|
Post by Brakie on Dec 21, 2014 2:04:57 GMT -8
This theory that the manufacturer, distributor and retailer must bog themselves down with shelves full of models on the off chance that a few that refuse to make reservations, might decide to actually make a purchase, would cause the new product express train to crash into a crumpled heap. All the people crying on this forum, other forums, Facebook, etc. for new products like C-415's, SDP40F's, Genesis SD40-2's, Genesis SD45's, etc. would likely never see these new from the ground up models. All the money would be sitting on a shelf, actually costing the supply chain money in interest on loans, etc.
---------------------------------------------------- Here's the rub.
This is where the on line shops has the advantage over mom and pop shops.
These on line shops can afford to over order for stock and still sell out within a few days, even as we speak new Genesis GP7u can be found on e-Bay and the larger on line shops along with other new releases. This method seems to be working quite well for the on line shops.
Those modelers that cling to the old method of shopping either needs to preorder or hope their LHS decides to gamble on ordering extra for stock.
|
|
|
Post by John Sheridan on Dec 21, 2014 6:06:50 GMT -8
John, both Atlas and Athearn are now basing production numbers (for many models) based on preorder amounts with production limited to no more than 5% over that. When I received a defective Athearn item last year I noted to them that they should make at least 10% more than preorder number to cover possible factory defects or shipping mishaps. The reply I received is that they wished "the bean counters" would let them make even 5% above preorders. Also, one FB posting BY ATHEARN when the Athearn SDP45s came out noted that only a few dozen of the models total (not by roadname) were not already spoken for before Athearn got them. As I said curt, the number of units produced ultimately depends on what is called for in the contract. The contract sets the pricing. The overage depends also on the model type. For example: Athearn would run the SD40T2 with an overage of 0-5%. While a GP38-2 might have an overage of 5-10% (and 10% is rare) simply because the possibility of the reorders is much higher based on sales projections. Again it depends on the model, the time of the previous release, etc. Of course the goal is to get the product out the door as fast as possible & move on to the next project. In the good ole days(tm) you could get the product from the factory before you paid for them based on a 30-60-90 day payment schedule. Nowadays, the product is paid in-full, before it leaves the factory - hence the reason to get them out the door ASAP. A 5% overage is not unrealistic based on this kind of situation. Still, 5% of a 3000 unit run is still, 150 units of your speculation sitting on the shelf. Of course out of those 150 you are going to still have about 40 units that are duds & end-up stripped for parts. Replacement parts are another huge issue as your replacement parts are the leftovers from the factory who made extras to compensate for breakage during assembly. You typically end-up with odd numbers of parts. Typically you run out of certain parts pretty fast with no way to replace them until you are re supplied on the next run. If you get a unit in for repair & you are out of that part, guess what ? You now own that unit again with no way to re-sell it. A run with a common factory defect can be distasterous. Each unit returned directly effects the bottom line as there is no return to the factory for credit.
|
|
|
Post by John Sheridan on Dec 21, 2014 6:18:28 GMT -8
Here's the rub. This is where the on line shops has the advantage over mom and pop shops. These on line shops can afford to over order for stock and still sell out within a few days, even as we speak new Genesis GP7u can be found on e-Bay and the larger on line shops along with other new releases. This method seems to be working quite well for the on line shops. Those modelers that cling to the old method of shopping either needs to preorder or hope their LHS decides to gamble on ordering extra for stock. You forget to mention having an online presence vastly increases your market as you are reaching out to a much larger audience. Typically, your old-timers ignore this because they simply do not understand it. Then they grumble about how the internet ruined their business. There is no way you could open a hobby shop today & survive based on the old business model. You need to be online & offline selling product & above all- be a businessman FIRST.
|
|
|
Post by John Sheridan on Dec 21, 2014 6:36:40 GMT -8
Even for the popular roads like Santa Fe, Southern Pacific, etc. finding extra stock is non-existent. Paul, the owner of EHS, will stock models which he KNOWS he can sell in Northeast Wisconsin, like Bowser C-430's in GBW. Even then the people that missed the reservation window will reserve some or all of the stock he had earmarked for the store's shelves, meaning when the models arrive nothing ends up on the shelves. In today's model railroad world a retailer HAS TO BE a good business person. To much money to loose by taking crap shoots at what ifs. Extra stock can usually be found- just not at the manufacturer/importer level. It is more than likely sitting on a shelf somewhere further down the food chain. As a dealer this can be a tough problem since he is not going to pay above dealer net for it. Hence the reason why many shops have deals with multiple distributors across the country.
