Hey Butch! SOFUE

[E7]

.........several years from delivery............lets see whats left..............

Hmmm.........maybe seeing who is left to take delivery is more relevant?

Add to that the fact that neither of the Importers are YOUNG men and it becomes an even bigger crap shoot!

[up148]

Add to that the fact that neither of the Importers are YOUNG men and it becomes an even bigger crap shoot!

Bingo. Not much of problem if you just make a reservation without a deposit (KEY) , but when you help fund the project (KOH's) with large deposits and interim payments it becomes a serious consideration. Just can't go there anymore.

BH

[cole7015]

Regarding Kohs . Go back and read some of the original comment when a project is announced in the beginning. some go back as far as 2002,

and then never get off the ground for what ever reason. Then at some point in time he starts talking about things, The big boy is one here we are at 2017 and still no model or delivery date. I am not sure if this is the correct model I am thinking of, but that's the way he seems to operate.

It is flat out comical to look at the dates when he issues a project up date, from a previous update for said project. 5-6 years may go by.

I for one will not go that route either now or in the future. I predict the delivery date for his most recent announced project will be

some where in the 8-9 K and delivery will be 2023. Opinion on my part.

Bill

[up148]

Since we're talking Sofue, might as well take a peak at one of his FEF-2's upon arrival. Actually, this was staged for posterity sake, as I insisted the seller wrap the loco and tender in cocoons of bubble wrap and send them in a large box by themselves and the wooden Sofue box in another package. Had I allowed the loco to be shipped in the Sofue wood case I'd have been very, very upset with that decision. Absolutely no real protection at all. The loco would have bounced around for 1000's of miles.

BH

[up148]

Additional photos. Some show that Mr. Sofue must have been getting close to the pass out point by the globs of solder. Even as correct and as beautiful as it is, there are mistakes. Learned over the years there are not perfect models.

BH

[bob turner]

A couple of those solder joints liook like he had a BTU shortage. Did a couple like that last night, and was wishing for a small oxy- acetylene rig. Of course I was fooling with a .080 wall boiler and only a small propane torch. Not enough heat.

[up148]

One thing I've come to appreciate from Japanese builders, at least those from the old school is wall thickness of the metal. They are beautifully detailed, but don't feel like they may crumble in your hands if you squeeze too hard. Just like the MG,USH,WS and PSC models of past years the Sofue model feels substantial.

BH

[Rufus T. Firefly]

And the box is nice, too!

[up148]

Yes, I can use it as a wine gift box if I ever get tired of model trains.

BH

[E7]

Pretty interesting! The give-a-sh*t factor appears to go waaaaaay down on the hidden stuff. Some of those joints look like the solder was barely flowing. Sure looks great on the outside!

Rich

[up148]

I agree on some of what you say Rich. Since the smoke box door is hinged and opens you can see the steam pipes, 4 port exhaust nozzle and other interior details. But, as far as operation, these kinds of details aren't needed or always appreciated. Kind of like the Wasatch passenger cars. You have to turn them over to really appreciate the under frame detail. We all have our druthers.

BH