With the Kato annoucement the CP guys got a tuff choice, go with the upstart or the proven horses, most will probably get both since they are both correct. Been a CSX guy I am waiting for the Kato Gevos since the FVM have the wrong amount of dynamic brake vents.
Kato might be coming out with their own GEVOs but FoxValley is sure giving them something to think about with all the specific variations. I have one UP pre Ordered and can't wait for Feb for it's arrival:tb-wink:
Sundowner, what is wrong with the dynamic brake vents and is it visible from 3 feet while running or only in photos? Would you rather support the de-facto leader or the underdog? Me? I would go for the challenger since their success will promulgate even greater variety of equipment for N Scalers. Yes, ok, they got a detail wrong, (and Kato never did?). Yes, I concur this is very important to some people I do understand and support them. Still, I'm sure FVM has realized the issue and will not repeat it. Eschewing their line for that reason while understandable is to me supporting the 800 pound gorilla that is not without sin. Still, people must take a stand and I respect yours.
Grey One I support whoever makes the most correct model. For CSX ES44AC, it looks like its going to be Kato. When FVM does CSX ES44DC, I will get those since they will not have the DB issued that the AC units have. I like FVM, I have bought over 1000 of there wheels and a bunch of there boxcars. And yes the dynamic brake vents on GE unit are real visible since they are behind the cab. On UP, CP and BNSF AC units they have two vents as shown on the FVM drawing for the ES44AC, later units have them like the drawing of the ES44DC. On CSX, NS, KCS, Ferromex and IAS there are three of this vents. Here is a Atlas C40-8 with two vents Here is a Kato AC4400CW with 3 vents
i support the guy the comes on the forums AND listen to us!!!! 6 NS gevos on order:thumbs_up::thumbs_up:
I ordered one from each. Plus NS Gevo from FVM. I'm pretty happy that FVM is doing the right ones for CP, otherwise I would have gotten 2 Kato for sure. It will be interesting to compare them side by side. Hopefully they aren't drastically different! I'm pretty happy about how easy the FVM ones will be for DCC. Can't say the same for the Kato's haha.
I'm a CN fan but I will be grabbing a pair from each builder....just for curiousity puproses of course.........
Sundowner - thanks for the response. I definitely see your point. I hope two things. FVM makes a good profit on the release and realizes they could have made more had they been accurate. While I personally don't care about historical accuracy I do think it is very important that a large contingent of modelers insist on it to keep the hobby moving forward. Thanks again.
I'll be going for one of the CSX GEVOs from FVM because (1) the prototypically incorrect vents fall into the "good enough" category from me, (2) I really want to try a loco from a new manufacturer, and (3) sometimes I just like living on the bleeding edge of technology. Will be interesting to see how the FVM locos evolve; they have quality products across the board but locos will be an entirely new challenge for them. I think it will be a lot of fun to be along for the ride. Jamie
More options are always a good thing and more competition is always a good thing too. I don't know much about FVM but from what I've read around here, since I'm more a lurker than a poster, it seems people really like FVM. I hope their entrance into locomotives is very good for us and for them. Now, to decide if I should place an order or not.....
That's one nice thing about faking the prototype; I don't care about details beyond low number boards and low headlamp. I've been thinking hard about which vendor I want to buy from. At this point, I'm leaning toward FVM. I like the fact that they are doing so many variants, and are willing to listen to feedback. Plus, I can't wait to try a true plug-and-play DCC decoder. I love my Kato products, but I think I'll go out on a limb and give FVM my money.
Where has Kato announced specifics about what details they are or aren't doing , i.e. low numberboards etc? All I've seen with the announcements are pictures of the prototype and not schematics or production samples.
Boy, Dave beat me to the post. How in the world does anyone know what Kato will produce? Am I missing something? Has Kato produced a link to a test shot of a model? Like Dave said, all I've seen and heard about is a text announcement with a photo of a CSX loco. The SD70ACe does not have all the grills correct on all the Heritage units. It is only correct for the SP, C&NW, and Rio Grande units. The others are wrong (the side grill behind the radiator section-- tall versus short). So don't tell us that Kato never gets it wrong and makes compromises. Has someone seen a test shot of the CSX unit? Maybe it will be perfect, I don't know. I'm just wondering if we're operating on assumptions or on some secret knowledge. Just curious.
And I find it strange that people are asking questions about the Kato Gevo in a FVM Low numberboard Gevo thread! Guys, the KATO GEVO thread is here -> http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=114892 Why not ask your questions there and maybe if Kato is looking through Trainboard we will get some questions answered!
You can't discuss one without regard of the other. That kind of overlap is to be expected, as one decides where to spend that money that can only be spent once. And I'm sure if Kato people look into this forum at all, they will monitor the present thread as closely as they will the one about Kato.
The only relevant statement on the Kato ES44AC page is this one: Multiple body styles to reflect different "as delivered" railroad specifications Of course, as others have stated, they did not get all of the SD70ACe details correct per the prototype. Time will tell. Jamie
