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Post by riogrande on Nov 30, 2014 18:50:46 GMT -8
...when I look at the numbers in my collection of HO motive power, Athearn is way at the bottom of the list amongst all the major manufacturers, the only one that has less is IM. I have very little faith in Athearn quality, been burned way too many times, and their fetish with crappy light bulbs only puts more nails in the lid of that coffin... espeenut, do you not model tunnel motor era? I mean, for HO tunnel motors, it's Athearn or brass. |
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Post by Amboy Secondary on Nov 30, 2014 19:06:58 GMT -8
The RTR RS3 has been a problem child for several years. I have four which will not run on a consistent basis. They include a CNJ in the Coast Guard Scheme, two Reading units in the Olive Green scheme, and a PRR in the DGLE pre 1964 scheme. Eventually, I hope to break down and reassemble the RDG units, while the PRR has already become a donor unit, with an end railing going to an Atlas RS1.
On the other hand, I have two Genesis PRR GP9s that are absolutely fantastic. My Genesis RDG FP7s are also fine locomotives, right out of the box. I received a Genesis GP15 with broken handrails. I had the replacements in hand within a week of my e-mail.
Lack of quality control seems to affect almost anything coming from China, whether it's trains, car parts, plumbing supplies or what ever. The importer / distributor has no control over the manufacturing process. They manufacture, the importer pays, they ship the importer hopes for the best......
Joe W
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Post by espeenut on Nov 30, 2014 19:36:55 GMT -8
"espeenut, do you not model tunnel motor era? I mean, for HO tunnel motors, it's Athearn or brass."
...wondered if anyone would notice that, the only Athearn's that I do have are all SP and Rio Grande units, tunnel motors, (SD40T-2 and 45T-2) SW1500's, MP15AC's and SD45's...
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Post by riogrande on Nov 30, 2014 21:27:12 GMT -8
"espeenut, do you not model tunnel motor era? I mean, for HO tunnel motors, it's Athearn or brass." ...wondered if anyone would notice that, the only Athearn's that I do have are all SP and Rio Grande units, tunnel motors, (SD40T-2 and 45T-2) SW1500's, MP15AC's and SD45's... Can't help but notice  Being a D&RGW and SP guy, I'm pretty sure Athearn dominates my motive power roster because of the tunnel motors and SD45's (20) not to mention Genesis F units. |
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Post by Paul Cutler III on Nov 30, 2014 22:26:02 GMT -8
Actually, um, "bozo", online comments do get results. Our own "navarch" got MTH to change their warranty policy by complaining publically here on how they wouldn't accept his return because he hadn't bought it from an "Authorized" dealer. I got PSC to offer to fix any brass NH R-3a 4-8-2 they made with the wrong artwork (inexcusable on a $1500 engine) after I publically complained on the NH Forum. I once commented on the old Atlas Forum on how Atlas was getting the wrong numbers on a particular NH RS-1 paint scheme. Rob Pisani e-mailed me and asked for photos showing the right loco numbers painted in that scheme. I did, and they changed them. I also publically complained about BLI on their old forum on why they were making NH USRA Heavy 2-8-2's and numbering them in the 3000's (NH's light Mikes) when the NH had almost identical to USRA Heavy 2-8-2's in the 3100's. After some public comments and private e-mails, they changed them. That's four different online complaints on four different forums that all resulted in manufacturer action that fixed the item in question (and that's not counting the infamous P2K GP38 fan fiasco or heck, the recent C-636 back and forth with Bowser). Manufacturers monitor this forum. We know Bowser, Rapido and other companies post here. I know from talking to manufacturers in person that they also read this forum; like Athearn, Walthers, Atlas, City Classics, and more. Anonymous or not, posting here can get results. And is it just me, or is a post on this forum by an anonymous person calling other posters "cowardly" for posting anonymously on this forum rather...strange? Oh, well. Since I sign every post with my real name, I know he's not talking about me!  |
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Post by Great-Northern-Willmar Div on Dec 1, 2014 6:58:41 GMT -8
Gosh, I guess I am in the minority here. Maybe I have been lucky but a majority of my engines are Athearn Genesis and aside from one or maybe two units have I have not had any issues. And the issues I did have were very minor. I really like the Genesis and RTR units. Sorry you guys don't seems to like them or have had good luck with them but I think for the vast majority they are very good. Perhaps the price has something to do with it but heck I can't buy a $50,000 car without issues. Hope you folks find a manufacture without any issues and you like. I do believe that Chad is part of the 9 out of 10 that has been happy with their previous purchases. I also believe it is not 1 out of 10 that are unhappy. I'd estimate the happy rate is well above 95% and maybe even closer to 99%. Until the happy meter does officially slide to 90% or lower, then maybe the pre orders will shrink and the returns increase in number. THEN you'll see some action on the part of the manufacturer. |