|
|
|
Post by mlehman on Dec 21, 2014 7:27:57 GMT -8
[ Athearn's loss if they don't. Who says they are building only pre-order? No one does that exclusively. If they feel it is a popular model then more are made. Of course the amount made depends on the number stipulated in the contract. It is better to not have inventory, move to the next project & wait until the next run comes up. They are not "easy sales". They are models sitting on the shelf waiting to be sold. It is also part of someone's inventory be it the manufacturer, distributor, or POS.Much as you want to wish for the-good-ole-days(tm) that train left long ago. Get used it the new model. Which is not so new. The projections the importer makes are what drives the size of the run. No one wants that model sitting on the shelf. It is what is sitting on the shelf that is considered a LOST SALE by the importer. Same for anyone else in the chain until it reaches the consumer. Those who believe that it's a lost sale because they fanny-farted around deciding, for better or worse, and should have a model waiting for them when they finally do decide have failed to note the sailing time of the ferry to ownership...well, life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get. The same can be said about the quality of said models, which can be alternatively disappointing vs thrilled. I don't know if there is insurance for that, to guarantee you'll be thrilled every time you open the box, but we're all adults here. Sometimes you have to take the good with the bad. And if one built the model, then that's what you do. You don't throw it away, you make it work. It's not like buying a car, which even depending on a faulty ignition switch, could still be a fatal decision not subject to being straightened out before the consumer spends a lot of time with it. No model loco ever killed anyone because something was amiss. Fix it or move on, if you're past the stage where you can return it for credit. If you can return it, do that, it's not like there's not something else to soak up one's budget. Because the cost of perfection would really drive you nuts if you worry about the price side of this equation, too. I am not grousing about it, because I like what I get for my money, but if you want a good example of the cost of (pretty darn close to) perfection, look at Blackstone. HOn3 may not be your cup of tea but, how does $500/locos and $80/boxcars sound? Careful what you wish for. I don't mind it at all, because I know what it takes to build that boxcar and have no hope of ever building a loco so fine.
|
|
|
Post by Brakie on Dec 21, 2014 8:44:11 GMT -8
Here's the rub. This is where the on line shops has the advantage over mom and pop shops. These on line shops can afford to over order for stock and still sell out within a few days, even as we speak new Genesis GP7u can be found on e-Bay and the larger on line shops along with other new releases. This method seems to be working quite well for the on line shops. Those modelers that cling to the old method of shopping either needs to preorder or hope their LHS decides to gamble on ordering extra for stock. You forget to mention having an online presence vastly increases your market as you are reaching out to a much larger audience. Typically, your old-timers ignore this because they simply do not understand it. Then they grumble about how the internet ruined their business. There is no way you could open a hobby shop today & survive based on the old business model. You need to be online & offline selling product & above all- be a businessman FIRST. Absolutely.Any old or new hobby shop that clings to the old school business method is indeed doomed. Store,on line and train shows needs to be used to keep cash flowing and to maintain stock rotation.
|
|
|
Post by Paul Cutler III on Dec 21, 2014 9:15:52 GMT -8
IRT to the Alaska SD70MAC's, Athearn has run them 4 times: July 2004, September 2007, October 2009, and June 2013. The reason I mention it is to illustrate that multiple runs do actually happen. So if you don't get what you want in the first run, you can pick it up when (or if) they run it again.
|
|
|
Post by Great-Northern-Willmar Div on Dec 21, 2014 9:59:06 GMT -8
IRT to the Alaska SD70MAC's, Athearn has run them 4 times: July 2004, September 2007, October 2009, and June 2013. The reason I mention it is to illustrate that multiple runs do actually happen. So if you don't get what you want in the first run, you can pick it up when (or if) they run it again. Also, for the people who refuse to pre order, generally some good internet searching can still find that model. The price though may not be what you are willing to pay. In that case, you have a few choices. 1. Suck it up and pay the price 2. Pass and hope you someday find the model at the price you are willing to pay. 3. If the model is ever announced again, put away the "I DON'T PRE ORDER" stance and make a reservation. For those that absolutely refuse to make reservations, the tighter runs isn't going to help you find Valhalla in today's model railroad marketplace. Paul, the owner of EngineHouse Services in Green Bay, sends an e-mail out to the customer base every time a manufacturer announces new product and opens up the reservation window. In every e-mail over the last year plus, he stresses the point that if you don't make a reservation, he may not be able to get extra stock and its first come first served on what is bought for store stock. Also, Paul has been pointing out that some manufacturers have made even the reservation window very tight, like three weeks or so. There is no time to hem and haw if you really want a particular model. When these announcements are made you'd better be quick if you want to be guaranteed to get a model.
|
|
|
Post by WP 257 on Dec 21, 2014 12:57:52 GMT -8
I routinely receive similar emails from Lin's Junction and other good shops stating the same thing.
