Bachmann MCC (Model Collect Create) Centre - Hinckley

[jonnyuk]

18 minutes ago, Phil Parker said:

 

I spent time trying to persuade people that an inter-magazine pinecar race at Warley would be a good idea. I'm up for it, so it Andy and Richard from HM. Basically, I've always wnted an excuse to try this stuff since I saw it in the Bachmann America catalogue!

 

So, lobby Bachmann and let's make this happen. Wooden Wacky Races in the West Midlands.

i'm now hoping Bachmann buy a rtr slot car company and start putting them in the shop, slot car shops are even thinner on the ground than model railway shops

[woodenhead]

28 minutes ago, Phil Parker said:

 

I spent time trying to persuade people that an inter-magazine pinecar race at Warley would be a good idea. I'm up for it, so it Andy and Richard from HM. Basically, I've always wnted an excuse to try this stuff since I saw it in the Bachmann America catalogue!

 

So, lobby Bachmann and let's make this happen. Wooden Wacky Races in the West Midlands.

But there would be so little space to do this at Warley 😆😄

[AY Mod]

3 minutes ago, woodenhead said:

But there would be so little space to do this at Warley 😆😄

 

Who says we'd roll them? I'd launch mine.

[woodenhead]

Hornby Magazine

 

RMweb

 

MRJ

 

Model Rail

[AY Mod]

4 minutes ago, woodenhead said:

Hornby Magazine

 

RMweb

 

MRJ

 

Model Rail

 

The Toddler.

 

 

Phil'll get it.

 

 

[GWR-fan]

For those who think that model railways may be a tad expensive then those who detail their military model kits might think that railway modellers are scrooges.  My son will take a military model kit and then add detail parts that increase the basic cost of the model many times over.  It astounds me the variety and prices of these resin and etched kits that "modellers" simply have to buy to "finish" off their models to the level that they aspire to.  As an example,  just prior to reading this thread I saw one local supplier of detail parts that had a resin driver "kit" to fit to the Airfix David Brown tractor that discounted cost almost GBP5.00 (plus postage).  

[No Decorum]

1 hour ago, rob D2 said:

To be fair , did you ever try and put the details on a Vi ?  Absolute junk plastic badly formed lamp irons, into holes that didn’t match - that’s what put people off - not that it was “ too hard “, just that the bits were “ too rubbish “

I have a soft spot for my ViTrains 37s and 47s but I have to agree that the extra bits didn’t fit. In fairness, a problem not only with ViTrains at the time but much improved nowadays.

[fezza]

I dropped in yesterday and I really liked the idea that it's aimed at youngsters, with children building a tree kit and learning landscaping. However I just can't see those youngsters buying N gauge coaches at over £50 a shot or standard 00 locos at over £200. Maybe the hope is that pressure on parents will persuade dads to open their wallets but I can't see dads who aren't really into trains doing that at those "specialist" prices. Hinckley is not a wealthy town - much of the town centre is charity shops.

 

This is not just the usual complaint about prices, it's a question about the logic of the store. If you want to aim at kids then have a budget or basic range like Hornby. Or offer the cheap Bachmann US range. I suspect many dads who go in-store will look online and end up buying a Hornby 0-4-0 GWR starter set instead. 

 

Also I get that Mods are connected to the magazines, manufacturers and advertising revenue, but it's never a good idea to try to attack consumers or be rude to them online when they comment on products or prices. If in my business people were constantly complaining about prices on public forums I would take notice and see what could be done to mitigate their concerns or offer better value. I certainly wouldn't have a go at them because I know they wouldn't come back 

[daltonparva]

13 minutes ago, fezza said:

Also I get that Mods are connected to the magazines, manufacturers and advertising revenue, but it's never a good idea to try to attack consumers or be rude to them online when they comment on products or prices. If in my business people were constantly complaining about prices on public forums I would take notice and see what could be done to mitigate their concerns or offer better value. I certainly wouldn't have a go at them because I know they wouldn't come back 

Well said that chap.

[AY Mod]

12 minutes ago, fezza said:

Also I get that Mods are connected to the magazines, manufacturers and advertising revenue, but it's never a good idea to try to attack consumers or be rude to them online when they comment on products or prices.