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Post by Great-Northern-Willmar Div on Dec 1, 2014 7:14:25 GMT -8
Hello All-- I was seriously looking to buy some Athearn engines this weekend, not just trying to "eliminate them from consideration", and after the frustration I had trying to find a decent looking Athearn, one dealer made the statement to me, quietly, since his store was full of customers "yeah, their quality control has been slipping". My final tally for the holiday weekend: Opened and examined at least 10 Athearn Genesis (non-sound) Reading green and yellow (late '60's repaint) GP-7's. Many of them had some unsightly glue marks, or broken handrails, etc. I was able to find one and only one unit that was "good enough" for me to buy. Opened and examined 11 Athearn Reading green and yellow RS-3's (recently arrived) to find one and only one unit that was "good enough" for me to buy. This after also rejecting two previous units, one mail ordered and one at another train store. Again, the rejects had some rather unsightly glue marks (non-water-soluble clear shiny glue that stands out from the satin/flat finish) and poor paint masking and/or broken stuff--generally worse than the Genesis units. I would have gladly bought, or else put on layaway, more units, but there just weren't any others that would be ok for me. I generally do not experience this kind of frustration with other importers' products. I don't know that I've ever looked through 10 of anything before to find one ok one. YMMV. While you are unhappy and slam Athearn on these Reading units. Yet, during the 28 pages on the error in height and the fuel tank on the Bowser C-636 was being fought out on this forum, you stated you were very pleased with your C-636 and openly defended Bowser numerous times. Now in Bowser's defense and credit Lee English did admit and has taken steps to correct the errors on what appears to be a fine model. In my eyes when you have motor issues, as some have stated, jacked up heights and mis-tooled body components, that is AS BAD as quality control issues. Both are unacceptable on a $300 list model. This forum has also been highly critical of the motors being used by the trio of Bowser, Intermountain and Atlas. Again, Bowser and Atlas seem to be listening and taking steps. Yet, there are some on this forum who have reported they are still happy with the motors. So is the motor really that bad for most? For myself, I don't have anything good to say about the motor, but what percentage of the buyers do I fall in to? 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%,  ? So who is right and who is wrong? And how many are truly put off enough NOT to buy? I think that you'll find most just want the model and even if it has some miscues, its better than nothing. Until enough people and retailers slow the number of pre-orders, then change by the manufacturers must be initiated. |
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Post by WP 257 on Dec 1, 2014 8:17:51 GMT -8
Hi Jim--
Touche. Ok, fair point.
btw:
Lee is saying the problem is mainly with the gears. They were too tight and in at least some cases not able to turn freely. He is offering, free to all those who purchase the first run C-636, new gearboxes (and of course fuel tanks), which, with the other modification pieces they also provide will correct the height difference of 1/32 of an inch. I've also seen the new, correct 5000 gallon fuel tank, and I think folks will be happy as it is indeed fat and a whole lot bigger than the first tank. The parts which will soon be available also include Kadee underset couplers and a shim piece to correct the coupler height.
(I had no idea what the height difference was or was not for certain--initial statements on Facebook were that it was "correct"). I've seen the correct height C-636 test models and to my eyes, the much larger fuel tank does make more of a visual impact than the 1/32 of an inch lowering. That said, they are designing all the parts to be easy to install, with needed tools being only a phillips head screwdriver and another smaller screwdriver to pry the cap off the top of the gearbox, and rubber cement suggested (for both frame and coupler box shim pieces) as it's easier to clean up than ACC (you can use ACC). The modifications are actually very simple. The wires all have plugs and are easy to unplug--there is no--zero--soldering required to replace the gearboxes and lower the model to the correct height. Fuel tank is held on with one screw.
Those purchasers who want the free upgrade parts should contact Bowser and provide a current email address (preferred but not only method of contact).
(Their current and future models will not require the modeler/end user to be able to solder).
Back to topic.
I'll ask again: where are the promised Lehigh Valley GP38-2 shells in the correct New Cornell Red?
