SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING MICRO-TRAIN

[Garth Hamilton]

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING MICRO-TRAINS AND SANDA KAN MANUFACTURING IN CHINA

Dear Micro-Trains Dealer,

As you may have heard, Sanda Kan, a large manufacturer in China, has just recently consolidated its business by announcing that they are dropping many of their customers. Micro-Trains is one of the customers that they will no longer be doing business with, however this will only affect a few of our products.


The only items temporarily affected by this change is our N scale FT Locomotives, Z scale Locomotives (GP-35, GP-9, SD40-2) and Z scale Micro-Track. All other products will be unaffected as they are produced in-house at our factory here in Oregon. We are not certain of the full impact this will have on the few items above, but it is possible that there will be some delays and that some items will have to go on back order for a period of time.


We are actively working to find alternate sources for these items so we can avoid or minimize any delays. We feel fortunate to be able to produce so much of our product here at our factory and wanted to inform you how this affects our company and the products we offer you.

Thanks for your continued support of Micro-Trains and our products.

Sincerely,

Ben Thielemann
Marketing Director
Micro-Trains Line Co

[2-8-8-0]

And the Western world now begins to realize, a bit at a time, how dumb it was to move the manufacture of...well, everything...overseas.

MT seems to be a good company, theyll figure it out. Some of the other manufacturers, who knows. But I sense this sort of thing becoming a theme, and soon, and with higher profile stuff than model trains.

[pray59]

Well, I'm not taking any chances... I'm stocking up! Christmas in July? Why not! Let the feeding frenzy begin! I have no idea what the timeframe for such a disruption might be, so I have to make sure I have enough locomotives to last me.

[jhn_plsn]

Originally Posted by 2-8-8-0

And the Western world now begins to realize, a bit at a time, how dumb it was to move the manufacture of...well, everything...overseas.

MT seems to be a good company, theyll figure it out. Some of the other manufacturers, who knows. But I sense this sort of thing becoming a theme, and soon, and with higher profile stuff than model trains.

Did so many actually think think that China would have different solutions to thier economic downturns that the modern world would. They(China) are evolving very quickly thus the manufacturers will become more focussed than ever. They will come back when they decide to hire back the people who new what they were doing.
Am I correct that this firm was named after its founder who decided to retire completely after being bought out and asked to to work as a consultant? He saw the writing on the wall.

[ZFRANK]

Yes, China is catching up.... I never thought it would affect our hobby. Hopefully the affected manufacturers have a fall back plan.... since if they stop selling locomotives, American Model railroading, esspecially for Z-scale will become more and more difficult. What about AZL do they also do business with Sanda Kan......will we get the GP30?

[Cleantex]

The fact are known for Märklin already longer time.
I think no NEW locos for sometime anymore. The older should be on the market longer time.
Some dealers always have hudge stock and there is ebay.
To get the castings out off China, I see no chance. Märklin is after this for a moment.
What is the reason ? Sure not to reduce the business and income of Kader/Sandakan.
They continue with Lionel and want to expand with some other. Lionel in Z ?
Sandakan selling by themself ?

http://www.modelrailroadnews.com/cha...fa58324da.html

[ztrack]

Originally Posted by ZFRANK

What about AZL do they also do business with Sanda Kan......will we get the GP30?

This is very unfortunate news. Three of the companies listed are Z scale manufacturers. As we know, Marklin and MTL, but also Bowser. Bowser produces the Full Throttle line. I am unsure if Bowser uses SDK for their Z production and can only hope FT won't be affected.

AZL is not affected by this decision from SDK.

Rob

[JoeS]

So its full steam ahead with the AZL mikado project then eh? That is great news!

[John Bartolotto]

I hope InterMountain's Z scale efforts will not be dashed before it even starts. Anyone know if they will be affected by this?

John

[JoeS]

Also this probably means no E-8? I guess I am glad I got my sd 40-2 when I did. I think I am with Robert here, better stock up on what ya want now.