 

It's not about that, AT ALL.

 

It's about me getting fed up with the same repetitive whining that will change nothing. Thankfully the site is about a lot more than the perpetual armchair management consultancy, if it wasn't or isn't I'd have just left it in the bin last week. Unfortunately I saw a lot more Facebook during the downtime and many of those groups or manufacturer's pages seem to be a better home if that's all you want to do.

[fezza]

41 minutes ago, AY Mod said:

 

It's not about that, AT ALL.

 

It's about me getting fed up with the same repetitive whining that will change nothing. Thankfully the site is about a lot more than the perpetual armchair management consultancy, if it wasn't or isn't I'd have just left it in the bin last week. Unfortunately I saw a lot more Facebook during the downtime and many of those groups or manufacturer's pages seem to be a better home if that's all you want to do.

If large numbers of people are "whining" here and elsewhere it means a lot of customers feel the same. Ignore them if you like, but don't be surprised if they walk away and tell others what they think about your brand.

 

I can ignore the swipe, having taught in a university Business Faculty for many years and been involved in retail management in our family firm from my teens.

[AY Mod]

Just now, fezza said:

Ignore them if you like, but don't be surprised if they walk away and tell others what they think about your brand

 

You'll complain about the RMweb brand because I'm getting fed up of perspectives that no-one other than the manufacturers can do anything about? 😂

 

If that's all you're going to use the site for it is better for me, and many other users, that you don't.

😆

[The Stationmaster]

55 minutes ago, fezza said:

I dropped in yesterday and I really liked the idea that it's aimed at youngsters, with children building a tree kit and learning landscaping. However I just can't see those youngsters buying N gauge coaches at over £50 a shot or standard 00 locos at over £200. Maybe the hope is that pressure on parents will persuade dads to open their wallets but I can't see dads who aren't really into trains doing that at those "specialist" prices. Hinckley is not a wealthy town - much of the town centre is charity shops.

 

This is not just the usual complaint about prices, it's a question about the logic of the store. If you want to aim at kids then have a budget or basic range like Hornby. Or offer the cheap Bachmann US range. I suspect many dads who go in-store will look online and end up buying a Hornby 0-4-0 GWR starter set instead. 

 

Also I get that Mods are connected to the magazines, manufacturers and advertising revenue, but it's never a good idea to try to attack consumers or be rude to them online when they comment on products or prices. If in my business people were constantly complaining about prices on public forums I would take notice and see what could be done to mitigate their concerns or offer better value. I certainly wouldn't have a go at them because I know they wouldn't come back 

Your final paragraph left me looking for the 'I'm scratching my head' reaction as it made no sense to me at all.  I was fascinated to learn that the Mods are in the pockets of manufacturers and magazines etc although quite what they get from that I've yet to see any evidence.  As for the 'attack on consumers' I haven't got a clue what you are on about but if it is about folk getting fed up with the perpetually boring price moaners that hardly strikes me as some sort of  'attack on consumers'.  Simple situation - if you are not able or prepared to pay the price of something then don't buy it but there's no need to moan to the rest of us about prices because that moaning won't make any difference to the price.  If prices really are too high the market will decide - not moans on RMweb.

 

PS That new Bachmann Vanwide is a fantastic piece of work - buying one was my choice of how I spend some of my pension money.  If you don't want to buy one that is your choice, but no need to moan about its price please.

[No Decorum]

1 hour ago, fezza said:

I dropped in yesterday and I really liked the idea that it's aimed at youngsters, with children building a tree kit and learning landscaping. However I just can't see those youngsters buying N gauge coaches at over £50 a shot or standard 00 locos at over £200. Maybe the hope is that pressure on parents will persuade dads to open their wallets but I can't see dads who aren't really into trains doing that at those "specialist" prices. Hinckley is not a wealthy town - much of the town centre is charity shops.

 

This is not just the usual complaint about prices, it's a question about the logic of the store. If you want to aim at kids then have a budget or basic range like Hornby. Or offer the cheap Bachmann US range. I suspect many dads who go in-store will look online and end up buying a Hornby 0-4-0 GWR starter set instead. 

