastics. Probably true. And I was pointing out that they'd already done such a thing, so it wasn't a new concept for them. They just chose not to do it. Ed |
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Post by csxt8400 on May 17, 2024 10:04:00 GMT -8
Sure, Scaletrains has had their problems like anyone. No doubt about it. But they have a much more dedicated and passionate group of employees. I trust that of the manufacturers listed for the GP40 conversation, that Scaletrains has the tools necessary to get the best product (art, detail, and time wise) to market. Not saying that it will be perfect, but still better than others. We have a few "knowns" at this juncture that make it an easy decision for me:
Blomberg trucks, cab orientation with window shape/size, numberboard shape/size, nose decoration (WP's), hood detail, frame detail, and sound performance for those who care.
For comparison, the Rapido GP38 looked pretty good in many areas but their trucks fall short. Spring pack opening looks off, and the truck is very flat feeling to me. Not to mention the tendency for Rapido to assemble a model with differing primers and thus the paint match problem between cab/subbase/hood. Motor problems have been a more common theme with most Rapido owners I've talked to.
Class 1, nothing to show for it. And I recall when they released preliminary flyers, they used a totally wrong number for their UP version. Not faith inducing, nor were the steps they skipped on many of the 86' boxes.
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Post by riogrande on May 17, 2024 10:35:48 GMT -8
and the truck is very flat feeling to me. The flat looking trucks are reminiscent of the Fox Valley GP60 strucks. I haven't seen any acknowledgement of issues reported for the 86' Thrall boxcars, mainly the art work. The bodies seem decent but those curled cross over platforms - how did that happen? I suppose we can try to remove them and flatten them and glue them back on. But I've never seen that on a "high end" piece of rolling stock. |
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Post by cemr5396 on May 17, 2024 11:28:06 GMT -8
The bad motors shouldn't affect people here, as very few actually run their trains citation please. |
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Post by gevohogger on May 17, 2024 11:35:03 GMT -8
The bad motors shouldn't affect people here, as very few actually run their trains citation please. I thought we were just "circle burners" at the clubs? Apparently there is no in-between. |
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Post by prr 4467 on May 18, 2024 8:32:40 GMT -8
I apparently run my trains more than some people do, judging from some of the comments here, so I can understand the comment above about few actually running their trains. I suspect that if more people were running them more of the time, some of the comments might actually be a little bit different. Some manufacturers have great running locos, so only the sound is very lacking from them. For some that's a total deal breaker. For others of us, I acknowledge that it is difficult to do a good job with sound in HO because the locos are still so small, so I try to take the best that is available and live with it.
Yes, ScaleTrains had some miserable batches of motors along with some miserable Loksound 5.0 decoders (they fail also along with the motors but not all the time). They are working very hard to repair any locos that need it and to keep customers happy. The ScaleTrains locos received from China on/after October/November of 2023 should be ok. My son only has one of those and it has been fantastic. Prior to that they even shipped us one loco priority overnight, so that we got a brand-new replacement prior to ever sending a new defective unit back to them! Honestly nobody else has ever done THAT for us. I must applaud them for the outstanding manner in which they stand behind their products. They have made every defective unit, 6 for us, right, and as good as brand-new.
It's mainly the 2022 and first 6 months of 2023 production that seems to have the failure issues. Locos made prior to 2022 should be ok.
I just wish there were more steam offerings now that I have that bug, that's all.
It seems C1MW needs to make some improvements in their research effort, but I cannot write them off as it seems some are ready to do.
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Post by edwardsutorik on May 18, 2024 9:19:08 GMT -8
I'd say that Class One is at a reputational tipping point.
The next one had better be perfect. Or not.
