Well, they've finally gone and done it. The production announcement is out on Atlas' web site. Hopefully, there'll be lots of orders, and a production run to cover them (hint, hint, manufacturers). While I'm posting this, let me throw in an unsolicited plug: PLEASE try to order this from a local retailer. I have a good friend who owns and operates a store, and he has flat told me that if he didn't have another business on the side, he couldn't stay in business. I know that the internet and mail order places often have better prices, but I believe we lose in two ways: first, you're not going to get the same kind of assistance in an envelope or packing box; and second, the local shop is often a source of new "boomers" who wander in on a lark (that's for you, Alan) and like what they see. Please think about it. ------------------ Jenks - the REAL Big Blue
RIGHT ON! This is very true and couldn't agree with you more. I know guys that will drive well over 100 miles to get a 25% discount at the Weaton, IL. show instead of shopping at there Local shops and getting a 20% discount. It doesn't make sence, they spend the gas and ticket money and it more than takes up the money saved on the 25% discount. Then they'll do the same thing on mail order and the shipping makes up for the discount. STUPID! They're always complaining that the shop I go to doesn't carry enough, it would if these Clownies would support it! Well, I've said enough! ------------------ Brent Tidaback, Member #234 BNSF Railfan-to-the Max and a N-Scaler to boot! "Ship it on the Route of The Roadrunners!" The Aransas Odessa & Western, a division of the BNSF
The only time this ol furrball orders anything off the net it is from a REAL hobbyshop that just happens to have the parts I need.Iam ordering parts from a Canadian hobbyshop because my local shop doe not stock Minatures By Eric,and why should they anyway.75% of my hobby dollars is spent right here in Grand Rapids,Mi.(except for the stuff I buy from Alan This is a hobby,Let's keep it fun ------------------ Catt!#118
If it's something your shop doesn't carry, then by all means, get it where you can. Alan is a manufacture so his situation is different than that of a true mailorder wholesaler. Be sides, I can't drive to Alan's house from Lincoln, IL. so WHEN I shop with Alan, it will be via mail. Common sence guys... ------------------ Brent Tidaback, Member #234 BNSF Railfan-to-the Max and a N-Scaler to boot! "Ship it on the Route of The Roadrunners!" The Aransas Odessa & Western, a division of the BNSF
My stuff is ONLY available direct from me, so no-one is being side tracked Lots of hobby shops have asked to stock my stuff, but that would only add to the cost, so I have declined, even though it would greatly add to my turnover. And with 4-5 days shipping time to the US, it is as quick as across the states I enjoy the personal contact with customers. ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.alancurtismodels.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery
i always try and buy from our local hobby shop but sometims they do not stcok latest releases thats why I have ordered roadrailers from Rio Grande hobbies. have just ordered some spine cars from Alan which of course you have no choice but i think it is great we can order direct AND we can complain direct although i'm sure there will not be any need too lol ------------------ Regards Paul Cassar-# Member number 50 SPAD Investigator #1 ICQ 61198217 http://users.bigpond.net.au/railroad2000
I would like to buy locally, but the few shops in our area sell at full list plus a 6% sales tax unless you preorder. Did I understand you correctly that you can buy at a local shop at 20% off list? ------------------ John Nutt Des Moines, IA contractrental@uswest.net
EVERYTHING I want, I have to get mail-order, as we have no stockists of American models anywhere near us, so we may as well order direct from the states, if the price is better ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.alancurtismodels.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery
Well, as far as I know, the only hobby shop owned by a corporation is the dreaded eHobbies site. Every other site is a family run operation. An entrepenuer is still an entrepeneur whether his store front is virtual or not. I know of at least one local shop that only has a real store front because one of the major manufacturors will only distribute through them if there is a public counter in the store. I think that the newbie is primarily buying their first train set from Toys'R'us or some similar venue. Every "train set" I've seen in a model railroading store is always some dusty old box from several holiday seasons ago. They used to set type with lead, and a guy used to light the streetlights every night. Any merchant who hasn't expanded to the online world, might just as well have the going out of business sale this weekend. Just my two cents. Flame retardant set to high... Ed Harrison ------------------ Ed's Mental Cab Ride
I am not saying all hobby shops shouldn't be supported but the hobby shop in my town thinks that full retail is a great deal, I'm sorry but I would buy from someone who is going to cut some off of retail especially when my orders are for around 10+ units each time. What can I say, I love motive power!! Thanks and God Bless All! dave
Times are changing. People are busier than they ever were before, so it makes sense to get your model stuff the easiest way possible. Hobby shops are going to have to change the way they do business. All companies have to change with the times or get left behind. The future of model railroading will include the computer and the internet. My local shop has a great local and internet business.
I certainly support the hobby shops in this region. There is one in Milton and another in Streetsville. They both carry everything anybody could want. There is no real hobby shop in Georgetown but these other locations are about half an hour drive away. The main reason I don't use mail order or internet ordering is most of those locations are in other parts of the world. This means exchange on our low value dollar as well as shipping and service charges and sometimes even customs charges or the dreaded GST. All these added up often make a product more expensive than I can get it for from the hobby shops. At least when I go to them, the price is what I see so yes, I support local business as long as they are still there. ------------------ Robin Maberly and Tayside
The thing I see, though, is that price alone isn't always the issue. Both here in Colorado, and earlier in Kentucky, I have dealt with store owners who were (1) willing to go out of their way to help find stuff for me and (2) who REALLY supported clubs. The guy here in Colorado has donated cars (MTL, no less) as raffle prizes for our monthly business meetings. Also, as I've mentioned elsewhere, I can stop by any time and get advice, help with repairs, reserch assistance and so on. Also, many of these small shops will establish discounts for model railroad clubs. Now don't get me wrong - I also order on line. If the price is good enough, I'm there, but I think there are too many perks to the small local shop to let the bottom line be the only guy. Of course, none of this has anything to do with Atlas engines, so hopefully they'll be out in January and I can pretend Santa got a little lost on his way to my furnace vent (no chimney, you see). Now I'm not totally OT, so I feel better. ------------------ Jenks - the REAL Big Blue
