Large Scale Central

Mail order: How to get the "Newest" product?:"

General Discussion
#1

Another True-Life Large Scale Adventure----------
A friend consults you about purchaing a reliable running loco:

Ok, so you advise “Order the newest version of Bachmann’s “Big Hauler” 4-6-0. It has great reviews - especially from the designer of a replacement drive system!”
Response: “How do I know I’ll get what you call the latest version? What’s ‘newest’ to the retailer may be what they have on their shelves. Don’t they want to sell off the older models first? So what’s the model number I should insist on getting?”
Answer: “Gulp. Yes, as in the newest ad in Garden Railways, the model numbers are the same as used last year.”

Anyone order the latest (for certain) version of the “Annie?”
What was persuasive to the nice lady taking your order at X retailer?
Color of the box? Hidden sticker? Serial number? What did you say?
Were they willing to assure you that you were getting the “latest” version?

Wendell

#2

Wendell,
as regards the latest Bachmann Annie, as advised previously, the model has a different part number to superceded model. Some years ago, I purchased a new Aristo FA Union Pacific diesel from a dealer. Paid almost retail plus hefty shipping. When it arrived, yes it was ‘technically’ new but was many years old. Dealers have stock sitting in storage for years and while an ite is NEW it is in reality old superceded stock and morally should be heavily discounted or at least described as old stock and not the most current production specifications. Look to the B’mann Connies being sold nearly ten years later and most with gear degradation issues. There were still people buying these nearly a decade on and not being aware of any issues with the model.

       In my new life I recently purchased a new 'OO' scale Bachmann British steam locomotive.  When I investigated I found out the loco was released in 2006, six years before purchase.  The item was listed as direct from the distributor and yet the packaging was well shelf worn and what appeared to be blood staining on the documentation.  When questioned the dealer said that it was direct from the distributor and not used stock.  Now in their wisdom Bachmann only release limited runs in specific roadnames and thus for me to have this particular 'roadname' the only alternative was to purchase a six year old item.  If I had been aware of this then I would have searched a used item on eBay and not purchased new from a dealer.
#3

I recently ordeded a “new” Bachmann Annie in the ET&WNC flavor , which I thought was the latest one , and when on the phone to Trainworld , I again was talking to the nice lady whom I have ordered from for years and years , and when I specified which loco I wanted , she told me it was the last one they had on the shelf .
And it was the latest version of the ten wheeler when I received it , runs great .
I have never had a problem with Trainworlds service in 12 years or so , and yes they have issued pick up orders for damaged in shipment items for returns .
We all know that you have to be cautious sometimes doing mail order , and for myself , Trainworld and RLD Hobbies are the best service .

#4

The only way to specifically order the latest is to make sure it has the newestall metal gear box. Thats the only way to guarantee getting the latest version. You might have to hound the dealer a bit but better agravating the dealer than having to mess around shipping it back when they send the wrong version.

#5

Goto the Bachmann website, then Ask the Bach Man, then Large Scale Forum. Post to Loco Bill asking for the numbers for the Version 6 Anniversary (assuming you are looking for the 10 wheeler). If anyone can tell you the specific number you are looking for, he will, and be glad to do so.

Bob C