I was talking to a friend when i came up with an idea. What if bachmann made a limited run NS 999? Just sell it for $40-50 like the other 4 axle diesels and have it DCC. It would be cool and there is plenty of NS fans out there. I think it would be a good sell, not perfect, but will make a profit. 999 has become famous in a way and this may be a chance for bachmann to make some money off of it.
What do you guys think?
(for those who don't know, this is NS 999) http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=302753&nseq=5
Not enough roadnames and eras to be reasonably done in plastic.
this is a one of a kind test unit. it may never be duplicated. or if it ever does go into production the production model may be significantly different from the test unit.
as an example, consider the NRE gs14b genset. the test unit was a center cab that resembled an alco c415, the production models have been made by atlas trainman and look like a normal road locomotive with a lowered long hood, standard cab and short nose in front.
models of one of a kind or very rare locomotives usually don't sell well.....
Jeff,
The Atlas models are GS21Bs with 3 700HP engines instead of the 2 in the GS14Bs. I believe railroads are choosing the higher horse power option and that is why there are very few GS14Bs out there.
if you've looked at the gensets you'll notice many of the gs14bs are identical to the gs21bs. they seem to be built on a standard platform, and the only difference is the number of engines installed. the gs14b is an sw1500/mp15 replacement, and the gs21b is a gp38-2/ b23-7 replacement. there is also a gs7b with only one engine. it is usually built on a switcher frame, and so far only a couple of industrial customers have bought them....
http://www.greenrailnews.com/nre.html