How do we go beyond "Reservations?"

[Point353]

We'll be moving to a reservation system later this year with the X65 boxcar debut and the next batch of X58 boxcars, because getting stuck with overstock is not conducive to putting out new product.

Also, we have certain production minimums we have to commit to in order to have the contractor produce the product.

What's your opinion regarding what some manufacturers refer to as "alternate history" versions of certain products - meaning offering a particular item of equipment in unprototypical roadnames - as a means to pad out a production run in order to meet the assembly subcontractor's minimum quantity?
One example would be the FM Trainmaster loco in New Haven that Atlas recently released.

Would you ever consider offering the X58 boxcar, for example, in the remaining predecessor roads of Conrail or maybe in GN and/or NP in addition to CB&Q?
With a further stretch of the imagination, might there be a sufficient market for the X58 decorated for, say, UP or Santa Fe, among other roads?
 

[coosvalley]

I would rather see effort spent on releasing paint schemes that X58s actually wore, personally. Once all available proto schemes have been exhausted, then foobie away!

I would love to see more X58 CR patchouts!

I doubt UP or AT&SF X58s would be big sellers though...

[Missaberoad]

My other frustration is this example: Atlas has 14 first quarter items that were supposed to ship and they are all still listed as first quarter. We are into the second quarter now and no updates and out of date information. At 3-5 releases per month they are a full quarter behind.  I think timely updates for preorders is a fair trade!   

My only issue with this is the things I want are starting to bunch up.  Gonna be expensive when they do hit the shore!

[CBQ Fan]

My only issue with this is the things I want are starting to bunch up.  Gonna be expensive when they do hit the shore!

I understand. Getting billed for 12-15 engines in one month that were supposed to be spread out over 18 months gets exciting.

[atsf3751]

I understand. Getting billed for 12-15 engines in one month that were supposed to be spread out over 18 months gets exciting.

Yeah, two cab forwards and a Big Boy in the same week would definitely qualify as exciting.

[bbussey]

Do you think this is a more critical issue for small and mid-sized manufacturers?

No, it's affecting everyone who utilizes the distribution net.  InterMountain and Micro-Trains may be immune since primarily they sell directly to dealers.

If the distribution network is falling apart, it seems like a good opportunity for someone(s) to step in and fill the void. Maybe MFR's should start working together to help this along. Necessity is the mother of invention.

If that were the case, the distribution net wouldn't be collapsing.  Keep in mind that everyone's margins other than the dealers are small and depend on volume to generate income.  The dealers chose to vary their margins based on what discounts they offer to the consumer.

My other frustration is this example: Atlas has 14 first quarter items that were supposed to ship and they are all still listed as first quarter. We are into the second quarter now and no updates and out of date information. At 3-5 releases per month they are a full quarter behind.  I think timely updates for preorders is a fair trade!   

Can't fault the manufacturers if the contractors fall behind schedule.  Can't make product in the States (for the most part) because the cost would be prohibitive.

What's your opinion regarding what some manufacturers refer to as "alternate history" versions of certain products - meaning offering a particular item of equipment in unprototypical roadnames - as a means to pad out a production run in order to meet the assembly subcontractor's minimum quantity?
One example would be the FM Trainmaster loco in New Haven that Atlas recently released.

Would you ever consider offering the X58 boxcar, for example, in the remaining predecessor roads of Conrail or maybe in GN and/or NP in addition to CB&Q?
With a further stretch of the imagination, might there be a sufficient market for the X58 decorated for, say, UP or Santa Fe, among other roads?

Nothing wrong with alternate history and/or fantasy product if there is a demand for it.  We've done CB&Q on the X58 as you mentioned, and have a handful more schemes in store once the final protoypical road is released later this year.  All of the Canadian schemes on the XIH technically are fantasy schemes, but the Canadian modelers asked for them.  The Pennsy scheme on the GSC well car is alternate history as well.  All of the alternate schemes we have done though are on models that are close to the actual prototypes.  I don't know if we ever would really go all out and put ATSF or UP on the X58.  Even the New Haven Trainmasters are based on canceled orders and match the artwork that the locomotives would have been delivered in.

[CBQ Fan]

No, it's affecting everyone who utilizes the distribution net.  InterMountain and Micro-Trains may be immune since primarily they sell directly to dealers.

If that were the case, the distribution net wouldn't be collapsing.  Keep in mind that everyone's margins other than the dealers are small and depend on volume to generate income.  The dealers chose to vary their margins based on what discounts they offer to the consumer.

Can't fault the manufacturers if the contractors fall behind schedule.  Can't make product in the States (for the most part) because the cost would be prohibitive.

Nothing wrong with alternate history and/or fantasy product if there is a demand for it.  We've done CB&Q on the X58 as you mentioned, and have a handful more schemes in store once the final protoypical road is released later this year.  All of the Canadian schemes on the XIH technically are fantasy schemes, but the Canadian modelers asked for them.  The Pennsy scheme on the GSC well car is alternate history as well.  All of the alternate schemes we have done though are on models that are close to the actual prototypes.  I don't know if we ever would really go all out and put ATSF or UP on the X58.  Even the New Haven Trainmasters are based on canceled orders and match the artwork that the locomotives would have been delivered in.

I am not faulting the model company for production delays beyond their control, simply asking them to update their websites timely with the most accurate information. I would prefer no information than the wrong information.

[bbussey]

I am not faulting the model company for production delays beyond their control, simply asking them to update their websites timely with the most accurate information. I would prefer no information than the wrong information.

The Atlas schedule gets updated when they have the information to update it with.  It's not a matter of withholding information they have.

[Missaberoad]

The Atlas schedule gets updated when they have the information to update it with.  It's not a matter of withholding information they have.

In that vein they have started listing items that will be on the next container. http://www.atlasrr.com/ordership.htm

[CBQ Fan]

The Atlas schedule gets updated when they have the information to update it with.  It's not a matter of withholding information they have.

Just once I would appreciate it if you would not put words in my mouth.  I never accused them or anyone of withholding, misleading or trying to deceive anyone. I as a consumer am simply providing feedback. 

[CBQ Fan]

In that vein they have started listing items that will be on the next container. http://www.atlasrr.com/ordership.htm

That is the link I reference.  It would be nice if the Expected Ship Date was updated to more accurately predict a revised delivery date. 

[Missaberoad]

That is the link I reference.  It would be nice if the Expected Ship Date was updated to more accurately predict a revised delivery date.

Typically the "real" ship date is about a month after the container ship date so anything without a container date is at minimum 2 months away.
I agree not perfect but likely there isn't more accurate information available. at least we get that 1 to 2 month warning 

Edit: I have no inside info, just speculation and observation... 

[Missaberoad]

Moving back to the original subject...

Is the issue having to commit to a purchase or with the possibility of things being canceled?

Curious where everyone is coming from...

Personally I don't pre-order and simply jump on things as they are released, rarely have I missed out on anything I wanted. 

[Philip H]

For me you are sort of on the right track. If a manufacturer announces something I want and has a record with me of good quality stuff that gets released when promised I'll be more likely to bite. If it's questionable quality or a newbie in the game, less so.

[bbussey]

Just once I would appreciate it if you would not put words in my mouth.  I never accused them or anyone of withholding, misleading or trying to deceive anyone. I as a consumer am simply providing feedback.

I am not faulting the model company for production delays beyond their control, simply asking them to update their websites timely with the most accurate information. I would prefer no information than the wrong information.

I answered your question accurately.  Don't get bent out of shape because you don't like the answer.