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UK-based modeler, seeks new-release US (HO) model...

steveNCB7754

By steveNCB7754,
in USA & Canadian Railroads

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steveNCB7754

steveNCB7754

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... surprise, surprise.

 

 

OK folks, I know this is probably old news, but I'm nevertheless, 'gutted' (as we say on this side of the pond)!  Having decided to switch to US (HO), and modern-image CSX, I had my heart set on one of the new-release Athearn Genesis GP38-2 (with sound).

 

In anticipation, I placed an advanced order for just such a loco (Athearn ATHG40832 GP38-2 (Phase 1a) CSX '2743' DCC + Sound) with a UK supplier (Invicta) and waited.  Time passed, then today I decided to check with them, to see if there was any news -  especially as I had seen that the item in question was out 'Out of Stock' on Athearn's own website in the US.  No prizes for guessing what the reply was -  Athearn had (apparently) missed Invicta's order, so no new loco for me.

 

Fruitless searching of the internet then ensued and (as far as I can see), no UK supplier owns up to having one (or getting one) -  even a base (non-DCC) version is only 'available to order'.  The closest I can get in the UK, seems to be The American Railroad Centre (Bodmin), who have a sound-fitted Athearn Genesis GP38-2 in EMD Lease scheme livery as #'782'.  Cursory inspection of the lefthand ('firemans'?) side image available of the model (and comparing it to the real-life CSX #'2743'), seems to indicate that (apart from the repaint involved) the only obvious difference is that there are no ditch lights on the EMD Lease scheme '782'.

 

UK modellers of US (HO) -  is this always the case?  Will any UK supplier eventually get one of these models, or is Ebay or ordering direct from the US (and the inevitable 'extra' charges on arrival) the only way for us to get one?

 

 

TIA

Steve N (very disappointed)

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jrossouw79

jrossouw79

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Evening Steve.

 

I know that you prefer buying this loco from a UK supplier but if you do not succeed you can always try Trainworld in New York, USA.

I have had excellent service from them and I normally choose to have it shipped to South Africa with DHL.

It does cost a little more but its worth it sometimes.

They still have this particular loco available on their website.

Here is the link:

http://www.trainworld.com/manufacturers/athearn/genesis-ho-scale/athearn-athearn-athearn-diesel-engines-1/gp-38-2/athearn-g40832-ho-gp38-2-w-dcc-sound-csx-2743/

 

Cheers

Jacques

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steveNCB7754

steveNCB7754

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Evening Steve.

 

I know that you prefer buying this loco from a UK supplier but if you do not succeed you can always try Trainworld in New York, USA.

 

Hi Jacques,

 

Thanks for the link, I'll bear that in mind.

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steveNCB7754

steveNCB7754

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Steve,

 

Give this ago;

http://factorydirecttrains.com/gp38-2wdccandsound.aspx

 

They show all 4 # in CSX colours.

 

The owner Rob is quite helpful.

The postage is a little steep,but they are sent via priority post and well packed,it just depend`s how much you want one.....

 

Brian.

 

Thanks Brian, I'll give it some thought.

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The Bigbee Line

The Bigbee Line

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For US models I pre-order from Factory Direct.  Excellent service, they give the personal touch.  OK I might get stiffed by HMRC but hey ho it goes into the peoples revenue.

 

I've just got a Broadway Pennsy H-10S with the eastern lines tender, great model.  Waited over a year, but it arrived soon after release.  My Pennsy 2-8-2 is now on advance...

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F-UnitMad

F-UnitMad

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There is no massive difference in the price you pay between ordering from UK or US companies. The UK price will look higher because it already factors in the shipping & VAT. The US price listing will be cheaper but you'll still pay shipping & VAT; in my experience there's no big difference.

 

You're lucky to have such choice & variety in HO anyway. Try finding a decent GP38-2 in 2-rail O scale. Never mind what colour it is.... :(

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GWR88

GWR88

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Steve,

If the loco in question is available at Walthers it may be worth emailing Gaugemaster because they're a Walthers stockist. I've done this before with them and everything went great but you may have to wait another month or two from when you order as they stick your item on the big walthers order they do every couple of months or so.

