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Post by Brakie on Sept 27, 2012 6:25:41 GMT -8
As far as the manufacturers not caring maybe they're getting tired of the whinnies that whine if a model isn't 110% correct?
The manufacturers know their limits on production as far as details while trying to hold their MSRP.
We have seen $199.00 DCC ready locomotives..That may be the final blow before they rethink about adding all the road specific goodies.
Its gotta stop somewhere.
If it doesn't Bachmann will drive them out of business selling detail ready DCC/sound equipped models for $100-120.00 street-affordable for all.
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Post by drolsen on Sept 27, 2012 6:53:17 GMT -8
I've asked them questions a half dozen times about announced products - with most recent being if the new CPR and ONR SD40-2s are going to have the proper Canadian style stepwells - and never received a reply... I've called them about wrong numbers (and incorrect paint) on freight cars they produced and have been told they really think nobody cares about their cars being correct... I had a very good experience corresponding with Intermountain prior to their latest run of CSX PS 5277 box cars. I emailed them and commented that although I liked their previous two runs of these cars, they could make them more accurate by removing the small tackboard to the left of the door and moving the large tackboard one panel to the left (to where the small board was located on the first two runs). All of the CSX cars I've found photos of show only the large tackboard in this configuration. I also suggested they make the blue darker to better match the shade that most CSX cars were painted. I (and a friend) provided prototype photos showing prototype examples to illustrate both points. Here's a photo (from Intermountain's website) of how the first two runs were configured:  Note the large tackboard to the left of the door with the small board one more panel to the left. Here's a prototype photo (from Fallen Flags, by Tom Zarnock) showing the single large tackboard:  The Intermountain rep told me that there was still time for him to make the change, and he followed up a day or so later to inform me that he had updated the artwork with the factory and had selected a darker blue. Here's how the third run turned out (photo from M.B. Klein's website):  I know other people have had experiences like Curt's, but this one turned out very well for me, and I really appreciated them listening to my input. Dave |
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Post by carrman on Sept 27, 2012 11:42:59 GMT -8
As far as the manufacturers not caring maybe they're getting tired of the whinnies that whine if a model isn't 110% correct? The manufacturers know their limits on production as far as details while trying to hold their MSRP. We have seen $199.00 DCC ready locomotives..That may be the final blow before they rethink about adding all the road specific goodies. Its gotta stop somewhere. If it doesn't Bachmann will drive them out of business selling detail ready DCC/sound equipped models for $100-120.00 street-affordable for all. That's still no excuse for the botched tooling on the SD40-2, or the cheapo motors in the AC12, or the botched U18B cabs, etc.... |
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Post by sd80macs on Sept 27, 2012 13:05:46 GMT -8
As far as the manufacturers not caring maybe they're getting tired of the whinnies that whine if a model isn't 110% correct? The manufacturers know their limits on production as far as details while trying to hold their MSRP. We have seen $199.00 DCC ready locomotives..That may be the final blow before they rethink about adding all the road specific goodies. Its gotta stop somewhere. If it doesn't Bachmann will drive them out of business selling detail ready DCC/sound equipped models for $100-120.00 street-affordable for all. So if you bought a model that came direct from the manufacturer like this you wouldn't be upset?  And here is the replacement part I was sent to fix it. I didnt even remove it from the bag.   I was more disappointed then anything. |
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Post by Brakie on Sept 27, 2012 14:30:10 GMT -8
Mark,If I received a locomotive like that I would skip forums and grab my phone for a chat with the manufacturer. No satisfaction? Hello Attorney? I don't diddle around. There are Federal and State laws that a manufacturer must abide by. However,I never received a locomotive or car in the condition I've seen reported here and on the Atlas forum..I have bought several IM cars with no issues from train shows and on line hobby shops. However and to be honest the last two Athearn FMC 5347 boxcars had stirrups laying in the box..This shouldn't be on a $25 boxcar.It was a easy fix. The reason for that problem is simple..The stirrups was never glued on!  They are now.. ;D |
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Post by sd80macs on Sept 27, 2012 14:45:54 GMT -8
