IF you can find an Accucraft Heisler then you would be getting -
1. A true-to-scale model to the correct 1/20.3 scale that runs on 45mm gauge track, and not a meter-gauge approximation of a Heisler. There do not seem to have been any running on meter-gauge track that I can find.
2. A true-to-scale model that has two large fixed cylinders run from correct Stephenson valve gear, and not a pair of whizzing wigglers.
3. A true-to-scale model with a range of matching lumber industry skeleton cars with an equally-scale-looking appearance.
Those who want the Regner offering will go for it, those who are less impressed, like me, will leave it alone.
The only saving grace is that once the UK has quit the Euro-bondage, we won't be paying the 20% MWST that the Germans do. That goes along with the proviso that HM E & D will no doubt invent a new form of importation tax that will more than likely make up for any perceived deficit in their income.
'sall I'm saying about it -
I completely understand all that, but if you're going to have a pop at the Regner because it's a 2,200 euro a kit that isn't of an actual prototype with Oscilating cylinders etc., [unlike Accucraft] then in the interest of balance I feel that you should at least post up the comparative cost of the Accucraft model.
If the Accucraft model was around the same price, then that's a very valid point (why pay around the same for a lesser model when you can have something better, if you can find one).
If however the Accucraft model is considerably more than the Regner, the reason for the price difference is then clear because as you say the Accucraft model isn't a kit, is of an actual prototype and has the correct cylinders and valve gear.
OK it may be a bit like comparing a Mamod to a Roundhouse but there are folks on here who do that because they simply don't have Roundhouse pockets.