Model Train Production News

[doctorwayne]

Capitalism at work, the guys who own Bachmann suck everyone into their production facility.

Then tell the competitors to find somewhere else to make their competitive product.

Ahh, capitalism, Darwinism at it's best. Survival of the fittest.

Harold

Sounds more like survival of the Most Ruthless

I think that it's pretty much the same thing. The fact that it's occurring in a place other than America makes it no less (select your own preference) 1. admireable 2. reprehensible 3. irrelevant

The real question should be why aren't those modelers lamenting the lost of the BB and MDC kits flocking to Accurail?

Or no demand.

Demand has probably dropped off because many of us who grew up with kits already have much of what we "need". Many newcomers to the hobby aren't necessarily model builders, and are either unaware of what was once available or are quite content with what is now available, especially in the area of r-t-r.
While I lament the loss of Blue Box and MDC kits, I must admit that their upgraded r-t-r versions of these cars are generally improved versions. Unfortunately, I think that many of them are priced unrealistically high for what, in some cases, is simply better graphics. All of this is a moot point for adults entering the hobby with disposable income available, but I don't think it bodes well for kids and teens just coming into the hobby, and with limited funds available. On the other side, though, I don't suppose that there are a great many kids and teens entering the hobby, and manufacturers can't be blamed for going where the money lies.
I still see a lot of these older kits available and, of course, lots of built-up versions of them, too, and not always well-done. This means good value for those of us still interested in modelling as opposed to strictly collecting. I'll occasionally buy r-t-r cars, too, although most of what's available is geared towards more modern eras. Usually, when I'm eager to spend that kind of money, I'd rather spring for a craftsman-type kit, as the value-for-my-dollar is in the modelling afforded by it.

Oh, yeah, I'm also a big supporter of Accurail: they continue to release new stuff and also upgrade their previous offerings. Of the nine cars which I'm currently seeking, all are available directly from Accurail, although not available through Walthers.

Wayne