Walthers & Wal-Mart

[davekelly]

I'd like to see pics of those structures also. Sounds like a great way to make background buildings.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by davekelly

I'd like to see pics of those structures also. Sounds like a great way to make background buildings.

These are foreground buildings. When I set my trains back up I will take pics and show you.

James

[davekelly]

I figured you were using them for foreground buildings, but if I'm scratchbuilding something, it needs to be in the background for obvious reasons. [:D][:D][:D]

Now, if your method results in me being able to scratchbuild something AND put it in the foreground - well . . .you should probably be nominated for a Nobel Prize!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by davekelly
Now, if your method results in me being able to scratchbuild something AND put it in the foreground - well . . .you should probably be nominated for a Nobel Prize!

I will see what I can russle up for you.

I have a "Union Station" module. Waiting for a my layout to reach "North Pendleton" (Built this for a class project when I was studying Architecture at MSU Bozeman) a Warehouse on my East Michielsen switching district. And I am presently planning a facorty that will go in the west michielsen Switching district. Plus I am also toying with the idea of making that scratchbuilt yard office that appeared in Model Railroader last spring out of foamcore instead of styrene.

I have construction photos of the station. But nothing really cool with it all lit up. So I will set it up and take them when I get resettled.

James.

[Anonymous]

Phil Walthers asked us to post the following letter from him to Rich Kirchen, author of the Business Journal article.  He felt it might clarify things and answer some of your questions.

*** Christianson
Managing Editor
Model Railroader magazine


September 2, 2005

Dear Rich,

I enjoyed talking to you about our recent acquisition and appreciate the publicity The Business Journal provided Walthers and the model railroad industry.

Because of our long term commitment to the independent hobby retailer, I feel that it is important to clarify the focus that our company has and how we look at our different markets. While our interview covered a range of topics, the article focused primarily on opportunities with Wal-Mart.

The driver for this acquisition was the complementary and synergistic nature of the Life-Like and Walthers hobby product lines. In particular, the Life-Like Proto™ and Heritage™ brands of highly detailed model railroad locomotives was a perfect match for our own line of miniature freight and passenger cars. Additionally, we added N scale products that will help us better serve an important hobby market segment.

The opportunity to acquire a line of train and race car sets that are sold into the mass market, and the Darda line of self-propelled cars that is sold to independent toy retailers, was a beneficial diversification of our product offering and customer base. It is important to note that the product requirements of the hobby market and the mass market are very different. We don’t envision transferring our existing Walthers hobby lines to the mass market, rather we hope to increase the number of new hobbyists created through their mass market buying experience.

Thanks once again for the chance to share with your readers this exciting chapter in our company’s history.

J. Philip Walthers, President
Wm. K. Walthers, Inc.

[Anonymous]

I knew this thread would get to something usefull in the end, good thing I have a signature, wouldn't want to get confused with the other James, then people would think I am smart.[8D]
PS. What do you think of my new signature? And my new favotrite quote:Sure I count rivets, just like the real railroads, real railroads count on rivets to hold their cars together.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Lotus098

I knew this thread would get to something usefull in the end, good thing I have a signature, wouldn't want to get confused with James, then people would think I am smart.[8D]

You wouldn't be taking a friendly pot shot across my bow would you? [4:-)] Any event I can care less about Uncle Pete. I model GN now. On that note. I will be in the Dome Car. (See my signature)

James

[loathar]

QUOTE: Originally posted by pj1775

I would caution the Walther's family in this potentially devastating move. Beyond the great deals and the carnival-like atmosphere of these Wal-Mart stores, the truth is their corporate offices chew up their suppliers and spit them out. I could name you countless suppliers that they have strung out until they cave.

I say this as the third generation of a milti-million dollar company. I have to believe Sam Walton would spin in his grave if he saw his company's discraceful approach to marketing today.

Sorry for the soap-box session. As far as I'm concerned I will continue to buy such railroad items from my local hobby shop. Even if their price is a few bucks more, they aren't loosing my business. When I walk in, they still know my name, know the scale I model, and they do business in an ethical way.

Sorry again. Had to get it off my chest.

PJ

I have to drive 75-100 miles to go to a LHS.By the time I pay $3/gallon for gas AND 10-30% more for the LHS prices that's pretty much a no go for me. If I had a LHS in my town I WOULD support it. Since I don't, I would love to see Wally mart carry SOME mid quality Walthers stuff.
If Mr. Walthers does read these posts, I say GO for it.

[Anonymous]

Although Wal-mart may sell train sets and maybe even some acessories try to get Tommy teenager wal mart employee to answer your question about the difference between a big boy and a switcher. LHS's will be there to answer your questions. When I was growing up in Michigan I used to get my train gear from Woolworth (Remember them???)and the local hobby shop but when I had questions I went to the hobby house.
This just means that come January people will be dumping the train sets on e-bay


Just my 2 cents

May God look over those struck by Katrina

[Ibflattop]

Hey I did what Fish did. I was walking thru and I see the Athearn J.D. Tractors so I picked up a couple for my Tractor Dealier on my layout!!!!!!! Kevin

[robert sylvester]

[8][}:)][B)] Each of these smilies actually mean something. I'll explain. I have delt with Walthers since 1960, when I received Walthers passenger cars, infact an entire consist, plus the Hudson that was produced at that time by Walthers, Atlas buildings, and track, with an MRC power pack, all from Walthers which my father ordered through the hobby shop in 1960 for Christmas. I thought they were the neatess thing a guy could have, I would get at eye level with the windows and just pretend I was on that train. I even got the interior kits for the cars.
I too ran a hobby shop for years, and once again Walthers was a major supplier, but "back order"[8], became an issue and a new word in the lexicon. Sometimes it would take a while for things to get there. So,[}:)] I would then have to develope creative marketing and or sales talk, like "coming soon", don't know when but "coming soon".
[B)] Innevatably the store developed a black eye due to delayed inventory.
I have since moved, and there is no local hobby shop where I live now except for a Hobby Lobby, very little train stuff.
[;)]So, with one eye closed I will watch what Wal Mart and Walthers do. I would support a LHS, ain' got one, mail order only. So, If Phil wants to place some variety at Wal Mart I'm all for it. In fact I think he should go beyond race tracks, at least some Life Like, Athearn, Bachman, Atlas, and the like.
If young modlers, and or new modlers see these products it may bring them into the fold. And those of us that have been around modeling for 50 years will take a look as well.
So Phil, maybe some MRC, Roundhouse, Mini Metals, and of course Walthers.
Robert
WTRR
Hub City Division