Bachmann Delays...will products ever arrive?

[Guest]

Had two e-mails today from a popular Liverpool retailer, concerning two Bachmann products I've got on my notifications list.

 

Standard Class 4MT 2-6-4T 80104 in BR lined black with late crest - Due between March 2016 & April 2016
Class 1F Midland 0-6-0T 41803 in BRITISH RAILWAYS black - Due between March 2016 & April 2016

 

Regards,
Matt
 

 

 

[TheSignalEngineer]

Esso anchor mount tanks expected at the same time. 

[Butler Henderson]

From Bachmanns web site

Nov/Dec

31-528A 60529 'Pearl Diver' BR Lined Green Late Crest
31-531 Class A2 60536 'Trimbush' BR Lined Green Early Emblem 

31-781 Modified Hall 7903 'Foremarke Hall' BR Lined Black E/Emblem

32-331 Class 25/1 25043 BR Green Full Yellow Ends Weathered
32-370 Class 37/4 37405 DRS Compass
32-389 Class 37/4 37421 Colas

36-151 Plasser OWB10 With Crane (Motorised)

39-001 Mk1 Coach Pack 'Works Test Train' BR Blue & Grey Weathered

38-007 46 Tonne RNA Nuclear Flask Barrier Wagon 

38-052 MTA Open Box Wagon EWS

38-450A 13 Ton Open Wagon with Sheet Rail Highbar BR Bauxite (Early)
38-452A 13 Ton Open Wagon with Sheet Rail Highbar BR Bauxite (Late) 
 

Dec/Jan

31-204 LMS Patriot Class 5530 'Sir Frank Ree' LMS Crimson
31-214 LMS Patriot Class 45538 'Giggleswick' BR Lined Green E/Emblem

32-227B Fowler Class 3F 0-6-0 (Jinty) 7341 LMS Black
32-235 Fowler Class 3F 0-6-0 (Jinty) 47673 BR Black L/Crest Weathered

32-880 Fairburn 2-6-4 Tank 2278 LMS Black Weathered
32-881 Fairburn 2-6-4 Tank 42105 BR Lined Black E/Emblem Weathered
32-882 Fairburn 2-6-4 Tank 42062 BR Lined Black Late Crest

39-025G BR Mk1 SK Second Corridor Blue & Grey
39-026J BR Mk1 SK Second Corridor Maroon
39-050G BR Mk1 SO Second Open Blue & Grey
39-051J BR Mk1 SO Second Open Maroon
39-053F BR Mk1 SO Second Open (SR) Green
39-150D BR Mk1 FK First Corridor Blue & Grey
39-151F BR MK1 FK 1st Class Corridor Maroon
39-153D BR Mk1 FK First Corridor (SR) Green

 

Jan/Feb

31-119 BR Standard Class 4MT 75035 BR Lined Black L/Crest Weathered

32-115B Class 08 08818 BR Blue Wasp Stripes Weathered
32-119 Class 08 08907 DB Schenker
32-120 Class 08 13287 BR Plain Green Early Emblem

32-390 Class 37/7 37706 'Conidae' Railfreight Petroleum Sector
32-391DS Class 37/7 37796 Railfreight Coal Sector (DCC Sound) 

39-076H BR Mk1 BSK Brake Second Corridor Maroon
39-077F BR Mk1 BSK Brake Second Corridor Crimson & Cream
39-082B BR Mk1 BSK Brake Second Corridor Network SouthEast
39-100C BR Mk1 RU Restaurant Car Blue & Grey
39-103C BR Mk1 RU Restaurant Car Maroon
39-228D BR Mk1 BCK Brake Composite Corridor (SR) Green

33-309 20 Ton Toad Brake Van GWR Grey
33-310 20 Ton Toad Brake Van GWR Grey Weathered
33-311 20 Ton Toad Brake Van Departmental Yellow

37-061C 5 Plank Wagon Wooden Floor BR Grey

37-067 5 Plank Wagon Wooden Floor SR Brown
37-068 5 Plank Wagon Wooden Floor GWR Grey
37-069 5 Plank Wagon Wooden Floor NE Grey
37-070 5 Plank Wagon Wooden Floor LMS Grey37-087 7 Plank End Door Wagon GWR Grey
37-088 7 Plank End Door Wagon LMS Grey
37-089 7 Plank End Door Wagon NE Grey
37-090 7 Plank Fixed End Wagon SR Brown
37-095A Jan/Feb 37-095A Coal Trader Triple Pack 7 Plank Pvte. Owner Wagons Weathered
37-097 Jan/Feb 37-097 Coal Trader Triple Pack 5 Plank Wagons Weathered
37-225H 16 Ton Steel Mineral Wagon BR Grey Top Flap Doors Weathered 

