DJModels Ltd End of Year Report 2016

[DJM Dave]

DJModels Ltd End of Year report 2016

 

Hello everyone,

Sorry for the late posting of my annual ‘report’ to you all, this was down to me getting my thoughts in order, taking advice and collating all I wanted to say.

So,

 

Brief Blathering

It’s been a great year for DJModels Ltd, with the continuation of deliveries for the Kernow O2 into the early months. And subsequently the model won the Best OO gauge Steam Locomotive of the year in the RMW/BRM vote. Thank you to all who took the time, and for that I am truly humble.

Then things went quiet while I concentrated on getting the class 71 out for mid 2016, and as we know it didn’t make it. I felt that having seen the alternate model up close, there were still things I could do to make the Crowdfunded model even better and as such these changes took a few months and subsequently lost the production slot for the model. However with it now due for delivery very soon I am glad this model is pretty much ‘done and dusted’ and those who have ordered one of the very special edition models through crowdfunding are in for something quite special.

 

Brexit?

Brexit hit with a vengeance, which i'm sure you are ether seeing now or will see the effects of this next few months. For me it decimated my profit margin, which to keep models at the originally advertised price (i didn't raise any of them since announcing the models).

I deal with HK$ and US$ in my dealings with China, with the US$ & HK$ losing about the same to the pound of around 20% Its not nice but i'm trying to be honorable and keep things as per the original price but i fear that there will, to make things viable for me, have to be a price rise in quarter 1 of this year (2017), and i apologize but it seems to be a way of the world at present.

 

IS IT OR ISNT IT?

The 74 crowdfunding hasn’t taken off like the 71 did, and as such is ‘floundering’ somewhat, but I think a lot of that will be down to modellers waiting to see the quality of the 71 before committing.

 

Everything is in place to finish the cad of the 74 and push on but even though its crowdfunded too I’m reticent to spend money on the full blown cad at this time.

 

GONE!

The OO class J94 was finally released to stockists in August / September, but what a lot of you don’t know is that I had to cut stockists short on their orders for the 68023 BR model.

 

This was because a large number of these models and the ‘Wilbert’ models for the Dean Forest Railway were stolen just minutes after leaving Southampton Docks.

As the theft was well hidden, it only became apparent after the 3 day delivery to Kernow who dealt with the distribution for me.

 

As I’m sure you can imagine, losing models this was heartbreaking, especially as they were all sold. But a small chink of light at the end of the tunnel on a random E-bay search, that found these models in quantity on sale before the models had arrived in Cornwall for distribution. More detective work over the following 10 days found more models appearing from the same seller. Subsequent contact with the Southampton Police found that only some of the models had been ‘sold’ to the e-bayer and that the rest were still in the hands of the thief.

Anyway to cut a long story short, the thief was arrested and charged and went to court a week before Christmas and pleaded guilty. All the remaining NEW unopened stock was recovered as well as models sold to purchasers on e-bay, and I thank them (if they are reading this) for keeping quiet while the investigation and ongoing court case was in progress. I have personally visited some of the stockists that did not receive models, and hand delivered some that they ordered. I have also re – ordered this model in limited quantities for March 2017 delivery to give the stockists a chance to sell them if they wish.

I have to thank all stockists for being patient in these times and for understanding that as it was an ongoing case, I couldn’t come right out and say anything, merely take things on the chin when they complained to me.

 

More left

The J94 was also released in a myriad of special editions to Hattons, Kernow and as mentioned the Dean Forest Railway. The RMWeb version unfortunately had an extraordinary number of cancellations in the week I invoiced everyone. Basically I lost around 75% of pre orders which I needed to make the project I paid for viable. However, Kernow are selling this model on my behalf so it is getting exposure at every show they attend and sales are slowly happening.

 

With my decision to make the J94 in such a way that alternate versions would be available led me to invest over double the original tooling budget, but I am glad to say this has proved a boon, as the model will be produced in alternate liveried for many years to come, paying back my 6 figured investment sooner rather than later.

 

At last!

Now the  OO J94 is out, my attention naturally turned to the N gauge class 17 and this is no scheduled to be in at least decorated condition at the Perth 2017 show in Scotland (what better place). This is being followed quite quickly I hope with the N gauge Class 23, while final cad/cams are being produced on other previously named projects.

 

Who says electrics dont sell?

I had wanted to produce the 86,87 and 92 in OO and the 87 and 92 in N gauges for many a year now, having done the 86 for a previous employer, and having gotten wind of 2 manufacturers designing both the 86 and 87 I decided to do the class 92 instead.

 

This locomotive was planned by me when I was with a previous employer so came as no surprise to many to see me announce it as a crowdfunding venture. On the back of the 71 this project has come almost to tooling stage more quickly and wonderfully funded in both gauges by you the modeler who recognize my expertise in such models, and my full award winning history of producing models many of you run today on your layouts.

It is really encouraging for me to see that you have faith in my ability, and the fact that I am trying to make a living doing this full time without an alternate source of income, and for that I thank you. I have, due to a wonderful factory, negotiated great prices for the fully specified model, and I have lots of things that I cannot announce at this time that will blow you away regarding detail, painting, and other development I cannot even hint at, at this time.

