Tangent is offering an HO scale model of a Thrall 5880 cu. ft. 60' double plug door box car in SL-SF livery. According to Molo's Frisco/Katy Color Guide to Freight Equipment, Frisco purchased 10 cars numbered 9026-9035 in February 1969. They were eventually assigned to Ford Glass service on the L&N. Eight of the ten numbers were offered though one is sold out. MSRP is $58.95. https://www.tangentscalemodels.com/...-thrall-5880cuft-60-double-plug-door-box-car/ Rich
For the past several years, the prices of this hobby have been getting into the stupid-crazy range. I am SO glad I'm not starting from ground zero with a need to equip a sizable layout. When it comes to rolling stock, I'm one of those that thinks "good enough" is just that. Thus, the huge bulk of my rolling stock fleet are the older shake-the-box models that are still affordable and very durable. That last factor being a very important factor for a layout that is operated, more so if visiting operators are involved. Downside to the older kits is that the rising costs of current production models is likely going to cause the secondary market for the likes of older Athearn BB, MDC, Accurail, etc, to go up. However, I'm very close to having enough rolling stock to last me the rest of my life, only needing a few of certain types to fill out my roster for variety. Andre
As a purchaser of this model, I can attest to its excellent quality. I'm amazed at the tiny lettering all over this car, even on the coupler pocket! It's state-of-the-art model railroading today. Whether it's worth $58.95 plus postage is an individual choice. Also, the recent turmoil regarding tariffs on products imported from China may be a factor on the price. Rich
I was disappointing to find out at that price they are made in China. I thought we made them in China to get the cost down. But I have noticed for a few years now that is not the case. I think Athearn cars been over-priced for a few years now. When you figure in the cost of replacing the couplers. It's cheaper to buy Accurail kits, a set of metal wheels and Kadee couplers. But here is my biggest concern; most of my early Bachmann Spectrum models are have part failures (Zinc rot, cheep motors). So how long will the new china made models last before they fall apart? And at work the China -made electronic parts failure rate has drastically increased over the past 6 years. We started to notice shortcuts in the board manufacture about 8 years ago. We have IO cards that last about 6 months and new installed storage array controls that die in a week after install. And I have noticed a change in the quality of plastic used for products we use for our chickens. I had to replace the watering cups after 5 years. Purchased the same brand and the new cups are breaking with in a month. Starting to pay attention now. Getting tired of replacing and wasting money on over-priced cheaply made products for our chickens. And let's not talk about China-made wood screws. All this keeps me awake at night wondering just how long will my new GP7 with last before it fails apart?
The escalation of pricing of China products has been increasing well before the "tariff issue". As for tariffs: Frankly, as soon as the word tariff was mentioned, several of the model train importers jacked up their prices before it was even an issue. You can take this to the bank: Once an importer hikes their prices, they NEVER come down. Those of you that demand such fidelity will speak with your wallet. Those of us that do not, will do likewise. Andre
I certainly won't vouch for every product made in China, but the model railroad industry there has matured over the years. Gone are the days of Tyco and Life-Like products that were cheap and poorly made. Along with increases of fidelity to the prototype, choice, and reliability came increases in price. If you're satisfied with Accurail, Kadee and Athearn blue box kits, that's fine, there are ways to enjoy this hobby without spending a lot of money. But if you want something new, most likely it will come from China. It's not just the United States either. Manufacturers/importers from Canada, U. K., Europe and Australia have their models made in China also. Rich
