Greg,
No one is rah rah happy like the Aristo rah rah.. just deal in facts and you will be fine.
I understand the second part of your sentence, but don't get the first.
Yeah, I wish USAT came out with products as often as Aristo, but if the wheels came loose on USAT locos like they do on Aristo steamers, then I would be unhappy.
If USAT put the undersides of the box cars on backwards like Aristo I would be unhappy.
If the coupler mounting pad for a Kadee on a USAT did not work, and was the wrong height and location like on an Aristo I would be unhappy.
So I cannot bash USAT for not turning out cars and locos at a high rate, I'm happy with their quality, and I'm making the assumption that quality takes more time and money.
1. Agreed. I only have one aristo steamer, and its wheels came loose. I paid $250 for it brand new, and knew the wheels would probably be loose. Was I happy about it? Not really. Was I more annoyed that I had to paint the wheels and siderods? Yes.
2. Me too. Haven't had any new boxcars with that issue.
3. Doesn't apply to me, so I couldn't care less.
4. I haven't bashed USA at all. I don't know how much more money it takes, when the USA diesels and freight cars cost about what the Aristo stuff costs. LGB was typically more expensive until they started making some things in China. Before that, USA and ARisto's locomotives were all much more reasonably priced.
I appreciate your thoughts and can see where my word choice might have caused some folks to take exception, but feel I have made statements based on my observations. I apologize to all if my comments were viewed in that light.
Here's my impression based on the available information I have (which is website data and catalogs only): I don't consider the ore cars 'new', since they are MDC's ore cars that have been remade. The 0-6-0T has been around in a model form for at least 2 years, but is only now getting to the market. The RPO, Combine, and baggage car are pictured on pages 45-46 of the 05-06 USA catalog.
I'm not putting USA trains down. I like their trains and own several. The diesels and the freight cars I've got are well made. I just have not heard or seen anything from them in the past year to 18 months about any brand new products. It was based on that fact (the silence) that my thoughts were that USA was done making new models, and would be content to produce their current product line. Given that they have an extensive offering, from switchers, early diesels, 2nd generation diesels, modern diesels and a plethora of freight and passenger cars to go with it, they have their bases fairly well covered.
From the webpage, this new caboose looks to be pretty sweet. Brand new caboose trucks? What are caboose trucks!? Have to do some research. I never even thought about the trucks, figuring that typical freight trucks were the order of the day. Plus the circuitry to keep the marker lights lit when the train stops? Sweet! And a brakeman? Raising the bar, for sure!
Better?
Mike - I've been watching your B6 project. Looking good!!
Mark