In my case, if one model is a dud, I just find something else that I like instead.
|
|
|
Post by WP 257 on Dec 21, 2014 14:06:29 GMT -8
Train shows as part of a regular store's business model? Really? The table fees at some shows have risen to where I would seriously question the value of going at all, as if attendance is down you can lose money. There are good train stores, that do internet well, and have actually a pretty large retail store, too, who would not waste their time at train shows--not anymore. Maybe 15 years ago--but not now. I stopped attending one large Northeastern US show because the entry fee got out of hand, the food totally sucked (it always did--we knew never to eat the hot food as it was nearly instant Montezuma's revenge due to inadequate handling/temperature), with more and more basement "junk" dealers and less and less actual reputable train businesses. Then again what do I know anyway? I once considered Canadian Model Trains to be a reputable dealer? lol Nowadays I actually have good dealers contacting me by email, saying they will find me the stuff I want--who do it. www.biglittle.com just went out and found me a freight car that has been out of stock everywhere for awhile. Why would I need to go to a show???
|
|
|
Post by Brakie on Dec 21, 2014 14:34:33 GMT -8
Train shows as part of a regular store's business model? Really? ---------------------------------------- Yes,many shops use train shows to dump their old stock instead of e-Bay.You can see these shops at any train show.
In the event you are not aware of this many shop dealers horse trade before the doors open and I highly suspect that's how your dealer(s) is finding those long OOP cars.
I'll touch train show food lightly..One of the best Dutch apple pies I ever ate was at a show and the food was good..
The reason was simple.They used a professional caterer..
The show was well worth the $7.00 admittance price.
|
|
|
Post by lvrr325 on Dec 21, 2014 15:43:51 GMT -8
Train shows as part of a regular store's business model? Really? The table fees at some shows have risen to where I would seriously question the value of going at all, as if attendance is down you can lose money. I stopped attending one large Northeastern US show because the entry fee got out of hand, the food totally sucked (it always did--we knew never to eat the hot food as it was nearly instant Montezuma's revenge due to inadequate handling/temperature), with more and more basement "junk" dealers and less and less actual reputable train businesses. Then again what do I know anyway? I once considered Canadian Model Trains to be a reputable dealer? lol Nowadays I actually have good dealers contacting me by email, saying they will find me the stuff I want--who do it. www.biglittle.com just went out and found me a freight car that has been out of stock everywhere for awhile. Why would I need to go to a show??? I don't find this to be the case; I do swap meets in the summer and about a dozen train shows from October to April. Some of these shows I've done for 20 years now and the prices have stayed the same all this time. If they go up it's by $5 or $10. The only exceptions I'm aware of are one swap meet, which was higher priced to begin with because it's a big event, raised prices by 1/3 a couple years back; one train show changed facilities and table price went up to $30; and the big Springfield show was $70 like 15 years ago, I hear it's like $180 now. But with 20,000 people through the door if you can't sell $1000 off that table you're doing something really wrong. I don't sell there myself, too much hassle to get in the door. Typically you will pay $20 on the low end to $70 on the high end per table. Advertising is important, but I've found my sales also vary some with the economy of the area; a one day show in the state capital typically sees 4000 people and I sell a lot; a two day show on the other side of the state typically sees 5000 people, but often my sales are about half. From the buying side, the reason I go to the train shows is for those "junk" dealers. I find nothing better than to paw through someone's box of $2 cars and find some vintage piece that's worth stupid money. The last show I did, I did exactly that, I bought a warped Gilbert gondola for $2 that, because most warped so much they broke and were tossed, one like it sold on eBay for $65 in November. Sometimes I find cheap stuff that never even makes it home because I can put it out for more money and get it. The fun is in not knowing what you'll find until you see it.
|
|
|
Post by dti406 on Dec 21, 2014 16:27:13 GMT -8
Speaking of junk dealers, one of my fellow club members attended a show and picked up an painted Overland Models Flexi-Flow Brass Covered Hopper in an Athearn Box for $7.00, we offered him $20.00 but he wouldn't take it.
