What a bummer! American Models release of the Texas Special has E8s in the as delivered E7 scheme and the passenger cars are Budds. I thought the 21st Century would bring us models based on the prototype and not a toy. What Lionel has produced since the 1950s in both O gauge and HO should be left to the collectors. I thought that American Models and SHS were going to revitailze S scale. True, this is partly correct but even the USRA 40 ft. wood boxcar that SHS produces is only available with grabirons and not ladders. Both versions should be offered and there would be no cost factor involved here! Little details go a long way and again, I am somewhat disappointed once again and will not even consider purchasing these models. An original American Flyer UP 4-8-4 from the 50s is looking better all the time! Joe Toth
Lionel is releasing an American Flyer Texas Special albeit with the Alco PAs. A pity more manufacturers aren´t doing Texas Special passenger trains in other scales. Lionel´s O gauge F3s sold well in the 50s and still demand premium collector prices. The name sells! Joe Toth
Well, Joe, it would be nice if they released something close to being accurate. I looked at the AM set and, sure enough, these are allegedly Katy E-8's with the fluting. AND Budd cars. Shall I continue? Sheesh. Rancho Bob
Thanks Rancho Bob, I really am disappointed in how little some of the S scale manufacturers are concerned about marketing prototype models. I am prepared to spend my hobby dollars on realistic models and even if a rivet or two are missing I can still justify a purchase. American Flyer and Lionel´s AF product line is still considered "tinplate" but American Models should strive to produce roadnames as close to prototype as possible and not assume that S scale modelers will invest in any new roadname just because it is S scale. The American Models E8s and Lionel´s AF PAs would have been great models if they had been lettered for the Katy sans Texas Special lettering. AM could have brought out Frisco E8s as well. Both manufacturers will survive without my investment in these models but it is a pity that they can´t take into consideration that there is also a need to suppy the S scale modeler with roadnames as close to the prototype as possible. It would have been possible to release a limited number of units properly lettered for the Frisco and Katy to provide the rivet counters with prototype models and Texas Special tinplate collectors products to add to their collections as well. American Models could also release their Alco FAs in the Frisco and Katy schemes too as well as their EMD GP7. What we DON´T need are these models lettered for The Texas Special! The AM wood caboose lettered for the Frisco isn´t bad looking for a generic model but the Sloan Yellow Katy has reversed reporting marks and numbers on the sides. Another lost sale! Joe Toth
