Re:Who would like to see LGB reissue the Stainz with full digital sound
artfull dodger said:
I wouldnt change the flanges, the ablitiy to run on dodgy and check railed R1 layouts is a must in my book. I never by the "they would never buy it" argument. They seem to scoop up every other odd paint job the Stainz has been done in. With todays modern electronics, I wouldnt necessarly see a total retool needed, just proper circuit boards to the speaker in the cab roof. I have seen youtube videos of Massoth sound paired up with a pulse generator smoke unit with excellent results. Considering the Stainz is the brands image and has been since day 1. I think a end all/be all Stainz would make an awsome addition to thier stable. And they did a total retool on the Harz 2-6-2T just a short while ago, so total retools of a long running model isnt new. I wouldnt be supprised if the Stainz isnt already retooled to some extant, the current lanterns are slightly different, the cab lacks the raised LGB and #2, printed graphics instead and the valve gear was brought up to date and more prototypical to what the real Stainz has. Which I really liked when it came out! They have done a proper Stainz in the past, #21211 with black well tank and the name "Stainz" on the cab. Just take that model, add the aux headlights down near the cylinders that the prototype now has, they are small sealed beam lamps to give the triangular tripple headlight requirement, add factory digital sound w/MTS/DCC and analog triggers for whistle and bell, flickering fire box light and a good pulse smoke unit and you have it, the ultimate electric Stainz. I dont really see any valid good reasons why the figurehead of LGB shouldnt recieve a full makeover and modernizing. The same base tooling can still be used for starter sets and special issues, but make a high line version with all the toys!
well i think not
i think that the retooling, which i assume but dont know, would be required to fit these changes, especially a pulse unit , is so expensive that , given the overall marketing of a high priced stainz would not justify the tens of thousands plus to do this-and to include a pulse, necessarily the wieght and balance of the loco would change-and perhaps too its amazing reputation for might in a small package
but, perhaps as you seem to think, perhaps some smaller modifications would allow these changes - i dont know if marklin has in-house die makers -as did the old LGB-the 2-6-2 was partially upgraded, not re-tooled
the only real issue, not your opinion or mine, is what marklin believes would sell enough to justify any investment, additional costs and labor
is LGB toy, model , or hybrid, and who is likely to be the overall buyer of such a product, and at what price/cost?
as for my opinion on what i want for an uber stainz-one of the things that stands out rather much to my eye between the LGb and the protoytpe is the difference in driver diameter -the current stainz was in part, based upon a universal motor block that could be used in many early models-if a true 'model" were to be offered, this would distinguish it more , imho
the LGB drivers and flanges are indeed beautifully designed for functionality , traction, trackability, etc
but when i see the prototype (an not being much of a stickler for rivets etc ) iit does stand out to my eye, as does the oversized scale of the current model
i too think its time for a new flagship, but, the difference also is that this is marklin, not the richter's own legacy, with what at one time was clearly a passion for the line and the product they created-ie a family love and investment
i think paul has done it-and i shall too once i land the lamps ive been seeking-
the regular smoke unit is .......pretty decent at 24V
and , this will take my investing in DCC-which i have tried to avoid
perhaps you can indeed persuade the folks at marklin
frankly, imho, your idea would have been a brilliant opener for marklin to re-establish the line and quality and detail-a few years ago, provided the pricing didnt scare all away-
your idea also fits with marklins reputation as a model train maker, not toys (as the latest paint schemes tend to show
could be .....could be your voice might be heard
otoh, try this link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmDfk2AnvPo&feature=related
stainz with massoth, 4 chuffs, and, a tiny light down near the drivers-makes this little one pretty exciting to watch
or better still
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cokLGNDfXqs