I hope this helps you a bit in your quest! :)

Lloyd

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steveNCB7754

steveNCB7754

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I always use Model Junction for preorders .I havnt been dissapointed so far .

 

Thanks alfsboy, I checked them out on a previous recommendation.  Problem, is that there were not (still are not) any US outline items on their website to buy or pre-order, so seems to be a bit of a dead end.  Did they used to do this stuff and now do not -  anyone know?

 

Steve N

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steveNCB7754

steveNCB7754

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For US models I pre-order from Factory Direct.  Excellent service, they give the personal touch.  OK I might get stiffed by HMRC but hey ho it goes into the peoples revenue.

 

I've just got a Broadway Pennsy H-10S with the eastern lines tender, great model.  Waited over a year, but it arrived soon after release.  My Pennsy 2-8-2 is now on advance...

 

Another tick for Factory Direct -  good to know of your positive experience.  At the moment, I'm 'reviewing my options' (as they say).

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steveNCB7754

steveNCB7754

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There is no massive difference in the price you pay between ordering from UK or US companies. The UK price will look higher because it already factors in the shipping & VAT. The US price listing will be cheaper but you'll still pay shipping & VAT; in my experience there's no big difference.

 

You're lucky to have such choice & variety in HO anyway. Try finding a decent GP38-2 in 2-rail O scale. Never mind what colour it is.... :(

 

Do I sense a slight feeling of resentment their F-MadUnit? :yes:

 

Seriously though, I take your word on the cost differential thing -  I thought I had understood that, on balance, we UK modellers ordering from the States would end up paying significantly more. At the moment, I'm still debating what to do next.

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Oakydoke

Oakydoke

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http://www.modeljunction.info/estore/index.php

I always use Model Junction for preorders .I havnt been dissapointed so far .

  

Thanks alfsboy, I checked them out on a previous recommendation.  Problem, is that there were not (still are not) any US outline items on their website to buy or pre-order, so seems to be a bit of a dead end.  Did they used to do this stuff and now do not -  anyone know?

 

Steve N

http://www.modeljunction.info/estore/index.php

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steveNCB7754

steveNCB7754

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Steve,

If the loco in question is available at Walthers it may be worth emailing Gaugemaster because they're a Walthers stockist. I've done this before with them and everything went great but you may have to wait another month or two from when you order as they stick your item on the big walthers order they do every couple of months or so.

I hope this helps you a bit in your quest! :)

Lloyd

 

Yes, I'd heard that about Gaugemaster before.

 

Unfortunately, Walthers do not seem to stock Athearn.  Searching Walthers' website (for Diesel/HO/GP38-2/CSX Transportation), brings up;

 

 

i) Bachmann (both are in the 'Dark Future' scheme, which is not what I need, and are non-sound - though that is not necessarily a deal-breaker)

 

ii) Trainman (again, the more-recent paint scheme, but a couple with sound, but are 'Advance Reservation' -  end of June)

 

iii) MTH Electric Trains (they do show a couple with the correct scheme and with sound, but again are 'Advance Reservation' -  end of May)

 

 

Problem is, a search of Gaugemaster's website (HO/GP38-2) brings up only three hits (all Atlas) namely: two in Chicago & North Western livery and one in BNSF.

 

Do you mean that if you contact Gaugemaster directly, they would get something in (when it is eventually released in the US) on their next order from Walthers, even if it is not (ever?) shown on their website?

 

 

Steve N

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steveNCB7754

steveNCB7754

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Are you looking at the correct website, Model Junction (Slough) specialise in US outline.

 

OOPS!  You are right (I was looking at the wrong Model Junction).  That said, they do not have what I want, currently listed, but thanks anyway.

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GWR88

GWR88

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Steve,

Yes Gaugemaster should be able to order from Walthers as long as its in stock or advance reservations but I'd email them if I were you and check as thats what I did when I got my models.

All the best,

Lloyd

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mikjd

mikjd

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Steve,

Yes Gaugemaster should be able to order from Walthers as long as its in stock or advance reservations but I'd email them if I were you and check as thats what I did when I got my models.

All the best,

Lloyd

 

I've ordered direct from Walthers, rather than going through another UK based supplier, at least you know your order has got there. :scratchhead:

 

Mick.

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