charlie9 Another full moon!!!!!!!!!! Charlie
Another full moon!!!!!!!!!!
Charlie
Looks that way, eh?
joe
I would add:
Train Control Systems
Soundtraxx
MRC
NCE
Details West Associates
Plastruct
Con-Cor
Mantua Classics
Modeling the Pennsy and loving it!
dti406 I would feel no sadness if "Botchmann" went under, I have never owned and will never own one of their products. I fixed way too many of them at the hobby shop I did repairs for. Rick J
I would feel no sadness if "Botchmann" went under, I have never owned and will never own one of their products. I fixed way too many of them at the hobby shop I did repairs for.
Rick J
How long ago was that? Since Bachmann has offered their current warranty for some 15-20 years, why would any customer pay to have fixed what they can have replaced for free? And since Bachmann's parent company has only recently begun to supply any amount of replacement parts - how did you repair those Bachmann locos?
These questions come from someone who worked in hobby shops, repaired trains, and managed a train department through most of the 70's and early 80's. And, who now has over 40 Bachmann locos made in the last 15 years that all run great.
Repair ratios in shops relate not only to quality levels or "dud" rates, but also to number of units sold. since Bachmann is now one off the biggest producers, it stands to reason that a larger "number" may need service, even if the "dud" percentage was the same or better than some lower volume builder.
You are most welcome to not buy Bachmann, but you are missing out on a number of excelent models, especially if you model steam.
Sheldon
MTH going kaputzky? I hope not.
Ironic for me as I admit to having been an MTH basher in the past during the "MTH vs QSI" tussle back in 2004-05. But I'm glad that things have become "smoother" since then and MTH has been making some positive contributions to the HO market.
I've been thinking that if any manufacturer would produce an HO scale version of the New Haven Railroad EP5 electric locomotive, it would be MTH, considering that they produced an O-Scale version that was a popular seller.
kbkchooch Um guys, modeltrainstuff.com IS MB Klein! And they could go out for all I care. MTH would be a good guess, eventually they are gonna have to start paying the lawyers for all the losing lawsuits they have brought to the courts!
Um guys, modeltrainstuff.com IS MB Klein!
And they could go out for all I care.
MTH would be a good guess, eventually they are gonna have to start paying the lawyers for all the losing lawsuits they have brought to the courts!
"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"
First off, Chinese manufacturers come and go like pop stars, that does not mean that a US manufacturer will not be able to find a new factory to make their products.
Second, if I had to pick a US company in this business that might be in trouble, I can only think of two:
MTH and Broadway Limited.
MTH entered the HO market with little understanding of it, and arrogantly thought people would buy their proprietary control system, not even offering locos that would run in a satisfactory manner on DC.
Every shop owner I know who sold lots of MTH O gauge, said they could not get many customers interested in MTH HO, and that O gauge sales are down in general with the slow economy. O gauge is more a "big ticket collector" customer, many of whom have been slowed by the economy.
Several reported HO customers who did try MTH locos who were very unhappy - not with quality, but with DCS/DCC/DC operational issues.
There have been recent reports of long service department turn around times at MTH.
And based on the lack of conversation about their products on this and other forums, they have made very little penetration into the HO market.
Yet they have clearly invested a lot of money.
Broadway Limited has always clearly suffered from a lack of working capital and has alienated many dealers with their pricing policies which sell left over product direct to consumers for less than dealers had to pay to put it on their shelves.
They too have largely ignored about half the market by most of their offering only being available with DCC and sound.
Their recent releases are just reruns with the exception of the new Pacific's, which share a far amount of tooling with the Mikadio's - making it a low cost addition to the line.
Their prices remain high - until they get strapped for cash - then another blow out sale at FDT.
Combine all this with the China manufacturing turmoil and both companies throwing money away on lawsuits with each other, and I see two companies that could easily be in trouble.
Karl
NCE über alles!
riogrande5761 Doughless Frankly, other than Atlas and Peco /Shinohara (as long as one stayed), I'm not sure it would matter to me. It probably depends on what your poison is. Most important to keep is Athearn since they produce alot of nice western rolling stock inluding stuff for SP and D&RGW fans.
Doughless Frankly, other than Atlas and Peco /Shinohara (as long as one stayed), I'm not sure it would matter to me.
Frankly, other than Atlas and Peco /Shinohara (as long as one stayed), I'm not sure it would matter to me.
It probably depends on what your poison is. Most important to keep is Athearn since they produce alot of nice western rolling stock inluding stuff for SP and D&RGW fans.
Yeah, plenty of stuff for us East Coast modelers to strip and refinish!!!
Texas Zepher HaroldADigitrax, Bar Mills, MB Klein, Branchline - What is MB Klein? Never heard of them.
HaroldADigitrax, Bar Mills, MB Klein, Branchline -
Dunno. As long as modeltrainstuff stays open for business!
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
All are going belly up, the hobby has been dying for 50 years now, you haven't heard?
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."-Albert Einstein
http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/
Always saddening when a manufacturer that produces hobby products goes under.
Just my 2 cents:
I don't think it's Bachmann: Their business actually picked up after the "factory fiascos" overseas of 2 or 3 years ago.
