Rivarossi

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by lupo

Bigboy4015,
I looked over my FEF's and could not find "made in italy", just on all papers was "Printed in Italy "
And talking Big Trouble: the Introduction of the new FEF's was at least troubled, I placed an advanced reservation Januari 2003, for shipping early March 2003, but that date kept changing allmost every week, a big advertising campaign in MR magazine somewhere in September or Oktober, still no FEF's available, just the twotone by the end of November
Then early januari 2004 they really were delivered. a year after the first announcements

Hi Lupo,

turn the box at the red rear of the bottom is printed in white "Made in Italy". It´s a box, to big for calling carton !!!

You have also this little notes inside? One is in the bax with the wheelset and one in the foam.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by lupo

Bigboy4015,
I looked over my FEF's and could not find "made in italy", just on all papers was "Printed in Italy "
And talking Big Trouble: the Introduction of the new FEF's was at least troubled, I placed an advanced reservation Januari 2003, for shipping early March 2003, but that date kept changing allmost every week, a big advertising campaign in MR magazine somewhere in September or Oktober, still no FEF's available, just the twotone by the end of November
Then early januari 2004 they really were delivered. a year after the first announcements

Hi Lupo,

turn the box at the red rear of the bottom is printed in white "Made in Italy". It´s a box, to big for calling carton !!!

You have also this little notes inside? One is in the bax with the wheelset and one in the foam.

[M636C]

While not completely relevant, I dropped into my local hobby shop earlier this week, and they had the Lionel Challenger sitting quite close to the Rivarossi product. Now the Lionel was priced about three times the price of the Rivarossi, but the valve gear, particularly, looked a lot better!

Has the latest Rivarossi improved up to the Lionel standard? The prices here are about $A450 for Rivarossi and $A1267 for Lionel, ($A1=$US0.73 tonight)

Peter

[M636C]

While not completely relevant, I dropped into my local hobby shop earlier this week, and they had the Lionel Challenger sitting quite close to the Rivarossi product. Now the Lionel was priced about three times the price of the Rivarossi, but the valve gear, particularly, looked a lot better!

Has the latest Rivarossi improved up to the Lionel standard? The prices here are about $A450 for Rivarossi and $A1267 for Lionel, ($A1=$US0.73 tonight)

Peter

[lupo]

Ulrich,
you are right, it is on the bottom, did not turn it over, just looked inside ,and the yellow inspection slips were allso inside !
Lupo

[lupo]

Ulrich,
you are right, it is on the bottom, did not turn it over, just looked inside ,and the yellow inspection slips were allso inside !
Lupo

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by M636C

While not completely relevant, I dropped into my local hobby shop earlier this week, and they had the Lionel Challenger sitting quite close to the Rivarossi product. Now the Lionel was priced about three times the price of the Rivarossi, but the valve gear, particularly, looked a lot better!

Has the latest Rivarossi improved up to the Lionel standard? The prices here are about $A450 for Rivarossi and $A1267 for Lionel, ($A1=$US0.73 tonight)

Peter

I have the latest edition of the Rivarossi Challenger 3985 - Yeah the valve gear looks better!

I placed two orders for the Genesis Challenger at my HS (couldn´t say LHS because the shop is 140 km away).

And I think that the cheaper Genesis will be the better opinion - Athearn starts an unbelievable exact detailing with the coming Genesis SD70MAC. And the Challenger will be the same!
Im sure that the decision was right since i notice this mistake with Lionels Gasturbine #73 - wrong airintake!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by M636C

While not completely relevant, I dropped into my local hobby shop earlier this week, and they had the Lionel Challenger sitting quite close to the Rivarossi product. Now the Lionel was priced about three times the price of the Rivarossi, but the valve gear, particularly, looked a lot better!

Has the latest Rivarossi improved up to the Lionel standard? The prices here are about $A450 for Rivarossi and $A1267 for Lionel, ($A1=$US0.73 tonight)

Peter

I have the latest edition of the Rivarossi Challenger 3985 - Yeah the valve gear looks better!

I placed two orders for the Genesis Challenger at my HS (couldn´t say LHS because the shop is 140 km away).

And I think that the cheaper Genesis will be the better opinion - Athearn starts an unbelievable exact detailing with the coming Genesis SD70MAC. And the Challenger will be the same!
Im sure that the decision was right since i notice this mistake with Lionels Gasturbine #73 - wrong airintake!

