Jump to content
 

Acme Model Trains - A Case Study (Jason's column from July RMC)


mdvle
 Share

Recommended Posts

Jason Shron does a column in Railroad Model Craftsman (RMC), and the July issue was "Acme Model Trains - A Case Study" where he discusses the current issues facing Rapido and other manufacturers - shipping delays from China, chip shortages, and cost increases.

 

Rapido included the column in their latest North American newsletter - #141 - and it may be of interest to some on here.

 

(there is also a picture of almost completed Fleetline Buses in the Factory update section)

 

It can be found at the end of the newsletter:

 

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Rapido-News-141---Project-Update-and-All-New-Hopper-.html?soid=1101318906379&aid=NJNs4zzjP_g

  • Agree 2
  • Informative/Useful 7
Link to post
Share on other sites

12 hours ago, MyRule1 said:

Now in the UK newsletter, all credit to Jason and Rapido for actually putting in print this issue of cash flow regarding bringing new models to market.

 

Very true, though unfortunately only a handful will bother to read it. 

 

The rest will continue to peddle their socialist nirvana of "Free models for all' on the various forums :diablo_mini:

  • Like 1
  • Agree 2
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • RMweb Premium
13 hours ago, MyRule1 said:

Now in the UK newsletter, all credit to Jason and Rapido for actually putting in print this issue of cash flow regarding bringing new models to market.

Absolutely, it should be mandatory reading for anybody here  before being allowed to post in any 'Products and trade area' thread ;-) 

  • Like 1
  • Agree 3
Link to post
Share on other sites

I thhink that a better understanding of the finances involved in manufacturing and retailing would be beneficial to many of those who comment about lead times and pricing of new models. Maybe Jason's next column could look at the difference between "margin" and "profit", and explain why reducing the price in the hope of attracting more sales can often be counter-productive.

  • Like 2
  • Agree 2
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • Administrators
9 minutes ago, MarkSG said:

I thhink that a better understanding of the finances involved in manufacturing and retailing would be beneficial to many of those who comment about lead times and pricing of new models.

 

Why? Most of them are FAR more expert than anyone who just runs a model railway company...

  • Like 2
  • Round of applause 1
  • Funny 5
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • RMweb Premium
39 minutes ago, Phil Parker said:

 

Why? Most of them are FAR more expert than anyone who just runs a model railway company...

 

Many of us actually do it as part of the day job sometimes on a much bigger scale  . I did read Jasons article . He is describing the basics of investments and working capital management .

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Phil Parker said:

 

Why? Most of them are FAR more expert than anyone who just runs a model railway company...

Ha ha, yes - I might just set up 'Armchair Models', featuring a full catalogue of every wishlisted item in perfect scale, all at pocket money prices, all due imminently and none of which will ever be delivered.....

  • Like 2
  • Round of applause 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

41 minutes ago, Legend said:

 

Many of us actually do it as part of the day job sometimes on a much bigger scale  . I did read Jasons article . He is describing the basics of investments and working capital management .

Well yes, but he is highlighting the specifics of how these impact on model railways. Indeed it emphasises that if you are seeking to allocate capital for the best returns, you won't go into model railway manufacture. The reason we have so many wonderful models is because of the number of people who are willing to take business risks to bring them to us because they love them too.

Edited by andyman7
  • Like 5
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • RMweb Gold
16 minutes ago, andyman7 said:

Ha ha, yes - I might just set up 'Armchair Models', featuring a full catalogue of every wishlisted item in perfect scale, all at pocket money prices, all due imminently and none of which will ever be delivered.....

 

Too late - wasn't it done a few years ago by an organisation that shall remain nameless?

  • Like 1
  • Agree 1
  • Funny 4
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • RMweb Premium
9 minutes ago, snitchthebudgie said:

 

Too late - wasn't it done a few years ago by an organisation that shall remain nameless?

 If you are referring to who I think you are , it had a D and a J in it , he had absolutely no idea of the concept of working capital . 

  • Agree 3
Link to post
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, Legend said:

 If you are referring to who I think you are , it had a D and a J in it , he had absolutely no idea of the concept of working capital . 

Yes he did - just that it was other people's capital he was :pleasantry:  "working" :pleasantry:  with....

 

7 hours ago, bingley hall said:

continue to peddle their socialist nirvana of "Free models for all' on the various forums

Free models?? :yahoo:   ooh, ooh, where?? where?? Are they done in O Scale?? :sungum:  :jester:

  • Funny 3
Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...