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A Thank You and "Shout Out" for Rix Products

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  • Member since
    March 2008
  • From: Seattle Area
  • 1,794 posts
A Thank You and "Shout Out" for Rix Products
Posted by Capt. Grimek on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 2:52 PM

Hi Guys n' gals,

In an age where reasonably priced/ made in America products AND great customer service are so rare, I wanted to give a  thank you/ 'shout out' to Rick Rideout of Rix Products Inc.

I needed to replace some kit parts from an "Early Highway Overpass" and he sent them out VERY quickly after a nice (but brief-he's  very busy!) telephone conversation.  

I was in one of those "layout moments" where not being able to complete a scenic element held up planning and building the remainder of that scene as I had to see it in place and take measurements, so the great customer service and assistance was doubly appreciated so that I can proceed.

I've been a fan of Rick's layout for many years and I had to admit to him that I was having a bit of a "groupie moment" just having a conversation with him. Wink

If you're looking for products made here, that are backed by the highest quality customer service and made by a railroad modeler RIX fits the bill.

If you're not familiar with Rick's layout he has some (more) recent pics on his website and Allen Keller made a video/DVD of his layout in the early '90s and still available through Mr. Keller and others.

I'll definitely be giving Rix more business through his site or other dealers (m.b. Klein among them).

I like to give my meager dollars to  great people, especially if they are modelers themselves as I'm sure do we all.   Rix (a family business) is one of them. 

Cheers, Jim

Jim 

Raised on the Erie Lackawanna Mainline- Supt. of the Black River Transfer & Terminal R.R.

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • 7,500 posts
Posted by 7j43k on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 3:58 PM

I, too, had a very satisfactory dealing with Rick.  And look forward to doing my best to support his business.

Ed

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Denver, CO
  • 3,576 posts
Posted by Motley on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 4:05 PM

Thats sure is a lot of RRRRRs. A tong twister for sure.

Rick, Rickety, Rickster, Ricketering, RickRock, the Rick of RIX products. OMG!

Michael


CEO-
Mile-HI-Railroad
Prototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Chi-Town
  • 7,712 posts
Posted by zstripe on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 4:39 PM

Motley

Thats sure is a lot of RRRRRs. A tong twister for sure.

Rick, Rickety, Rickster, Ricketering, RickRock, the Rick of RIX products. OMG!

Michael,

How many times,do you think,you can say that? But faster. Laugh

I will admit though, never had a problem with them.

Cheers, Drinks

Frank

  • Member since
    March 2002
  • From: Milwaukee WI (Fox Point)
  • 11,439 posts
Posted by dknelson on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 4:51 PM

I have never had the need to contact them but I will surely second the motion as to the value of their products.  In addition to the Rix line itself, there is also Pikestuff -- and I think too many modelers overlook their Smalltown USA structures which offer a nice variety.

I particularly like the machine shop in their Pikestuff line-- an older prototype than many of the Pikestuff structures and hence possible to overlook, but it is about as promising for kitbashing purposes as as the old Mt Vernon Mfg was for the late Art Curren.  And don't forget the clever utility pole crossarms cast in clear or translucent green plastic, so you have perfect insulators if you simply paint the "wood" part.

Their concrete block walls are another overlooked item in the Rix/Pikestuff line.  Indeed there are a number of items they offer of the "why doesn't someone make ...." variety.  Very clever stuff.  And made in the US of A.  And reasonably and fairly priced.

Dave Nelson

  • Member since
    February 2007
  • From: North Aurora, IL
  • 471 posts
Posted by ho modern modeler on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 4:54 PM

Good to know they're a family-run business made in  the U.S.A. I have built two of the Rix highway bridges on my layout (one is almost 3' long), and several different types of silo's. I can personally vouch for the quality and value of their product line.

Mine doesn't move.......it's at the station!!!

 

  • Member since
    March 2008
  • From: Seattle Area
  • 1,794 posts
Posted by Capt. Grimek on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 5:00 PM

One of (the main) reasons Rick has so many unique and useful products is that, at least originally he manufactured multiple copies of something he wanted or needed for his own layout and wasn't then available.

He talked about that in his Keller video back in '92 or so. He then made them available to others, starting his business.  His Dad helped him to purchase injection molding equipment. Check out his site. There's some history there and some layout pics.

Jim

Raised on the Erie Lackawanna Mainline- Supt. of the Black River Transfer & Terminal R.R.

  • Member since
    August 2004
  • From: Amish country Tenn.
  • 10,027 posts
Posted by loathar on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 5:05 PM

He's got good stuff. I just wish he's start making his twin coil switch machines again.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: upstate NY
  • 9,236 posts
Posted by galaxy on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 5:31 PM

I have not needed customer service form them,so good to know. I AM, however, aware of and posses a few of their products.

And for those who DON'T know:

they have a large line of buildings and "parts"- windows, doors, Roof vents, etc. Among other things

Here is a few pages of their stuff, have a gander:

http://www.wholesaletrains.com/Search2.asp?Search=Rix&scale=HO&Submit2=++Search++&dmx_botcheck_Srch2=360962713&offset=0

Geeked

-G .

Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.

 HO and N Scale.

After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Chi-Town
  • 7,712 posts
Posted by zstripe on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 5:52 PM

galaxy

I have not needed customer service form them,so good to know. I AM, however, aware of and posses a few of their products.

And for those who DON'T know:

they have a large line of buildings and "parts"- windows, doors, Roof vents, etc. Among other things

Here is a few pages of their stuff, have a gander:

http://www.wholesaletrains.com/Search2.asp?Search=Rix&scale=HO&Submit2=++Search++&dmx_botcheck_Srch2=360962713&offset=0

Geeked

G,

Should be clickable,now.

Cheers,

Frank

Edit: sorry,can't get it to work

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Chi-Town
  • 7,712 posts
Posted by zstripe on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 6:00 PM

http://www.wholesaletrains.com/Search2.asp?Search=Rix&scale=HO&Submit2=++Search++&dmx_botcheck_Srch2=360962713&offset=0

Edit: NOPE.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: WSOR Northern Div.
  • 1,559 posts
Posted by WSOR 3801 on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 7:55 PM

http://www.rixproducts.com/model_railroad_kits.htm

This should get you where you want to go. 

The uncoupling tool works better these days, fewer metal handrails on engines and cabooses to affect operation. 

Mike WSOR engineer | HO scale since 1988 | Visit our club www.WCGandyDancers.com

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