[nfmisso]

QUOTE: Originally posted by darth9x9

Well, whoever retools/re-releases Rivarossi stuff, they will have to replace the pizza cutters with wheels and flanges that don't ride on the ties in order to compete successfully.

Those are long gone, and all the recent USA bound Rivarossi have .110" tread width RP25 wheels.

[nfmisso]

QUOTE: Originally posted by darth9x9

Well, whoever retools/re-releases Rivarossi stuff, they will have to replace the pizza cutters with wheels and flanges that don't ride on the ties in order to compete successfully.

Those are long gone, and all the recent USA bound Rivarossi have .110" tread width RP25 wheels.

[nfmisso]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bigboy4015
[br
...It´s possible that Walthers is owner of the USA assortment and use the brand for this plus the exclusive Allegheny! Rivarossi USA models are exclusive Walthers

Not, Walthers did not own anything in this case, they just contracted with Rivarossi for the models. The contract will not survive the bankruptcy proceedings - 'concordato preventivo'.

If Hornby is successful, Walthers will have to deal with them to continue the line.

[nfmisso]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bigboy4015
[br
...It´s possible that Walthers is owner of the USA assortment and use the brand for this plus the exclusive Allegheny! Rivarossi USA models are exclusive Walthers

Not, Walthers did not own anything in this case, they just contracted with Rivarossi for the models. The contract will not survive the bankruptcy proceedings - 'concordato preventivo'.

If Hornby is successful, Walthers will have to deal with them to continue the line.

[Anonymous]

Below is a note issued today about Hornby's half yearly trading results. Particular points of interest are 1) Lima 2) Electrotren 3) live steam.

The information on this page is updated via a feed from the London Stock Exchange's Regulatory News Service.


Hornby PLC - Interim Results

RNS Number:1508F
Hornby PLC
12 November 2004

HORNBY PROFITS UP 20%
AS EUROPEAN ACQUISITION BOOSTS SALES

Hornby Plc ("Hornby"), the models and collectables Group, has today announced its interim results for the six months to 30 September 2004. Hornby's two main products are model railways and Scalextric slot car racing systems.

Highlights

* Pre-tax profits up by 20% to £2.6 million (2003: £2.2 million)
* Sales up by 20% to £19.0 million (2003: £15.8 million)
* Diluted earnings per share to 4.55p (2003: 3.91p)
* 121 concession outlets in operation - sales growth of 60% over the last
12 months
* Acquisition of Spanish model rail group Electrotren completed
* Italian court ruling in favour of Lima acquisition
* Successful launch of new Scalextric Digital track system
* New Ferrari Scalextric license agreed
* Interim dividend up 25% to 2.0p (2003: 1.6p)

Frank Martin, Chief Executive of Hornby, said,

" We continue to make encouraging progress. The group is now augmenting its organic growth with acquisitions. We have completed the acquisition of Spanish model train specialist Electrotren and we are delighted with how it has bedded down and its subsequent performance.

" We have launched a number of new products which have been well received. Our Scalextric Digital track takes slot-car racing to a new level of authenticity and allows for real-life overtaking manoeuvres. Together with new ranges of both classic and contemporary racing cars, the pipeline of new products is looking good. We are also delighted to have secured a new licensing deal with Ferrari, which we are confident will be well received by the market.

" Our model railway business is also making excellent progress. Live steam is continuing to capture the imagination of a new sector of model-train enthusiasts and we are expanding the range of locomotives featuring this technology.

" Looking to the future, we are optimistic that our products will continue their appeal across a wide range of age groups. We have an exciting product development programme and we are hopeful that subject to our successful detailed due diligence, the acquisition of Lima will be completed before the end of the financial year. We are confident that we will continue to drive the Group's performance forward."

-ends-

Date: 12 November 2004
For further information contact:

Hornby Plc City Profile Group
Frank Martin, Chief Executive Simon Courtenay
John Stansfield, Finance Director James Cooper
01843-233500 020-7448-3244
On 12 November: 020-7448-3244
Web: www.hornby.com
or: www.scalextric.com



CHAIRMAN'S REVIEW


The Group continues to make encouraging progress. During the first half of the year sales have again increased for both Hornby and Scalextric brands. I am pleased to report that half-year sales at £19.0m were 20% higher than for the same period last year.

