To the group, I have only a few ideas on polling live steam enthusiasts about their likes and desires. Very different points.
I feel that any inquest should first establish how much a person wants to spend/has for the purchase. Based on this a manufacturer knows one of the principle limitations in buying his product. This one bit of information tells the manufacturer how complicated an engine people generally want or CAN buy. I think manufacturers should offer 2 fuel types for engines in each price range. I imagine that coal would be an alternative only in more costly engines. I feel that engine makers should design in sufficient room for the installation of servos with the recommendation of the size/torque servo required. Aster did that very well in the LGB Frank S. The manufacturer should offer axle and hand water pumps and a glass level sight glass as an accessory in lower priced engines. In more costly locomotives, $2,600,00 and more, the last two items should be preinstalled. Servos are items of personal choice, but leave room for them. A durable, snug, attractive, and secure carrying case should be offered as an extra. The original carrier that came with my Accucraft #268 got thrown out immediately. Anytime a manufacturer makes more than 10 units of anything, it is cheaper to make the item well with things fitting together correctly. This requires jigs and fixtures. Design time is about the same, assembly is faster, and the finished product is very different. I say this from personal experience gained in my gear factory. It's called Quality Control. Judging from my #268 Accucraft lacks this quality control. For me there's more to a model locomotive than if it operates correctly right out of the box. This was exemplified in the Aster #22 with its defectively designed, but repairable, butane fuel system. Arthur--Mexico City >