Rick J
|
|
|
Post by WP 257 on Dec 21, 2014 16:57:07 GMT -8
Hey, I thought, later, that last post might ruffle a few feathers...my apologies if that did.
I've personally spent a lot of money attending train shows in the past--and just not finding what I wanted.
I'm one of those who usually knows exactly what I want to buy, and if I simply am able to find those item(s) online, or by talking to a few friends/acquaintances/maybe even possible enemies online, and save the gasoline, food, and admission costs--I feel like I come out ahead.
The last time I attended a large show I don't think I purchased anything, perhaps maybe one dvd--but it was not worth the price of admission, gasoline, and food for most of a day for me to go there. Then I returned home and did the math and realized I could have mail ordered the dvd and saved a bunch of money.
For those of you who love shows--I mean no disrespect--good for you.
Also--for the prices of tables at the one large show I'm specifically talking about--I can do much better on Evilbay on the stuff I'm selling.
My train show days are over.
|
|
|
Post by atsfan on Dec 21, 2014 17:00:34 GMT -8
The store in Nebraska does a massive business at Train shows.
Train shows are a changing though rapidly.
|
|
|
Post by Paul Cutler III on Dec 21, 2014 17:41:13 GMT -8
To mangle a movie quote, "Train shows are like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're gonna get." As a dealer, I've been going to at least half a dozen train shows (or more) every year since 1991. I do Springfield every year with 20,000 attendees, and I also do shows where the total attendance can be as low as a couple hundred. The biggest single factor that determines show success or failure is weather. You can have the best advertised show with the best dealers, but if it snows you'll have a terrible show. Or, if it's a beautiful Spring weekend after weeklong rain storm, forget about anyone coming in. With bad (or too good) weather, you'll be lucky to break even on the tables. But then you'll go to the next show, and you'll make money hand over fist, doing a week of business in 6 hours. As a customer, some shows are great and others are lousy. But that's just me because what I want is stuff I don't have, and I have a lot. So it's more of an Easter Egg Hunt in my experience, but I like that. The hunt is part of the "game". I never get frustrated, because I'm never sure what's going to tickle my fancy. My favorite train show story is the one where I picked up a real name board off a real NH passenger car "HOUSATONIC RIVER", as seen on the wall at my club: ssmrc.org/newconstruction/ssmrc1-12006.jpgI got this sign at a tiny train show that had maybe 20 dealer tables. The show was only every other year in a church basement on a Friday night from 7pm to 9pm. It was a "paper" show, concentrating on timetables, photos, books, etc., and no models. They had a White Elephant Table, and the above stainless steel sign was coiled up like a watch spring. There was no price, and it had lettering on each side. I could make out "NEW" on one side, and I thought it said "NEW HAVEN". I asked the old guy how much. He looks, then calls across the hall to the owner, and asked him how much he paid for the sign. The guy yelled back, "$20!" The old guy looks at me and says, "$20?" I could not get my wallet out fast enough. I get it home, cut the rope, and it says, "NEW MILFORD". Huh? I flip it over, and there's the "Housatonic River" side. Hmm...this sounds familiar, so I get out my NH books, and find that the New Haven had 5 "River" series cars that were all re-named into "New" series cars. Cool! I've since seen similar signs go for $100 to $400. The point is that I went to what one would think is the smallest, dullest train show in the USA, and got a great deal on piece of the NH. But if I hadn't gone, I'd have got nothing.
|
|
|
Post by Spikre on Dec 21, 2014 17:48:01 GMT -8
don't know Paul,but at that Outragous $20.00 price it would have likely still be available 2 years later. what if it would have been something from Long Island,CNJ,or NYC ? then what would You have thought ? Spikre
|
|
|
Post by grabbem88 on Dec 21, 2014 18:11:58 GMT -8
Just got a gp38 NS ....uh I'm missing the two exhaust stacks..
If anybody has any let me know
|
|
|
Post by umtrrauthor on Dec 21, 2014 20:45:35 GMT -8
About ten years ago, train shows in my neck of the woods became social events first and if I find something worth buying, that's a bonus.
The majority of the sellers who "do the cycle" of shows here have the same old same old for two reasons: (1) The pre-order model means that new stock is simply not available for what I will call "casual sales" because it's already been spoken for and (2) It's between overpriced and "are you kidding me" overpriced. Example: An N Scale Kato Unitrack starter set, about $35 street price, marked $87.