Ed
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Post by wp8thsub on May 18, 2024 18:16:09 GMT -8
Class 1, nothing to show for it. And I recall when they released preliminary flyers, they used a totally wrong number for their UP version. Not faith inducing... Flashback to the '80s - I'm getting real GSB SD40-2 vibes from this whole thing. I have had six bad [Scale Trains] motors and units with bowed front and rear pilots. The bad motors shouldn't affect people here, as very few actually run their trains... I can't speak for the forum as whole, but all my stuff goes into monthly op session service, so any defects become obvious at some point. Fortunately I've avoided SXT products with bad motors. Trying to stay sort of on topic, I have more than I need for operating. Anything new replaces an existing model. Since I'm not in accumulation mode, if a manufacturer develops a reputation for subpar product, or if their renderings or deco samples have major errors, it's pretty easy for me to skip what's on offer. Lately I've been having fun building kits and painting my own cars, although I have enough Moloco cars on pre-order to keep my wallet crying for some time once they start to show up. |
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Post by prr 4467 on Oct 30, 2024 19:48:56 GMT -8
Thanks for the photos. It looks like one of the crossover platforms is upside down, based on the end-shape. And the eyelets for the crossover grab look WAY too big. Not too bad, but the lettering is a DISASTER. It is REALLY REALLY poorly done. Compare model pix with below: www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1020964Class One is using up their lives. This is not good. Ed Hello folks-- Based upon many comments I read here (I did not read all 6 pages though), I thought Class One had really messed up the end platforms and the underneath platform grabs. However, I started checking some prototype photos and I noticed this photo: rr-fallenflags.org/ic/ic044285d16.jpgThe photo also appears to correctly match the drawings on their website, which clearly show the intent of the model they were building so far as the end platforms and grab irons are concerned. I can't comment on artwork, but I have this IC car from Class One, and its sister 44284, and I'm pretty happy with them. John |
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Post by edwardsutorik on Oct 30, 2024 19:55:13 GMT -8
Hello folks-- Based upon many comments I read here (I did not read all 6 pages though), I thought Class One had really messed up the end platforms and the underneath platform grabs. However, I started checking some prototype photos and I noticed this photo: rr-fallenflags.org/ic/ic044285d16.jpgThe photo also appears to correctly match the drawings on their website. I can't comment on artwork, but I have this IC car from Class One, and its sister 44284, and I'm pretty happy with them. John But. You will note. That your photo does not show the crossover platforms. And. I was ONLY SPEAKING ABOUT THE BN CARS. I am happy that you like your new cars. I also kind of am happy. I just wish they'd bothered to get the graphics right. Which was pretty much what I said earlier. So we're left with you saying you like your new cars. SWELL! Ed |
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Post by prr 4467 on Oct 30, 2024 19:57:22 GMT -8
The platform and downturned lip ARE shown in the photo, with the underslung grab iron that I've heard complaints about from people.
It appears the models are actually correct.
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joppasub
Full Member
Retired; Now a full time modeler
Posts: 149
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Post by joppasub on Nov 5, 2024 10:01:51 GMT -8
Most of the time the Tangent freight cars have been fantastic, but I've gotten brand new in box clunkers from them too, which had QA/QC issues that in some cases were tough to fix correctly. I tell them about those issues and have on occasion sent back a car or two for replacement, including cabooses. No manufacturer is perfect; the best we can hope for is that civil communication with them can result in a good working relationship such that they take care of any and all issues efficiently. My C1MW boxcars appear to be as well done as anything I've ever received from Tangent. I understand a few paint schemes have some artwork issues, but I do not believe that to be the case for all versions. Also, it should be pointed out that BN in particular was notorious for paint scheme variations on repaints. It was a huge railroad, with multiple shop complexes, and wildly different shades of green were used at the exact same time (as documented by Diesel Era Magazine specifically relating to repaints of C-636's). However, I understand that it is not always practical to have a different set of artwork for each individual freight car road number, and I certainly would NOT expect that from a manufacturer that is still in the early stages of becoming established. If I "never buy a mediocre product" then there will be MANY locos and freight cars that I will never own. Not everything is modeled or can be available in Genesis level detailing. I did just decide, for various reasons, to stick to brass hybrid locos when possible, rather than legacy plastic models which have their limitations. For my money the Moloco cars have been slightly better than Tangent in assembly fit and finish, but that's me.YMMV. Agree 100% on Moloco cars. tangent has a ton of variety...but with Nick starting to get the ACF stuff out...whoa baby. |
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Post by tony on Nov 6, 2024 13:42:15 GMT -8
Houston. Houston are you there? We have a problem on the Rock Island lettering.
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The (unfortunate) reality is they are still likely "close enough" for the 90%er's that circle burn at the clubs. 