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Post by Great-Northern-Willmar Div on Dec 1, 2014 8:37:53 GMT -8
Hi Jim-- Touche. Ok, fair point. btw: Lee is saying the problem is mainly with the gears. They were too tight and in at least some cases not able to turn freely. He is offering, free to all those who purchase the first run C-636, new gearboxes (and of course fuel tanks), which, with the other modification pieces they also provide will correct the height difference of 1/32 of an inch. I've also seen the new, correct 5000 gallon fuel tank, and I think folks will be happy as it is indeed fat and a whole lot bigger than the first tank. The parts which will soon be available also include Kadee underset couplers and a shim piece to correct the coupler height. (I had no idea what the height difference was or was not for certain--initial statements on Facebook were that it was "correct"). I've seen the correct height C-636 test models and to my eyes, the much larger fuel tank does make more of a visual impact than the 1/32 of an inch lowering. That said, they are designing all the parts to be easy to install, with needed tools being only a phillips head screwdriver and another smaller screwdriver to pry the cap off the top of the gearbox, and rubber cement suggested (for both frame and coupler box shim pieces) as it's easier to clean up than ACC (you can use ACC). The modifications are actually very simple. The wires all have plugs and are easy to unplug--there is no--zero--soldering required to replace the gearboxes and lower the model to the correct height. Fuel tank is held on with one screw. Those purchasers who want the free upgrade parts should contact Bowser and provide a current email address (preferred but not only method of contact). (Their current and future models will not require the modeler/end user to be able to solder). Back to topic. I'll ask again: where are the promised Lehigh Valley GP38-2 shells in the correct New Cornell Red? To Bowser's credit they have been totally stand up in the C-636's problems with the height, fuel tank and I forgot about the gears. Now as for Athearn and the LV GP38-2 shell swap, I don't know. When were the LV units released? Seeing it takes Athearn about 12 to 18 months to get product from ORDER NOW ORDER NOW ORDER NOW to delivery are we within the 12 to 18 months? To scold Athearn about lack of updates on the replacement shells is completely understandable. Bowser took the bull by the horns, while Athearn is ? |
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Post by TBird1958 on Dec 1, 2014 9:08:13 GMT -8
I'm very happy with my Athearn and Genesis locos, SD45s,40T2s Fs and GP9s over 20 units all have perfect right out of the box.
I don't doubt others experiences, mine have all been good, I have 4 GP40-2s coming and am quite excited about getting them.
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Post by WP 257 on Dec 1, 2014 10:21:48 GMT -8
I don't want to turn this into merely a comparison between Bowser and Athearn. They are different companies, one much smaller than the other.
I want to like Athearn products. I just bought several Athearn freight cars. Generally speaking, I'm actually happy with Athearn freight cars, and my recent purchases (hopper car sets and a few single cars) have all been ok.
I just have not personally had good success with Athearn engines, and my Atlas Classic (recent run) RSD-5's which very possibly have the "bad" motor in them actually run much quieter than the brand new Genesis GP-7.
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Post by valenciajim on Dec 1, 2014 10:41:19 GMT -8
When it comes to the Athearn RTR stuff, I will only buy through LHS where I can test run the loco before taking delivery. I bought two RTR's that would not run properly (one would not run at all) and it was the LHS's problem. As I said above, the problems I have experienced tend to be limited to the RTR line. I had a genesis f unit that had one of the couplers loose in the box with no screw. Athearn sent me a bag of replacement screws within two days. Since I replace the McHenry couplers with Kadees anyway, this was not a big deal.
I also have had good experience with MTH, Intermountain, Bachmann and Walthers dealing with defective products. It is a sad commentary that there are so many defects that I have purchased over the years, but the logistics of assembling in China and transporting to the US are seemingly tough.
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Post by markfj on Dec 1, 2014 11:07:52 GMT -8
You have to wonder if our expectations and demands on these manufacturers are part of the problem.
Now, bear with me here for a minute: We ask for highly detailed, road specific features, Swiss watch performance, and flawless paint on “every” model we buy. However, I just don’t see that as being realistic given the number of parts, how fragile they are, and the assembly processes used. It would be one thing if we were talking about the assembly of precision measuring instruments here, or something like that. But, we’re not. These are “just” model trains and they're built literally around the world.
Personally, I like that these companies are going to the lengths they do to give us what we want. If it were up to me, I would want to apply all the little bits and details at my “factory”, but the majority demanded RTR without “any” extra modeling effort. So, we get loose or broken parts as these models get bumped and rocked around on their “long” voyage across the seas. Yes, some QC issues are legitimate, but as Paul said, the manufacturers are here, listening, and reacting (although maybe not a fast as some would like).