I still wonder-- and this is not a "sky is falling" comment - how to bring more people into the hobby if, upon getting word of a product, are told, "sorry, you should have pre-ordered it [insert number of weeks, months, years] ago." Does this happen with similar hobbies that compete for the time, attention and disposable income? I just don't know.
Aside to RSD-5: I know Jan who is behind biglittle.com and she is, as we say, "Good people."
|
|
|
Post by Brakie on Dec 22, 2014 2:22:53 GMT -8
Also--for the prices of tables at the one large show I'm specifically talking about--I can do much better on Evilbay on the stuff I'm selling. ------------------------------------ Table prices helps cover the cost of renting the building which is not cheap and that rent might go up yearly.Then there's the required insurance.How about table rent since the host must rent enough tables to meet the dealers need?
The little profit from these shows usually helps a train club pay the club's bills.
|
|
|
Post by lvrr325 on Dec 22, 2014 13:01:43 GMT -8
I've hit cheap brass a couple times at shows, too. One guy was selling brass diesels in the wrong boxes for $20, $30 each. And at a car show swap meet I picked up what turned out to be a Milwaukee Road streamined 4-6-0 for $25. Even without a box it brought $525 on eBay.
The reasons for overpriced stuff are twofold - either someone has an item that they don't know the price on, is based on an old price, or that sort of thing; or they find they have to overprice things because buyers want to dicker. I'm getting to where everything is priced to where I can wiggle on it some, because they even do it on brand new things already marked down from retail price. Since I make like $2 on the $31 item marked $26 when you offer me $20, I guess I need to mark it the full $31 so maybe I get offered the $25 I want for it.
And, of course, if I see it sell for six times on eBay for $25, then it's going to be $25, and your discount is not paying $6-$10 for shipping.
|
|
|
Post by Paul Cutler III on Dec 22, 2014 14:58:38 GMT -8
Spikre, I dunno about that. I've never seen another original nameboard for sale other than the one for "Bunker Hill" (one of the NH's two stainless observation cars), and it was re-painted into a horrible green paint job (shudder). The original NH lettering was long gone. The seller wanted $400 for it. I have seen a couple letterboards for sale at shows that just say, "NEW HAVEN", and those went for around $100 ea., but then there are a lot more of them around.
For LIRR, NYC, or CNJ, well, that's easy. I wouldn't have bought it. But then, those roads are not even in New England other than NYC, and NYC is probably the least popular historic Class I in New England. Even PC has more fans. But then if those signs for CNJ and LIRR were at Timonium, then they'd probably sell and my NH one probably wouldn't.
|
|
|
Post by nebrzephyr on Dec 23, 2014 6:45:33 GMT -8
Anybody run into this situation. When they were released I purchased 2 Athearn RTR SD45 with the new "sound ready" chassis. Open the 1st one to add decoder, no problem. Went to open the 2nd one and found the front coupler was glued in. Not sure if it's glued to the chassis mount or the pilot opening on the shell. Needless to say, no getting the shell off.
Haven't decided how to tackle this yet. Will mull on it until after the holiday. Bob
|
|
|
Post by scl1234 on Dec 23, 2014 8:54:53 GMT -8
^Re: Your glued on coupler box...
Haven't run across this myself, but try using a small screwdriver to put enough force on the back side of the coupler box to push it out from the pilot sheet...all while holding your mouth just right so you don't destroy any other details added to the shell. You'll probably need a new coupler box after you're done.
Good Luck
|
|
|
Post by NS4122 on Dec 23, 2014 12:56:07 GMT -8
Anybody run into this situation. When they were released I purchased 2 Athearn RTR SD45 with the new "sound ready" chassis. Open the 1st one to add decoder, no problem. Went to open the 2nd one and found the front coupler was glued in. Not sure if it's glued to the chassis mount or the pilot opening on the shell. Needless to say, no getting the shell off. Haven't decided how to tackle this yet. Will mull on it until after the holiday. Bob I had the same problem with one of my two SD40Es. When I went to install the Loksound decoder, I couldn't get the shell off because the coupler pocket was glued very securely to the lower cross brace on the body shell. Not seeing any other way to proceed, I inserted a screwdriver between the frame and the top of the coupler box and pried until the cross brace snapped off with the coupler box attached. I could have glued the brace back on afterwards, but I didn't think it would be missed, so I left it off.
