Has anybody else heard about the problems @ CMT? Rumors floating around and Rapido sent out a notice. Website seems to be disabled. Does anyone on here know the truth about what happened or is happening?
Here is the text from the email that Jason sent out. (all direct copy and paste) 31/8/2012. Special Report CMT/Canadian Model Trains and Rapido Products Dear Rapido customers, Please note this only affects you if you have ordered Rapido products from CMT. The recent changes that affected CMT/Canadian Model Trains took us all by surprise, and I am sure that many of CMT's customers are concerned about their outstanding orders for Rapido products. As a result, we have endeavoured in the past few days to find out as much as we could about the situation in order to provide you with this update. 1. Orders for Rapido products from CMT True Line Trains has confirmed to us that it has taken over the order book of CMT. True Line Trains has advised us that it intends to honour orders placed for Rapido products by CMT's customers. If you have ordered any Rapido products from CMT, please contact True Line Trains at www.truelinetrains.ca to confirm your order. 2. Orders for the CN Pointe St. Charles caboose project We are still many months away from delivering this caboose. From what we understand at this point, Tom Tomblin (who initiated the project) still intends to see it to fruition and honour all deposits. When the final tooling corrections are complete we will have more concrete information for you. Stay tuned to our newsletter for updates. 3. Rapido's relationship with CMT and True Line Trains Given all that has taken place in the last couple of weeks, I would like to clarify that Rapido does not have, and has never had, a financial or ownership interest in CMT. Rapido has simply been a supplier to CMT. Similarly, Rapido does not have a financial or ownership interest in True Line Trains, although we do share office and warehouse facilities with True Line. Please note that as of time of writing, the modeltrains.com web site incorrectly states that the telephone number for True Line Trains is 905-738-6445. This is, in fact, Rapido's phone number. True Line and Rapido have both requested for modeltrains.com to correct this error but it is still there. The phone number for True Line Trains is 905-738-6556. Given the similarity, it is an understandable mistake. However, having Rapido's phone number on the web site serves only to add to the confusion... It is difficult for everyone - customers and suppliers - when there is uncertainty such as what has recently transpired with CMT. Rest assured, our primary concern is that CMT's customers get the Rapido products they ordered. True Line Trains has assured us that it shares this concern and will take good care of CMT's customers. Thanks and regards, Jason, Bill and Dan
Hey George, Here is a friendly suggestion. Consolidate your new announcement pages to one spot and either split out N scale from HO or allow us to filter it. It is like having to visit two different shops for all of the information. When I go buy new shoes they are arranged so I can find all the mens shoes in one place. Mens shoes are not all mixed up with ladies and childrens. Back to the topic, I got the above notice from Rapido via email yesterday.
From what I understand, it appears that True Line Trains has acquired all the stock from CMT. They did not receive the customer deposits on models. CMT required deposits on many advanced order items they sold. These deposits are, so far, missing. The owner of CMT, Tom Tomblin, has chosen not to address the issue of refunding deposits or the status of consignment items in his possession. He is not answering his E Mails or phone. Rapido has said they will complete the project started by CMT for the Point St. Claire caboose. True Line Trains is attempting to contact all customers with open orders from CMT. They plan to fill those orders where possible. Until recently, Tom and CMT were a respected model train dealer that had been in business for many years. They were a large brass dealer and sold many unique Canadian prototype models in HO and N Scale. For most customers, this was really "out of the blue". All the gory details, so far, are at http://www.truelinetrains.ca/home/news/cmt-updates. Brian Marsh of Overland Models has been trying to help customers that had orders for Overland products. True Line Trains, Rapido, and Overland Models have really stepped up to try to help modelers and customers of CMT. They should be applauded. Hopefully, customers with missing deposits have contacted the RCMP about the business practices of Tom Tomblin of CMT. Sad state of affairs. Pete Steinmetz
I have never given a deposit for any pre order ever. This is exactly why. While I don't think it is right to default on returning deposits, the money should not be used in general cash flow, I think you have to realize you are taking your chances when you fork the money over.
I got stung big time by Key Imports on a bunch of deposit money I placed on ATSF steam locomotives that never were produced. I am still trying to get my funds back. I hope the customers of CMT fair better than I have.
That's a real shame, but so nice to see True Line, Overland, and Rapido stepping up. Means quite a bit in my world. Persistence for anyone who had dealt with CMT to get what your due.
Wow, things look like they went sour in a hurry. I got a CMT email a few weeks ago talking about the industry being killed by the Chinese. The tone reminded me of Bob Hundman's rant in his final issues of N-Scale. Looks like the result is also the same.
I will have to assume that he co-mingled his operating monies with his deposits to pay his bills and this is causing a stir? Banks are now allowed to do it so why not a business? There was a recent ruling whereby banks can use your deposited money to pay their bills, go under, and owe you nothing. I would think this will effect our ability to recover deposits in the future from any endeavor as it is a risk you the consumer are taking.
It appears to be more of a case of not being able to manage his business. He took deposits on models and hasn't refunded any of the money to customers. He seems to have disappeared. Can't blame the Chinese for this one. Pete Steinmetz
