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PCM Union Pacific TTT 6/7 2-10-2
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<p>Factory Direct Trains is reportedly owned by the brother of BLI/PCM owner, Bob Grubba. If that's so, it's more of an affiliate than an independent dealer or wholesaler. In essence, BLI/PCM have eliminated the need for their distributor and dealer network. In doing that, they've alienated some major customers, both dealers and consumers.</p><p>BLI started out with a niche that was all its own. Had they managed to be consistent in product quality and delivery, they would still own that niche. But quality control became a problem. They brought forth steam locomotives with sound chips that produced a "chuff" three times, rather than the correct four, per revolution of the drive wheels. A small thing to some, but keep in mind that BLI's motto was something like "no more running in silence". It was ludicrous when they messed up the sound effects.</p><p>Further gaffes followed. The ballyhooed F-units were initially produced with bodies with incorrect and poorly done details. Then the replacement bodies arrived with color and lettering errors. The Santa Fe 2-10-2 may be a slow seller in part because it's a lousy model. It has engineering and detail defects that were brought to BLI's attention before production, but they did nothing about them. BLI products became notorious for arriving brand-new but dysfunctional. Part fell off or were missing. Their steam locomotives with plastic tenders vibrated like electric shavers when the sound volume was stll barely audible. The list continues. </p><p>In the midst of this, Grubba bought out the financial interests of his two partners. One of them was a noted importer of brass models, and the other was the owner of QSI. Now Grubba complains in his websites about the royalties that QSI charges for use of its sound system components. Check out Mr. Grubba on Google, and read his history in previous employment with Lionel and MDK trains; Mr. Grubba seems to have been involved in ways to save money on royalties in the past. Perhaps this time he's chosen the high road, perhaps not.</p><p>BLI does seem to have acquired brass fever. Maybe their brass products will sell. Maybe they finally have discovered the concept of quality control. Their choice of prototypes to model isn't that bad. The UP 2-10-2 should sell fairly well; the market has been flooded with Big Boys and Challengers and the legion of UP fans would welcome a non-articulated heavy freight locomotive. It's also very, very close in appearance and dimensions to SP 2-10-2s, and with the right superstructure and tender, plus correct detailing, could form the basis for that very, very common locomotive. The Mohawk, too, should be a good seller; NYC fans can use a steam model of something other than a Hudson, a USRA Mike, and a Niagara.</p><p>How does PCM figure in all of this? According to those familiar with the company, it's a sister company of BLI, owned by Grubba. So far, its products seem to have been a bit more consistent than those of BLI. Maybe that's because they're more recent. But they're being dumped by FDT, too.</p><p>PCM's major error, so far, seems to be making unfulfillable promises of delivery. They've also failed to understand the market. Their PRR I-1sa could be the biggest selling non-brass steam locomotive for some time, if they could bring it to market. PRR had 498 of the prototype, and PRR remains one of the most-modeled railroads. THe I-1sa is a large locomotive for PRR, but by US railroad standards, really isn't that huge. It is a good fit for most model railroads, usable for any sort of freight service. </p><p>But instead of pushing this locomotive to market, PCM has done its Big Boy in both brass and die-cast. Nice models, but already done by others. The PCM Y6b bears a remarkable resemblance to the Lionel O-scale version, so perhaps those drawings were available, and that speeded up production (it's worth reading the sad story of the Samhongsa--Korea Brass--Lionel debacle and lawsuit, which involved this model, and Mr. Grubba). But the I-1sa should have been on the market by now, and bringing revenue to PCM/BLI.</p><p>In one sense, it's not important to any of us how BLI and PCM run their affairs. They're privately held businesses, and if they succeed or fail is of greatest importance to their owners and employees. But as model railroaders, many of us are frustrated at being promised such revolutionary and needed products, and then either not getting them or spending our money on models that have in too many cases fallen short of the mark. Whatever their problems, one would hope that these two companies refine their business plans, continue to understand that quality control and good design are critical to their success, and stop alienating those who support them with hard-earned hobby dollars. </p>
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