I guess I’m just happy to get something rather than nothing when all is said and done. 
Thanks, Mark
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Post by buffalobill on Dec 1, 2014 11:58:03 GMT -8
Mark, nicely worded response. Some of our expectations will have to be adjusted to reflect supply chain reality.
Bill
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Post by WP 257 on Dec 1, 2014 12:03:33 GMT -8
Well, ok, Mark has a pretty good point there.
Perhaps sometimes I expect too much.
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Post by mlehman on Dec 1, 2014 12:52:00 GMT -8
Generally, If it's something that can be stuck back on easily enough, no harm, no foul in my book. There are others who aren't so sanguine.
Now, things like those fibers sticking out of headlight lenses, that's starting to get over the line. That's a job that needs done right or you're in for a rather delicate project to clean it all up and reinstall without visible damage. Same thing with most paint issues, not all, but most. I'm no airbrush wizard. So to a certain degree what's acceptable is something that qualifies as something I can fix. I will then be patient about getting other things fixed if they're that ugly.
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Post by WP 257 on Dec 1, 2014 13:07:09 GMT -8
What is unacceptable to me is that hard, clear, very shiny, glue the builder uses that I have never been able to remove without using a knife--which I don't recommend.
It looks bad when smeared in a giant blob on the side of Genesis plated-finish F-units, and it looks bad when it has been pressed out from under the long hood of an RS-3 onto and along the walkway, then has been painted black over...
This is not the water-soluble glue, which I like, and which can be easily cleaned up if any excess is on a model.
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Post by wmrdgfan on Dec 1, 2014 13:12:58 GMT -8
Yeah Athearn... how about an update or conformation that you are going to replace the LV GP38-2 shells??? I kept mine, because I heard that they were going to replace them. That was almost a year ago!!!
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Post by Judge Doom on Dec 1, 2014 16:06:46 GMT -8
You have to wonder if our expectations and demands on these manufacturers are part of the problem.
Now, bear with me here for a minute: We ask for highly detailed, road specific features, Swiss watch performance, and flawless paint on “every” model we buy. However, I just don’t see that as being realistic given the number of parts, how fragile they are, and the assembly processes used. It would be one thing if we were talking about the assembly of precision measuring instruments here, or something like that. But, we’re not. These are “just” model trains and they're built literally around the world.
Personally, I like that these companies are going to the lengths they do to give us what we want. If it were up to me, I would want to apply all the little bits and details at my “factory”, but the majority demanded RTR without “any” extra modeling effort. So, we get loose or broken parts as these models get bumped and rocked around on their “long” voyage across the seas. Yes, some QC issues are legitimate, but as Paul said, the manufacturers are here, listening, and reacting (although maybe not a fast as some would like).
I guess I’m just happy to get something rather than nothing when all is said and done.
Thanks, Mark
All good and well, but when you're asking $200-300 for them, the "they're just model trains" retoric many like to go to doesn't cut it at that price point. Higher prices = higher quality expectations. If they were $30 Athearn blue box GP35's with no added parts, that don't run worth a hoot, and catch fire after 15 minutes then fine. But the paradigm has shifted, and quality expectations have risen with prices. What are we paying all that money for, a sloppy assembly job with poor QC? |
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Post by mlehman on Dec 1, 2014 17:44:03 GMT -8
All good and well, but when you're asking $200-300 for them, the "they're just model trains" retoric many like to go to doesn't cut it at that price point. Higher prices = higher quality expectations. If they were $30 Athearn blue box GP35's with no added parts, that don't run worth a hoot, and catch fire after 15 minutes then fine. But the paradigm has shifted, and quality expectations have risen with prices. What are we paying all that money for, a sloppy assembly job with poor QC? Well, maybe. Lots of features have been added. 40 years of inflation factored in. And the bottom line is that all workers are being pushed to the limits of their endurance by bosses intent on bringing back your goodies as cheap as possible. Quality control consists of getting you another model to look over and accept, maybe. Add all that up and a $300 model starts looking more like that $30 Blue Box than the price difference seems to indicate. And yes, you have $300 expectations now that the cost of production has driven the asking price that high. That used to be what a brass engine cost. It's kind of unfair to make a direct comparison, because we all know brass ain't plastic, for better or worse. But I don't think it's fair to somehow ask for $270 more value. That would just ignore a lot of things we don't ignore with the prices of anything else in our lives, we just pay it. Sure, we'd like a time machine to roll back prices to 1974, but I really doubt we're much interested in rolling back features introduced over the course of those four decades to get that nice price. Imagine what people would say if they suddenly started handing horn-hooks on those babies. Yeah, I don't wanta go there, either. That said, a better comparison would be to what you get from their competitors for the $300 that you don't get from Athearn? From what I've heard, there may be some difference, but it's hardly night and day. |
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Post by curtmc on Dec 1, 2014 18:06:01 GMT -8
Athearn's quality control has been in the dog house for many months now... And I would say - based on the comments I overheard in the Athearn booth at the national train show - that there are many, many modelers that are getting fed up with the QA/QC problems and being left with a choice to accept a less-than-what-they-expected model or nothing at all...
