EMGS commissions Peco for RTR EM Gauge bullhead track/turnouts

[Junctionmad]

 

 

By providing a known good track system (even if limited to plain track and 1 size of points), and I would trust a combination of the EMGS and PECO to produce something that's known good, it provides a 'bootstrap' from which to build on - if you build stock that runs on the EMGS/PECO track, you know the stock is right (or wrong if it falls off, and you can adjust it until it runs), and then you can go on to make your own track with different formations knowing that if your stock goes through it your handbuilt track is ok, and that if things fall off, it's your trackbuilding that you need to work on.

 

 

Not really , you can badly lay PECO track just as you can C&L/Fastrack etc , and in general once you have mastered the basic details , your own trackwork is largely always going to be better then PECO.

[sharris]

The days when copper clad was cheap are long gone

 

I think if you're prepared to cut your own sleepers from single sided PCB (I reckon that you could get over 60 from a standard 100x160mm PCB - cost about £4) then it should be quite cheap - after all for a fiddle yard you only need sleepers at the critical points - e.g. around the V and check and wing rails, at the toe, and just enough others to keep the gauge.

[sharris]

Not really , you can badly lay PECO track just as you can C&L/Fastrack etc , and in general once you have mastered the basic details , your own trackwork is largely always going to be better then PECO.

I think the point is not so much with plain track (yes that has been available ready made in the past), but having at least one set of points that has been ready built with correct EMGS specified check rail clearances, common crossing, etc. that you can just put down and run stock through- yes you can (could?) get a ready built one from C&L but last time I looked that was for silly money.

 

Of course you can lay ready made track badly, and building from components gives the option to use correct chairs, panel lengths, etc. but I think having a bit of ready made can take one variable out of the equation.

[LBRJ]

The problem that RTR track (or stock) overcomes for the tyro builder is the "which bit is wrong?" question when it come to good running standards.

 

When you are learning all by yourself, its not easy to work out if your track is not as good as it could be, or the wheels are not set up right. RTR track should give you a better idea of just which bit it is  where you are failing (if you are actually getting it wrong of course)

[Deltic]

Morning all,

 

So as some of you may be aware or not as the case may be I'm the EMGS Trade officer and a EMGS Board member and being the youngest member on the Board by a good few years and a member of the forum, I will try and asnwer any questions or comments that you post up.

 

 

The reason for the B6 was one of space. I'm sure you would agree that for someone starting out/trying EM, they wouldn't want to build a big layout or need lots of space for the track plan so the B6 seamed to be the best compromise. The long term plan is to add to the range with other points etc as and when we are able too as each point isn't small pocket change to produce.

 

 

The EM track is exclusive to the EMGS and Peco won't be retailing it through thier normal stockists.

 

Thanks

Simon

A shame as using the existing Retail stream could increase sales, and therefore interest in EM.  Even if PECO are only being commissioned to produce, any through sales to the retailers could earn EMGS another income stream as a licence payment - this could be via a slightly higher Retail Price. Whilst the income will not be the same as achieved through the EMGS Store it will be an income.

[Mr.S.corn78]

A shame as using the existing Retail stream could increase sales, and therefore interest in EM. Even if PECO are only being commissioned to produce, any through sales to the retailers could earn EMGS another income stream as a licence payment - this could be via a slightly higher Retail Price. Whilst the income will not be the same as achieved through the EMGS Store it will be an income.

Hi,

As was explained in another post we are restricted in the way the society is set up for selling by the relevant authorities and can only sell the product in certain ways.

 

Supplying model railway shops is outside of those and the EMGS would still need to pay to have the product made by Peco and then for Peco to have to buy it back so to speak for them to distribute to the shops.

 

I know someone may correct me on that but that’s the way I see it.

Edited November 8, 2018 by Mr.S.corn78

[Zunnan]

Its the same setup as used by the N Gauge Society and the 2mmSA as well as many other niche societies set up to assist their members. I don't see what the problem is to be honest, if you're that interested in the subject matter you'll be (or quickly become through a very quick bit of research) aware of the relevant societies.

