[PRR-talk] Manufacturers' responses - support for ARKits and others

[Ivan Abrams]

I'm sure it's been said before, but one of the primary reasons why some
manufacturers (such as Broadway Limited/Precision Craft Models come to mind,
but I'm sure there are others) announce products years in advance is simply
to lockup the market and reduce risk. Of course, the end result is very
often that the products aren't made by anyone. While it's understandable
that a manufacturer might want to limit their risk, it seems to verge on
unethical to block market entry by others who might be more capable of
seeing their production plans reach fruition.

The likely-to-never-be-produced (at least by Precision Craft Models) N-scale
PRR M-1a is an excellent example. For literally years  this model has been
on  Precision Craft's list,  and it seems apparent that very little, if any,
work has been done to bring it to the market. But no other manufacturer
would want to risk producing the M-1a, just in case the folks at Precision
ever figure out that business is inherently risky, and that progress is
achieved only by those who are willing to take some of that risk. Though
that's not likely to occur, the strategy has worked to suit Precision
Craft's difficult-to-comprehend business plan.

Overall, it really seems that this sort of market lock-up by companies
without sufficient capitalization or courage to follow through is highly
destructive to our hobby. And it's a strategy that wouldn't be tolerated in
a more economically viable marketplace rather than in a niche activity where
we're grateful for any products we receive.

Ivan Abrams

On Jan 2, 2008 2:52 PM, N Scale Kits <peter at nscalekits.com> wrote:

> I am disappointed by the response of manufacturers with regard to
> pre-ordering. I am not sure whether this is a US railroading phenomenon
> that
> has only recently emerged. N Scale Kits is especially concerned when
> manufacturers announce and take pre-orders for products that take years to
> emerge, if ever, as this does put a brake on other attempts to bring
> similar
> products to fruition. Al Cutmore of ARKits is right in how we should get
> on
> with our business.
>
> N Scale Kits will continue to research the market and announce in advance
> what our next year's plans are, and go from there. We do not intend to
> announce more than a year's plans - although it does take more than a year
> to get a product to market. We hope that this will be a successful
> business
> strategy.
>
> We are now working on the F39 class of cars, and the help from this Forum
> has been instrumental. Many thanks to all of the listers who have written
> back with knowledgeable and helpful comments.
>
> Despite gentle criticism of the N Scale Kits PRR F30a and F30d cars [the
> ride height of the deck is a little too high, to allow for tight radii
> curves when using coupler mounted trucks, but can be reduced with a little
> work, using body mounted couplers, and low profile wheels], these continue
> to be marketed and sell. We all learn from critique, especially when it is
> delivered with kindness and support.
>
> Best wishes to all PRR modelers for 2008
>
> Peter
>
> Peter Harris
> N Scale Kits
> www.nscalekits.com
>
>
> Al said
> > Manufacturers have responsibilities. They want to be in the business get
> out
> > there and compete and do not ask the modeller to be your banker. Produce
> a
>
> > good product and the modeller will support you.
>
>
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