Not Ranked
Only my feelings on this thing...but we all know SAI went after FFR and SPF in a big way, SAI settled with FFR on terms that allowed FFR to continue making its cars, and SPF beat SAI and continues making its cars. SPF, Rosen, the Otloffs (I apologize for any misspellings), Top of the Hill in the Bay Area, and many others in the SPF camp have delivered great product with great service. Now, SAI having failed to litigate FFR and SPF out of business (and if you think that's an exaggeration, read the pleadings..."destroy molds" pretty much says it all), has seen how cost-effective SPF's manufacturing site is, WITH great quality, and has decided to adopt ("copy?, "duplicate?", "counterfeit?") a similar strategy. So, at least with respect to SAI's new strategy, and I had an SPF car and a few years history in this crazy addiction of ours, I'd be somewhat pissed. That doesn't mean that SAI doesn't have the right to learn from competitors; also, having seen the CAV 40 car in person, it is likely the CSX rollers will be of very high quality. SPF has a great following and no doubt will adapt, as great competitors do, to the latest SAI strategy. SAI will undoubtedly sell a fair number of its CAV-built cars. Personally, it is hoped SAI will stick to competing in the marketplace. As others have said already, the market should be able to accomodate both offerings, along with those of many of the other outfits.
TT
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