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Is the cost of model railroading out of reach for most?
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Old beliefs die hard...... <br /> <br />The quality of stuff manufactured in China gets a bad rap from the years of "junk" that was made and shipped here. That still happens with the $1 toys you find littering a flea market, but when it comes to contract manufacturing large volume stuff, the buyer can set his specs for quality at what he wants. China is quickly coming into the 21st century and their capabilities in production in many cases is very, very good. Poor quality MRR equipment being imported from there is only the fault of the companies ordering the stuff. For every "bucket shop" operation that will build you low quality components there will be 3 better manufacturers waiting in the wings to take your business. The difference in final price is not huge. DO NOT underestimate the power of the Chinese because they will be the dominant global economic power in 20 years, surpassing the US(sorry, off topic, but a reality). <br /> <br />If you think moving manufacturing to China automatically equals lower quality product, think again. It will be only because the Horizons, BLIs, etc are not demanding higher quality standards in what they receive. The BLIs are a good example. While not perfect, they give you a good idea of what is possible when you set the bar. They control that end of it and it will come down to what the market will bear on final price. Labor is cheaper, materials are cheaper and shipping is not that significant when it comes in by the container load. Some will say the BLI example is bad because it's introducing the high priced gear. Instead, look at how these new features may bring newfound interest in the hobby. When the current generation has X-box doing all it can to make their games seem life-like, you need to take MRR to the next level with sound and automated controls to have any chance to compete. Sure, the status quo is fine for the old salts who see no need for that new fangled gear, but what happens to the suppliers in 10 or 20 years when that generation passes? <br /> <br />Using that offshore manufacturing resource should allow the hobby to remain affordable for years to come, if done properly, by bringing added detail and realism to the new products at prices within reach of the masses.
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