 

I'll be considering these when (if) a single slip is on the cards, I've been trying to order from C&L and had pretty much given up on the idea of going beyond the planning stage in EM and just going ahead in 00, so this news is more than welcome.

[mdvle]

That is true, but has always been the case. What is significant is how much this new EM track system might influence RTR manufacturers to be more conscious of the need for better sideframe/splasher placement and clearances in their products.

 

To be clear, not faulting the EMGS for any valid reasons for why things are the way they are.

 

But as long as the Peco track is only available through the EMGS it will have negligible to no influence on RTR because the EM track will remain invisible to most of the market.

[martin_wynne]

But as long as the Peco track is only available through the EMGS it will have negligible to no influence on RTR because the EM track will remain invisible to most of the market.

 

It's announced in news pages of the December issue of RM, and will eventually appear on layouts in magazine articles and at exhibitions. Hardly invisible, at least to the market sector having any likelihood of going EM.

[Junctionmad]

To be clear, not faulting the EMGS for any valid reasons for why things are the way they are.

 

But as long as the Peco track is only available through the EMGS it will have negligible to no influence on RTR because the EM track will remain invisible to most of the market.

I don’t agree , by and large those interested in EM , will understand where to source the product etc. You comments presuppose , some form of mass conversion of OO modelers , this won’t be the case , EM is a niche in 4mm to the foot and will remain so

 

Dave

[mdvle]

Did you miss or chose to ignore the option for overseas members to pay using PayPal?

 

Given the well documented problems in dealing with PayPal in case of problems I don't use PayPal.

 

And to the other person's suggestion, no, spending over £500 to fly in to attend an event to purchase track isn't an option either.

Edited November 9, 2018 by mdvle

[Jeff Smith]

PayPal is a very secure method of payment. I have not had any problems with it. I have my Amex and a U.S. bank account linked to it which I use as appropriate. I would not recommend however opening a PayPal credit card.

Edited November 9, 2018 by Jeff Smith

[Oldddudders]

Given the well documented problems in dealing with PayPal in case of problems I don't use PayPal.

 

And to the other person's suggestion, no, spending over £500 to fly in to attend an event to purchase track isn't an option either.

What “well-documented problems”? I have made over 500 purchases in nearly 20 years with no difficulty.

[Joseph_Pestell]

What “well-documented problems”? I have made over 500 purchases in nearly 20 years with no difficulty.

 

Another vote for PayPal from me. I don't often use it to make payments but very happy with it from a traders' perspective. I don't think that we have had any problems in three years with thousands of transactions.

[Siberian Snooper]

A further vote for PayPal, never had a problem, even when I thought I might have been scammed, they were prompt in their response and allayed my fears.

[hayfield]

To be clear, not faulting the EMGS for any valid reasons for why things are the way they are.

 

But as long as the Peco track is only available through the EMGS it will have negligible to no influence on RTR because the EM track will remain invisible to most of the market.

 

 

Its not Peco track, its the EMGS track made by Peco

 

Same as either Sainsburys or Tesco's cornflakes being their own brand and not the brand of the company who made them.

 

The simple answer is join the society to gain access to the products, there is a hope that the pricing structure will be cheaper than if it were to be sold via shops, if so then the cost of membership would be offset by the savings

Edited November 9, 2018 by hayfield

[Penlan]

I too join those who've never had a problem with PayPal, be it buying or selling over many years through various sources.  (1,250 on Ebay, >350 with other firms).

As Martin states above (post #184), Peco have a 1/3 page spread in the December RM, re. the new EM track.
I wish the EMGS every success. 
 

Edited November 9, 2018 by Penlan

[Oldddudders]

Surely the whole point about using EM (or P4, obviously) is that the modeller is striving for something a bit better than OO. I imagine a great number of such people will appreciate the wisdom to be gained from others in the EMGS, which is no doubt typical of specialist societies - and evidently forward-looking! - and regard membership as an investment. They will quickly become aware, if they weren’t already, of the special Society offer on track. This product will meet its market square-on.

