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Post by rockymountaineer on Mar 8, 2024 0:07:43 GMT
Hey everyone... here's another fantasy scheme locomotive offering from The Train Loft. The price tag certainly isn't for the faint of heart, but it's quite the looker if you need a unique, red steam engine in your roundhouse.
As you know, I was particularly critical of Lionel's unannounced change-of-color to the Trainworld/ChrisRBP Katy diesel last year. The final production model looked CONSIDERABLY different than the marketing illustration. Over time, the modified color scheme grew on me, but I just couldn't pull the trigger to add that Katy to my roster. But THIS steam locomotive from MTH nailed the Katy "look" and has me thinking seriously.
The virtual marketing image looked cool, when this "what if" steamer was announced around May 2023. But this YouTube video produced by Andy Edleman's marketing communications company really makes the production model STAND OUT. Take a look... but hold on to your wallet. You have been warned!!! 
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Post by g3750 on Mar 8, 2024 1:53:53 GMT
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Post by david1 on Mar 8, 2024 2:06:18 GMT
Very cool, love the color but very expensive.
Dave
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Post by af3020 on Mar 8, 2024 2:23:24 GMT
I've always been partial to this red engine and consist.  It is a good runner.  |
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Post by firewood on Mar 8, 2024 4:48:36 GMT
I might be partial to early 20th century British railways and their varied paint schemes (The Caledonian Railway for one) but the Challenger in that scheme doesn’t turn my crank, let alone the price. The Brit stuff wasn’t fantasy though, but I guess this beast will sell regardless of my grumpy opinions 😏 Dave   |
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Post by Craignor on Mar 8, 2024 12:27:35 GMT
The Katy Challenger really pops, I like the two-tone red colors and the chromed valve gear. This is not my thing, but I hope I see someone else running theirs in my travels. The tender reminds me of Fruit Stripe gum, loved that gum as a yute…   |
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Post by rockymountaineer on Mar 8, 2024 16:02:59 GMT
To each his own the farmer said as he kissed the cow. To the die-hard 3-rail scale modeler, these fantasy "what-if" paint schemes are an abomination. They would be more than happy to have a dozen or more black steam locomotives on their roster. Me? Whimsy and variety are the name of the game these days, and I make no apologies for saying it... as long as the design isn't too over-the-top. Thus far, The Train Loft is 2 for 2 in recent fantasy offerings being classy and rich-looking: one Lionel and one MTH. And Atlas-O is providing matching passenger cars for both.
This latest locomotive ventures into tinplate territory with its bright red color. But the burgundy offsets the red nicely. And the platinum/silver drivers, cylinder caps and tender wheels highlight details splendidly. So it's a winner... albeit an expensive one.
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Post by healey36 on Mar 8, 2024 16:06:03 GMT
Seems a bit "too over-the-top" to me. Certainly fun, I suppose.
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Post by josef on Mar 8, 2024 17:14:34 GMT
My thoughts are on this and any fantasy model train items are if they catch the fancy of a modeler, I say go for it. It brings a new perspective to model railroad and the answer to "what if".
Fantasy schemes aren't for everyone, but it keeps the hobby alive and hopefully gives the manufacturer the reserves needed for introducing new molds for the yet and many items missing from our rosters we wish were made.
I also find it odd, in a way, that many items have been produced that saw disfavor and distarous with actual railroads and became obsolete quickly. But because they were actual items, we probable run them more hours and mileage then they actually ran in real life. Take the Aero Train. or the demostrators which we run.
I say if it adds to your enjoyment real or not, buy it, sit back, and enjoy them.
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Post by curtis on Mar 8, 2024 19:40:48 GMT
Nice but I am NOT a fantasy guy. Al though I do have the OGF Engine.
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Post by Traindiesel! on Mar 8, 2024 22:58:54 GMT
To each his own the farmer said as he kissed the cow. …..Me? Whimsy and variety are the name of the game these days, and I make no apologies for saying it...  
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Post by steveoncattailcreek on Mar 9, 2024 0:23:59 GMT
Does red roof and body stripe qualify?
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Post by g3750 on Mar 9, 2024 1:28:46 GMT
To the die-hard 3-railer who likes only RED locomotives, why stop there? Somebody, somewhere should be willing to make all these engines and matching passenger sets. Don't you think?
David, how many are you ordering? 
George
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Post by seayakbill on Mar 9, 2024 12:15:39 GMT
I don't spend the very big bucks on fantasy locomotives. A $400 fantasy diesel, if I like it, no big deal.
I guess if I really needed a red steamer I have plenty of less expensive steamers sitting around collecting dust that can turn red for a $4.00 can of spray paint. Actually been kicking around of painting one of my Postwar banged up steamers scarlet & gray for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Bill
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Post by runamuckchuck on Mar 9, 2024 14:18:12 GMT
…..Me? Whimsy and variety are the name of the game these days, and I make no apologies for saying it... Forget the apology, how many cows have you kissed David?! Did you get hoof and mouth? Foot in mouth?
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