Sound Advice

[Gary Crawley]

Well today was a big day for me, I test ran my Mogul over 20' of track[:)][:)][:)][:)][:)]
I,m using battery power and Locolinc radio, I could not believe how easy they are to program and the back EMF is fantastic for my 4% grades it controls speed both up and down without any trouble.
[?]Now to my question[?]
Has any of you guy's used the Soundlinc modules and if you have could you please give me some feedback on performance compared to Sierra or Phoenix.
Any information would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Gary

[Anonymous]

Gary I have used Phoenix and it ended up in court, it had nothing to do with the quality of the sound unit more to do with the people involved here in Australia. I successfully sued my ex LGB dealer about it all. Now I can tell you I will only use LGB sound units in LGB equipmenmt and I don't care about the features or the cost.

Rgds Ian

[Gary Crawley]

Ian
This is aimed at no one in particular but I'm so [censored] off with the Aussie dealers and lack of help and over priced stuff.
I have found a couple of stores in the US that are fantastic and always reply to my e-mails honestly and quickly.
I would gladly support our local stores if they were more helpful.
Thats why I turn to the Forum for advice as I don't want to end up like you did.
This is a hobby and we should't have stress in our hobby.
Regards
Gary

[Anonymous]

Hi Gary,
Know what you mean about the US dealers, I think I'll be ordering direct. I went into our local store on Saturday intent on a purchase, to find the shelves fairly empty. I asked if there was a show on somewhere - hence the poor stock - to be told that the UK/USA are still embroiled in a tariff war over steel prices and that there is now a 12.5% tax on exports from the states to the UK. I could understand where the guy was coming from but it was his attitude of 'tough s**t, we'll restock when we want'. He could have asked me what I wanted and whether I was willing to pay the price for it on order. Internet here I come.
Cheers,
Kim
[tup]

[powlee]

I know what you mean Kim. Would that be the local dealer to you who deals on the `net` but never has the product when you ring. You can get some nice deals ordering directly from the States even after paying postage and Customs. You can still be in profit.
Cheers Ian P

[Gary Crawley]

Kim
I aggree with Ian, After echange rate, freight and duties I still come out miles in front.
eg, 1200mm straight section of LGB track at our local supplier $50.00 per section, from the US $15.00 per section.
I don't normaly give out the names of suppliers (ephics etc) but I have purchased goods from St.Aubin, (www.lgbpola.com) WholesaleTrains (www.WholesaleTrains.com) and RGSRR Hobbies (www.rgsrrhobbies.com)
All have given good service and Wholesale gives a members discount after first purchase.
I have changed orders and had question and they all return my e-mails within a day.
RGSRR has a very good range (with great photos) of narrow gauge stuff.
All goods from all suppliers have arrived at my door in perfect condition. (track, buildings and rolling stock.etc)
I'm shure there are lots of other great suppliers I could choose from.

Regards
Gary.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for that Gary, I'll be giving them a try. How do you go on paying duty? Do you have to declare it yourself or does the shipper tell customs? We have 17.5% value added tax to pay in the UK.
Any body in the UK brought stuff in from the States on an individual basis?
Cheers,
Kim
[tup]

[Gary Crawley]

Kim
It's very complex and I guess it's different in the UK.
But the last shipment I received Customs included a letter describing the fees.
"Value of Taxable Import (VOTI) = Customs value + Customs duty + Cost of Transport and Insurance"
We have 10% GST (VAT) and have found you will have to pay the 10% (17.5% in the UK)
on arrival.
I have had 3 deliveries, ALL have been different.
1. UPS (United Parcel Service) requested the duties by credit card prior to delivery
2. 2nd delivery no Duty (lucky)
3. 3rd delivery COD required at my Post office (direct to Customs)
The supplier does not charge you any customs fees on order.
My advice would be to place a modest order and see what happens but as you see i'ts different everytime, work on 17.5% of your order.
Just to confuse you a little bit more we have no GST on the first $200.00
Regards
Gary

[powlee]

Kim
Last year I did a trial run and ordered the Aristo Doodlebug from Trainland(NY) in their sale. It took about 7 weeks to arrive. You pay the Parcelforce man for Customs and Parcelforce processing( I begrudged that bit,Parcelforce I mean). Trainland charge about $25 postage. I still paid £40 less overall for the product than my local shop at the time.
All the best Ian

[Anonymous]

Gary, Ian,
Thanks mates. I guess if you want to know the temperature of the water you got to dip your toe in! Here we go......................
Cheers,
Kim
[tup]