 

Feb/Mar

31-461A C Class 0-6-0 1294 Southern Railway Black
31-462A C Class 0-6-0 31227 BR Black Early Emblem

32-131 Class 45XX Prairie Tank 4539 Great Western Green

31-656 Class 47 47256 BR Green Full Yellow Ends (TOPS) Weathered 
31-659 Class 47 47001 BR Blue Weathered
31-659DS Class 47 47001 BR Blue (DCC Sound)
31-660 Class 47/4 47436 BR Blue Large Logo  

32-482 Class 40 97407 'Aureol' BR Blue Departmental Weathered
32-483 Class 40 D338 BR Green Split Head Code Small Yellow Panel
32-484 Class 40 BR 40159 BR Blue Centre Head Code Full Yellow Ends

32-981 Class 66 66416 Freightliner Powerhaul
32-982 Class 66 66434 DRS Plain Blue Compass

39-175E BR Mk1 BG Full Brake Blue & Grey
39-186 BR MK1 BG Full Brake Departmental Olive Green Weathered
39-187 BR Mk1 BG Full Brake Blue
39-231 BR Mk1 BCK Brake Composite Corridor Departmental Yellow
39-240 BR Mk1 FO First Open Crimson & Cream
39-241 BR Mk1 FO First Open Maroon
39-242 BR Mk1 FO First Open Blue & Grey
39-360C BR Mk2A TSO Tourist Second Open Blue & Grey
39-361A BR Mk2A TSO Tourist Second Open Blue & Grey 'Inter City'
39-363A BR Mk2A TSO Tourist Second Open Network SouthEast

33-827C 25 Ton Queen Mary Brake Van SR Brown Small Lettering

37-854C 104 Tonne glw HTA Bulk Coal Hopper Wagon EWS Weathered

 

Mar/Apr

31-433 Midland Class 1F 1739 LMS Black Open Cab 
31-434 Midland Class 1F 41803 BRITISH RAILWAYS Black
31-435 Midland Class 1F 41726 BR Black Early Emblem

31-480 G2A 9376 LMS Black with Tender Back Cab
31-481 G2A 49106 BR Black Early Emblem Weathered

32-279A K3 Class 1304 LNER Lined Black
32-281 K3 Class 61862 BR Lined Black Early Emblem 
32-353 BR Standard Class 4MT 80135 BR Green (Preserved)
32-359A BR Standard Class 4MT Tank 80092 BR Black Early Emblem
32-360A BR Standard Class 4MT Tank 80104 BR Lined Black Late Crest

34-328A 50ft. Ex-LMS PIII Parcels Van BR Blue Weathered

39-002 Twin Pack BR Mk2A BFK HST Barrier Vehicles

39-261B BR Mk1 RMB Miniature Buffet Car Maroon
39-262B BR Mk1 RMB Miniature Buffet Car (SR) Green
39-264A BR Mk1 RMB Miniature Buffet Car Blue & Grey
39-271D BR Mk1 GUV Maroon
39-277 BR Mk1 GUV Blue
39-310C BR Mk1 SP Pullman Second Parlour Umber & Cream 'Car ? 350' (With Lighting)
39-312 BR Mk1 FO Pullman First Open Blue & Grey (With Lighting)
39-410A BR Mk2A BFK Brake First Corridor Blue & Grey
39-412A BR Mk2A BFK Brake First Corridor Network SouthEast

37-550B 46T POA Mineral Wagon 'Yeoman' Weathered
37-552C 46T POA Mineral Wagon 'ARC TIGER' Weathered

37-706A 10 Ton LMS Cattle Wagon NE Brown
37-708A 12 Ton LMS Cattle Wagon LMS Brown
37-716 Triple Pk 8 Ton Cattle Wagon BR Bauxite Weathered
37-730C 12 Ton Ventilated Van GWR Dark Grey
37-804 12 Ton Planked Ventilated Van BR Bauxite Weathered

38-130B 40T Seacow YGH Hopper Departmental Olive Green
38-132B 40T Seacow YGA Hopper EWS

