What's the deal with Walthers?

[emdgp92]

I bought a 25-ton crane from them back in December, and managed to snap off one of the truck screws...as I was trying to mount it. Since I couldn't get the screw (a self-tapper) back out of the frame, the local hobby shop graciously ordered a new frame for me. That was 8 months ago. So far, neither I, nor the shop have received any indication about when the frame is to arrive. I have no problem with shipping delays, but 8 months is a little extreme. Has anyone else had a problem like this?

[emdgp92]

I bought a 25-ton crane from them back in December, and managed to snap off one of the truck screws...as I was trying to mount it. Since I couldn't get the screw (a self-tapper) back out of the frame, the local hobby shop graciously ordered a new frame for me. That was 8 months ago. So far, neither I, nor the shop have received any indication about when the frame is to arrive. I have no problem with shipping delays, but 8 months is a little extreme. Has anyone else had a problem like this?

[vsmith]

Are you sure they ACTUALY placed the order? Sometimes when one person there says the order has been placed but the person he told to order it hasnt or has lost the order form. If you havent gotten a placed order in 8 months chances are it a backordered item or else it has been discontinued and there aint no parts for ordering. You should contact Walthers directly regarding avalibility.

[vsmith]

Are you sure they ACTUALY placed the order? Sometimes when one person there says the order has been placed but the person he told to order it hasnt or has lost the order form. If you havent gotten a placed order in 8 months chances are it a backordered item or else it has been discontinued and there aint no parts for ordering. You should contact Walthers directly regarding avalibility.

[Anonymous]

After 8 months, you might want to try drilling the screw out if possible and if there is access room for a small dremel drill. Start small, slow, and careful down the center of the screw, use lube oil, don't overheat, increase bit size in small increments until the screw is weakened enough through the center that in can be collapsed and out it comes. Might take a little time, but shouldn't take anywhere near 8 months.

[Anonymous]

After 8 months, you might want to try drilling the screw out if possible and if there is access room for a small dremel drill. Start small, slow, and careful down the center of the screw, use lube oil, don't overheat, increase bit size in small increments until the screw is weakened enough through the center that in can be collapsed and out it comes. Might take a little time, but shouldn't take anywhere near 8 months.

[emdgp92]

I know the order was placed, I saw it on the computer screen at the hobby shop. I also tried to drill the screw out, but to no avail. Even with a drill press, I couldn't get the hole straight enough, so it doesn't sit level now. I still find it rather annoying that if you need a part, Walthers doesn't stock any spares after an item is discontinued.

Edit: I just checked their website, and the 25-ton crane is still listed.

[emdgp92]

I know the order was placed, I saw it on the computer screen at the hobby shop. I also tried to drill the screw out, but to no avail. Even with a drill press, I couldn't get the hole straight enough, so it doesn't sit level now. I still find it rather annoying that if you need a part, Walthers doesn't stock any spares after an item is discontinued.

Edit: I just checked their website, and the 25-ton crane is still listed.

[dknelson]

Back when Walthers made things here in the USA (here in Milwaukee) they had parts for everything. Those days are over alas, except for things like trucks which have a market (and even then I do not yet see things like their new wood beam caboose trucks being offered separately).
At best maybe there is a busted crane sitting around from which they can canabilize the part you need (and even then they have no computer system to tell them what to charge and I can tell you that Walthers is mostly lost unless an item is in their computer!).
Here is my advice. Call the Terminal Hobby Shop. It is housed at Walthers but is technically separate. Ask for Dan or Leroy at the front desk (not the mail order staff) explain the special situation and ask if by chance they have a returned crane sitting around on the back shelf (they no longer have a bargain table out front) that has the part you need and that they can sell you cheap. They have the freedom to price returns and damaged stuff as they please. Sometimes the stuff is damaged only beause the packaging looks bad.
Dave Nelson

[dknelson]

Back when Walthers made things here in the USA (here in Milwaukee) they had parts for everything. Those days are over alas, except for things like trucks which have a market (and even then I do not yet see things like their new wood beam caboose trucks being offered separately).
At best maybe there is a busted crane sitting around from which they can canabilize the part you need (and even then they have no computer system to tell them what to charge and I can tell you that Walthers is mostly lost unless an item is in their computer!).
Here is my advice. Call the Terminal Hobby Shop. It is housed at Walthers but is technically separate. Ask for Dan or Leroy at the front desk (not the mail order staff) explain the special situation and ask if by chance they have a returned crane sitting around on the back shelf (they no longer have a bargain table out front) that has the part you need and that they can sell you cheap. They have the freedom to price returns and damaged stuff as they please. Sometimes the stuff is damaged only beause the packaging looks bad.
Dave Nelson

[Anonymous]

It's the price we pay for cheap imported good, minimium wage employees, and streamlined inventories. If you feel it's their fault just buy a new crane and get your frame and return it defective for refund. If it's your fault it broke just chalk it up to the price you and I pay for affordable consumer goods, mass marketing, and shopping at Walmart. Most things that cost more than a model crane are considered disposable when they break, like TVs, VCRs, camcorders, and now computers. I seriously don't think Walthers could sell enough replacement parts to even pay a minimum wage employee to pack them and break even.

[Anonymous]

It's the price we pay for cheap imported good, minimium wage employees, and streamlined inventories. If you feel it's their fault just buy a new crane and get your frame and return it defective for refund. If it's your fault it broke just chalk it up to the price you and I pay for affordable consumer goods, mass marketing, and shopping at Walmart. Most things that cost more than a model crane are considered disposable when they break, like TVs, VCRs, camcorders, and now computers. I seriously don't think Walthers could sell enough replacement parts to even pay a minimum wage employee to pack them and break even.

[Anonymous]

I have the self propelled crane from Walthers and mine sat for 4 years and the axle gears split. I went on line to Walthers and within 2 weeks I had 2 new axle assy's. I suggest you deal with them directly [;)][8D]

[Anonymous]

I have the self propelled crane from Walthers and mine sat for 4 years and the axle gears split. I went on line to Walthers and within 2 weeks I had 2 new axle assy's. I suggest you deal with them directly [;)][8D]

[emdgp92]

Thanks for the advice. It's not just the repair parts. I've heard of people ordering new items (such as those PRR express cars)...and having them take forever!

[emdgp92]

Thanks for the advice. It's not just the repair parts. I've heard of people ordering new items (such as those PRR express cars)...and having them take forever!