I have two Walthers Y3s (DDC,sound,TT) and really like them.They seem well made and well detailed. I beleave these could be used to make a whole line of engines for Walthers with the existing chassis and a different boiler shell and tender. Y6b , USRA 2-8-8-2, with addition of high pressure cylinders in front and boiler modification a C&O 2-8-8-2 GN 2-8-8-0 , UP bull moose & DM&IR 2-8-8-2 compound or simplified. Obviously I know they can not build all of these,but may be the Y6b and the USRA Mallet and make avaliably the high pressure front cylinders. Just thinking. I did convert one of mine to a 2-8-8-0 and added some frame detail Under the cab to cover the open space. Its freelance RR so it works.
Walthers, unfortunately, does not seem the slightest bit interested in N scale anymore. After years of waiting, they FINALLY released two new buildings in N, but still refuse to rerun the old ones. Lifelike engines...gone. Wish it wasn't so, but it is. Walthers, if you don't want to do N scale, sell what you have to someone that will.
I saw a first run PRR version go for $165 recently. They are heating up a bit. Walters announced a third run of the 0-8-0, but cancelled it due to "insufficient interest". Meanwhile, those 0-8-0s go for upwards of $150 now. I don't see how a well-built steamer in N that pulls and is DCC ready or equipped wouldn't sell, especially a USRA prototype with many roads. BTW, if anyone is looking for a first run 2-8-8-2 UP with DCC, let me know
I emailed them a couple of months ago just politely asking if they were ever considering running these and other items again. Haven't heard anything. It would be nice if they would sell the N stuff, at a reasonable price, to someone to remarket it all. I guess we all have our dreams.....
Agree that the 2-8-8-2 with DCC/Sound is a great engine. I had two, sold one, but still have one. I'd have to believe Walthers could sell out another run of these. It's too bad they don't seem to want to pursue the N-scale market. In the case of the engines, however, part of what is going on may be the upheaval in China regarding model RR manufacturing. Atlas is just now recovering from this; others had supply disruptions as well. It's possible that the factory Walthers used to produce the 2-8-8-2 no longer exists, and they simply don't want to invest the time/money in a new relationship. As much as I hate to say it, Bachmann seems to be the best bet for N-scale steam right now. The EM-1, Consolidation, 4-6-0 and 2-10-2 were all hits. The Berkshire has issues, but maybe future runs will clean some of these issues up and they have improved the J, the "standard" 4-8-4, and the light and heavy mountain along the way. I hope they continue to upgrade their production and get better at QC, because it seems like they are the only ones aggressively pursuing the N-scale steam market. John C.
When a manufacturer cites "insufficient interest" they really mean that not enough people clicked on the "Pre Order" button so they cancelled the run. As sadistic as it may sound....I smile an evil grin when I read of such idiotic thinking by any manufacturer...LOL
I agree with John's comment about Bachmann seeming to be the best bet for N-scale steam right now. For me one aspect is the locomotives come with dcc, and in the case of the 2-8-4 dcc and sound. Having been an n-scale modeler since 1973-74 with my primary interest in the steam locomotive era, Bachmann has my attention. The Atlas 4-4-0 Civil War locomotive is fine for the era, but dcc must be installed.
Walthers bought LifeLike because they were shut out of a good portion of the HO locomotive market when Horizon bought Athearn. Walthers has always been HO-centric and I doubt they will change. So as far as N scale steam is concerned I think Bachmann and Model Power are our best hopes.
Got a response from Walthers customer service, no plans to do either the 0-8-0 or 2-8-8-2 in N at this time.
I agree with this. I haven't used Walthers since I was a kid. To much mark-up and no real interest in n-scale. What they do have to offer I can find elsewhere. They should sell themselves as an HO supplier period. My LHS got me an ESU micro select sound decoder. Took four or five weeks to get the dang thing. When I asked why they said it was from Walthers. . Last time I do that. . I could of had it in just a few days elsewhere. Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
It's really too bad. Even my LHS'S seem to have a bias for HO. But, they do have a great consignment deal. I can sell things at premium prices there if I want too. And it sells relatively quick. Even outdated track. Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk