|
Post by gevohogger on Feb 2, 2021 6:27:26 GMT -8
This whole episode has an Athearn vs. GSB SD40-2 feel to it.
|
|
|
Post by riogrande on Feb 2, 2021 6:51:47 GMT -8
That goes back a ways!
|
|
|
Post by ScaleTrains.com on Feb 2, 2021 7:01:56 GMT -8
I’ve reached out to Todd at Lines West directly to hopefully mend fences. We know how he feels. It’s frustrating and disappointing to pour your heart and soul into a model to find-out someone else has the same great idea. During the past seven (7) years, we’ve had several projects well underway when another manufacture has announced the same product. Here are some examples. HO ScaleDASH-9 ET44 SD40T-2 SD60E Gunderson Multi-Max Autorack ICC Wide-Vision Caboose PS-4785 Covered Hopper N ScaleDASH-9 SD60E GATC 4180 Airslide Covered Hopper Trinity 31K Tank Car with Head Shields We continued with many of these projects and canceled some. There have also been several models on our “to do” list other companies have announced so we did not move forward. With more than 20 all-new models in development (research, design, tooling, production) at any given time, it’s bound to happen. Your first reaction may be, “Manufacturers should talk to each other so they don’t duplicate products”. We’ve been down that road and been burned a few times. Some companies you can trust and others you can’t. (Note: I’m NOT saying Todd at Lines West is not trustworthy. I do not know Todd and AFIK I’ve never met him.) Like you, I’m a model railroader and am passionate about our favorite hobby as well. One thing we as modelers often forget is this is a business. We have 16 team members and their families who are counting on us to make solid business decisions because our livelihoods and family fortunes depend on it. We’re investing $1M per year in new tooling not including the MTH HO & S acquisition. In business, you often have to keep your cards close to the vest so you do not jeopardize your investment or future. Shane Shane Wilson President ScaleTrains.com, Inc.
|
|
|
Post by riogrande on Feb 2, 2021 7:21:54 GMT -8
Your SD40T-2 is a very nice model so I'm glad you went forward with it and it appears to be very successful in spite of the fact that Athearn has produced them and IMRC plans to. Regarding ICC cabooses, I don't know if that is/was different than the Athearn Genesis model and I can understand not wanting to duplicate any efforts, but I would really love to see a D&RGW 1966/67 built ICC caboose.
|
|
|
Post by Donnell Wells on Feb 2, 2021 7:35:26 GMT -8
Thanks for saying this Shane. Competition is tough business, but business is business. You've continued to show professionalism and grace throughout this whole ordeal and I hope and pray things continue to go well with you and your team.
Second, If people are bothered by the fact that I, or any other member on this forum support ScaleTrains, Rapido, Athearn, Bowser, Tangent, Arrowhead, Walthers, Kato, Lines West, or any other manufacturer no matter how large or small, you are free to disagree and free to express that disagreement in a respectful manner. Keep in mind that there are still rules that govern and promote proper forum decorum, and members are expected to abide by them.
Donnell
|
|
|
Post by NS4122 on Feb 2, 2021 7:50:14 GMT -8
It reminds me of the River Point Station vs Rapido FL-9. The River Point Station project was moving at a glacial pace with the only sign of progress being trucks and a chassis. Then Rapido announced their FL-9 and that was the end of the River Point version. This whole episode has an Athearn vs. GSB SD40-2 feel to it.
|
|
|
Post by thunderhawk on Feb 2, 2021 8:37:31 GMT -8
I received a very nice email from Shane, as he posts above, this morning and I want to clear the air a bit. While yes, I was disappointed and frankly upset, I was not totally unaware of the possibility of ST releasing this model. Let's just say there are plenty of rumors in this industry and I heard it from more than one person. (I also told Shane who I did NOT hear it from. It is important to know who you can trust.)
I have no animosity towards the guys at ST and said as much in my response to Shane. I also passed along my offer to help them on future MILW prototypes they may release. My specialty is producing models, mostly MILW related, that are unlikely to ever be produced by a mainstream manufacturer and that was the impetus behind the SDL. Hell, only ten were ever built so no one is going to make that, right? While it may not have been obvious from my earlier posts, I am in fact pleased that ST is bringing the SDL to market as it fills a need for MILW modelers at a level that I am not yet able to produce. Yes, the hundreds of hours of development down the drain hurts but overall it is good for the hobby and in a way my business as well. More quality MILW models will hopefully expand the number of people modeling the MILW which is right in my wheelhouse. They need MILW prototype stations, switch stands, freight cars, cabooses, etc, etc, right? I hope so.
I am fortunate in that with my production method I do not have tens of thousands tied up in injection molds, so I can move on to other projects.
As I said in my email to Shane, I appreciate his contacting me. He didn't need to do so and had little to nothing to gain. Tells me he is a good guy and I said as much. Business is business and sometimes things don't work out as one plans.
|
|
|
Post by bdhicks on Feb 2, 2021 9:32:03 GMT -8
This did get me to finally order some chop nose SD9 kits from Lines West for putting together a consist of the time the DME was evaluating possibly picking up the SDL39s from the Soo.
|
|
|
Post by ambluco on Feb 2, 2021 10:49:45 GMT -8
Shane had nothing to gain? I thought the ST SDL39 had glaring "errors" that you could have rectified?
|
|
|
Post by thunderhawk on Feb 2, 2021 10:56:45 GMT -8
I need to address some comments made earlier in this thread as well. Yes, I am very behind on fulfilling orders currently. The covid thing has made things difficult in that I am having to spend a lot of time assisting my elderly parents as they are under doctors orders to pretty much not leave the house due to pre-existing issues they have. I have gotten some help on that front now so I am able to spend more time in the shop filling orders. This is also why I have not been advertising and running specials for months. Need to fill outstanding orders before asking for more.
The MKT flats are shipping, slowly, as I have gotten them about as good as I can. The free standing parts are problematic and will remain fragile but are not so delicate one cannot blow on them. Getting them to not warp, flat cars are very different than a hopper car or caboose on this, was also an issue that has been solved. They make a nice looking model and I hope to have pics of completed models soon.
I have made extra pieces as orders come in to try and build up some inventory for the other products so shipping is not so delayed as well. When I was only making a few different cab conversions making them to order was not an issue. With about close to 100 different part numbers now that method simply does not work anymore.
The patience of my customers is appreciated. The goal is to grow to the point I can at least hire one part time person to assist which will be a huge help.
Also, if you need to contact me via email try and use this email; hotwheels1603 AT gmail.com I get so much spam through the webstore that gmail sends the vast majority of messages from the contact page to my spam folder along with the hundreds of Nigerian scams, pron offers, etc so I occasionally miss an email. I'm looking into changing the IP of the webstore to see if this helps as changing the contact email made no difference.
|
|
|
Post by elfan on Feb 2, 2021 11:02:28 GMT -8
This entire episode smacks of the modeler...and I’m one (SDP45 and SD45-2 come to mind) ...who spends hours of time and money to scratch build or kit bash a model that he’s sure no manufacturer will ever produce, only to have it come to market right before, or soon after, it’s finished!...albeit on a grander scale of course.
#justsayin
Tom
|
|
|
Post by NS4122 on Feb 2, 2021 12:14:53 GMT -8
Oh please, you came on here with nothing but animosity. I received a very nice email from Shane, as he posts above, this morning and I want to clear the air a bit. While yes, I was disappointed and frankly upset, I was not totally unaware of the possibility of ST releasing this model. Let's just say there are plenty of rumors in this industry and I heard it from more than one person. (I also told Shane who I did NOT hear it from. It is important to know who you can trust.) I have no animosity towards the guys at ST and said as much in my response to Shane. I also passed along my offer to help them on future MILW prototypes they may release. My specialty is producing models, mostly MILW related, that are unlikely to ever be produced by a mainstream manufacturer and that was the impetus behind the SDL. Hell, only ten were ever built so no one is going to make that, right? While it may not have been obvious from my earlier posts, I am in fact pleased that ST is bringing the SDL to market as it fills a need for MILW modelers at a level that I am not yet able to produce. Yes, the hundreds of hours of development down the drain hurts but overall it is good for the hobby and in a way my business as well. More quality MILW models will hopefully expand the number of people modeling the MILW which is right in my wheelhouse. They need MILW prototype stations, switch stands, freight cars, cabooses, etc, etc, right? I hope so. I am fortunate in that with my production method I do not have tens of thousands tied up in injection molds, so I can move on to other projects. As I said in my email to Shane, I appreciate his contacting me. He didn't need to do so and had little to nothing to gain. Tells me he is a good guy and I said as much. Business is business and sometimes things don't work out as one plans.
|
|
|
Post by The Ferro Kid on Feb 2, 2021 14:00:50 GMT -8
Blessed are the peacemakers!
|
|