VIDEO — The Making of the Micro-Trains TBOX

[Point353]

It’s true that we occasionally experience quick sellouts on products, but that is simply because demand exceeds what we anticipated. Producing below what we believe demand will be would not benefit Micro-Trains in any way. It would result in less revenue, less of our product in customer’s hands and frustrated and disappointed customers and dealers.

For those items that do experience a quick sell out, why doesn't MTL subsequently produce an additional quantity of those particular items?
Aren't they missing out on some revenue by not doing so?
Eventually, they might make another run, but it will only be with different roadnumbers, not the same ones as on the items for which demand exceeded the quantity that was anticipated. 

[CSXBaltimore]

I would imagine its because the demand for new road numbers will likely outstrip, by a large margin, the demand for the old road numbers. If laying out the fixed cost of doing a new run, might as well make it the most beneficial to the company by casting as wide a net as possible.

J

[ednadolski]

3 of the 5 cars* on my most recent top-5 wish list have now been produced, and they have all sold out quickly: the ExactRail bulkhead flat, the JTC/NSC well car, and the MTL/TBOX.  Therefore manufacturers should listen to me.   (Time for a new list too.)

*A 4th car was announced years ago (the IM 3281 2-bay hopper), but I fear it is in grave danger of becoming vapourware.

We need the BNSF 82' reefer!

Ed

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Really unfortunate that this is what people are saying, especially on the heels of what MT just went thru. I was seeing this release as quite an accomplishment so soon after all of that.

Agreed.

I'm so tired of people being assholes about stuff like this.

[reinhardtjh]

For those items that do experience a quick sell out, why doesn't MTL subsequently produce an additional quantity of those particular items?
Aren't they missing out on some revenue by not doing so?
Eventually, they might make another run, but it will only be with different roadnumbers, not the same ones as on the items for which demand exceeded the quantity that was anticipated. 

I would imagine its because the demand for new road numbers will likely outstrip, by a large margin, the demand for the old road numbers. If laying out the fixed cost of doing a new run, might as well make it the most beneficial to the company by casting as wide a net as possible.

J

I am under the impression that MT runs at fairly near full capacity anyway so scheduling another run of even a very popular item would end up bumping something else down the production list.  Not to mention disrupting a previously planned full schedule.

They do a lot of items behind the scenes that don't show on their monthly newsletters.  The COHS "The George Washington" set for example (which they also delivered Mid-November just weeks after the fire). That's seven different heavyweight cars with custom decorating and custom packaging. Plus things they do for the NSC collectors.

[JoeD]

If you don't do this everyday you don't realize what kind of evolution it takes to move from one car to the next...even when things are running smoothly...and its understandable.  To start up a car that came up short would be several weeks effort considering all the moving parts as well as mess up the schedule going forward. 

[basementcalling]

If you don't do this everyday you don't realize what kind of evolution it takes to move from one car to the next...even when things are running smoothly...and its understandable.  To start up a car that came up short would be several weeks effort considering all the moving parts as well as mess up the schedule going forward.  I was humbled by the willingness of the employees here to adapt and put out 120% right after the fire.  A few of us who live in the area were able to come over and help pack out orders, assemble cars and generally keep things limping along two days after the fire, with no running water or power and the air thick with smoke.  We did that for the rest of the week.   It was surreal.   A week later we got water and power and were able to bring the crews back and get right back to work.

Joe

Wow. Dedication from ownership and employees.

I thought I smelled smoke when I opened my TBOX Jewel Cases.

[peteski]

If you don't do this everyday you don't realize what kind of evolution it takes to move from one car to the next...even when things are running smoothly...and its understandable.  To start up a car that came up short would be several weeks effort considering all the moving parts as well as mess up the schedule going forward.  I was humbled by the willingness of the employees here to adapt and put out 120% right after the fire.  A few of us who live in the area were able to come over and help pack out orders, assemble cars and generally keep things limping along two days after the fire, with no running water or power and the air thick with smoke.  We did that for the rest of the week.   It was surreal.   A week later we got water and power and were able to bring the crews back and get right back to work.

Joe
 

All of the people at MTL are awesome and very dedicated.  I can tell that you all take real pride in what you do (a quality which seems to be lacking in many other companies nowadays).  We know that some customers (or speculators) will always bitch, but those unfounded accusation about MTLs marketing practice are really too much, especially with the catastrophic events that took place in your area.  People who make those false and caustic statements should be hung by their gonads!  I too make statements critiquing models, but I have facts to back up my opinions.

I just received my shipment of the TBOX cars today - haven't had a chance to crack open the package yet.  I say that the entire MTL crew deserves a huge "thanks" for your dedication and perseverance, especially during these difficult times.  THANK YOU ALL!

[JoeD]

thank you very much....