 

Those who find reasons not to join EMGS may also find they know less about the gauge, as well as missing this opportunity. You can take a horse to water......

[dj_crisp]

Given the well documented problems in dealing with PayPal in case of problems I don't use PayPal.

 

And to the other person's suggestion, no, spending over £500 to fly in to attend an event to purchase track isn't an option either.

 

No paypal then.... I'm curious as to what form of payment you think is ok for a society to deal with and isn't stuck in the dark ages.

[dj_crisp]

I've always seen my membership to hobby societies as a small payment to fund groups that interest me. Some years I get massive amounts of benefit from being a member by ways of support/help etc... other years less so but thats fine as I'm happy that I'm helping to keep it ticking over (sadly very time poor atm. so cannot volunteer etc.)

 

When you get announcements such as this it makes membership even more worthwhile as I know that (in a small way) my subscription has helped. (I doubt that the R&D costs in man hours are even remotely factored into end costings).

 

I think anyone who thinks that joining any society they are interested in is a tax... or a liability is really missing the point of them.

 

I totally understand the reasons (from a company & tax perspective) of continuing to operate as a society Vs a commercial enterprise. This means EM track is only being made available to EM members. 

 

As to a wider audience. TBH RMweb and some advertising through magazines is probably enough imo. There aren't masses of model shops around and the internet is key these days.

 

Anyway I just want to congratulate all involved on this fantastic announcement (and of course I know you'd all like the challenge of doing some flat bottom track next   Pretty please

 

cheers

Will

[sharris]

Given the well documented problems in dealing with PayPal in case of problems I don't use PayPal.

.

 

Some years ago I had to change a credit card due to fraudulent transactions I found on it (in that case I recovered the payments). Even on these pages we hear of people who have problems recovering money or goods after paying by bank transfer. If there's a way of paying for something, somebody somewhere will find a way for people to lose money, either purposefully, accidentally or because of inefficient business practices. You might as well say "Given the documented problems of paying for things, I won't ever buy anything". 

[hayfield]

As Martin states above (post #184), Peco have a 1/3 page spread in the December RM, re. the new EM track.

 

 

In the news section Peco have a one third of a page where the EMGS have made an announcement of RTR EM gauge track, the same page Warley has a two thirds of a gage announcement next page Accurascale have a whole page dedicated to their new products, the next two pages have 5 items including one page dedicated to Railtrack and Heljan products. These pages are in a news section, not in the advert sections, though 2 pages on Peco products (RM annual, Continental Modeller, Parkside and employment opportunity) are featured

 

Peco do have a full page1 advert for their new 00 bullhead track including crossing and slips on page 35a and other adverts for other in house brands elsewhere, these will be repeated over the coming months, where as the EMGS will have to pay to advertise

 

Agreed its in Peco's interest for the EMGS sales to be successful for repeat business, but I doubt its will be a great money spinner for them. They do not say its their product anywhere!! Full marks to both bodies EMGS for taking the plunge and Peco for supporting a modelling society 

[Jeff Smith]

I wonder if there is provision in the EMGS/Peco contract for Peco to buy-out the design and manufacturing rights?

[Nile]

Quote from the OP:

 

"Plain track will be supplied in 914mm lengths"

 

As many people will have to use mail order to buy this it's going to make buying small quantities expensive as it won't fit into a medium parcel, unless they are willing to snip 14mm off the end of each rail. Those that can will stock up at an ExpoEM, for others a shorter length would help.

[Porcy Mane]

 

As many people will have to use mail order to buy this it's going to make buying small quantities expensive as it won't fit into a medium parcel, 

 

Surely a penalty that would be incurred if buying track lengths from any specialist rail or track supplier, unless that particular supplier has negotiated discounted rates.

 

P