I don't think it's Walthers: Inspite of some "glitches", their P1K / P2K locomotives and rolling stock are popular; especially the retooled locomotives, such as the E-units. The "plated" streamlined trains sold out quickly.
No doubt that Rapido will be around: Strong, loyal support with an owner that stays in contact with customers and strives to deliver good service.
Atlas: I wonder. They shut down a very popular forum, to cut costs. Yet, (forgive my ignorance), from what I've read on line, running and maintaining a forum can range from $300 to $5000 per month depending on a range of factors. Atlas has been steadily producing very attractive, smooth running locomotives and rolling stock in HO and N scale. Hopefully they're ok.
InterMountain: I hope they will survive as they have or currently produce a number of eastern and southeastern models. Yes, a lot of us were disappointed with the U-18B's shortcomings, but many of us were still glad to see it.
Broadway Limited: Now that company makes me wonder. They made a nice splash onto the scene years back, but over the past 4 to 5 years, there have been product production delays and even cancellations on some models. To their credit BLI eventually came through on some of the promised runs.
Athearn: (Robert DeNiro, talking while holding a modeler by the shirt collar:)
"What? Athearn?! Ay, fugged-aboudit! Don't talk about Athearn! Listen! Don't you say nuthin about Athearn! Dey's goin nowhere! Ya got me?! Dere's too many western modelers out hea dat will see to it Athearn sticks around.....or else! Capice? Good! Now get-outta here!"
Much ado about nothing. There is nothing any of us can do short of buying the company in peril. As the song goes "whatever will be will be".
Losing any outfit that advertises in the Narrow Gauge & Short Line Gazette, would be bad in my book, even for the 113 scale/gauge combinations I don't model in.
Any vendor ever listed in any Walthers Catalog -- 'cause I really want some of the classic stuff, so while we're doing pie in the sky....
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
To be completely honest, I would feel unhappy to learn that any 'major' company was in so much difficulty that it is about to fail, or has and the announcement is pending. A major company doesn't get that way without a lot of purchasing decisions over the years. So, who are those buyers who may post here daily or weekly, and what will they lose if they are partway through plans that include those products? This was my concern.
Crandell
Rule 1: This is my railroad.
Rule 2: I make the rules.
Rule 3: Illuminating discussion of prototype history, equipment and operating practices is always welcome, but in the event of visitor-perceived anacronisms, detail descrepancies or operating errors, consult RULE 1!
Wow, this has really shown me that I am a 'Diverse Purchaser' as I have at least one to many, from each manufacturer listed so far. Even the 4-6 Canadian manufacturers (not mentioned yet), & private folks not listed.As I said in another thread, challenges have slowed my buying, regardless of the quality & want factor of the products offered.That said, I feel partially responsible for not making those purchases & supporting those great products.It is Sad that any Manufacturer/Distributor closes their doors, & more than likely they are the ones that provide an exact, specific, true to scale units, that may have a niche following..I'm 'them' people, & have enjoyed some of those models & products.I wish them the best, & wished I could have supported in more than single orders, or just words of praise.Just my thoughts...
Joe Staten Island West
HaroldA How about... Digitrax, Bar Mills, MB Klein, Branchline - what are others??
How about...
Digitrax, Bar Mills, MB Klein, Branchline - what are others??
Now if, Digitrax, Bar Mills, MB Klein, went It may affect me. Though; Digitrax or MB Klein would really effect me.
Ken G Price My N-Scale Layout
Digitrax Super Empire Builder Radio System. South Valley Texas Railroad. SVTRR
N-Scale out west. 1996-1998 or so! UP, SP, Missouri Pacific, C&NW.
MisterBeasley Additions to the list, in no particular order: Branchline City Classics Miller Engineering / Microstructures Miniatronics Woodland Scenics Scenic Express and last but certainly not least.... My LHS, Maine Trains in Chelmsford, MA.
Additions to the list, in no particular order:
Branchline
City Classics
Miller Engineering / Microstructures
Miniatronics
Woodland Scenics
Scenic Express
and last but certainly not least....
My LHS, Maine Trains in Chelmsford, MA.
I think Crandell either knows something he's nto telling, or has stirred up a pot.
I have seen all the manufacturers/distributors here listed already that I like.
SO I am happy as a clam if they don't go belly up!
besides, IF'FEN they DO go belly up aren't we the ones to blame, unless we buy more of what they make to make them profitable???
-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.
Doughless BTW, this thread looks like its one that could deteriorate into one of those "us vs them" threads reeeeeeeally quickly....
BTW, this thread looks like its one that could deteriorate into one of those "us vs them" threads reeeeeeeally quickly....
But every one of us, of course, wants Kalmbach to stay in business, and even to thrive!
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
There's never time to do it right, but always time to do it over.....
- Douglas
Yeah. Maybe that's the point of Rich's thread. And I added three more after your post.....
Edit: Walthers Cornerstone, Woodland Scenics, and I would add Pikestuff. Those would be tough to lose too.
CEO of Atlas made a statement when the forums shut down that they were financially healthy and positioned well for moving forward. That was about 10 months ago. So apparently they were/are ok.
jeffrey-wimberly motely222 Tyco Tyco trains? Belly up long ago.
motely222 Tyco
Tyco
Oh no. Does this mean I can't get parts for my Dixie Belle?
Paul