|
|
|
Post by llxlocomotives on Dec 23, 2014 13:34:37 GMT -8
I would cut the coupler box vertically between the shell and the chassis wih a spru cutter. Be very deliberate. The glue may come apart quick enough to save the coupler, if you want. This should allow you to get the shell off the chassis. Hopefully the chassis pad has not been damaged. If the pocket is glued to it you will have to slice it off. The part of the pocket glued to the shell will take some carefully removal. Depending on the amont of glue used, you likely will have to do some touch up work. Good Luck, Larry www.llxlocomotives.com
|
|
|
Post by nebrzephyr on Dec 23, 2014 13:39:48 GMT -8
Thanks guys for the feedback. That sucker is definitely glued solid, it won't budge. I'm thinking taking a nipper and try cutting in half to see if it is glues to the shell or the mounting pad, or both.
|
|
|
Post by grahamline on Dec 23, 2014 14:36:14 GMT -8
Occasionally, with parts glued together with cheap CA, I will zip the shell into a big freezer bag and leave it in the freezer overnight. That will break some bonds and weaken others. There are also commercial debonders, but I already have a freezer.
|
|
|
Post by stevewagner on Jan 6, 2015 20:02:14 GMT -8
January 6, 2014 10:53 p.m., EST Lehigh Valley modelers, I just now saw what follows at www.athearn.com. I'm not sure when it was first posted. Lehigh Valley Shell Swap  Memorandum: Athearn Genesis Lehigh Valley GP38-2 Locomotives We understand some recent run Lehigh Valley Genesis GP38-2 customers were not completely satisfied with the body color as delivered. Athearn wants to be responsive to these customers, and has reproduced these shells (cab interior installed separately) with an alternate red that we believe will be acceptable. What To Do: For owners of these products only, a replacement body shell in the new red and of the same road number can be obtained through the following process: 1. Remove your current body shell and wrap carefully in protective material and box for safe transportation. Retain your couplers, mounting screws, and wire clips. 2. Write a clearly written, legible note with your name and return address and include it in a conspicuous location inside the box with your current shell(s) from the item numbers in the above “Applicable Products” chart only. Please do not send other repair/warranty material in this package, only your carefully wrapped LV shell(s) and the requested information letter. You may send multiple LV replacement shells together in the same package. 3. Using a delivery service that will provide a tracking number, send this package to: Athearn Trains, attention: GP38-2 LV Shell 1600 Forbes Way, Suite 120, Long Beach CA, 90810 Athearn will return a replacement shell together with a cab interior of the same road number for each shell from the subject item numbers above returned to us, freight prepaid. Replacement shells will have bulbs installed. If you have questions, please contact us online at www.athearn.com/About/Contact.aspxApplicable Products DCC Ready ATHG40566 HO GP38-2, LV #315 ATHG40567 HO GP38-2, LV #317 ATHG40568 HO GP38-2, LV #320 ATHG40569 HO GP38-2, LV #325 DCC & Tsunami Sound ATHG40666 HO GP38-2 w/DCC & Sound, LV #315 ATHG40667 HO GP38-2 w/DCC & Sound, LV #317 ATHG40668 HO GP38-2 w/DCC & Sound, LV #320 ATHG40669 HO GP38-2 w/DCC & Sound, LV #325 47032.1
|
|
|
Post by riogrande on Jan 7, 2015 5:20:56 GMT -8
The last time I attended a large show I don't think I purchased anything, perhaps maybe one dvd--but it was not worth the price of admission, gasoline, and food for most of a day for me to go there. Then I returned home and did the math and realized I could have mail ordered the dvd and saved a bunch of money. It's true that if you are looking strictly at dollars and "sense", train shows may not end up yielding product for you at the best price. I have gone to shows and a few times come away with nothing or very little to justify the fuel, admission etc. Since I've remarried, train shows have gotten more enjoyable than before. Prior, I lived where there wer normally 2 shows per year which were a mere 15-20 minute drive and I always enjoyed the browsing aspect - it wasn't a major issue if the show didn't yield enough toys to offset the relatively small expense - negligible fuel and admission. Since I've moved it takes me much longer to get to the bigger show I typically attend - but for me it's a trip out with my wife. She enjoys going with me and actually has a systematic way of making sure we see all the tables and don't miss anything - then we usually get something out to eat at lunch time. Most of the time I'll find a few good bargains and trains or things I can use but not always. If I don't, it's not a deal breaker because I don't only go to train shows to get stuff at the cheapest price, I go for the day out with my wife - for the experience - if you will. Generally with any new model railroad items just out on the market, I nearly always get those through one of my usual online/mailorder venders - so train shows are of little use in that way; rather they are good for treasure hunting those things I missed out on or items on the secondary market I'd like to fill in.
|
|