Profit before tax at £2.6m was 20% higher than for the same period last year. Diluted earnings per share rose from 3.91p to 4.55p (adjusted for 5 for 1 share split. See note 3).

Dividend

Your Board is continuing its policy of paying one third of the previous year's full dividend at the half-year. Consistent with this policy, and given the encouraging trading performance in the first half, I am therefore pleased to announce an interim dividend of 2.0p (2003 - 1.6p) per ordinary share, payable on 28 January 2005 for those shareholders on the register as at 7 January 2005.

Operating Review

The encouraging performance of the past six months reflects positive
developments within the business.

On 31 March 2004 we acquired Electrotren S.A., the market leader for model railway products in Spain. We are pleased with the performance of Electrotren and it has bedded down well as part of the Group. This subsidiary therefore contributes to results for the first time at this interim.

Group like-for-like sales and profit before tax each increased by 14% in the first half.

Sales of Hornby railway products increased again during the first six months, buoyed by an enlarged range of Live Steam locomotives and additional liveries of our Q1 and Class 50 locomotives. During the second half of the current financial year we expect to see strong sales of the retooled A4 locomotive and the new range of "Teak" coaches.

Scalextric sales also increased, supported by the introduction of the MotoGP motorbikes and sets. During the second half of the current financial year we expect to experience strong demand for the newly introduced Scalextric Digital system.

I am also delighted to announce that a number of new licences have been agreed which we believe will underpin further growth in Scalextric sales in future financial years. Most notable amongst these licences are the rights to produce Scalextric models based on Ferrari road and competition cars, including Formula 1.

Sales growth in the UK during the first half of the year has come from all our channels of distribution. In particular, in-store concessions in the UK have shown impressive sales growth of 60%. Between 30 September 2003 and 30 September 2004, the number of these outlets grew from 70 to 121.

Export markets continue to offer significant scope for growth, although some markets, notably North America, have experienced difficult trading conditions during the past six months. Nevertheless International sales have also increased during this period.

The Company has continued to benefit from the relative strength of Sterling against the Hong Kong Dollar, the currency in which the majority of our products are purchased. It is the Company's policy to maintain a prudent level of forward currency purchases in order to smooth the impact of fluctuations in exchange rates. Forward purchases of Hong Kong Dollars are now sufficient to meet the Company's purchasing requirements beyond the end of the current financial year.

The Company's net cash position, £0.1m overdraft as at 30 September 2004, has reduced by £3.3m compared to the previous year. However this position is after payment for Electrotren of £5.3m. The Company therefore continues to demonstrate its ability to generate significant positive cash flow from its operations.

Acquisitions

The Company continues in its negotiations to acquire certain assets of Lima S.p.A. (In liquidation), and expects to complete this transaction by the end of the current financial year.

Current Trading

Your Company has again made a strong start in the current financial year and the prospects for the full year remain positive. However, as always, the pre-Christmas trading period is the key part of the year's trading. Improved distribution and exciting new product introductions should ensure continued growth during the second half of the financial year.

Neil A Johnson

12 November 2004

[Anonymous]

Below is a note issued today about Hornby's half yearly trading results. Particular points of interest are 1) Lima 2) Electrotren 3) live steam.

The information on this page is updated via a feed from the London Stock Exchange's Regulatory News Service.


Hornby PLC - Interim Results

RNS Number:1508F
Hornby PLC
12 November 2004

HORNBY PROFITS UP 20%
AS EUROPEAN ACQUISITION BOOSTS SALES

Hornby Plc ("Hornby"), the models and collectables Group, has today announced its interim results for the six months to 30 September 2004. Hornby's two main products are model railways and Scalextric slot car racing systems.

Highlights

* Pre-tax profits up by 20% to £2.6 million (2003: £2.2 million)
* Sales up by 20% to £19.0 million (2003: £15.8 million)
* Diluted earnings per share to 4.55p (2003: 3.91p)
* 121 concession outlets in operation - sales growth of 60% over the last
12 months
* Acquisition of Spanish model rail group Electrotren completed
* Italian court ruling in favour of Lima acquisition
* Successful launch of new Scalextric Digital track system
* New Ferrari Scalextric license agreed
* Interim dividend up 25% to 2.0p (2003: 1.6p)

Frank Martin, Chief Executive of Hornby, said,

" We continue to make encouraging progress. The group is now augmenting its organic growth with acquisitions. We have completed the acquisition of Spanish model train specialist Electrotren and we are delighted with how it has bedded down and its subsequent performance.

