Bachmann Online Forum

Discussion Boards => HO => Topic started by: Pacific Northern on February 15, 2013, 02:28:57 PM

Title: 2013 Bachmann Catalogue - Poor Selection of Spectrum steamers
Post by: Pacific Northern on February 15, 2013, 02:28:57 PM
I was disappointed not to see any of the previous Spectrum steamers such as the 10 wheelers or the light or heavy mountain models not being re-released. These engines from the old stock are very hard to find. Which makes sense seeing they appear to be in demand when ever one is posted on "that" auction place.

You certainly have had enough members of this forum posting notices urging that some of these models be re-run.
Title: Re: 2013 Bachmann Catalogue - Poor Selection of Spectrum steamers
Post by: richg on February 16, 2013, 04:50:44 PM
It is what it is.

Rich
Title: Re: 2013 Bachmann Catalogue - Poor Selection of Spectrum steamers
Post by: Pacific Northern on February 16, 2013, 06:02:31 PM
Quote from: richg on February 16, 2013, 04:50:44 PM
It is what it is.

Rich


True, I just thought that they might be listening, however it appears they were not.
Title: Re: 2013 Bachmann Catalogue - Poor Selection of Spectrum steamers
Post by: ryeguyisme on February 16, 2013, 07:59:00 PM
I think they're diverting their attention to the possibility of a non-USRA pacific or mikado, which since USRA DESIGNS have been played out by many man manufacturers now its time for something different, maybe we'll see a smaller consolidation and perhaps another wheel arrangement. You can forget about PRR they have enough of their stuff available. Maybe we'll see a USRA heavy 2-10-2 or another articulated. Like a NP/DRGW L-95/96 2-8-8-2

There's room for more designs.

Don't forget brass prices are falling, some engines that are brass are cheaper than some spectrum models. We might see sound value 2-8-0's maybe. All sorts of possibilities. The thing is, bachmann has to be able to sell 6,000 copies if they're to make something. There's still mountains and ten wheelers floating around, I've seen ten wheelers going for $150

It's all about what my football coach said "its all who wants it more". this DRGW boiler I won last night, I wasn't pulling any strings and the last second I threw down the maximum I was willing to pay for it and got it for less.
Title: Re: 2013 Bachmann Catalogue - Poor Selection of Spectrum steamers
Post by: MPSOUTHERN on February 16, 2013, 11:51:32 PM
I would like to see a Southern Ps4 Heavy Pacific.especially with Soundtraxx sound.I have never met a R.R. fan/modeler who did not like the Ps4.I think some might be available in brass but that's about it.And if Bachmann decided to produce another articulated,I would like to see the N&W 2-6-6-4 with Soundtraxx.And Bachmann has shown many times in the past they're not afraid to spend money on new tooling.
Title: Re: 2013 Bachmann Catalogue - Poor Selection of Spectrum steamers
Post by: MilwaukeeRoadfan261 on February 17, 2013, 12:24:18 AM
I wouldn't mind seeing some Mid-western steam power like the Milwaukee Road S3 Class 4-8-4, Northern Pacific Class A-3 4-8-4 Northerns or some DM&IR or Soo line engines.
Title: Re: 2013 Bachmann Catalogue - Poor Selection of Spectrum steamers
Post by: on30gn15 on February 17, 2013, 01:31:39 AM
While there may be plenty of members of this forum posting notices, does the overall economy support enough non-member sales to make the venture worth the expense?
Title: Re: 2013 Bachmann Catalogue - Poor Selection of Spectrum steamers
Post by: ryeguyisme on February 17, 2013, 12:28:45 PM
Quote from: MPSOUTHERN on February 16, 2013, 11:51:32 PM
I would like to see a Southern Ps4 Heavy Pacific.especially with Soundtraxx sound.I have never met a R.R. fan/modeler who did not like the Ps4.I think some might be available in brass but that's about it.And if Bachmann decided to produce another articulated,I would like to see the N&W 2-6-6-4 with Soundtraxx.And Bachmann has shown many times in the past they're not afraid to spend money on new tooling.

I'm not a fan of the Southern's pacifics. BUT I am a fan of their other engines :P

(http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/529735_186153084841785_1264501327_n.jpg)

The likelihood of it being done is slim, but I hope to attempt to build it using 2 bachmann 2-10-2's :)
Title: Re: 2013 Bachmann Catalogue - Poor Selection of Spectrum steamers
Post by: electrical whiz kid on February 17, 2013, 12:45:01 PM
Rye; Have you ever gotten up to Pioneer Valley up in Southwick?  They are live steam and had this really nice 4-6-2 in Southern Green.   It was a really sharp piece of machinery.
RIch C.
Title: Re: 2013 Bachmann Catalogue - Poor Selection of Spectrum steamers
Post by: ryeguyisme on February 17, 2013, 12:51:30 PM
No I haven't I've been rather busy since my car accident I got into, I even had to cancel layaway on a few brass engines I was working on. :(
Title: Re: 2013 Bachmann Catalogue - Poor Selection of Spectrum steamers
Post by: Bucksco on February 17, 2013, 01:45:27 PM
Quote from: on30gn15 on February 17, 2013, 01:31:39 AM
While there may be plenty of members of this forum posting notices, does the overall economy support enough non-member sales to make the venture worth the expense?

