terry.ecmr

Absolutely Phil. I'm trying to look at this from both sides. The producer will not get much return if a high percentage of products are returned for refunds, whether or not the deposit is refunded. I've also floated the idea that, once the manufacturer produces an pre production example the customer pays a further 40% to help fund the production. I know there probably isn't a solution that satisfies everyone but at the moment there appears to be a bit of an unsatisfactory situation.

I don't see how it would be pohibitive in the way you suggest. At the moment there are 2 payments anyway. It doesn't cost the consumer anything to pay by credit or debit card. The retailer would still pay fees on the same amount of money. If it prevents returns for refunds and disputes following delivery, including postal charges and time spent surely it's cost effective in the long run.

Thanks for the info. I'm certainly no expert in this field. I'm just floating an idea. On the Caley thread people seem to be saying they will lose their £30 deposit if they cancel because the finished item does not meet their expectations.

I've recently posted this regarding the Caley 0-6-0 thread but thought I might share it as a general topic in respect of items where deposits are paid up front. .........."I think this is just in keeping with the times we live in. You order things online without actually seeing them in the flesh, whether it be a loco, a hat or a pump for your pond. But I think with most things if it doesn't meet up with your expectations you send it back. However, unlike the GWR gas turbine loco which appears to have running issues, if the Caley loco runs properly but has a couple of design issues who decides if it's fit for purpose? I think one solution could be as follows for future projects...... You place a small deposit when an item is announced, say 10%. When the final finished prototype examples are produced the photos of these are published and, at that point, you commit to the model by paying say another 40%. When the model is ready for dispatch you pay the other 50%. If you are not impressed with the prototype photos you get the 10% back. I can understand companies needing commitment from potential customers but they are in business and sometimes you have to speculate to accumulate. The company only gets a refundable 10% until they get it right. But they get 50% prior to actually producing the model towards production costs. Obviously if it doesn't work properly on delivery that's a different thing. ....just my thoughts."

I've ordered the sound fitted early BR version and managed to see it in the flesh at the Hornby show in Milton Keynes. I have to say that that the noted shortcomings were not apparent to me. I thought it looked a lovely model. It's only the close up/angled photos that show up the tender and cab issues. As mine will run sideways on, with a viewing angle of about 30 degrees above the horizontal these won't issues will not show up significantly so I'm sticking with it. On the wider issue I think this is just in keeping with the times we live in. You order things online without actually seeing them in the flesh, whether it be a loco, a hat or a pump for your pond. But I think with most things if it doesn't meet up with your expectations you send it back. However, unlike the GWR gas turbine loco which appears to have running issues, if the Caley loco runs properly but has a couple of design issues who decides if it's fit for purpose? I think one solution could be as follows for future projects...... You place a small deposit when an item is announced, say 10%. When the final finished prototype examples are produced the photos of these are published and, at that point, you commit to the model by paying say another 40%. When the model is ready for dispatch you pay the other 50%. If you are not impressed with the prototype photos you get the 10% back. I can understand companies needing commitment from potential customers but they are in business and sometimes you have to speculate to accumulate. The company only gets a refundable 10% until they get it right. But they get 50% prior to actually producing the model towards production costs. Obviously if it doesn't work properly on delivery that's a different thing. ....just my thoughts.

I've got this version on order. Mouth now watering after your comments!!!!

Glad to be there today with Rossiter Rise. Thanks to everyone.

Brilliant

Many thanks

I have one on order. Is anyone planning on producing a sound decoder?

Hi Phil I grew up just down the road from it. Apparently going to be a large housing development. Terry

Very sad news. A champion of model railway exhibitions. Condolences to his family, friends and modelling colleagues.

Something very similar was my Earl's Court layout. It assumed the LMS and GWR built a joint station just off the west London line to relieve some suburban traffic from Euston and Paddington. The layout appeared at over 50 exhibitions until being retired and sold privately in late 2019.

Hi Kevin Managed to exhibit Rossiter Rise at Stafford prior to lockdown but obviously all other exhibitions this year have been cancelled. I have still been tweaking stock for the layout but have started work on the next project. 'TELLINDALLICH in Autumn' Scottish branch line (ex GNSR) set in early autumn in the period 1950-1965. Very different to my previous layouts....no urban buildings and about 50 trees! Got any plans for book releases featuring Scotland in that period? Hope you are keeping well

I'm really surprised to hear of these problems. The very first time I exhibited I had an issue with my Bachmann Dynamis. Edward dropped everything in an effort to help me resolve the issue. (We eventually discovered it was interference from the alarm/electrical system in the room). As somebody new to the exhibition circuit I was amazed by how helpful he (and others) were. I know a while ago his wife sadly died and his daughter, who used to assist him, had her own family commitments so he was operating things single handed. I fully understand people's frustration with not receiving orders but I'm sure there must be exceptional circumstances. He really is a nice guy.

I'm booked at Ally Pally with Rossiter Rise. My right hand man Tony is classed as vulnerable health wise and may decide he is unable to take the risk. I'm still intending to exhibit but may be short of bodies to operate. The scenario I foresee and fear is that some exhibitors and traders decide not to attend, whether due to the risk or actual illness or isolation. The organisers are then in a really unenviable situation. If the show goes ahead with a number of layouts and traders missing will visitor numbers be hit so hard that it is a financial disaster anyway? The organisers have an almost impossible dilemma, unless government directives change in the next 7 days. Me..... I'm getting married on April 4th. So now panicking about that. Two years of arranging at the mercy of some virus!!!! Terry Tew

Does anyone know if Bachmann are planning to release a class 24/1 with the Scottish style tablet catcher?

It's there now

12.00 and doesn't appear to be available at pocketmags yet

No. Tony put it in the nce powercab holder. I saw it after I took the photo and we then put it somewhere more suitable!!!

Thanks to Colin and all the team for making our weekend with Rossiter Rise so enjoyable. We certainly had a good response!

Call by and say hello at Rossiter Rise

Bobo's could often be seen 'parked' in the siding at Rickmansworth awaiting attaching to London bound trains.

Looking forward to being there with Rossiter Rise