 

Also I get that Mods are connected to the magazines, manufacturers and advertising revenue, but it's never a good idea to try to attack consumers or be rude to them online when they comment on products or prices. If in my business people were constantly complaining about prices on public forums I would take notice and see what could be done to mitigate their concerns or offer better value. I certainly wouldn't have a go at them because I know they wouldn't come back 

I’ll admit that I thought the idea of the shop a little odd. I liked the idea that items are sold at RRP so as not to undercut retailers but where did that leave the shop? When I listened to David Haarhaus mentioning how much it cost to attend exhibitions, it began to make sense. Perhaps it might be used as a video showcase for products, especially new ones, to widen its influence.

 

As for the Mods, this remark is most emphatically not directed at them. They do a fantastic job, especially when Andy announces a new product complete with superb photographs. No, it’s the general point about not upsetting customers. I was once subjected to a criticism by a manufacturer which accused me of negativity. I was upset enough to search for the example cited and found it was made by someone else. In contrast, a couple of suggestions I had made (and indeed may have been made by others or adopted by the manufacturer as a result of development) had been ignored. The result is that I now won’t touch that manufacturer’s products.

 

Contrast that to the unfailing good humour of Accurascale, when a comment is made which verges on the rude or asks a question which has already been answered. Even the much criticised Simon Kohler (“detail, detail, detail”) is noted for his courtesy. It’s a good way to do business.

[Widnes Model Centre]

As a Bachmann retailer l have no issues whatsoever with them opening this shop. I wish David and his team every success.

 

Make, Model, Create and using the Games Workshop business model is a great idea.

 

What l do suggest, maybe even implore is to live up to the shops name. 

 

The shop  really does need to stock paints, glue, brushes etc. Bachmann already have suitable tools in their range. I understand that they won’t be stocking other recognised brands. However there are suppliers of these products that do not make plastic kits etc.

 

Introducing new modellers is a great idea. If we sold plastic kits and were asked what do l need to make the model?. A question often asked.  Paint, glue, brushes, but we don’t actually sell them, l don’t think we would make that sale. 

 

Phil Parker asked Terry about this and he received a response along the lines of we can get you paint etc. I do hope he doesn’t suggest Woodland Scenic PVA  and Earth tones for a 1/200 Bismarck. Absolutely certain Terry would know what the customer would need.

 

Great idea, love the concept but just needs a tiny bit of tweaking.

 

As long as Bachmann don’t open one in Widnes!

[Enterprisingwestern]

4 minutes ago, Widnes Model Centre said:

As long as Bachmann don’t open one in Widnes!

 

Nearly, I understand they are contemplating opening a franchised outlet inside Hattons!

 

Mike.

[Michael Hodgson]

2 minutes ago, Widnes Model Centre said:

The shop  really does need to stock paints, glue, brushes etc. Bachmann already have suitable tools in their range. I understand that they won’t be stocking other recognised brands. However there are suppliers of these products that do not make plastic kits etc.

 

Given that they're encouraging kids acitivities in this shop, I would say they would be well advised to stock only washable paints!

 

5 minutes ago, Widnes Model Centre said:

As long as Bachmann don’t open one in Widnes!

Would Runcorn be OK? 

Sorry, not visited your store, but last time I was in Widnes it was by bike and on the Transporter Bridge!

[Widnes Model Centre]

1 minute ago, Michael Hodgson said:

Given that they're encouraging kids acitivities in this shop, I would say they would be well advised to stock only washable paints!

 

Would Runcorn be OK? 

Sorry, not visited your store, but last time I was in Widnes it was by bike and on the Transporter Bridge!

 

1 minute ago, Michael Hodgson said:

Given that they're encouraging kids acitivities in this shop, I would say they would be well advised to stock only washable paints!

 

Would Runcorn be OK? 

Sorry, not visited your store, but last time I was in Widnes it was by bike and on the Transporter Bridge!

 

Runcorn would be fine, you have to pay to get there from here. But wait, that’s only from here. It’s a NO to Runcorn! 

 

The Transporter Bridge? How did we manage with that? Loved it, but it was a day out waiting to get on and off. Took hours to get to North Wales! That would be a Listed Structure now. 

[AY Mod]

28 minutes ago, Widnes Model Centre said:

The shop  really does need to stock paints, glue, brushes etc

 

I understand that those will be forthcoming.