" We have launched a number of new products which have been well received. Our Scalextric Digital track takes slot-car racing to a new level of authenticity and allows for real-life overtaking manoeuvres. Together with new ranges of both classic and contemporary racing cars, the pipeline of new products is looking good. We are also delighted to have secured a new licensing deal with Ferrari, which we are confident will be well received by the market.

" Our model railway business is also making excellent progress. Live steam is continuing to capture the imagination of a new sector of model-train enthusiasts and we are expanding the range of locomotives featuring this technology.

" Looking to the future, we are optimistic that our products will continue their appeal across a wide range of age groups. We have an exciting product development programme and we are hopeful that subject to our successful detailed due diligence, the acquisition of Lima will be completed before the end of the financial year. We are confident that we will continue to drive the Group's performance forward."

-ends-

Date: 12 November 2004
For further information contact:

Hornby Plc City Profile Group
Frank Martin, Chief Executive Simon Courtenay
John Stansfield, Finance Director James Cooper
01843-233500 020-7448-3244
On 12 November: 020-7448-3244
Web: www.hornby.com
or: www.scalextric.com



CHAIRMAN'S REVIEW


The Group continues to make encouraging progress. During the first half of the year sales have again increased for both Hornby and Scalextric brands. I am pleased to report that half-year sales at £19.0m were 20% higher than for the same period last year.

Profit before tax at £2.6m was 20% higher than for the same period last year. Diluted earnings per share rose from 3.91p to 4.55p (adjusted for 5 for 1 share split. See note 3).

Dividend

Your Board is continuing its policy of paying one third of the previous year's full dividend at the half-year. Consistent with this policy, and given the encouraging trading performance in the first half, I am therefore pleased to announce an interim dividend of 2.0p (2003 - 1.6p) per ordinary share, payable on 28 January 2005 for those shareholders on the register as at 7 January 2005.

Operating Review

The encouraging performance of the past six months reflects positive
developments within the business.

On 31 March 2004 we acquired Electrotren S.A., the market leader for model railway products in Spain. We are pleased with the performance of Electrotren and it has bedded down well as part of the Group. This subsidiary therefore contributes to results for the first time at this interim.

Group like-for-like sales and profit before tax each increased by 14% in the first half.

Sales of Hornby railway products increased again during the first six months, buoyed by an enlarged range of Live Steam locomotives and additional liveries of our Q1 and Class 50 locomotives. During the second half of the current financial year we expect to see strong sales of the retooled A4 locomotive and the new range of "Teak" coaches.

Scalextric sales also increased, supported by the introduction of the MotoGP motorbikes and sets. During the second half of the current financial year we expect to experience strong demand for the newly introduced Scalextric Digital system.

I am also delighted to announce that a number of new licences have been agreed which we believe will underpin further growth in Scalextric sales in future financial years. Most notable amongst these licences are the rights to produce Scalextric models based on Ferrari road and competition cars, including Formula 1.

Sales growth in the UK during the first half of the year has come from all our channels of distribution. In particular, in-store concessions in the UK have shown impressive sales growth of 60%. Between 30 September 2003 and 30 September 2004, the number of these outlets grew from 70 to 121.

Export markets continue to offer significant scope for growth, although some markets, notably North America, have experienced difficult trading conditions during the past six months. Nevertheless International sales have also increased during this period.

The Company has continued to benefit from the relative strength of Sterling against the Hong Kong Dollar, the currency in which the majority of our products are purchased. It is the Company's policy to maintain a prudent level of forward currency purchases in order to smooth the impact of fluctuations in exchange rates. Forward purchases of Hong Kong Dollars are now sufficient to meet the Company's purchasing requirements beyond the end of the current financial year.

The Company's net cash position, £0.1m overdraft as at 30 September 2004, has reduced by £3.3m compared to the previous year. However this position is after payment for Electrotren of £5.3m. The Company therefore continues to demonstrate its ability to generate significant positive cash flow from its operations.

Acquisitions

The Company continues in its negotiations to acquire certain assets of Lima S.p.A. (In liquidation), and expects to complete this transaction by the end of the current financial year.

