Going to go "belly up"? within a few years? My prediction is based on the following: 1. economy sucks, and until we get off this foreign oil kick it will continue to suck. This of course is going to have a slinky effect. less discretionary funds for unimportant expendures. 2. Value: As competitors keep bringing out new (and in some cases) superior products, (superior in my mind being increased detail, lowered body heights, body mounted couplers, a typical paint jobs, (not the fantasy or "one off paint schemes") (yeah, I know some of them are the "bread and butter of Microtrains, but sooner or later they are going to run out of "ideas" that apparently keep them afloat. I venture (without a sound intelligence on this) that Microtrains foray into passenger cars was (or is) a way to diversify their sales base, (because quite frankly I think the freight car sales are probably lack luster compared to past performance) I know I haven't bought more than two this last year, and I noticed that over the past ten years my Microtrains purchases have steadily decreased and will continue to decrease unless they modify one (or more)of my problems with them, (limited numbers on issues, lack of plain jane 40 footers in New York Central (white or black emblem) and their associated raillines P&LE for example, Atlas came out with the few nice Boxcars, but they are few and not enough numbers also. Intermountain came out with them, as well as a few others, and I jumped on them like a teenager on a hot (&*%&%) well you get the picture. I understand the "made in America mentality. I actually support it when I can and the product fits what I'm looking for. Perhaps, and quite frankly I think its too late, Microtrains ought to think about moving production overseas. (why is it too late you might ask?) because overseas labor costs are rising from third world level to First world levels (if thats the way to say it) correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you have the idea anyway. 3. The collector bubble burst years ago, and by observation of the resale prices on the N scale collectors site, they haven't been on the rebound, (I contribute this to the economy, and that the collectors (buyers, are getting more intelligent in regards to purchases) As I have maybe 500 Kadee/Microtrains cars, and the rest from the other companies, I don't need that much, because frankly 500 cars is all I really need (if that much) The quality and detail issues are now more important than the quantity issues, so I'll be trimming the fat for more muscle (details) and getting rid of the fat (lack luster details, etc) Good things Microtrains has done: passenger cars, (in my opinion not fast enough) they are going to get clobbered if any of the other companies come out with them first, like the FT fiasco. whom needed two FT's from two different companies at the same time??? I went for the Intermountain units, because I think they did a better job. Of course some folks might not agree with that. Thats ok. Loads, cast or other wise, nice, (but not good enough) in this day of higher detail levels and more expectations of realism, loads should be secured as they were on the prototype. If they were blocked than the blocks should be included, I won't dwelve on this but you can see where I'm getting at. The days of just dumping a "load" on a flat car with a spot of glue are over for most of us (assumption on my part) and thus I (we expect) somewhat more attention to detail. Yes some of them make great starting points, but in view of what the competition is doing, WHY stop there, If your losing ground on one issue, then it might pay to try to regain it (or some of it) on another, (no other company at this time is making loads like the microtrains line, at least not as quite extensive) so why not up the anti? Just some thoughts on what seems to be a boat thats taking on water, and the bilge pumps just aren't quite making it. You just gotta wonder when it will sink. Rob
LIke the subject of the post, the horse is apparently in a coma and dreaming of what was and not what is, R
Well I hope they stick around for a long time. There customer service for me has been excellant. Craig
Joe of MT is asking for opinions on new items over on the Railwire - interesting we haven't heard from Joe here except on the Z forum...
Its hard to say what will happen. My ouija board is a little out of calibration lately. I think MT is still competing well in spite of any shortcoming that some folks perceive that they have. Their couplers, though a little oversize for some and slinky for others, are still in demand. The folks who care about wheel profile usually change out the wheels but still buy the cars. The much maligned "Collector" market is still a big source of income for them. Their Battleship series outsold just about anything they have ever done. They still seem to be committed to keep producing the non-fantasy cars as well. As long as their bottom line remains where it has been, I don't see them changing too radically.
For us to sit here and speculate on the solvency of a business that produces items that contribute greatly to our hobby is very unfair. This is not a stock market or financial forum. Rumors and opinion on the financial dealings of a business that none (or most) of us have real knowledge about is reckless and patently unfair. What we should be doing (all of us in this hobby) is hoping that all of these businesses stay in business. These are specialty businesses that market their products to a niche and not the masses. As long as their products are good and their prices fair, we should all continue to buy from them. Threads like these are probably why some of the heavy hitters in this hobby do not participate in forums. Thread closed. :thumbs_down: Charlie
