BeNscale signals disappearance????

[rochsub]

Anyone know the situation behind BeNscale signals lately? I received an order from them about six months. I paid for a second order and have not heard from them in over three months.  No response to email inquiries.  Just wondering if anyone knows what's going on with them.

Daryl Kruse
Union Pacific Railroad Geneva Sub

[railnerd]

Checking in with a friend of a friend...  I have heard rumors that Ben had shuttered the business.  No idea if I am going to hear.

[jmlaboda - RIP]

I paid for a second order and have not heard from them in over three months.

Did you use PayPal?  If you did then you may have some recourse to recover those funds...

[jereising]

Daryl's situation should remind us just how fragile our manufacturer base is.

My signals were built using Traincat etches and poles.  No longer available.

The signal logic was done using CML Electronics SIGM-20 boards.  No longer available.

If I wanted to expand the system or if I have a signal board failure or someone or something trashes a signal, I'm up the proverbial creek with no paddle.

The logic could likely be replicated I guess, and I could somehow fake the etchings, but Oh Boy, what a hassle.

[rochsub]

You are right Jim.  I have a number of Sunrise signals that are seeing their third layout installation.  Not to mention signals from Scale Models Division.  Both out of business. 

On a positive note, I have heard from BenScale and it looks like they are going to make it right.

Not certain if they are still in business.  Their website is still up.  The signals I received on the first order were very, very nice so I certainly hope so.

Daryl

[John]

This is why I've stuck with Digitrax for my signals .. I've also used some of the shapeways signal heads and rolled my own with LEDS..  Not as fine scale as Traincat was, but it serves the purpose

[Mike Madonna]

You are right Jim.  I have a number of Sunrise signals that are seeing their third layout installation.  Not to mention signals from Scale Models Division.  Both out of business. 

On a positive note, I have heard from BenScale and it looks like they are going to make it right.

Not certain if they are still in business.  Their website is still up.  The signals I received on the first order were very, very nice so I certainly hope so.

Daryl

Hey Daryl,

Kudos on the MR spread.... VERY nice!

[Cajonpassfan]

+1 and the awesome cover! The art of what's possible in N scale
Otto K.

[Englewood]

Track warrents. No need for signals. 

[railnerd]

Guys,

I spoke with a friend of Ben's Friday night and confirmed that BenScale is NOT out of business.  I pointed him at this forum link, and I guess he has called Daryl as a result.

-Dave

[jagged ben]

Showcase miniatures?

[rochsub]

Just an update on this thread that I started awhile back.  Benscale contacted me shortly after someone notified him that this was a topic on this forum.  Looks like my order got overlooked somehow.  He thought he had already shipped the items, but after checking realized that he had not.  A couple of weeks later, my order arrived.  Not sure why he did not respond to my previous emails, but I am happy that things were resolved.  The email he contacted me through was not the email that was listed on his website.  He may want to update the email. 

Anyway, he is still in business and makes some very nice signals.

Daryl

[jereising]

Really good to hear that...

And it's a shame how some guys can do such good work and then overlook the details that make it work.  I wonder if he's been wondering why business is a bit slow?