Yes, we should rejoice. And we should rejoice for the Bachmann decapod done reasonably well in Frisco. When you think about some vendor choosing a prototype model, you have to ask yourself, why in the world did Bachmann choose the Russian decapod to offer? That’s a rare and obscure prototype locomotive if there ever was one, but I was told by someone who would know that Bachmann conducted a survey way back among modelers, actually asking what they wanted, and the Russian decapod was the answer, unbelievable.
The Russian decapod was actually a good choice for a replica of a steam locomotive, as several railroads, such an Erie, Missouri Pacific, Seaboard Air Line, and Western Maryland owned examples. Most other steamers were custom built for a single railroad. On the subject of small locomotives, Life-Like Proto 2000 made a USRA 0-6-0 years ago. You still might be able to find one. Rich
Also on the subject of small locomotives (I think this should be a different thread). But when I first started in Model railroading (Very young.) MDC\Roundhouse made several small steam kits. I still have two, an 0-6-0 and a PRR 4-4-2. They had Shays, PRR 2-8-0, Baldwin 2-8-0 with vandy, 4-6-0. There 2-8-0 old timer and 2-6-0 mogul kits where converted to ready run models and Athearn still makes runs of these two. I wish they would finish what was started. They also had a 4-4-0 in ready to run, but I have not seen any resent runs of this model. The one 2-6-0 I have is a good running model and very good pulling power for it's size. I was thinking of getting one of the 2-8-0 that should be available soon repaint it and number it 2733.
From BLI's The Broadway Flyer September 2024: Q: "When are you going to officially announce your Frisco 1522 project? When is the release date?" - Ryan on Facebook A: Good question, Ryan! As of right now, we do not have a timeline for the Frisco 1522, but we are working on it! It will be a future project. We have the original designs, and the data package is complete, but the designers have not yet started creating the 3D CAD drawings. Our designers have eight other projects to complete first. As soon as we have an update to share with customers, we will! However, at this time, we do not have a timeline to officially announce it or provide an estimated release date. Thanks for asking them the question, Ryan (Ryan Suscheck).