38-182 12 Ton BR Plywood Fruit Van BR Bauxite (Early) Weathered
38-183 12 Ton BR Plywood Fruit Van BR Bauxite (Late) Weathered 

38-242A MBA Megabox Bogie Box Wagon EWS Weathered (without Buffers)
38-243 MBA Megabox Bogie Box Wagon EWS Weathered (with Buffers)

38-400A SR 25 Ton Pill Box Brake Van SR Brown
38-404A SR 25 Ton Pill Box Brake Van BR Departmental Weathered

38-550A Midland 20T Brake Van BR Grey (with Duckets)
38-552A Midland 20T Brake Van LMS Grey (with Duckets)
38-553A Midland 20T Brake Van LMS Bauxite (without Duckets)
38-575A 10 Ton Fish Van LNER Brown

38-650A PCA Metalair Bulk Powder Wagon 'Blue Circle Cement'
38-651A PCA Metalair Bulk Powder Wagon Grey

April/May

31-003A Robinson Class O4 6184 LNER Black
31-004A Robinson Class O4 63762 BR Black Early Emblem Weathered

31-440 Ivatt Class 2MT 2-6-2 Tank 41243 BR Lined Black E/Emblem 
31-441DC Ivatt Class 2MT 2-6-2 Tank 41291 BR Lined Black L/Crest (DCC On Board)  

31-614 V3 Tank 67646 BR Lined Black Late Crest
31-615 V3 Tank 67690 BR Lined Black Early Emblem
31-627B Class 3F 3520 LMS Black Deeley Tender
31-728 GWR 3700 Class 3708 'Killarney' Great Western Green

31-883 Midland Class 4F 3848 Midland Black Crest
31-884 Midland Class 4F 44044 BR Late Crest Weathered

32-176 LMS Crab 42765 BR Lined Black Early Emblem
32-178A LMS Crab 13174 LMS Lined Black

32-560 Class A1 60117 BRITISH RAILWAYS Apple Green
32-561 Class A1 60122 'Curlew' BR Express Blue Early Emblem
32-575A Ivatt Class 4MT 3000 LMS Black
32-580A Ivatt Class 4MT 43014 BR Late Crest Weathered
32-858 BR Standard Class 9F 92189 BR Black L/Crest 1F Tender W'thrd

31-379 2EPB 2 Car EMU 5771 BR Green Small Yellow Panel
31-426B 4 CEP 4 Car EMU 7122 BR(SR) Green Small Yellow Warning Panel
31-427B 4 CEP 4 Car EMU 7106 BR Blue & Grey

32-991 Wickham Type 27 Trolley Car BR Maroon
32-992 Wickham Type 27 Trolley Car BR Engineers Yellow
32-993 Wickham Type 27 Trolley Car BR Engineers Yellow Wasp Stripes

39-502A BR Mk1 SLSTP Sleeper Car Maroon
39-503A BR Mk1 SLSTP Sleeper Car Blue & Grey 'Inter-City'  

33-090 Triple Pack 5 Plank China Clay Wagon Flat Hood GWR Brown

37-326C 90 Tonne JGA Bogie Hopper 'RMC' Weathered
37-327D 90 Tonne JGA Bogie Hopper 'Buxton Lime' Weathered

38-105 Triple Pack 34 Tonne PNA Wagons Railtrack 5 Rib Weathered

38-245A MOA Low-Sided Bogie Box Wagon EWS Weathered

38-477 12 Ton Non-ventilated Van BR Bauxite (Early) Weathered
38-478 12 Ton Non-ventilated Van BR Bauxite (Late) Weathered

38-775 Class A 14T Anchor-Mounted Tank Wagon 'Benzene'
38-776 Class B 20 Ton Anchor-Mounted Tank Wagon 'Shell/BP'
38-777 Class B 20 Ton Anchor-Mounted Tank Wagon 'Esso'
 

[Dunsignalling]

Thanks for the info. If it all holds good, April/May will set me back a bit but just one wagon off my list before then.

 

Mind you, I'm almost glad Bachmann don't make much I want because others will be doing their best to clean me out between now and March..........

 

John

[brushman47544]

Thanks for the info. not sure what has happened to the Chinese New Year (8 Feb in 2016) - there's always been a hiatus in manufacture over that period so deliveries a month or so later (April/May I suppose) may not be achieved?

[darren01]

Thanks for putting up the dates, looking at it there seem to be a lot of loco that are weathered,but none of them are listed as non weathered version.