By the way, bringing up a product issue with the manufacturers (any of them these days) normally gets an empty apology, some excuse, and some quick reply that they'll try to do better (or fix the issue) on the next run (forgetting by the time that happens they will likely have forgotten the issue and will make the same mistake again). If done one on one, the customer always gets treated as if they are the only single person who received a defective product. Such discussions in online forums let those receiving the faulty items know that they are not the only ones, and also let those who are purchasing the items that they best examine what they get, instead of just putting it away on the shelf for later (as over 80% do according to one hobby seller I know).
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Post by atsfan on Dec 1, 2014 18:07:03 GMT -8
For 200 to 300 dollars, quality issues should not exist.
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Post by bigblow69 on Dec 1, 2014 18:33:05 GMT -8
A lot of the reasons stated here are why I do not pre-order engines anymore. I have recently been acquiring the most recent run of Athearn's NS heritage units because I AM SEEING WHAT I AM GETTING. A local shop had ample stock and while I didn't pay the lowest price, I was able to inspect every model firsthand. I have bought a couple online but the issues I had with them are small like missing lift rings, antenna's etc and Athearn has been very responsive in getting me the parts I am missing.
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Post by llxlocomotives on Dec 1, 2014 19:55:09 GMT -8
The CEO, of the company I retired from, eliminated the QC as a function. His logic was it was everybody's responsibility. In essence he was moving it down the line. That is what is happening here. For other reasons perhaps, but the impact is the same. In this case the buyer becomes part of the QC team. I don't think it is unique to any given manufacturer.
We want an endless stream of new unique products produced in a limited number. By the time the run gets to a stable process, it is over and the next process starts again. Because the demands keep requiring fundamental changes, almost none of the parts of the unit achieve production stability.
We keep asking for quieter engines, so the sound system can replicate more and more nuances of the real train configuration. The requirements of DCC demand reduced current units.
The issue here is that we are dealing with trains. The physical realities require a certain power output to run a train of expected length. With all the effort, the two desires are conflicting. The latest motors seem to fall too far to the low current, quiet side. The result, they run slow, engine only. And hardly will pull a train with any grade or curve resistance.
Having said that, I have found that Athearn is holding its own. I have several Genesis units and the data I've taken so far indicates that they still are good pullers with a very healthy performance. That includes two GP9's that were released in the last couple of years. So far I have found no broken or missing parts. All of my units were bought on line. I never buy on the first wave. It probably does not matter here, but I believe that pioneers are the ones with "arrows in their back". While I don't think the process ever stabilizes, it is more stable later rather than earlier.
I'm not sure how road name comes into play. Maybe the early ones have the most problems.
And maybe I have been just lucky.
My experience with RTR is more limited. The two that I've seen have been very good mechanically and cosmetically. Not as good as Genesis.
I know that some other manufacturers that I have recently purchased have not been as good mechanically or cosmetically.
I did get a Bowser C-636. it is an SP&S model that I got at an on line store. I violated my usual pattern of waiting until a later wave. I find it to be be generally excellent. Obviously, the errors as discussed are there, but Mr. English has promised the improved parts.
Then again, maybe my expectations are not as high as others
Larry
Check out my blog: llxlocomotives.com
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Post by Brakie on Dec 2, 2014 3:44:11 GMT -8
If they were $30 Athearn blue box GP35's with no added parts, that don't run worth a hoot, and catch fire after 15 minutes then fine
--------------------------
In the 55 years I been using Athearn locomotives I never had one to catch fire and all ran fairly decently..Of course I never compared the BB drive against Atlas or Kato like some since in MHO that's like comparing a Ford Escort to a Buick LeSabre there is no comparison.
Every drive we use today is a copy of Athearn's drive designed--centralized motor with drive shafts to the trucks.
