MTH Schedule Updated

[Anonymous]

This somewhat sucks....I had ordered 3 engines, both the SD70ACe engine and dummy (EMD and NFS roadnames), and the CP Rail SD90MAC which was originally scheduled for delivery next month; now according to the schedule they are supposed to deliver in August. The CP Rail in September.

I am not sure if I like this pre-ordering thing much....but the plus to it is that at least I will have more time to pay it off....in the meantime I can work on getting more freight cars, track and switches and accessories. Probably should work on getting some engines that are in stock at the stores for now, so at least i'll have something to work with until that order arrives.

Has anyone ever came across pre-ordering type ordeals? Or was the wait time beneficial in some way?

Chris

[spankybird]

The places that I pre-order from do not require payment until the item is in. Therefore I don't have any money tied up.

The good thing about pre-ordering is:
1: you know that you have one reserved
2: The manufacture knows how many to make. If they don't see engouh per-orders they may cancell the run.

[Anonymous]

Yean that is true Tom. At least I know I have those engines reserved, so at least I know they will be coming at some point this year. Unfortunately the shops here in my area require some sort of small payment to get it started at least...but I know there are some places though that don't require any payment, like where you go to.

But I won't worry though, I can just work on paying it off over the months little by little, and until then I can order some items that I know are readily available. I think I am going to work on ordering the Z-4000 and DCS system.

At least the Gunderson car set I ordered from AM Hobbies don't require a payment until they're in so I have that to look forward to.

Least the MTH Big Boy I have in layaway that is in the shop I will be able to get that out soon. [:)]

Chris

[Anonymous]

The MTH order delays allow everyone ample time to test and upgrade their DCS system. Spend your time on electrical and electronic improvements and the time will fly.

Andrew F.

[Anonymous]

The new Santa Fe GP60M was delivered nearly 2 years to the month of appearing in the MTH Catalog. 2003 to 2005 was that wait time. This is standard.

Andrew F.

[prewardude]

QUOTE: Originally posted by falconer

The new Santa Fe GP60M was delivered nearly 2 years to the month of appearing in the MTH Catalog. 2003 to 2005 was that wait time. This is standard.

Andrew F.

In that case, I'm glad that I'm into the tinplate stuff. It usually only takes a few months for the Tinplate Traditions items to ship. Of course, I probably just jinxed that. [:(]

[Anonymous]

Seeing that MTH still has many Premier items from 2005 Volume 1 and 2 and 2006 Volume 1 still yet to be produced and shipped, how can they justify even having a Premier section in 2006 Volume 2 in April or May?

Mike Wolf must call this Premier product line waiting period either fishing or long term planning.

Andrew F.

[Dave45681]

QUOTE: Originally posted by TheTrainMaster

....in the meantime I can work on getting more freight cars, track and switches and accessories. Probably should work on getting some engines that are in stock at the stores for now, so at least i'll have something to work with until that order arrives.

Chris

I think the scenario outlined above is part of the planning. Ultimately, this just increased your money put into the hobby and/or MTH, assuming these purchases are items you might not have bought if your order was here when originally scheduled. (you note getting a DCS set and Z4000 while waiting, (also some un-named engines that are in stores now) a good "bonus" for MTH, assuming you might not have gone that path if the original items shipped on time)

I think MTH is capitalizing on the somewhat addictive nature of this hobby. There is need for the "train fix", and if ordered items are late, other items that are out there may be purchased while waiting, in addition to the orders. (Not trying to sound condescending here, I am probably guilty of this too from time to time)

Mike built his own factory a few years ago, I thought he said it was so he could have more control of production schedules without being held up by other business at the manufacturing plant. If he is using his own factory, somehow he still doesn't estimate his delivery dates too well.

I find it useful to occasionally put the estimated ship date next to an entry in a spreadsheet I keep regarding items ordered. I don't delete any of the dates when they change, I simply put a new entry in the next column. Let's just say there is a noticeable trend. [;)]

-Dave

[Anonymous]

I have ordered an E8 AA in Erie roadname. The release date (oh yeah) was February 2006. I didn't even bother to ask what the latest estimate is , but I suspect by reading these posts maybe by the end of the year. Does make you wonder if the put something in the catalog and see what the response is before even thinking about actually producing the item. Back to wiring. Ralph.[:)]

[Anonymous]

I have a santa fe diesel passenger set on order due in may. Maybe i'll get it may of next year the way you guys are talking. Good I guess because I have a lot to go on paying it off.....I bought my SD80mac Norfolk and southern from a dealer from a previous catalog which was already shipped. Tahs the way to do it I guess, your always guarenteed to get it....but you need $$$$$$ right away thats the problem. Oh well happy railroading.
John

[Anonymous]

Yeah, I think what I will do is just put some money aside each pay period in my savings account, and let that build up over the next few months for those purchases. Then when it gets close to the time for my engines to arrive, then I should have the money by then to pay it all off.

In the meantime, today I paid down on my MTH Big Boy that is in stock at my hobby shop, and I got the DCS set in layaway. Now I know for sure I have one. Hopefully sometime next month, I will be able to bring my Big Boy home!

Chris