As you may have seen, there has been speculation on forums and social media that Arrowhead Models might offer the ACF 4600 covered hopper.
It is not the standard course for Arrowhead Models to reveal anything about projects ahead of a release. However, the amount of speculation on forums and social media channels has risen to a level that we believe a statement of some kind is in order.
Comments that I made in ‘A Modeler’s Life’ livestream podcast (Click here for that podcast. See time stamp : 34:07) may underlie some of this speculation. In that conversation, I mentioned that my intentions were to make the ACF 4600 Arrowhead's first release. To this end, I said that we had done a considerable amount of work, but when it appeared that Athearn would land the car within close proximity of our own, we chose to pivot to other projects. In that moment, we walked away from the ACF 4600, and we did so without the intent of picking it up again.
However, during the last week, a significant number of people have reached out to express a desire for an alternative option to the Genesis car. The interest is sufficient enough that we believe the idea has merit. So, we are letting our customers know that Arrowhead decided to start the project up again. Per our current plans, the Arrowhead Models’ ACF 4600 covered hopper will be released sometime during 2020.
In the spirit of good will, we want to clarify that we have some longstanding friendships with the staff at Athearn, and our intentions to move forward with the project is in no way an affront to them. In fact, it is quite the opposite--we wish them the best. We believe that there is enough space in the market for a second player, and given the dedication with which we have already approached this project, we want that second player to be Arrowhead.
Comments that I made in ‘A Modeler’s Life’ livestream podcast (Click here for that podcast. See time stamp : 34:07) may underlie some of this speculation. In that conversation, I mentioned that my intentions were to make the ACF 4600 Arrowhead's first release. To this end, I said that we had done a considerable amount of work, but when it appeared that Athearn would land the car within close proximity of our own, we chose to pivot to other projects. In that moment, we walked away from the ACF 4600, and we did so without the intent of picking it up again.
However, during the last week, a significant number of people have reached out to express a desire for an alternative option to the Genesis car. The interest is sufficient enough that we believe the idea has merit. So, we are letting our customers know that Arrowhead decided to start the project up again. Per our current plans, the Arrowhead Models’ ACF 4600 covered hopper will be released sometime during 2020.
In the spirit of good will, we want to clarify that we have some longstanding friendships with the staff at Athearn, and our intentions to move forward with the project is in no way an affront to them. In fact, it is quite the opposite--we wish them the best. We believe that there is enough space in the market for a second player, and given the dedication with which we have already approached this project, we want that second player to be Arrowhead.
Of course, we will have more information on the Arrowhead ACF 4600 covered hopper in due time. Until then, we have other great projects that you will soon hear about as well. Thank you for your support!
Blaine Hadfield
Please have all available scheme’s available on your site and not partnered with 3-4 shops for exclusive varieties.
As Arrowhead’s first customer I can attest to the quality of their models. I’m hooked on Arrowhead and intend to increase my fleet of D&RGW hoppers. My wife’s grandfather was a conductor on the PRR so I can see a couple of those as well. Now…back to admiring my hoppers.
PAX
Gary Stenberg
I had four of the Athearn Genesis cars; sold them off after reading this blog entry. I am eager to see and purchase the Arrowhead Models ACF 4600!!!
A model we could really use in HO scale is the General American 4500 covered hopper. Over a dozen road names possible with several variations among them. There’s no model of this car period. Not even an old crude toy we can upgrade with ladders, grabs, and wheelsets. One brass model 20 years ago is it.
I have the genesis car coming.
However from what I see of your product I will be willing to buy several undecorated examples.
Even some L&N examples If you get the blue correct.
Athearn did not.
Its a bit light