So if you want an early 47 you can only get it weathered?, hope not as factory weather is ,well just off putting.

I hope they just don't do weathered versions only?.

[Butler Henderson]

Thanks for the info. not sure what has happened to the Chinese New Year (8 Feb in 2016) - there's always been a hiatus in manufacture over that period so deliveries a month or so later (April/May I suppose) may not be achieved?

Never quite bottomed out what the date stamped on the inside of box is but if is the date manufactured, or boxed, then they seem quite often to be 3+months before the model is released so the April/May stock will probably be produced before the Chinese New Year.

[it's-er]

Thanls to Butler Henderson for the lists at post 281..

 

So in terms of new product, as distinct from reissues of models previously made, it looks as if

the first Mk 2A coaches arrive in Feb/March with one more in March/April;

the rechassied V3 in April/May;

the Wickham Trolley in April/May; and

the Anchor mounted tank wagon in April/May.

 

Good to know. But there is stil an awful lot of new product afar off - Birdcage and Thompson coaches, Brighton Atlantic, Webb coal tank 94xx and no doubt other items others can add.

 

John

[bart2day]

Massive disappointment. The Class 158 is now due July 19 at the earliest. Unbelievable. 7 years!!!

[Legend]

Ahh but it has been redesigned

[Black 5 Bear]

Massive disappointment. The Class 158 is now due July 19 at the earliest. Unbelievable. 7 years!!!

I'm well used to Bachmann delays over the years and the inevitable price rises before a model is released that accompany them.

The long period between the announcement of a model and it hitting the shelves, now takes the gloss off any potential purchase.

To this end Hornby get 90% of my yearly budget.

No doubt this will be the same with the 158!

Edited April 19, 2018 by Black 5 Bear

[bart2day]

I'm well used to Bachmann delays over the years and the inevitable price rises before a model is released that accompany them.

No doubt this will be the same with the 158!

I know right. I was looking at an old copy of BRM from 2013 this afternoon and the estimated price of the 158 when it was announced was £129.99. Now it's set at double that price at £259.99 and will probably go up even further before it's released.

 

The cynic in me thinks they do it on purpose.

Edited April 19, 2018 by bart2day

[The Black Hat]

I know right. I was looking at an old copy of BRM from 2013 this afternoon and the estimated price of the 158 when it was announced was £129.99. Now it's set at double that price at £259.99 and will probably go up even further before it's released.

 

The cynic in me thinks they do it on purpose.

 

I'm not sure if its deliberate, as there are economic reasons why the cost of producing models in China is rising fast. I think that has been an important factor in the rise of the price of the model. Really, if the Bachmann 158 is to the same standard of the Mk. 2 stock they are producing, then it could be up there with the likes and standard of the Realtrack 156, which is currently the leader in the market in terms of what can be done for a DMU.

 

However, the delays to the project and the fact that Bachmann seem to have sat still for a while after the announcement (as it never really moved through the process on development for ages) have caused a feeling that it has been pushed back in favour of other models. I can also understand the logic for that, given small engines to develop are quicker to get to market and make it look like your still producing new goods while you have a massive backlog to clear. It just makes it look like Bachmann have chosen others over the 158, especially when some announced later are either produced or near production and if the 158 is the model you want, then your naturally frustrated over more delays which prolong you getting a model you would like.

 

Thankfully, Bachmann have announced other variations of the model as well. I wonder if these will be produced at the same time. Companies like Realtrack have done so in quick succession and I don't see how the simultaneous release of all 158s announced to date would hurt sales given the range in liveries announced would cover demand of different geographical areas. If anything, the Regional Railways express 158 should still fly off the shelves given that is more national. Even if it costs more, and gives you time to save for it, it will still be priced at a mark that's similar to both other companies releases for a similar model, and also now the kind of price that other markets across the world pay for, when it comes to a model of similar size and standard.

 

However, the price rises do get more and more difficult to afford - as that Realtrack 156 is on my list of desires, but so far budgets have not allowed that purchase. So I can guess that the Bachmann 158 might go onto that list too.

[Bernard Lamb]

I know right. I was looking at an old copy of BRM from 2013 this afternoon and the estimated price of the 158 when it was announced was £129.99. Now it's set at double that price at £259.99 and will probably go up even further before it's released.

 

The cynic in me thinks they do it on purpose.

 

I was talking to a chap the other day who is involved in the development of products that are slightly more complex than model locomotives.

