SMR Trains

[E7]

Schneider Model Railroading, that is!

He was supposed to come out with a model of the B&O "grasshopper", a small open air loco with the "engineer" in at the rear.

It was advertised in "O Scale Trains", and I think it was to be made in the USA.

Just wondered if it ever saw the light of day?

Rich

[Rufus T. Firefly]

Schneider Model Railroading, that is!

He was supposed to come out with a model of the B&O "grasshopper", a small open air loco with the "engineer" in at the rear.

It was advertised in "O Scale Trains",

Yes.

and I think it was to be made in the USA.

That would have been a surprise, but maybe....as I think most of his offerings were made in Korea

Just wondered if it ever saw the light of day?

As far as I know, no. He ran into a funding//bank issue and for a while I remember there being a Go Fund Me sort of thing set up.

The Winan's camelback probably was a stress point; the rejected production models were sold outside of his control and I think that model was also never delivered from him.

Some of his last models were of a PRR D6 or D6a, probably the most modern of his catalog

[E7]

Marty,

I think the whole made in USA thing was because of funding issues. Just going by my memory (which is terrible). There were some adds in OST in the issues numbered in the 70's and 80's. If I were to guess, I would say the model never saw the light of day (too bad, that), but I thought someone might have a definitive answer.

Rich

[Rufus T. Firefly]

I would say the model never saw the light of day....

I agree.

And, if he had instead moved to making models of the late 19th century like that D6/6a, he might have found a more receptive market, at least in numbers of folks willing to put up what were significant deposits. Sadly, there's very little available for the pre-1920 modeler.

[up148]

I'm not sure if its true for SMR or not, but it seems many times that smaller importers build the models they want, instead of looking at the market to make sure the model would sell. I know nothing of SMR except the few models I've seen looked very quality built, but nothing I was interested in. But, I do feel that if Henry would have imported models for roads that had a wider following he would have been more successful.

I think a western railroad models, instead of the WM, would have been more successful. His models were fantastic quality and his customer service second to none, he just chose the wrong railroads to model IMHO.

[sarge]

Butch

Actually, it worked out the other way 'round for Henry. The WM stuff, C&O small articulateds, and Alco roadswitchers all sold out nicely. It was when he got convinced to try western stuff (by a famous Espee collector, said Henry) that he had trouble, both the SP 4-10-2 and the Trainmaster.

Of course, that 0-gauge large scale mining stuff was the icing on that suicidal cake. GRIN

[up148]

I didn't know that. I know several people who bought the SP 4-10-2 and they loved it, but no clue how well it sold or the Trainmaster. I'm sure Henry's obsession with customer service and hand delivering his models was part of that cake you mention.

[E7]

I didn't know that. I know several people who bought the SP 4-10-2 and they loved it, but no clue how well it sold or the Trainmaster. I'm sure Henry's obsession with customer service and hand delivering his models was part of that cake you mention.

I've seen Trainmasters sell for well over Henry's list price (which obviously was of no benefit to Henry) and the same with the SP 4-10-2...again no help to Henry. The little diesel did not help and in my opinion the final nail in the coffin. Whatever the case, a really good guy gone way too soon.

Rich

[Chris Webster]

The WM stuff, C&O small articulateds, and Alco roadswitchers all sold out nicely.

FWIW, the estate reseller in Flowery Branch just listed two of Henry's C&O 2-6-6-2s. Each is $323 less than what Ocala's price guide says those engines have sold for in the past.