JJS,
you not only have a bulldog bite, but you have a very good sense of humour.
Funny.
Seen this type of action before.
Can’ refute the facts, so fall back onto personal attacks.
True to form, anyway!
Sorry , you can’t have Curly . Thats mine on MLS. Well it sounds like they have the parts here to replace the drive system for the Mik since they want to charge me $150 for the repair. I already fixed the driveshaft with JB weld and it was working well and if the motor is the same for the replacement , I don’t need there stinkin repair then.
I did not know it was a French version! No wonder it won’t run right on an American layout !
Hans-Joerg Mueller said:Bryan Johnson said:Bryan,
Ok so what is the consensus here ? Do I send it to Europe or pay $200 to LGB Silvergate or who ever in the USA to do it. Will it endup costing me as much to do it at Marklin in Germany or for free. That is all I'm wondering. I need advice and I know there's plenty of that here ,good and bad.Honestly I do not know what is best.You have to decide how urgent it is, getting gears for the Stainz won’t be a problem. The Mike …??? It depends how many parts they kept back for that French version. Despite what some people think, the Mike wasn’t a NA eXclusive.
BTW you have mail!
Today [6/27/08], 8+ weeks after shipping my LGB Mikado to LGBoA for repairs to the sound system and guage of the front driver truck, I got it back. No repair invoice was included.
Attached was a form letter stating that yada, yada, yada, LGBoA >>>Silvergatedistributors, yada, yada, yada, “we were unable to do your repairs,” yada, yada, yada.
Not only was the work not accomplished, but the bell and harp, which had been attached to the engine when shipped, were missing. I called LGBoA… I mean Silvergatedistributors, and was told that they were moving, I should call them back in two weeks, and “if one could be found,” they would replace [the one they lost].
I am dissappointed on all issues.
JimC.
Jim, I bet you are disappointed. 8 weeks to inform you that they can’t help you is ridicules. Moving or not.
Ralph
Ralph,
The guys at LGBoA/Silvergate are playing a bit of politics. That will be remembered in days to come, I’m sure of that!
I’m sure Jim probably won’t be returning as a customer. I wouldn’t if this had happened to me.
Screw me once, shame on you. Screw me twice, shame on me.
Ralph
14 pages and counting of “Yadda Yadda Yadda” Sorry to hear of your problem J.C. at least we got some definite actual customer service replies, feedback, and not all this speculation!!!
Jerry Hansen said:Jerry,
14 pages and counting of "Yadda Yadda Yadda" Sorry to hear of your problem J.C. at least we got some definite actual customer service replies, feedback, and not all this speculation!!!!!
But isn’t it uncanny just how spot on the “speculation” was? That SuperService for which buyers of LGB paid right upfront i.e. the “adjusted price” vis à vis the “other” LS producers, came to a screeching halt. This despite not a single item being sold within NA that didn’t come through LGBoA.
That by itself is worth remembering when dealing with LGBoA/Silvergate!
PS oh and don’t forget Bryan’s customer experience with LGBoA/Silvergate (as far as is known still to be resolved), along with the reports of the exceedingly helpful staff on the LGBoA/Silvergate displays at different shows. Yep, they’re off to a glorious start!
Hans-Joerg,
In my humble opinion, ain’t it amazing that the German company that got LGB doesn’t have a plan “B”!! I forgot, you said we are to wait until “NEXT WEEK”, then we will know…
Bob Burton said:
Hans-Joerg,In my humble opinion, ain’t it amazing that the German company that got LGB doesn’t have a plan “B”!! I forgot, you said we are to wait until “NEXT WEEK”, then we will know…
Hey BB, if you ask me “Plan B” is in full implementation; was mentioned by several people quite some time ago when the Ventilators were of the opinion " … just wait until next week" for that distribution agreement. It has even started to register in the most unlikely and unexpected quarters.
No " … wait until next week" from me, other than to remind the Ventilators of their folly.
I guess I am dumb, thought plan B was same as plan A, starve LGBoA, get the “name” back, and start distribution in the US again, of at least parts and whatever else we will buy.
I guess I just don’t get it!
Regards, Greg
Greg,
As long as LGBofA ( Silvergate ) has the rights to the logo in North America & a German lawyer as a partner in Silvergate, whose firm is in Germany, INHO you are not going to see the product here for a long time, unless they become partners again… IMHO they have no plan “B”…
Greg Elmassian said:
I guess I am dumb, thought plan B was same as plan A, starve LGBoA, get the "name" back, and start distribution in the US again, of at least parts and whatever else we will buy.I guess I just don’t get it!
Regards, Greg
Greg,
Plan “A” was to come to an agreement - on Märklin’s terms. Quite logical since they are the ones who have the product.
Plan “B” probably is to wait out LGBoA - now only a shell - and Silvergate, who for some strange reason found it necessary to change the name. 
Scenario: the Silvergate salesman calls on a new account.
“Hello, my name is Tom D. Harry; just call me Dick. I represent Silvergate Distributors”
“Oh, never heard of them!?”
“We used to be LGBoA. There have been a few changes, change of name, change of address, but I assure you we are still the same solid company under the same knowledgeable leadership.”
“In that case, I did have a few customer inquiries on LGB items.”
“Ehmmmm, I am sorry but that is a line we do not represent!”
…
…
“Ehmmmm, I am sorry but that is a line NOBODY represents!”
Jack Barton said:Most business owners are a bit less naive than you seem to be.
"Ehmmmm, I am sorry but that is a line NOBODY represents!"
Silvergate is still selling LGB products on their website at inflated prices. Silvergate is not a Marklin approved dealer of the product line, thus any items purchased through them are not covered by any manufacturer warranty. The original manufacturer does not now exist. What is not known is if part of the EPL purchase was to honour existing warranty periods on products manufactured prior to Marklin commencing production (I assume that it would include items Marklin made from pre-existing parts that were existing at the time EPL closed its gates).
Therefore, those purchasing ex-EPL items, ex-Silvergate, are in the same position as if buying online on eBay from an unauthorised dealer. No warranty is available. Maybe one of our concerned members could enquire of Silvergate as to any implied warranty or service on LGB items purchased from them. They are selling new old stock and not newly manufactured stock with warranty expectations. Silvergate are not in a position to offer warranty or service on LGB items, as technically, they are not an authorised (Marklin approved) reseller of the product line. It is only common sense to realise that once EPL failed that any existing warranty agreements would not be honoured. Marklin has no legal obligation to service or warrant EPL items, but I am sure that they would do so, at a service fee, plus shipping costs to Europe.
Those who purchase Bachmann items and live outside North America are well aware of any problem LGB owners are experiencing. For the most part a warranty/service facility is simply not available and any items purchased are basically throwaway items if they fail.
Jack Barton said:No offence Jack, but that sounds like what a rat who has left the sunk ship would say in a fit of pique.
"Ehmmmm, I am sorry but that is a line NOBODY represents!"
Hans-Joerg Mueller said:Name one representative for LGB in North America?Jack Barton said:Most business owners are a bit less naive than you seem to be.
"Ehmmmm, I am sorry but that is a line NOBODY represents!"