Bachmann - Covid-19 impact update

[AY Mod]

An Update from Bachmann Europe

Friday 17th April 2020

 

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected us all, what is ‘normal’ has changed in every sense of the word and the model and hobby industry is no exception. As you will be aware, many events have been cancelled or postponed, retail shops are currently closed, and businesses are learning day-by-day how best to navigate through these unprecedented times. However, in every situation we must look for the positives and there are many to be found in our industry alone, from modellers using this period of pause to complete long standing projects, start new ones or simply to enjoy operating their models, to the retailers who are offering a mail order service to ensure those modellers are not without the tools, materials and models needed to help them through these uncertain times. Our vast product portfolio means that we can still supply many items that are essential for those modelling projects from stock – including OO and N scale track, tools from our ModelMaker brand and the majority of the Woodland Scenics range.

 

Bachmann Europe are following official guidelines and in doing so continue to offer a service that supports our retailers, consumers and Collectors Club members. The majority of our colleagues are working from home – our Collectors Club and Consumer Services channels remain open and our Service Department is operational – albeit with reduced opening hours and only currently handling consumer enquiries for spare parts. For the small number of personnel still onsite in Barwell; social distancing, enhanced cleanliness regimes and new practices have been in place for many weeks.

 

At the start of February we launched our very first British Railway Announcements supplement with the Spring 2020 Bachmann Times magazine. This heralded a new approach in the way that Bachmann Europe announces new products. Of the 56 items featured in the Spring supplement, 45 have already been delivered to our retailers.

 

As you will expect, the disruption caused by Covid-19 will have far reaching effects but with our factories in China now restarting production, we have just been informed that our next shipment in being prepared and this will include the first of the Bachmann Branchline Class 117 & 121 DMUs and the Graham Farish Thompson Coaches. Due to the nationwide lockdown, no Bachmann shipments have left China since January and we are therefore looking forward to this shipment arriving hopefully in early June. Whether the authorities allow us to carry on a basic function in the UK between now and June remains to be seen.

 

With the enforced lockdown in China, factory closures extended by many weeks after their New Year. It seems reasonable to assume a delay of around 90 days that will be extremely difficult to regain – this will unfortunately mean our products arrive later than we had planned but the health and safety of our colleagues and the wider community will always be the number one priority.

 

Despite the disruption, the Summer edition of British Railway Announcements has been completed and this will be published with the Summer 2020 Bachmann Times magazine at the start of May. Naturally, Covid-19 has been a major influence on the contents of this supplement, but all of the items that will feature are currently on course for delivery by the end of July. Our team here in the UK and our colleagues in China are still working hard on new products to bring to you in the coming months and years.

 

Pocketbond products – our extensive and diverse range of plastic construction kits, diecast collectables and pocket money toys from numerous manufacturers including Academy, Roden and Trumpeter – remain in high demand and shipments to us from the various manufacturers in the Far East are also beginning to resume.

 

With such a broad range of products available through our retailers and extensive support available to our consumers and Collectors Club members, Bachmann Europe are here and ready to help during these extraordinary times. We wish all of our customers, consumers and club members well, we ask you to stay safe, and we look forward to the time when we can all meet again whether that be at a trade event, a model railway show or during one of the events we host for members of the Bachmann Collectors Club.

[Markwj]

So in summary 117/ 121 delayed until June but still going ahead with the next 3 month announcement in May.

thats fine thanks for the update.

[Neal Ball]

Thanks @AY Mod and Bachmann.

 

Its interesting time see that a Jan to June delay looks like 6 months, yet Bachmann talk about a 90 day delay. Obviously there is a lot of planning around delays caused by Chinese New Year.

 

With the world as it is, I think we can cope with 6 month delays.

 

Thanks again, Neal.

[TravisM]

To be honest, I’ve been expecting this kind of announcement not only from Bachmann but other model railway manufacturers given the global lock down.  I’m glad that things are starting to pick up in China but remember, it’s been down on it’s knees and still looking shaky.  Acting too quickly could reintroduce Covid-19 into the population and we’re back to square one.

Edited April 17, 2020 by jools1959
Typo

[Tramshed]

12 hours ago, Neal Ball said:

Thanks @AY Mod and Bachmann.

 

With the world as it is, I think we can cope with 6 month delays.