Mark,If I received a locomotive like that I would skip forums and grab my phone for a chat with the manufacturer. No satisfaction? Hello Attorney? I don't diddle around. There are Federal and State laws that a manufacturer must abide by. However,I never received a locomotive or car in the condition I've seen reported here and on the Atlas forum..I have bought several IM cars with no issues from train shows and on line hobby shops. However and to be honest the last two Athearn FMC 5347 boxcars had stirrups laying in the box..This shouldn't be on a $25 boxcar.It was a easy fix. The reason for that problem is simple..The stirrups was never glued on! They are now.. ;D I contacted IM right away with the same pics. If I had the broken piece to glue back together then it wouldnt be much of a problem as I have fixed bigger damage then that. It just shows that it left IM like that which is where the statement of manufacturers dont care anymore came from. When I buy something direct from the manufacturer then I dont want it in that kind of condition when it arrives. |
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Post by Judge Doom on Sept 27, 2012 16:05:57 GMT -8
If it doesn't Bachmann will drive them out of business selling detail ready DCC/sound equipped models for $100-120.00 street-affordable for all. I love the fact that people keep spouting that Bachmann is the be-all-end-all champion, just because of their affordable basic DCC/sound units. You need to ask yourself: do they make locomotives on par with Athearn Genesis' level of details? Smooth Kato mechanisms? Detail-specific units for different roads? Accurate Canadian models with all the differing details and options? Didn't think so. Yeah, they might be capable of it (as we've seen from their overseas releases), but they haven't made any attempts to enter into the "detailed" North American RR market: all their recent releases were basic generic units, some lacking important details such as nose grabs on the GP7/9, others with the butt-ugly truck sideframes (RS3, Sharks). If they were to step up to the plate someday and compete on say an Athearn Genesis level, if they made an actual attempt and with their backing they could indeed corner the market. But, it seems they're happy making affordable B- models, with generic (and sometimes ugly) details with sound and DCC onboard for the kiddies. |
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Post by Brakie on Sept 27, 2012 17:08:04 GMT -8
If it doesn't Bachmann will drive them out of business selling detail ready DCC/sound equipped models for $100-120.00 street-affordable for all. I love the fact that people keep spouting that Bachmann is the be-all-end-all champion, just because of their affordable basic DCC/sound units. You need to ask yourself: do they make locomotives on par with Athearn Genesis' level of details? Smooth Kato mechanisms? Detail-specific units for different roads? Accurate Canadian models with all the differing details and options? Didn't think so. Yeah, they might be capable of it (as we've seen from their overseas releases), but they haven't made any attempts to enter into the "detailed" North American RR market: all their recent releases were basic generic units, some lacking important details such as nose grabs on the GP7/9, others with the butt-ugly truck sideframes (RS3, Sharks). If they were to step up to the plate someday and compete on say an Athearn Genesis level, if they made an actual attempt and with their backing they could indeed corner the market. But, it seems they're happy making affordable B- models, with generic (and sometimes ugly) details with sound and DCC onboard for the kiddies. Nope,not for kiddies but,for those adult hobbyist that has drawn the price line...Highly detailed or not I refuse to pay $199.00 for a DCC ready locomotive.Feel free to buy my share. According to forums many modelers has quite buying Athearn products because of the reported QC problems with the RTR and Genesis line.This topic is about a high dollar SD40-2 with major issues-see photos.Even Kato has has issues according to several forum members on the old Atlas forum.Even Atlas has had QC issues or so it was reported on the Atlas forum.Those high dollar Walthers P2K locomotives has had issues again reported on the Atlas and other forums.. Bachmann just may win the market as other manufacturers continue to raise prices and releasing models with QC problems which in turn forces the majority to start looking elsewhere. Lately I been buying more Atlas,IM,Walthers,ER and BLMA then Athearn and I've been a long time Athearn customer and yes it pains me to say that. |
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Post by Judge Doom on Sept 27, 2012 17:13:29 GMT -8
Lately I been buying more Atlas,IM,Walthers,ER and BLMA then Athearn and I've been a long time Athearn customer and yes it pains me to say that. ...but you haven't been buying Bachmann. 'nuff said.  |
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Post by atsfan on Sept 27, 2012 17:46:57 GMT -8
I have not "quit" buying any specific brand.