 

Once the 92 is completed and delivered in both gauges I will not do another crowdfunded model for a good few years until the rather buoyant production and manufacture of assorted models from third parties etc has slowed down or plateau’d. This I think is the sensible approach and one which will allow me to concentrate on getting the back catalog out to you all. Talking of catalog i intend to publish a pdf catalogue in the 1st quarter which will contain some interesting info.

 

The Future Teaser

Working through the back catalog won’t prevent me from making plans for future models, and indeed having been given a heads up by a friend and his contact, I visited someone who had a full set of drawings for a locomotive who’s drawings had been thought to be previously lost with only 1 or 2 surviving. I left this man’s house with over 1000 High resolution (25+mb per picture for those interested) pictures of the designed, including bogies, roof bulkheads etc etc. This will allow me, should the locomotive not get made by another manufacturer, to produce the cad/cam and announce it around 3 years time if all goes well.

 

Sea Creatures

The N gauge Mermaid is just awaiting funds to allow it to go into production, and i'm hoping to have those funds within 6 weeks.

The shark an Turbot will follow in the tool room right after the Mermaid is out.

 

Commissions

Special commissions have been part of my life for the last 3 and a bit years, with the re-motored Beattie and the completely new O2 for Kernow to the gorgeous 14xx / 48xx for Hattons, who I started delivering models to just before Christmas. Ongoing models include some previously unannounced modern wagons, The GWR King, D600, Gate Stock, PBA and others. Some of that list are pretty much either tooled or in tooling, and details of developments on them can be found with their respective commissioning agents web sites. Please don’t forget that although there is no mention for a while on a project it doesn’t mean that nothing is happening behind the scenes.

 

Help and shows

I’m very proud to have helped others with advice, to get themselves started in producing their own models, which as a whole, can only be good for our hobby.

I'll also be committing to more of a presence out on the road, at Shows up and down the country, with Warley, Crewe, Fareham, Spennymoor, Perth being some (still to be fully confirmed) to name but a few and, I hope, if you attend you’ll pop over and have a chat, I don’t bite.

 

So, what a year, Theft, Suggested collusion, New models, Crowdfunding, the ‘Vapourware’ tag all but disappearing except from the most hardened of haters. It has been a fun, vexing, angst causing, and happiness inducing, heck of a ride.

 

All things come to an end

Lots more to say but I’d bore you all, so I’ll shut up and get on with designing things.

Thank you one and all and have a great New Year.

Cheers

Dave

DJModels Ltd

[PM47079]

That's a busy year! I appreciate all the hard work you do bringing all these models to the market

[amdaley]

Congratulations Dave on a very successful year & long may it continue.

Happy New Year & continued success for the future.

[woodenhead]

All things come to an end

 

 

That emboldened statement stood out, something you want to elaborate on?

[south_tyne]

Congratulations Dave. I am pleased to hear of your success to date and and for the future. It is all down to your hard work and enthusiasm, you are a credit to yourself, your business and this hobby. Clearly not all plain sailing but on the whole very positive.

 

Thank you for what you've delivered in 2016 and all the best for 2017! It promises to be an interesting and exciting year!

 

All the best,

David

[MarkSG]

Interesting behind the scenes information. While nobody wants to be the victim of a theft, it's good to know that a combination of vigilance and police work led to the conviction of the thief and the recovery of the stolen stock. 

[Jenny Emily]

Glad to hear that the thief who stole from you was caught and prosecuted and that your stock was returned.

[DJM Dave]

That emboldened statement stood out, something you want to elaborate on?

Yes I'll gladly elaborate for you....

 

The ramblings above that were, I'm sure some people would appreciate, 'coming to an end' nothing more nothing less.

 

Cheers

Dave

[Clearwater]

Great detective work on the theft and good to hear the outcome. Certainly makes me wonder about the source of some of the eBay new loco bargains... also, were the goods in transit covered by insurance?

 

David

[grahame]

I guess that the comment that you'll not be undertaking any more crowdfunded models (apart from be class 92) for a good number of years means that you've now officially ditched the proposed N gauge cars project.

 

G.

[DJM Dave]

Great detective work on the theft and good to hear the outcome. Certainly makes me wonder about the source of some of the eBay new loco bargains... also, were the goods in transit covered by insurance?

David

Hi David,

 

Yes the goods were covered by insurance but getting blood from a stone takes time so I'm glad I got most back expediently. Lol

 

Cheers

Dave

[DJM Dave]

I guess that the comment that you'll not be undertaking any more crowdfunded models (apart from be class 92) for a good number of years means that you've now officially ditched the proposed N gauge cars project.

G.

Hi Grahame,

It's fair to say that I didn't handle the car crowdfunding very well, but in all honesty I don't think I judged that market very well at all.

You could argue that it would be better if everyone knew exactly which cars etc, but I'm not sure it would have helped make the numbers to make the project work, bearing in mind how many needed to have been shifted.

 

I'm glad that Base and Oxford sell vehicles although I do tend to see large stocks still sitting on stockists shelves and for a 'start up' doing these it would worry me somewhat.

