Large Scale Central

LGB 'country of production' error(?)

General Discussion
#1

Today I received a LGB #40918 ‘Rio Grande’ boxcar, in new condition, in original box. Surprising thing about this is that the car body is clearly marked ‘Made in China’ and yet the printed end panel label on the box clearly states 'Made in Germany. Is this a sign of things to come? I have never previously received a Chinese-made car with an end label ‘Made in Germany’. I must say that I was very impressed with the car and would put it on a par with the recent releases from Aristocraft.

#2

So, are you questioning that the box or maybe even the label is not German made? What is your proof?

#3

Ric,
my concern regards the accuracy of the ‘Made in XXXXX’ labels on the boxes. The car is clearly marked ‘Made in China’ and the packaging is clearly marked ‘Made in Germany’. While technically correct in that the packaging (or end label) may be made in Germany, I feel that it is misleading. Normally when an item is packaged in a country different to the country of manufacture, then the norm is to say ‘packaging printed in XXXX’ and contents made using imported parts. A quick perusal of the package would lead one to incorrectly assume that the item was made in Germany. As stated, I have never seen this situation previously, as any Chinese made cars that I have purchased have all had ‘Made in China’ on the end label…

#4

This car could be a car assembled during the time Sontag had control of the company and was assembled with parts that were on hand…including older, incorrectly marked boxes. They could also be assembled by LGBoA from parts purchased in the great “purchase” of 9/06. Since LGB no longer exists as such there is little that can be said or done. Until Marklin begins production of American outline products, anything you buy could be made anywhere and but in a box from somewhere else.

My opinion is if you buy anything marked LGB at this time it’s buyer beware. You could find anything in the box.

#5

Tim, count yourself lucky, apparently something was made in Germany. What it was, we know it’s not the car body. So you have a genuine German box, I would say.

The meaning of the word “made” seems to be getting gray… more straightforward might be “parts from xxx, assembled in yyy, and box printed in zzz”

Could get fun real soon, parts molded in China, assembled in Hungary, “made” in Germany…

Regards, Greg

#6

The box label should be the ruling statement as to largest content. The car may have more German content (input) than Chinese, just as some of the very first production in the USA were still carrying the “made in Germany” die markings on the chassis. The Chinese molds were frozen at the time of the filing and remained so till Märklin paid them out. Of course, this did not include anything “on the water” at the time. All the Chinese production was shipped to Nürnberg (one of my pet peeves) in various degrees of completion.
None of the Schöntag production came to the USA. So where it was purchased would make a difference. But the easiest clue would be the O.K. sticker number giving the month and year of production. I can do the code for you as many others can. Also check the upper left corner of the back flap for additional “made in —” info.

Jack

#7

To posting persons:
Kudos to taking the information away from parental confrontation.
Wendell

#8

Tim,

There have been frequent reports on German fora with German consumers feeling “cheated” because of precisely this labeling practise. Their big “beef”: if it’s made in China then don’t sell it as German made, if it is made in China then the price is outrageous.

:slight_smile: :wink: :slight_smile:

#9

Labeling standards are established by national and international regulations, any consumer in any given market should make themselves aware of the standards that apply. Let the buyer BE aware, is my slant on the old saying.

#10
Jack Barton said:
Labeling standards are established by national and international regulations, any consumer in any given market should make themselves aware of the standards that apply. Let the buyer BE aware, is my slant on the old saying.
Not to worry, those who complained knew how to handle it.

a) Complain to the government office which oversees those matters.

b) have everything unpacked at the store and inspected.

#11

Jack,
several points.

a) stick-on label definately states ‘Made in Germany’.

b) no code sticker attached

c) I checked the upper left hand corner of box. In small print - Made in China.

d) this item has intricate ‘see-through’ walkways and brake platform, unlike earlier LGB production that had ‘solid’ walkways. It is indeed an excellent model and in many respects is very similar to latest Aristocraft production

      I have a slight suspicion that the seller is a 'factory outlet' on eBay.  Only lists in very small quantities but always has unusual items, including many prototype samples.  The seller is a consignee outlet on eBay, based in San Diego.  He is a very well respected seller and his items are always new, first class items, although listed as second-hand.   His service is impeccable.   Several months ago I purchased a new LGB #23510 Euro diesel in new unused condition for a seemingly impossibly low purchase price.
#12

Tim,

Ah that one!

Apparently sells everything and anything that was/is hanging/standing/sitting around the SD facility. One of my acquaintances tipped me off on that “unique source”, but so far nothing tickled my fancy. :wink: :slight_smile: :wink:

#13

Tim,

Strictly as a matter of interest read this post! Hmmmmm … could that be the origin of the car you got?

#14

Wait 'til you find one stamped “made in Hurry”

#15

Rod “made in Hurry” is really FUNNY ! Best laugh I’ve had in awhile .

#16

“Made in Hurry” ???

I thought it was suppose to be “Made in Hungary” ?

If it was up to the Euro dealers, it would read “Made while Hungry”

Tim Tim Tim, this is EASILY explained…

The BOX was made in Germany…

The TRAIN was made in China…

…and somewhere along the line the two were stuffed together.

See? a simple solution to a complex quandery!!! :wink:

#17
Tim Brien said:
Jack, d) this item has intricate 'see-through' walkways and brake platform, unlike earlier LGB production that had 'solid' walkways. It is indeed an excellent model...
So what's the problem? If you're happy with the model, what difference does it make where it was made or what the label says??
#18
Ray Dunakin said:
Tim Brien said:
Jack, d) this item has intricate 'see-through' walkways and brake platform, unlike earlier LGB production that had 'solid' walkways. It is indeed an excellent model...
So what's the problem? If you're happy with the model, what difference does it make where it was made or what the label says??
Ray, it's that "collector gene" that kicks in. ;) :) ;) :lol:
#19

Tim,

Use to be OK in Germany to claim “Made in Germany” if it came from the place of manufacturer & went through Germany… Case in point a certain pistol made in France & sold from Germany as “Made in Germany”…

#20

Ray,
in Australia, as in many other countries, we have labelling laws that signify country of origin. In this circumstance, the car is made in China, the box on the back flap in very small print states ‘Made in China’, but the more important printed end label states ‘Made in Germany’. For many this is very unimportant. but for those that follow the marque, then this anomaly is daunting, as any future production could simply state ‘Made in Germany’, irrespective of actual country of production. I believe this to be a deliberate act, as I was already aware that this car was made in China and so printing an end label that stated, ‘Made in Germany’, is, in my opinion, deceptive and an attempt to mask Lehmann’s main production problem - maintaining a consumer base while outsourcing production.

 I have no problem with the car as the quality is excellent.  My concern is the moral ethics of the marketting.