[HillsideDepot]

I really like the idea of this, and hope that they expand to other locations. They are doing what a few exhibitions have included, and what might happen at a club open day. But an exhibition or a club open day is a one or two day affair, what if that clashes with a great day to go to the beach, with the under-10's football final, or with grandma's birthday? This "shop" is there every day, including wet days during school holidays. 

 

Naturally we are focusing on railways, but the chance to make some scenery to go with the toy cars which are already at home might just what will capture a child's imagination. And the child that makes a little scene for their toy cars, might then want to add a train. 

 

And that super deluxe, all singing, all dancing loco in the display case, yes, absolutely it should be there, with its price tag clearly displayed. Why? Well, it "validates" the idea of model railways. They aren't just children's toys, but something that adults also appreciate and value. I might go into the local car dealership for a cheap runabout, but the fact that the same company makes super plush executive cars gives me the confidence that some of that knowledge and knowhow is included in my little two-door. 

 

I'm sure people will see the display and ask "so why is that engine so much more expensive that that one?" pointing at the top of the range 47. When they discover all that it can do, and how close it is to the real thing, even if they have no idea what a class 47 is, some might think "I'd like one of those" and if just a few eventually purchase one, Bachmann are better off. And at what cost to Bachmann? Next to nothing, the example in the showcase might even be the one they've already used for their advertising photos.

 

I was at a small exhibition yesterday, and while browsing a trade stand the lady next to me, who I think was looking at Bachmann coaches, but the detail is unimportant, said to her husband "look at the price of these!" before adding, thoughtfully, "But you wouldn't buy a whole train all at once, you'd build it up gradually. What a great thing for a family to do together, something that grows over time".  Spot on!

 

But let's think what else our "family" might enjoy doing together. Cycling is quite popular, but as soon as you get away from your average child's bike into something more specialised, prices rise. And if its something the family really enjoy, and go down a specific path within the wide range of cycling options, they are going from the "starter set" to well beyond the deluxe 47 in price. 

 

Good luck to Bachmann with this; it'll be interesting to see how it develops. I can certainly think of a few places where such a venture to expand to, if this initial one proves the concept.

[Steamport Southport]

4 hours ago, fezza said:

I dropped in yesterday and I really liked the idea that it's aimed at youngsters, with children building a tree kit and learning landscaping. However I just can't see those youngsters buying N gauge coaches at over £50 a shot or standard 00 locos at over £200. Maybe the hope is that pressure on parents will persuade dads to open their wallets but I can't see dads who aren't really into trains doing that at those "specialist" prices. Hinckley is not a wealthy town - much of the town centre is charity shops.

 

This is not just the usual complaint about prices, it's a question about the logic of the store. If you want to aim at kids then have a budget or basic range like Hornby. Or offer the cheap Bachmann US range. I suspect many dads who go in-store will look online and end up buying a Hornby 0-4-0 GWR starter set instead. 

 

Also I get that Mods are connected to the magazines, manufacturers and advertising revenue, but it's never a good idea to try to attack consumers or be rude to them online when they comment on products or prices. If in my business people were constantly complaining about prices on public forums I would take notice and see what could be done to mitigate their concerns or offer better value. I certainly wouldn't have a go at them because I know they wouldn't come back 

 

I think you are missing the point of charity shops.

 

They aren't there to provide charity to the poor, but to make money for a charity by selling items that are no longer needed. We don't sell anything that is "cheap" in my shop, the lowest price ladies tops are £10. We've had dresses donated that are over £1000 before today. Yes they do sell.

 

One of the most affluent parts of the country is Alderley Edge. Have you seen how many charity shops there are? All selling designer gear. Much of it donated by the local WAGs of the footballers from the big Premier League clubs.

 

https://www.oxfam.org.uk/shops/oxfam-shop-alderley-edge/

 

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/get-involved/find-a-shop/alderley-edge

 

https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/local/charity-shops/alderley-edge

 

 

If you want cheap clothes go to Primark they are far cheaper than any charity shop.

 

 

Jason

[Michael Hodgson]

1 hour ago, Steamport Southport said:

 

I think you are missing the point of charity shops.

