I just saw a message on the Model Railroader Magazine forum to the effect that Aristocraft is moving toward direct sales only instead of through local hobby shops or distributor networks such as Walthers.
I have seen no confirmation of this on the Aristocraft web site or here.
Check MLS or LSC, both are talking about this. Yep apparently its happening for real, going to be the 'wave of the future'. Personally if their 'discounted prices' undercut LHS or online retailers I think it spells out one more nail in the coffin for LHSs. On the MR forum theres also a discussion about a small mfr going to direct sales also along with others who already are selling that way. Overall its not good for people who like to actually handle and see things before plunking down a large wad of cash for said item or having it test run before you pay for it.
Have fun with your trains
I have checked both with Classic Toy Trains and Model Railroader editorial staffs, and none of us can confirm this. If we do receive information on this, of course, we will let you know ASAP.
Rene Schweitzer
Classic Toy Trains/Garden Railways/Model Railroader
Those who receive mail from Aristo-Craft trains will know that they intend to sell direct to customers AS WELL AS to dealers.
The new web site shows the prices available and the discount to be offered in the initial stages,
I am sure Aristo-Craft have discussed this with their dealers and have made a pricing structure to them to enable them to still compete in the market place.
The new web site is being launched in phases: the more important first phase (to the manufacturer and dealer alike) is the facility to view and purchase their product. This appears operational, even if some of the 'photos are of a temporary nature i.e. a pic of brass track illustrating the stainless steel version. The lesser important things, such as the Forum for instance, will follow later.
As a regular reader and poster on that Forum I happily await its return: in the meantime I can enjoy running my backyard railroad, especially running the latest 2 bay coal hoppers just arrived from the States
Alan, Oliver & North Fork Railroad
https://www.buckfast.org.uk/
If you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there. Lewis Carroll English author & recreational mathematician (1832 - 1898)
Hi Great Western, You speak about Aristos new web site Can you post a link to it as people on our side of the pond can use all the info we can get
Age is only a state of mind, keep the mind active and enjoy life
Here it is. If you get the old site you need to clear out the cache on your computer so that it doesn't just load the old info.
http://www.aristocraft.com/
Bob
You will find much more Aristo-Craft change details on the Aristo-Craft Facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000820373635#!/pages/Aristo-Craft-Trains/115285431882687
Don U. TCA 73-5735
The discount is 40% off list price on most products. Easy to calculate since the Aristo site shows you list price and your price.
What is going to happen to dealers is dependent on the discounts they get from Aristo, which, from private discussions, is changing also.
Regards, Greg
Visit my site: http://www.elmassian.com - lots of tips on locos, rolling stock and more.
Click here for Greg's web site
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