Parts Availability

[lirrman]

Mr. Bach Man:
As the quality, and the price, goes up on model locomotives, modelers, or at least I, will be taking better care of them and the increased quality will make them last a lot longer. Is there a "rule of them" that states how long replacement parts will be made and sold? It seems that the demand for parts will go up as the locos last longer. As an example, I was looking for a part for an Athearn switcher, that they still offer, and the part was no longer available. I believe auto makers must make replacement parts for 10 years and look how long cars are lasting now. 

[the Bach-man]

Dear Lawn guyland,
When we make a run of a locomotive we get a certain percentage unassembled to provide parts.
When these are gone there will be no more until the next run. A production line cannot be set up just for parts.
Have fun!
the Bach-man