 

They aren't there to provide charity to the poor, but to make money for a charity by selling items that are no longer needed.

 

Really?  I thought the purpose of running a business as a charity shop was to get cheap business rates and undercut the commercial outlets who have to pay full whack.

[JSpencer]

A Great initiative. It was a model shop that started my interest which then grew with local shows and finally history.

 

Model trains were "expensive" (term is relative of course) as a kid, they became dirt cheap between say 1990 and 2008 then returned to expensive. 

Yeah, I remember buying open wagons for a £5 in the 1990s, a far cry from Rapido's cir £25+ for their new SECR ones. But these are vastly superior and it seems they are selling like hot cakes so.... (and I brought 8 of them).

 

People need to take an approach to the hobby. If it's a numbers game and collecting everything you like, or having the latest model fashion out, then expect to pay loads. But I find you can get as much joy by being selective and focusing on a core area.

These days there is so much choice from pre-grouping to modern, even narrow gauge!

 

Many of the models that give me the greatest pleasure were not that expensive at all. And those made by me give me the greatest pleasure of all.

 

I have other hobbies, railways falling into somewhat second place right now thanks to my wonderful sparring partner and us dressing up and re-enacting médiéval times (or médiéval fantasy). That won't last though and railways will come back to number one again.

 

[APOLLO]

4 hours ago, Widnes Model Centre said:

 

 

Runcorn would be fine, you have to pay to get there from here. But wait, that’s only from here. It’s a NO to Runcorn! 

 

The Transporter Bridge? How did we manage with that? Loved it, but it was a day out waiting to get on and off. Took hours to get to North Wales! That would be a Listed Structure now. 

 

As some are moaning about costs, and the Transporter bridge is mentioned ----- Stanley Holloway's classic comes to mind.

 

Runcorn Ferry

On the banks of the Mersey, over on Cheshire side
Lies Runcorn that's best known to fame
By Transporter Bridge as takes folks over t'stream
Or else brings them back across same
In days afore Transporter Bridge were put up
A ferryboat lay in the slip
And old Ted the boatman would row folks across
At per tuppence per person per trip
Now Runcorn lay over on one side of stream
And Widnes on t'other side stood
And, as nobody wanted to go either place
Well, the trade wasn't any too good
One evening, to Ted's superlative surprise
Three customers came into view:
A Mr and Mrs Ramsbottom it were
And Albert, their little son, too
"How much for the three?" Mr Ramsbottom asked
As his hand to his pocket did dip
Ted said: "Same for three as it would be for one
Per tuppence per person per trip."
"You're not charging tuppence for that little lad?"
Said Mother, her eyes flashing wild
"Per tuppence per person per trip", answered Ted
"Per woman, per man, or per child"
"Fivepence for three, that's the most that I'll pay"
Said Father, "Don't waste time in talk"
"Per tuppence per person per trip", answered Ted
"And them, as can't pay, 'as to walk!"
"We can walk, an' all", said Father
"Come Mother, it's none so deep, weather's quite mild"
So into the water the three of them stepped:
The father, the mother, the child
The further they paddled, the deeper it got
But they wouldn't give in, once begun
In the spirit that's made Lancashire what she is
They'd sooner be drownded than done
Very soon, the old people were up to their necks
And the little lad clean out of sight
Said Father: "Where's Albert?"
And Mother replied: "I've got hold of his hand, he's all right!"
Well, just at that moment, Pa got an idea
And, floundering back to old Ted
He said: "We've walked half-way. Come, tak' us the rest
For half-price -- that's a penny a head."
But Ted wasn't standing for none of that there
And, making an obstinate lip
"Per tuppence per person per trip", Ted replied
"Per trip, or per part of per trip"
"All right, then", said Father, "let me tak' the boat
And I'll pick up the others half-way
I'll row them across, and I'll bring the boat back
And thruppence in t'bargain I'll pay"
T'were money for nothing. Ted answered: "Right-ho"
And Father got hold of the sculls
With the sharp end of boat towards middle of stream
He were there in a couple of pulls
He got Mother out -- it were rather a job
With the water, she weighed half a ton --
Then, pushing the oar down the side of the boat
Started fishing around for his son
When poor little Albert came up to the top
His collars were soggy and limp
And, with holding his breath at the bottom so long
His face were as red as a shrimp
Pa took them across, and he brought the boat back
And he said to old Ted on the slip:
"Wilt' row me across by me'sen?"
Ted said: "Aye, at per tuppence per person per trip"
When they got t'other side, Father laughed fit to bust
He'd got best of bargain, you see
He'd worked it all out, and he'd got his own way
And he'd paid nobbut fivepence for three !!!!

