Those of you who reserved a GP38 and/or GP38-2 were notified last night about my decision to cancel the project and refund your deposit. The cost of a custom-made mechanism, including a special run of 40" wheels which are now and will likely remain out of stock at NWSL for some time, put this project beyond the "profitable stage".
All is not lost, however. I've developed a good relationship with a mechanism builder in Australia, including purchasing his custom-made GP38 and 25-ton GE mechanisms. He has a great reputation in Europe and the US for well-built, smooth running mechanisms using traditional can motors, flywheels and either geared or belt-driven trucks. The mechs. I bought are well made and quiet. The GE 44- and 70-ton switcher kits I produced over the past several years used now-gone Athearn HO trucks and other parts. NWSL is not an option (for me) because their production levels are not consistent and I'd still have to produce a new gearbox housing. My Australian connection agreed to produce a small run of mechanisms for a rerun of either/both GEs but before I commit to an order, I want to know if there is sufficient market interest. If you are interested in purchasing a new kit or simply want an upgraded mechanism already assembled, tested and built onto the same cast urethane underframe as with the original kit . for either GE model . let me know. Simply swap body casting from the original model with the repowered version and you're done. Can't be much easier than that! The retail price for each full kit was $325 and I will do my best to maintain that. Naturally, a repowering kit (with underframe) will be less. The 44-tonner was offered in "Phase Ia" and "Phase IVb" body styles (with and without front grill is most notable difference); the 70-tonner was offered in "A" and "B" body styles (also with/without front grill). All 4 body styles would be available with the re-released "full" kit. Let me know off-list if you are interested in a repowering kit or a full kit and which GE model you want. I'll create a spreadsheet to track interest and will decide from there if the project is worthwhile. Jim King Smoky Mountain Model Works, Inc. Asheville, North Carolina Ph. (828) 777-5619 www.smokymountainmodelworks.com
