Hi Sir Ray,
The IHP Silverliner IV models are all original and represent over 20 years of research and at least a year of actual pattern development. The prototypes are some of my own personal favorites and all of this is why the IHP Silverliner IV models feature realism, details and prototype fidelity that no other manufacturer will be able to match.
As you probably know, Silverliner IV models are available now from IHP and in RTR powered and dummy format for much cheaper than we feel could be offered in kit form, especially once you do all the purchasing of extra components and put in the building work. They make use of an all-new, original drive that will eventually be used in all of our MU cars where appropriate. Though they do have some simplified features (to meet the Store's requested price requirements) they can be easily upgraded and a premier version is also in the planning stage, with working pantographs among other advanced features. Only single units are currently available, but married pairs (one powered, one dummy) will begin to appear in the Store within the next six months.
The models are available exclusively through the SEPTA Transit Gift Shop. The first run has sold out and the SEPTA Store has placed more orders for the Silverliner IV powered and dummy models and these will be delivered in the Spring of this year. Currently, their retail price is $182.50 for the powered RTR model and $82 for the nonpowered model. Powered models feature one truck powered and all wheel pickup, and nonpowered cars feature metal wheels. Nonpowered models feature frames that can accept the IHP drive in the future, whenever we decide to make it available separately (it will retail for far cheaper than the NWSL Stanton Drive). Future planned enhancements will combine to make these the best Silverliner IV models you can buy in HO scale.
Alas, no N scale version is planned at the moment, but if sufficient interest is shown, we could develop a pattern and a drive for such a project.
Other imminent SEPTA projects for modelers and the Store now in the works include PCC-II (Route 15) cars, Red Arrow double-end interurban 'PCC' cars, and Market-Frankford Adtranz M4 cars. The PCC-II cars will be available in April. The Red Arrow cars will be moulded this week with a projected early April release. The M4 cars will be available later this month. By the way, M4 prototypes are now in the SEPTA Store, so if you are in the area, stop by to drool and place your pre-orders with them (the display M4s will retail for under $100 for a 2-car set, and they are built and painted!).
Mike Bartel
IHP
http://ihphobby.tripod.com