 

Lesson learned here I think.

Dave

[DLPG]

Looking forward to meeting you at Spennymoor later this year Dave! Good luck and all the best for 2017

[Butler Henderson]

Curious as to why the theft was not made known - a loco or two nicked from a exhibition gets publicised widely but nothing re four dozen Austerities going astray.  

[grahame]

I'm glad that Base and Oxford sell vehicles although I do tend to see large stocks still sitting on stockists shelves and for a 'start up' doing these it would worry me somewhat. Lesson learned here I think.

 

Although, of course, those stocks on shelves aren't from the era being proposed as BT and ODC don't make a range of basic comon or garden private saloon cars from the 70s, 80s and 90s. It would have been nice to test out whether there is a demand for them, but I accept you've now dropped the proposal. Nonetheless, thanks for the update.

 

G.

[DJM Dave]

Curious as to why the theft was not made known - a loco or two nicked from a exhibition gets publicised widely but nothing re four dozen Austerities going astray.

 

It was part of the on going investigation, so we kept everything quiet so as not to spook the thief.

Plus there was liability issues, freight company involvement, etc etc

Trust me I still can't put all I'd like, but I am glad it's over.

[MarkSG]

Going public on a theft is always a balancing act. On the one hand, if you don't have anything to go on, then wider publicity can often help recover the stolen items, particularly if they've already been fenced and are into the wild, so to speak. But on the other hand, if you do have a good lead, then keeping quiet about it minimises the chance that the thief will dispose of everything before the police are ready to draw in the net. 

 

The worst case scenario is that the thief realises that he can't sell the swag, so just dumps it. If that happens, you've very unlikely ever to get it back, and there won't be any evidence if the police do catch up with him.

[colin penfold]

Hi Dave, I read from this that you are somwhat nearer to swimming than you are to sinking, and I am pleased for you.

 

You talk of the J94 as if it's all done and dusted but there are some models still yet to appear including the one I ordered OOJ94-002.

 

Can I ask what the plan is for delivery of the remaining J94 variants?

[DJM Dave]

Hi Dave, I read from this that you are somwhat nearer to swimming than you are to sinking, and I am pleased for you.

You talk of the J94 as if it's all done and dusted but there are some models still yet to appear including the one I ordered OOJ94-002.

Can I ask what the plan is for delivery of the remaining J94 variants?

See, I did say I could ramble on and in fact should have done lol

The remaining outstanding models are due the end of feb/march

 

Sorry, a big omission I should have included.

Cheers

Dave

[DavidLong]

Dave,

 

Many thanks for the update but one item missing was the N version of the J94. I think that in a previous message you indicated Autumn 2017. Is that still the case?

 

David

[Castle]

Hi Dave,

 

All the best for the new year and I look forward to my preordered king completing the Little Didcot express passenger fleet later in the year!

 

All the best,

 

Castle

 

Edit: and my second No.1363 to go with my etched kit too!

Edited January 1, 2017 by Castle

[Oldddudders]

Disappointed and puzzled about the high number of cancellations on the RMweb J94. Is there a rational explanation of why it was suddenly not what so many people wanted?

[sc2016]

It's fair to say that I didn't handle the car crowdfunding very well, but in all honesty I don't think I judged that market very well at all.

You could argue that it would be better if everyone knew exactly which cars etc, but I'm not sure it would have helped make the numbers to make the project work, bearing in mind how many needed to have been shifted.

 

Dave

 

Hi Dave, Would it be possible for you to take cancelled projects off your Pre-Order page on your website so that people knows what projects are still going ahead? Also could you also update the Product Progress chart?

 

Thanks,

Samuel.

[amwells]

Disappointed and puzzled about the high number of cancellations on the RMweb J94. Is there a rational explanation of why it was suddenly not what so many people wanted?

As someone who contributed to that cancellation rate, and certainly not with malice, I really think the website needs fixing. I ordered and then got no confirmation email, I tried again. Therefore my order was technically only 50% successful. Until I got the PayPal invoices, I was wondering whether I would get a model at all. Of course if the true order rate has been seen, perhaps the model would never have gone ahead - while I like the model, I would rather that than it causing Dave commercial challenges (that would apply to any business, not just Dave's!).

 

Dave was kind enough to confirm by PM that my orders for the 92s had gone through but that just takes up his valuable time.

 

As noted, other cancelled projects need to be removed too so that it is easier for people to order.

 

Dave, wishing you every success for 2017, looking forward to the 71 and Hope orders pick up for the 74.

[MarkSG]

As someone who contributed to that cancellation rate, and certainly not with malice, I really think the website needs fixing. I ordered and then got no confirmation email, I tried again. Therefore my order was technically only 50% successful. 

 

I agree; I had precisely the same issue - I had no confirmation of my initial attempt to order, so I assumed it hadn't gone through and tried again. I had no idea that I'd actually placed multiple orders until I got the PayPal invoices. This is something that needs to be addressed on the website - it's the sort of thing that ought to be done automatically by the system which takes the pre-orders, it shouldn't rely on a human manually sending out acknowledgements.