 

I think we can all agree with that. Worth remembering that the age/gender skew among virus victims has a familiar look to it among (I suspect) the RM fraternity. Useful formula: E=L-d where E = enjoyment of ones hobby, L = life expectancy of the hobbyist and d=delivery date of the hobbyists latest model. Usual form on this forum is to moan about the ever increasing value of d. Our focus now should be on increasing the value of L. If any supply chain capacity were able to switch from models to ventilators, testing kits or PPE then so much the better. Another 6 months to wait for a 94xx, Bulleid coaches, Midland 1P etc. will be insignificant in the long run. Many modellers of working age may find themselves on a reduced income for some time yet and in no hurry for their next delivery. 

[The Johnster]

Bachmann Europe seem to have taken on board criticism of their long lead times with better announcements about whatever progress there is, and more transparency generally.  Covid has clearly had a big impact on production and packing, partially offset by the New Year plans which mollify things by about 3 weeks.  Container ships are taking longer at lower speeds in accordance with new emissions rules.  

 

Of course, I want a certain pannier yesterday if not sooner, but the level of information now being allowed to escape from B is re-assuring and I am content with the situation.  The item in question is, I believe, currently expected in December having been put back from September; another 60 days takes it to Feb or March next year.  I don't want it any earlier if that puts anyone at risk from the virus.  My Limbach will suffice in the meantime.  

 

It will be interesting to see what the 117/121 are like.  I am vaguely interested in the 121 as part of a possible mid 60s alternative fleet for the layout, along with a D68xx, D95xx, and 350hp shunter.

 

Well done Bachmann.

[trevor7598]

Tramshed. I wasn't aware that the Bulleid coaches were six months away.

I have not seen any news on their progress for ages.

[Tramshed]

2 hours ago, trevor7598 said:

Tramshed. I wasn't aware that the Bulleid coaches were six months away.

I have not seen any news on their progress for ages.

No, me neither. Just offering examples of products in the pipeline whose 'd' value may be impacted by recent events.

[Jub45565]

19 hours ago, Neal Ball said:

Its interesting time see that a Jan to June delay looks like 6 months, yet Bachmann talk about a 90 day delay.

 

Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones: January to June is +5 months...

[Neal Ball]

15 minutes ago, Jub45565 said:

 

Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones: January to June is +5 months...

if you don’t have anything positive to say, don’t comment.

[Philou]

Errr .... I beg to differ, January to June is 6 months eg: 01/2020 (Jan 2020) to 06/2020 (Jun 2020) and unless its New Maths, it seems like 6 months whichever way you slice it.

 

BTW, we've been in lockdown longer than you lot in the UK and I can tell you that four weeks is starting to feel like six months!

 

Back OT, good news from Bachmann given what's happening elsewhere.

 

Cheers and stay safe as I'd like my L and yours to be as long as possible,

 

Philip

Edited April 18, 2020 by Philou

[Jub45565]

50 minutes ago, Neal Ball said:

if you don’t have anything positive to say, don’t comment.

 

I thought bringing down the length of delay was a positive - but apologies if my first sentence seemed harsh.  It is good of Bachmann to keep everyone updated - a lot is outside of their control, but what is in their control is keeping those best guesses coming.  I had noticed the 1P timescale moved to November, and it is useful to see the update on their plan for the 3 monthly announcement.

 

23 minutes ago, Philou said:

Errr .... I beg to differ, January to June is 6 months eg: 01/2020 (Jan 2020) to 06/2020 (Jun 2020) and unless its New Maths, it seems like 6 months whichever way you slice it.

 

1+5 = 6. Agreed that the beginning of Jan to very end of June would be almost 6, but that isn't how the monthly announcement dates work as far as I'm aware. Likewise the end of Jan to beginning of June is barely over 4.

Edited April 18, 2020 by Jub45565
trimming quote

[Markwj]

I think what I meant to say but didn't in my previous post is that I am surprised the delay is so short considering what is going on in the world and thank Bachmann for keeping us in the loop. I look forward to the next batch of announcements in may even though there may be some slippage from the 3 month delivery target it's no big deal.

[No Decorum]

2 hours ago, Jub45565 said:

 

I had noticed the 1P timescale moved to November, and it is useful to see the update on their plan for the 3 monthly announcement.

 

Bachy could always save a little bit of time by not machining grooves into one pair of drivers. No grooves then to be filled with rubber. 

[The Johnster]

This would be an excellent idea.