Arnold U25C

[Puddington]

To me, given the magic "three of each" quantities, it's sounding more and more like MBK was the beneficiary of a pre-shipment, an air express package to the US Hornby office for QC, etc., ahead of the container. Since MBK doesn't take pre-orders and is same-day-quick about putting new product up on the ordering site, it would make perfect sense to "seed" this prominent dealer with a handful of samples. This way, the well-anticipated models can be "out there" to be talked about, etc., but without invoking the ill-will that would be created by shipping this too-small quantity to a BLW, NSC or the other shops that have pre-order queues. Logical - at least to me - to have handled it this way.

I would bet that it was an air shipment to get them into the market for 2014...... no doubt in my mind; they bite the cost bullet to get a few out for review and seed the market; smart!

[wazzou]

Again, as I posted up thread, I have it on pretty good authority that these aren't a short run.

[nkalanaga]

It wouldn't make much sense to short-run the first model they make for a new market.  All that would do is make people less likely to buy the second run, especially if the first has "issues".  If it's well received, there'll be a market for the second run, and if it's not, you'll at least have made as much money as possible the first time.

I hope this is a good model, and they come back with more.  There's room for another quality manufacturer in the market.

[Puddington]

Guys; I wouldn't read anything into the reported small quantities available. We have had several cases where even one week's delay in production; packaging, receiving and installing or programming a dcc board threw a delivery schedule all to rat poop so you get a couple hundred units ready (or; whatever you can - or can fit on a specific sized container) and you air freight (at GREAT COST) them to North America and finish the balance over the next few days (weeks) and ship them by 30 day Pacific holiday....

With Chinese New Year but a month away all factories are struggling to get out production before the 3 week shutdown and ensuing labour shortage; I'd be blown away shocked if Arnold didn't do the aforementioned to get something to market before the end of 2014 and in time for Springfield.

It's a sign of commitment to the market; not a cause for concern.

[Chris333]

How many times did MBK re-stock the FEF ? Seemed like every few days they got more and more.