He made two, what I take to be, relevant points.

One. Products take roughly six years to bring to market given the current business climate.

Two. Development costs are escalating rapidly. This gives rise to the current prices being unsustainable. 

I think Bachmann are taking a pragmatic and realistic view of the situation. I am sure they are not deliberately delaying the launch of any new products.

How could that be in their interest?

As a niche market in the grand scheme of things, the supply of model trains is very much out of the control of the manufacturers and depends on trends in the world economy in general.

I do not see matters improving any time soon.

Bernard 

[Paul.Uni]

Also the 158 went from just a new chassis with the old body to an entirely new model during that time.

[rob D2]

I know right. I was looking at an old copy of BRM from 2013 this afternoon and the estimated price of the 158 when it was announced was £129.99. Now it's set at double that price at £259.99 and will probably go up even further before it's released.

The cynic in me thinks they do it on purpose.

 

That’s alright , put yer tinfoil hat on, and they can’t get you then...

[Dunsignalling]

I'm well used to Bachmann delays over the years and the inevitable price rises before a model is released that accompany them.

The long period between the announcement of a model and it hitting the shelves, now takes the gloss off any potential purchase.

To this end Hornby get 90% of my yearly budget.

No doubt this will be the same with the 158!

Delays are what they are but Bachmann aren't selling me very many items with motors in........

 

For me, the sum total of Bachmann products purchased over the past two years has been:

 

1 x revised Ivatt tank,

1 x Wickham trolley,

5 x coaches (a Birdcage set, Thompson SK and CK)

6 x wagons (approx.)

 

Next significant acquisition in a blue box will be whichever of the Johnson 0-4-4T and the Brighton Atlantic arrives first. Jury is still out on the Breakdown crane.

 

As I am primarily a Southern enthusiast, with a bit of S&D and WR on the fringes, the bulk of my model railway budget traditionally goes to Hornby, with an increasing portion being spread around various other participants. Over the same timescale, Kernow, Dapol, Heljan, DJM and, most recently, Hatton's have all had a share.

 

John

Edited April 20, 2018 by Dunsignalling

[The Johnster]

What, I wonder, is a 'reasonable' time between announcing a model and it's appearing in the shops?  Manufacturers cannot produce models out of hats; they must be market researched, developed, contract out to the Chinese production, assembly, and packing facilities, and containered half way around the world.  It is not like the replicator that provides everything as a copy cobbled from base matter aboard the Starship Enterprise.  Whatever a reasonable time is, Bachmann, otherwise a reliable hand on the tiller, do not seem to be able to achieve it in the way that Hornby, for all their problems, Dapol, Heljan, or Oxford (who could perhaps do with more time in the development stage...) all seem to be able to manage as a matter of routine.

 

Most of my models, all RTR these days, are Baccy; 4 out of 6 locos and a similar ratio in terms of rolling stock.  This is because of my location and period, South Wales' central valleys in the '50s, which are better supported by Baccy than the others; if I modelled the Southern I would probably sport a similar ratio in favour of Hornby.  But I am getting tired and irritated by my continued wait for my 94xx; some movement seems to have taken place lately but the loco is still a long way off.  We will be waiting for it longer than most of the real locos were in service!

[Legend]

I’d say 2 years overall with the actual announcement 1 year from release . That used to be the norm . Even if producers need more I think there is a limit to what the market will accept without getting restless or thinking the company lacks credibility.

 

Of course you need to secure manufacturing capacity . For Hornby that’s a sub contractor and for Bachmann that’s Kader . And you have to have a product that both makes money for the sub contractor and Bachmann UK . I suspect that Bachmann Uk are competing with other projects for manufacturing and maybe even development time . We know Kader was at capacity so that’s probably something to do with it

Edited April 20, 2018 by Legend

[Dunsignalling]

I was talking to a chap the other day who is involved in the development of products that are slightly more complex than model locomotives.

He made two, what I take to be, relevant points.

One. Products take roughly six years to bring to market given the current business climate.

Two. Development costs are escalating rapidly. This gives rise to the current prices being unsustainable. 

I think Bachmann are taking a pragmatic and realistic view of the situation. I am sure they are not deliberately delaying the launch of any new products.

How could that be in their interest?

As a niche market in the grand scheme of things, the supply of model trains is very much out of the control of the manufacturers and depends on trends in the world economy in general.

I do not see matters improving any time soon.