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Post by nightmare0331 on Dec 2, 2014 9:35:05 GMT -8
You have to wonder if our expectations and demands on these manufacturers are part of the problem.
Now, bear with me here for a minute: We ask for highly detailed, road specific features, Swiss watch performance, and flawless paint on “every” model we buy. However, I just don’t see that as being realistic given the number of parts, how fragile they are, and the assembly processes used. It would be one thing if we were talking about the assembly of precision measuring instruments here, or something like that. But, we’re not. These are “just” model trains and they're built literally around the world.
Personally, I like that these companies are going to the lengths they do to give us what we want. If it were up to me, I would want to apply all the little bits and details at my “factory”, but the majority demanded RTR without “any” extra modeling effort. So, we get loose or broken parts as these models get bumped and rocked around on their “long” voyage across the seas. Yes, some QC issues are legitimate, but as Paul said, the manufacturers are here, listening, and reacting (although maybe not a fast as some would like).
I guess I’m just happy to get something rather than nothing when all is said and done.
Thanks, Mark
All good and well, but when you're asking $200-300 for them, the "they're just model trains" retoric many like to go to doesn't cut it at that price point. Higher prices = higher quality expectations. If they were $30 Athearn blue box GP35's with no added parts, that don't run worth a hoot, and catch fire after 15 minutes then fine. But the paradigm has shifted, and quality expectations have risen with prices. What are we paying all that money for, a sloppy assembly job with poor QC? I want some models that catch fire while running them! Heck, it would make model railroading more fun! on a sidenote: Time, Cost, Quality- pick 2. Enjoy! Kelley. |
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Post by grahamline on Dec 2, 2014 9:41:22 GMT -8
Consider also that the original Atlas HO RS-1 and GP7, the ones with the cast steel decks/frames, are excellent runners with smooth, low-current motors. Is that quality still available?
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Post by WP 257 on Dec 2, 2014 10:17:17 GMT -8
grahamline--
The latest run Atlas "Classic" RS-3's and RSD-5's appear to be very nearly the same as they've apparently always been. They also can be had for as little as $85 from such places as Trainworld. The only thing is the body shells are not quite up to today's standards, and the detailing is not road specific. I have two of the newest RSD-5's, that may have the "bad" motor some folks are complaining about, but the fact is those Atlas RSD-5's do indeed run both more smoothly and quieter than the brand new Athearn Genesis GP7 I just picked up.
A new run of Atlas "Classic" RS-1's is due in the spring. From everything I've seen, including other Atlas RS-1's still in inventory at dealers, the Atlas quality is the same as it's always been excepting some folks don't care for the most recent motors Atlas used over the past couple years.
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Post by Great-Northern-Willmar Div on Dec 2, 2014 10:18:31 GMT -8
All good and well, but when you're asking $200-300 for them, the "they're just model trains" retoric many like to go to doesn't cut it at that price point. Higher prices = higher quality expectations. If they were $30 Athearn blue box GP35's with no added parts, that don't run worth a hoot, and catch fire after 15 minutes then fine. But the paradigm has shifted, and quality expectations have risen with prices. What are we paying all that money for, a sloppy assembly job with poor QC? I want some models that catch fire while running them! Heck, it would make model railroading more fun! on a sidenote: Time, Cost, Quality- pick 2. Enjoy! Kelley. Spend more time inspecting the models, will add cost, adding cost will reduce the number of models purchased, reducing the number of models being produced will result in higher price, fewer models will be sold, fewer models sold will result in even higher price. Repeat, Repeat until there are no model being produced. Vicious cycle to which there is no good answer. It is more cost effective to blow them out the door and have some spare models and some spare parts on hand when the poo-poo hits the fan. We can still go back to the blue box era with no details, steel handrails and stanchions, sketchy paint and die cast side frames on the trucks and made in U.S.A. Trouble is that will still cost you nearly a C-note because of labor. So have the nice Chinese workers pop out the detailed but fragile as glass models which are nearly guaranteed to have some sort of quality assembly issue. Take your pick. |
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Post by WP 257 on Dec 2, 2014 10:21:18 GMT -8
I was just informed that the Chinese factory workers are scheduled to receive a 14% wage increase within the next two years. Some importers are trying to hold the current price structure for one more year, maybe two at the most, before the prices rise again. (I was also told there is absolutely no way production will ever return to the U.S.).
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Being a D&RGW and SP guy, I'm pretty sure Athearn dominates my motive power roster because of the tunnel motors and SD45's (20) not to mention Genesis F units.
