It's been well over two years since I ordered one of Athearn's MT-4 Mountains with the Skyline casing. I suppose I am willing to continue waiting but as I'm approaching 70 I'd rather not begin to wonder if it will come before I go. Toy Train Heaven has enjoyed the company of my dollars since the original order (thankfully I've got the evidence of the purchase) and hopefully escrows reservation orders to earn enough interest to cover the ensuing inflation. Can I expect that if it does finally come out that there won't be a surcharge? Or, do they have a policy that allows credit for other goodies they may have in stock if I should finally opt to throw in the towel? Of course I could call them for answers, and may yet do so. But I'm guessing that there are some of you out there who would have no trouble telling me what to expect! Have ordered from TTH only twice and had no problems. Am hoping this won't be an introduction to an alternate reality.
Sorry to have to tell you this, but your mistake was prepaying, not pre-ordering.
You best hope is that TTH is still around when Athearn eventually releases that loco.
If I were you, I would demand an immediate refund and then buy the loco once released.
Rich
Alton Junction
I agree with Rich,on everything he said,,,,,I'm wondering,why it took two year's for you to do anything?
I would not give them 3 months,without a definite answer,,no matter how good they are..
Cheers,
Frank
I would never pay even a deposit on an advance order. I agree that you should get a refund or credit now. On the Athearn Facebook site there is much discussion about that model's future, I would say that it's iffy at best. They're not saying but a few of their projects there might be a question of where the tooling is since they were changing Chinese vendors, it could be missing or destroyed. There are plenty of dealers that don't charge you until they ship the item, it's easier on everyone if the project eventually gets cancelled.
Mine doesn't move.......it's at the station!!!
FYI, from my long term experience, TTH is a pretty good supplier and very reputable.
I urge you to call them and seek the refund.
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
Did I not read here, maybe two years ago or more, that TTH is closely associated with Bowser?
I don't pre-pay as a matter of policy, but I have placed two types of deposit. One was a 10% for a Sunset brass locomotive (three years until receipt of the item), and the other has been a one (1) cent deposit with Factory Direct Train for the elusive "Union" 4-12-2 in Hybrid form from BLI.
I thought those locomotives you ordered were released already, but maybe I'm wrong. In any event, I can't see why you shouldn't just get your money and put it to better use.
Crandell
I am a former Bowser and TTH employee (last worked for them in 1992, but I am friends with current employees including the owners).
They are both very reputable companies, and I respectfully suggest you contact TTH directly with your concerns. They will make it right for you.
Please also be aware that the engine you ordered is an Athearn product and as such is totally beyond the control of TTH. At the time your order was originally made, the delivery from Athearn was anticipated to be...sooner than now, but Athearn subsequently experienced problems with at least one manufacturer overseas--and has clearly, publicly stated that unfortunately the MT-4 with skyline casing 4-8-2 was affected by those problems. I do not know when Athearn will release those models (the as built, un-streamlined version was previously released by Athearn--I owned 2 and they were great engines prior to my dieselization).
Since TTH has been around for a long time, and the current owners still have several years to go before retirement, I see no reason at all for them not to make good on their commitments.
They are and have been among the most reputable in the train business. The English's have always treated their customers with fairness and respect. I have known the family for 40 of my 45 years, learned a lot from them while working there, and am proud to have known them.
That said, the best thing you can do is to call them and explain your concerns.
Respectfully submitted--
John
Personally, I would call them just to make sure they still have your order on file.
Given the interest rates lately, you can probably count on the fact that your payment has earned virtually nothing - just like if it was sitting in your savings account. So if there is an increase before delivery, you are probably stuck for it. And given that it was due over 3 years ago, I would be surprised if the price doesn't go up when (and if) they are finally made.
Good luck
Paul