HOWEVER, I have become much more concerned about quality and problems and as a result, only buy from very solid sellers I can trust, or after I have seen and run an engine. Athearn had many issues. They seem to have gotten past them on the last runs of ACe's. But still............
I have not bought any Bachmann products in many years.
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Post by drolsen on Sept 27, 2012 20:20:35 GMT -8
And here is the replacement part I was sent to fix it. I didnt even remove it from the bag. Yikes, just the fact that they thought the mounted end handrails would survive inside a plastic bag like that is troubling. Dave |
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Post by Brakie on Sept 28, 2012 3:13:32 GMT -8
Lately I been buying more Atlas,IM,Walthers,ER and BLMA then Athearn and I've been a long time Athearn customer and yes it pains me to say that. ...but you haven't been buying Bachmann. 'nuff said. Not really..I have a Bachmann GE 70 Tonner(a smooth runner with decoder buzz) and recently ordered a Bachmann S4 with sound.I also have a 0-6-0T which is one sweet runner.Suffice it to say the price was right and I couldn't resist. As far as the grabs I plan on adding those. I suspect my Atlas/Rocco S4 and P2K SW8 will see the most use simply because of the sound.I like sound and all that but,it won't be used every operation session. I won't be beating Bachmann's door down buying their products but,I am thinking on buying a few for club use.I retired 90% of my BB engines and really don't want to transport my better detailed models to and from the club because of the fragile details. OTH I may refurbish my BB locomotives and continue to use them.. |
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Post by sd80macs on Sept 28, 2012 5:19:09 GMT -8
And here is the replacement part I was sent to fix it. I didnt even remove it from the bag. Yikes, just the fact that they thought the mounted end handrails would survive inside a plastic bag like that is troubling. Dave The bag was wrapped TIGHTLY with bubble wrap and placed in a box with packing peanuts. The rear handrail wasnt an issue as I could transplant the one from the original model but when the pilot is broken worse then the original one its just frustrating. |
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Post by Brakie on Sept 28, 2012 6:35:40 GMT -8
Mark,There's no reason under the sun why a brand new locomotive needs fix..
Of course these models comes thousands of miles by ship then probably by rail,then truck so,it may be a combination of transporting and then the final handling by UPS,FEDEX or USPS..Then there's the possibility of rough handling at the LHS or on line shop.
Maybe they need to develop better packing?
Maybe our models has become to fragile?
I dunno.
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Post by sd80macs on Sept 28, 2012 10:37:07 GMT -8
Mark,There's no reason under the sun why a brand new locomotive needs fix.. Of course these models comes thousands of miles by ship then probably by rail,then truck so,it may be a combination of transporting and then the final handling by UPS,FEDEX or USPS..Then there's the possibility of rough handling at the LHS or on line shop. Maybe they need to develop better packing? Maybe our models has become to fragile? I dunno. My locos came direct from IM by FedEx so there is no excuse. I can see if the locos go through the typical chain of Shipping from China, then to distributors from manufacturer, then to ships from distributor then there is a greater chance of damage by the time you get it but I am not impressed. As I mentioned before I had a large order of cars and out of close to 30 I kept 6 as the rest got returned for various defects from glue smears, glue craze, broken parts, and major damage. I have a few of the new Autoracks on order and can only hope they make it as I am assuming those to be pretty fragile. |
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Post by sd80macs on Oct 14, 2012 9:42:29 GMT -8
Well to my surprise I received a brand new shell / walkway for my loco in the mail the other day. This time it was in a loco box and came intact. So I got everything but the drive. My only gripe is I wish IM communicated better as I didnt even know I had one on the way but I am satisfied now.
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