 

Brit15  --£2 for the bridge(s) these days - Robbery !!!!!

[Phil Parker]

9 hours ago, fezza said:

I dropped in yesterday and I really liked the idea that it's aimed at youngsters, with children building a tree kit and learning landscaping. However I just can't see those youngsters buying N gauge coaches at over £50 a shot or standard 00 locos at over £200. Maybe the hope is that pressure on parents will persuade dads to open their wallets but I can't see dads who aren't really into trains doing that at those "specialist" prices. Hinckley is not a wealthy town - much of the town centre is charity shops.

 

This is not just the usual complaint about prices, it's a question about the logic of the store. If you want to aim at kids then have a budget or basic range like Hornby. Or offer the cheap Bachmann US range. I suspect many dads who go in-store will look online and end up buying a Hornby 0-4-0 GWR starter set instead. 

 

Well done for ignoring everything apart from a little cabinet in the corner then. The majority of the space in this store is taken up with things that aren't model railways, and prices vary from cheap to quite a lot of cash. This store is about getting people modelling, whatever that looks like, not just promoting toy trains. That said, a top-end Class 47 is a halo product. Lots of manufacturers have them - something unatainable by most, but existing to provide an aspirational item for the brand.

 

5 hours ago, HillsideDepot said:

And that super deluxe, all singing, all dancing loco in the display case, yes, absolutely it should be there, with its price tag clearly displayed. Why? Well, it "validates" the idea of model railways. They aren't just children's toys, but something that adults also appreciate and value. I might go into the local car dealership for a cheap runabout, but the fact that the same company makes super plush executive cars gives me the confidence that some of that knowledge and knowhow is included in my little two-door. 

 

There you go, @HillsideDepot gets the point.

 

9 hours ago, fezza said:

Also I get that Mods are connected to the magazines, manufacturers and advertising revenue, but it's never a good idea to try to attack consumers or be rude to them online when they comment on products or prices. If in my business people were constantly complaining about prices on public forums I would take notice and see what could be done to mitigate their concerns or offer better value. I certainly wouldn't have a go at them because I know they wouldn't come back 

 

Difficult to know where to start with this attack. There's not much point in expecting you to be able to count the numbers of pages Bachmann take in magazine adverts (Hint, it's 1) so that's not going to influence us, but I don't suppose facts matter. You also seem to be confusing this forum and manufacturers, they are seperate entities, so those moaning aren't customers of RMweb.

 

However, I defy you to find a single product on sale that people wouldn't like to be cheaper. Everyone wants everything cheaper, and they moan online about it, if not on this forum, on Facebook, Mumsnet, Google reviews and many, many others. Manufcaturers might look, but since they know the web is full of moaning, they are much more likely to look as the hard facts of the sales they are making when considering new products.

 

It's also worthwhile considering if things can be made cheaper, and how that might happen. @AY Mod and I seen endless dull complaints about price, but rarely anything practical suggested as to ways this could be brought down. Less detail - remember the fuss over "Design clever". Bits for people to fit? Hello ViTrains and the handrails too difficult for modellers. Heck, I've even seen someone complain that the Hattons RTT train was too difficult to assemble because they didn't provide explicit instructions and the buyer would have to look at a prototype photo.

 

More usefully still, since all the new entrants to the hobby, people putting their money where their mouth is who have (presumably) carried out some market analysis, are going high-end, high price, there is an opening for all those determined to clutter up every single RTR thread with price complaints, to band together. Enter the market with your budget priced range and you'll soon be coining it in. Someone who has "taught in a university Business Faculty for many years and been involved in retail management" would doubtless be an assett to such a group. Or don't you want to be rich?

 

(And yes, I know I've cluttered this thread up myself with the price argument, but as one of those attacked by @fezza, I think a little right of reply is justified.)