Current Trading

Your Company has again made a strong start in the current financial year and the prospects for the full year remain positive. However, as always, the pre-Christmas trading period is the key part of the year's trading. Improved distribution and exciting new product introductions should ensure continued growth during the second half of the financial year.

Neil A Johnson

12 November 2004

[Anonymous]

That's promising. Hornby are getting better and better where quality of models and customer service are concerned - assuming Walthers become official US distributors spares shouldn't be a problem either. It also might result in Rivarossi being cheaper and easier to find in the UK - great from this end!

[Anonymous]

That's promising. Hornby are getting better and better where quality of models and customer service are concerned - assuming Walthers become official US distributors spares shouldn't be a problem either. It also might result in Rivarossi being cheaper and easier to find in the UK - great from this end!

[Anonymous]

Why did Rivarossi and IHC stop sales back in the 70's. I love the passenger cars that they sold together

[Anonymous]

Why did Rivarossi and IHC stop sales back in the 70's. I love the passenger cars that they sold together

[boomer5344]

Looks like all these aquisitions leave just a handful of manufacturers in Europe.
The Marklin group- Marklin, Trix , Minitrix
Fleischmann
HAG
LGB
Klein Modellbahn
Hobbytrain (Kato in Europe)
Roco whom absorbed Rowa years ago
Brawa
Bachmann/Dapol/Mainline/Liliput mfd by Kader in China
and Hornby (Electrotren,Lima,Rivarossi,Arnold,Jouef)
not sure about ownership of Piko

[boomer5344]

Looks like all these aquisitions leave just a handful of manufacturers in Europe.
The Marklin group- Marklin, Trix , Minitrix
Fleischmann
HAG
LGB
Klein Modellbahn
Hobbytrain (Kato in Europe)
Roco whom absorbed Rowa years ago
Brawa
Bachmann/Dapol/Mainline/Liliput mfd by Kader in China
and Hornby (Electrotren,Lima,Rivarossi,Arnold,Jouef)
not sure about ownership of Piko

[boomer5344]

Whoops!
Forgot to include the firm Mehanotechnica of Slovenia, Maker of the nice affordable IHC and many of Model Powers products.

[boomer5344]

Whoops!
Forgot to include the firm Mehanotechnica of Slovenia, Maker of the nice affordable IHC and many of Model Powers products.

[Anonymous]

Dapol aren't owned by Kader - they're an independent UK-based company. They did sell some old Mainline stock when Kader stopped production of Mainline OO scale back in the '80s, but they're not part of the Kader group.

[Anonymous]

Dapol aren't owned by Kader - they're an independent UK-based company. They did sell some old Mainline stock when Kader stopped production of Mainline OO scale back in the '80s, but they're not part of the Kader group.

[boomer5344]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Railroading_Brit

Dapol aren't owned by Kader - they're an independent UK-based company. They did sell some old Mainline stock when Kader stopped production of Mainline OO scale back in the '80s, but they're not part of the Kader group.

Thanks for the correction.[B)]
BTW what ever happened to Wrenn?

[boomer5344]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Railroading_Brit

Dapol aren't owned by Kader - they're an independent UK-based company. They did sell some old Mainline stock when Kader stopped production of Mainline OO scale back in the '80s, but they're not part of the Kader group.

Thanks for the correction.[B)]
BTW what ever happened to Wrenn?

[Anonymous]

I think Dapol bought out the Wrenn name when they went under - I know they bought all the old tooling and have made some of the old Wrenn (ex Hornby-Dublo) wagons. Recently they sold a lot of tooling and the rights to the Wrenn name to a company named Mordvale Ltd - Dapol have kept some of the wagon bodyshell tools and added them to their normal range. They still look good alongside modern mouldings - not bad for 40-year-old designs!

[Anonymous]

I think Dapol bought out the Wrenn name when they went under - I know they bought all the old tooling and have made some of the old Wrenn (ex Hornby-Dublo) wagons. Recently they sold a lot of tooling and the rights to the Wrenn name to a company named Mordvale Ltd - Dapol have kept some of the wagon bodyshell tools and added them to their normal range. They still look good alongside modern mouldings - not bad for 40-year-old designs!

[Anonymous]

does Rivarossi still make the Hiwatha
and if any one has a pic let me know

[Anonymous]

does Rivarossi still make the Hiwatha
and if any one has a pic let me know