Large Scale Central

Getting the newest model?

General Discussion
#1

Any methodology to ensure receiving the “newest” model of an improved locomotive or other rolling stock when ordering on-line?

EXAMPLE:
The “newer” Annie with improved metal gears has the same model number as the older models. So how persuasive is it on the phone to repeatedly state to a sympathetic TRAINWORLD clerk, “you want the newest model, the one now advertised as having the metal gears” ?? What will you get in the mail?

There may be two hundred miles between the phone on the order desk and the shipping room.
Your experience?

#2

With Trainworld “Forget about it” If you are thinking of a Bachmann K-27 make sure you get one from the second run, and it states something to that effect on the second run box, if you get a first run the counterweights will have to be changed at an extra expense to you or an installer. You have to ask and if the guy will tell you, some of these guy’s it’s like pulling teeth to find out, and then you are never sure about anything even if you think you are, someone or something will jump up and bite you in the behind even after you feel you have done all your homework and analysis, and research and such!! Everything else just ask a lot of questions or end the conversation with what is you warranty, or will you stand behind what you are telling me, and or have em put it in writing before you dole out yer hard earned cashola!! It’s a crap shoot on everything, there are some pretty reliable dealers, and if you follow this site and others usually they will help you with their experiences with a product, and or retailer.
Regal

If you are speaking of a Connie or an Annie call Barry with “Big Barry’s Trains” he will be able to answer any questions you may have is knowledgeable, and very helpful with Bachmann’s

Don’t be afraid to ask questions even if YOU think they are dumb, we all started by crawling before we walked right??? LOL

#3

Jerry – and others with his experience:
Jerry points out the K27 - second run - has an indentifier on the box. Apparently, that identifier is or was not given significance by the person taking the order or if they do agree to it being the basis for purchase, someone else did not care. Is there an identifier on the box for the “newest” Annie indicating the metal gear assembly? If so, those ordering will obviously need to be adamant that this is the product identifier determining their purchase. So what identifier on the Annie, if any, did Bachman choose to differentiate the “new” from the “old”?

Bachmann is in a tough slot. They have an improved model out that is in competition (they made it so with their full page ads) with the previous model dealers have in stock. Unfortunately, the ads make clear the implicit apology for previous loco function so no clear-thinking person would order an older model.

So back to square one. How do we recommend newbies buying the “improved” loco without some indentifier and secondly, what will get one sent to them?

Thanks Jerry for the caution.

#4

Well I think I am finished buying power units. not because they are good or bad, but because financually in a bind right now with the work slowdown.
I just don’t have the money to spend like I once had.
I’m glad I purchaced all the track I did a few years ago. I sure can’t do it now, so Bachmann or whoever can brag on they’re new power plants all they want I will keep running the stock I already have.

#5

In relation to the B’mann Annie, the latest version has a ‘91XXX’ part number as opposed to the superceded model, ‘81XXX’. Basically, if it is cheap or runout or super low street price, then it is an old model. Latest and best is usually full retail!

#6

They’ll generally ship you what they have in stock… After all, “It’s just a toy train!”… Until Botchmann “mans up” by buying back all those units they are now saying were “inferior”, offers a free upgrade, or gives the dealers a partial refund, who can really blame them?

Serious question time. Do you really, really expect the dealers to take a bath on something they bought in good faith 6 months ago, just because the manufacturer made a minor refit? If you do, please go into business, I’m sure your customers will love you right into bankruptcy.

#7

Mik-
Your reference to the dealers makes your first point all-important: Bachmann (Botchmann) would hopefully support the dealers financially when they nationally advertise that they have improved a product MECHANICALLY. The manufacture is the one who is making it make it clear in their ads this is not an appearance change. So you are right, the dealers eat it or lie to those ordering and following the ad’s advice. Botchmann’s promotion is, in effect, a confession the previous model is not as good.

Meanwhile, what’s the difficulty in changing out the gears?

#8

Wendell are you talking about the Annie gear change, Barry sent me a newer gear set up that is all in one unit, just take out a couple of pins holding it in and put in the new complete unit, and put back the pins. This summer my like new Annie had to have this done. If I can do it anybody can believe me, and with Barry’s guidance it’s even easier. Regal

Again talk to Barry if you haven’t already

#9

When i buy a new loco i too wish to have the latest model so i (ALWAYS) have the selling

dealer drop ship from the manufacture.

This assures me i’m not getting a Dealers Shelve Queen…

Nick

#10

Nicholas-
Bulls-eye – a solution that has worked for you.
“(ALWAYS)” indicates success. Have you gotten any flap from a dealer because of your request – or, it appears, a condition of sale? What is the delay, if any from the process? Would this work with TRAINWORLD?

#11

Wendell, Yes it works for me but with Trainworld good luck with that one. Those Dam New Yorkers always have a tude…:slight_smile: I would suggest Robbie from RLD He’s a forum sponsor here and has never done me wrong…

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/nicholas_savatgy/_forumfiles/good.gif)

Nick

#12

I recently had a very expensive lesson with a train store here in southern California, and Robbie at RLD has gone out of his way for me a couple times, so that is where I would go if I was you.

I never figured I would run into crooks in a hobby shop.

#13

Just a thought: Since I generally buy 2nd hand, I never seem to have this problem…