Bernard 

Given that I don't expect more than around 1 in 20 new Bachmann items to be anything I want, cost is a secondary consideration.

 

I've also got used to the idea that items in blue boxes are only "late" if they still haven't turned up five years after announcement.

 

In the meantime, so long as there are other providers delivering items that do attract my spending, I'd suggest it's their problem rather than mine.

 

John

Edited April 20, 2018 by Dunsignalling

[Scottish-Exile]

I’d say 2 years overall with the actual announcement 1 year from release . That used to be the norm . Even if producers need more I think there is a limit to what the market will accept without getting restless or thinking the company lacks credibility.

 

 

Agree, within 12 months of announcement.

 

RealTrack announced their Class 156 at Warley, November '16. By October '17 I had the unit on my layout.

 

Hattons announced their Andrew Barclay last September. I picked it up from the Post Office yesterday.

 

As for some of the other stuff I've pre-ordered or am waiting to order .....

[Fenman]

... If anything, the Regional Railways express 158 should still fly off the shelves given that is more national.

....

I would agree with you - except Bachmann seems to have decided to release this not as DC or even DCC, but as DS sound only. The additional cost over DC (which is what I operate, being older than time itself), is phenomenal. I can swallow the new standard price for MUs. But I do resent paying double that for something that really doesn’t interest me.

 

I’ve never understood why Bachmann can’t follow Hornby in releasing DC and DCC versions of the same thing. The retailers tell us DC outsells DCC by a huge margin - was it 5:1? - which makes Bachmann’s approach utterly unfathomable to me. It’s almost as if they don’t want people to buy it.

 

Still, I was pleased to see the 159 announced as an additional version. And DC only: that’s more like it.

 

Paul

Edited April 20, 2018 by Fenman

[Covkid]

I would agree with you - except Bachmann seems to have decided to release this not as DC or even DCC, but as DS sound only. The additional cost over DC (which is what I operate, being older than time itself), is phenomenal. I can swallow the new standard price for MUs. But I do resent paying double that for something that really doesn’t interest me.

Surely 

I’ve never understood why Bachmann can’t follow Hornby in releasing DC and DCC versions of the same thing. The retailers tell us DC outsells DCC by a huge margin - was it 5:1? - which makes Bachmann’s approach utterly unfathomable to me. It’s almost as if they don’t want people to buy it.

 

Still, I was pleased to see the 159 announced as an additional version. And DC only: that’s more like it.

 

Paul

 

Surely the DC versus DCC ratios are constantly changing though and I have no doubt that 5:1 will have changed since that fact was quoted to you.

I do understand the disappointment of DC ers who have to pay more for a DCC only model of their choice, but it is like a lot of other things in life - the consumer doesn't get a very good choice in many cases.

To quote an example I drive a nine year old car, but might acquire a nearly new one in 18 months time. Will I have the option of buying a car without this engine stop start business, which I really don't want ?

Times they are a changing

Edited April 20, 2018 by Covkid

[Fenman]

Surely the DC versus DCC ratios are constantly changing though and I have no doubt that 5:1 will have changed since that fact was quoted to you.

I do understand the disappointment of DC ers who have to pay more for a DCC only model of their choice, but it is like a lot of other things in life - the consumer doesn't get a very good choice in many cases.

To quote an example I drive a nine year old car, but might acquire a nearly new one in 18 months time. Will I have the option of buying a car without this engine stop start business, which I really don't want ?

Times they are a changing

Of course, that ratio doesn’t reflect those DCC-ers who fit their own (premium?) chips - so DCC use might well be higher.

 

But that makes it all the more mad: those people have to pay extra for a chip they don’t want, then rip it out and throw it away in order to fit their own.

 

I didn’t really understand the relevance of your example (I’m sure that’s my failing), but it didn’t seem to me to address the question: why can Hornby produce DC and DCC versions of the same model, but Bachmann apparently cannot?

 

Paul

[tomparryharry]

Caveat Emptor.

If you are only offered the sound -only option to anything, the solution is simple:- If you don't want it, don't buy it.

Remember that a producer-any producer-is only offering product for sale. If it's not what you want, keep the money.

Being a DC luddite, I'm quite happy to stay with DC. Paying perhaps 50% more is not my thing, I'd buy another locomotive, coach, etc.

Producers get the message when the expected sales figures don't work out.

Cheers,

Ian.

Edited April 20, 2018 by tomparryharry