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Post by jbilbrey on Feb 28, 2015 20:54:34 GMT -8
I think James Bilbrey has some good comments, especially that the example you gave is a different type of product, probably with a much bigger, wider demand. Train parts is much more narrow and highly specialized so it's really apples and oranges IMO. Another good point by James is that there are modelers these days who do have a desire for parts - for various reasons. One is that the detailed models, especially engines, are getting so much more expensive that they are gradually pricing themselves out of many budgets, so this is forcing some modelers to go with lower cost models and detail them. That is a situation being brought on in the last few years as the market prices outstrip our salaries or disposable income. The question is, is there enough demand to make it worth the parts industry worth growing again.
I used to build a lot of 1/35 military kits and still keep up with the hobby to some degree. The demand for military aviation and armor detail parts is world-wide. While the market is probably wider, the selection of scales/eras are probably much narrower. For the most part a European modeler may use the same Asian kit and accessories as an American modeler. While there are European model railroaders that focus on the American prototype (and vice versa), we model railroaders typically model the country in which we reside in. Also, the differences in American vs. European vs. Asian railroads further divide the hobby. Loading gages, standards, and even gauges differ from Country to Country.
While I didn't come out and say it, I think that Riograde is correct in that as model railroad items (not just engines) grow more expensive, they begin to price themselves out of budgets. 10 years ago, I wouldn't think twice about dropping $100-200 at a show. However, I am currently the sole income for a family of four, have a house note, and now a car note. That "disposable income" from 10 years ago simply isn't there anymore. I guess that is why I am interested in the Mainline SD70ACe. I see it as a potential blank slate (hopefully a solid drive and dimensionally correct shell that may be little sparse on details) in which I can detail as time/funds allow. It also goes back to my years spent building armor kits; I rather do the work myself than have someone do all of it for me.
One thing that I appreciate DW and Cal-Scale doing is offering kits with most, if not all, of the parts needed in one package. That can save a lot of hassle when it comes to collecting the parts needed for a project.
James Bilbrey LaVergne, TN
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Post by basementdogs on Mar 26, 2015 16:11:16 GMT -8
Just thought I'd provide an update on my attempt to contact DA.
I mailed a letter with a SSAE enclosed to them on Feb. 27 at the address on their packaging - Box 5357, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93403. Today, March 25, I received my unopened letter with the USPS stamp "Return To Sender, Undeliverable As Addressed."
So, I guess DA is unreachable. Perhaps if I tried Area 51 ........
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Post by SOMECALLMETIM on Mar 26, 2015 16:55:33 GMT -8
Someone must still be producing parts for Detail Associates as I have some Hyatt Bearings that have been on order forever finally being delivered this week. Hopefully you have better luck contacting them.
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Post by atsfan on Mar 26, 2015 17:22:00 GMT -8
Just thought I'd provide an update on my attempt to contact DA. I mailed a letter with a SSAE enclosed to them on Feb. 27 at the address on their packaging - Box 5357, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93403. Today, March 25, I received my unopened letter with the USPS stamp "Return To Sender, Undeliverable As Addressed." So, I guess DA is unreachable. Perhaps if I tried Area 51 ........ Sounds like they don't want to actually sell anything.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 26, 2015 17:52:08 GMT -8
Just thought I'd provide an update on my attempt to contact DA. I mailed a letter with a SSAE enclosed to them on Feb. 27 at the address on their packaging - Box 5357, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93403. Today, March 25, I received my unopened letter with the USPS stamp "Return To Sender, Undeliverable As Addressed." So, I guess DA is unreachable. Perhaps if I tried Area 51 ........ Try Detail Associates 679 Redwood Ave. #B Sand City, CA 93955 831-236-4097 an older(?) address, just around the corner 679 Redwood Ave. Seaside, CA 93955 831-394-3838
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Post by onequiknova on Mar 26, 2015 18:13:19 GMT -8
Someone must still be producing parts for Detail Associates as I have some Hyatt Bearings that have been on order forever finally being delivered this week. Hopefully you have better luck contacting them. Where did you hear this? Walthers is still showing them as unknown. Are they bringing in all three styles?
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Post by SOMECALLMETIM on Mar 27, 2015 5:27:35 GMT -8
The hobby shop that I ordered them from told me they will be in this week. I do not know if the other styles are being released or not. I should get them this week yet or early next week. I'll email my hobby shop and confirm if these are new production or if he was able to find them from a warehouse somewhere. I've had them on order for 9 months or so. Someone must still be producing parts for Detail Associates as I have some Hyatt Bearings that have been on order forever finally being delivered this week. Hopefully you have better luck contacting them. Where did you hear this? Walthers is still showing them as unknown. Are they bringing in all three styles?
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Post by onequiknova on Mar 27, 2015 7:36:30 GMT -8
The hobby shop that I ordered them from told me they will be in this week. I do not know if the other styles are being released or not. I should get them this week yet or early next week. I'll email my hobby shop and confirm if these are new production or if he was able to find them from a warehouse somewhere. I've had them on order for 9 months or so. Where did you hear this? Walthers is still showing them as unknown. Are they bringing in all three styles? Thanks. I'll keep an eye out for them. All three styles have been out of stock for years. I had given up hope.
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Post by stevef45 on Mar 27, 2015 21:25:20 GMT -8
That hobby store may have found a distributor that had the bearings in stock, doesn't mean DA is making them. Trying to get DA eyebolts is becoming near impossible.
Most of there stuff is also becoming lesser in quantity and price is going up as evident by the blacking out of the numbers or prices on the packaging.
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