Bang!!! You hit the nail on the head....
When choosing items to be added and deleted from the new catalog there is a method to how it is done. Sales numbers over the past few years for each item as well as the number of a particular item still in stock at retailers and in the Bachmann warehouse are primary concerns. Bachmann would be happy to keep every item ever produced in the  catalog but that would be impossible. The consumer (you guys) cannot possibly be aware of an items "sales history" thus it seems plausible to keep one's favorites in the catalog. Bachmann needs to be very careful not to reissue items until they have been gone long enough for renewed demand to be created.
Title: Re: 2013 Bachmann Catalogue - Poor Selection of Spectrum steamers
Post by: bobwrgt on February 17, 2013, 04:04:26 PM
I love steam. Anything that runs well. I have at least 1 (sometimes 2 ) of every Spectrum steamer Bachmann has ever made. Even have a few On30 Bachmann. I have been waiting for almost  a year for some new STEAM. This includes both HO and N scale.The economy might be down for some, but not here.
I retired and have more time for fun and time to devote to the hobby.
While i have been waiting I have purchased a new Mustang and started flying remote helicopters.
I think this part of the market is waiting.
Broadway Limited is a new player in steam and i see they have no problem selling out the steam releases.

Bob
Title: Re: 2013 Bachmann Catalogue - Poor Selection of Spectrum steamers
Post by: Searsport on February 17, 2013, 06:42:03 PM
Hey Mr B - Re: 'The consumer (you guys) cannot possibly be aware of an items "sales history".

This may be true, but we can certainly be aware that the Spectrum ten-wheelers (low or high boiler) cannot be found anywhere, and the demand is such that even the old DCC ready versions if described as in "New" condition on e**y command stellar prices.

Wake up and smell the coffee! (please?)

Bill.
Title: Re: 2013 Bachmann Catalogue - Poor Selection of Spectrum steamers
Post by: rogertra on February 18, 2013, 01:52:09 AM
Quote from: Searsport on February 17, 2013, 06:42:03 PM
Hey Mr B - Re: 'The consumer (you guys) cannot possibly be aware of an items "sales history".

This may be true, but we can certainly be aware that the Spectrum ten-wheelers (low or high boiler) cannot be found anywhere, and the demand is such that even the old DCC ready versions if described as in "New" condition on e**y command stellar prices.

Wake up and smell the coffee! (please?)

Bill.

Well said Bill.

The finding 4-6-0s is like like looking for hen's teeth and has been for some time.

Title: Re: 2013 Bachmann Catalogue - Poor Selection of Spectrum steamers
Post by: on30gn15 on February 18, 2013, 02:20:32 AM
Quote from: Yardmaster on February 17, 2013, 01:45:27 PMBang!!! You hit the nail on the head....
Thanks. But honestly, I have an unfair advantage with having been in retail for 23 years before my health crashed several years back.  ;D
Title: Re: 2013 Bachmann Catalogue - Poor Selection of Spectrum steamers
Post by: MPSOUTHERN on February 18, 2013, 08:52:06 AM
Sears & Rog,I noticed Trainworld still has #84905,MD&PA 4-6-0 w/dcc & sound listed for $149.99.Thought you might like to know.
Title: Re: 2013 Bachmann Catalogue - Poor Selection of Spectrum steamers
Post by: rogertra on February 18, 2013, 03:09:39 PM
Quote from: MPSOUTHERN on February 18, 2013, 08:52:06 AM
Sears & Rog,I noticed Trainworld still has #84905,MD&PA 4-6-0 w/dcc & sound listed for $149.99.Thought you might like to know.

All over it, thanks for the tip Sid.  :-)

Easy enough to repaint and decal into a GER locomotive.

Title: Re: 2013 Bachmann Catalogue - Poor Selection of Spectrum steamers
Post by: Doneldon on February 18, 2013, 03:17:52 PM
Quote from: bobwrgt on February 17, 2013, 04:04:26 PM
Broadway Limited is a new player in steam and i see they have no problem selling out the steam releases.

Bob-

I'm pretty sure that Broadway Limited has an all together different market than Bachmann. Note that this is not meant to say that one is better than the other, only that they are different. (Please don't bother to tell me that you or a friend own locos from both makers and that proves the markets are the same; it actually proves nothing.)

Bachmann makes a fine product using a comparatively generic base model and then changing some details and paint to represent the same type of steamer (or diesel) as run by a number of railroads. In return for not having an obsessively prototypical model, Bachmann sells us a well-running loco at an affordable price. They back it up with the friendliest warranty in the industry and they try to stay in touch with customers, like you and me, by sponsoring this board. Broadway Limited, on the other hand, sells very prototypical models, sometimes right down to before or after various improvements or shoppings occurred. You won't find a BLI Pacific with a few altered details painted for the UP or the GN. In this regard, BLI is much like the brass models were a few decades ago: highly accurate representations of specific locomotives, but at a sometimes painful price.

As a result of the differences between the two companies, I have only a couple of BLI's products on my roster but a ton of Bachmann's. I have a bunch of brass, too, but many are older models which fit my needs or they are special locomotives that I just want to see on my pike -- things like a NYC Empire State Express or a UP Big Boy or a N&W J. Actually, the J is a Bachmann model but it sits proudly with the brassies.

                    -- D