N-Possible Coupler Announcement (Nashville 2022)

[u18b]

 (I can't legally sell at these shows however, just to set expectations).

What about the parking lot?
 

[NSEGeorge]

There's always room sales in Kansas City...

[garethashenden]

So... Been REALLY working hard to get this over the last hump, namely packaging at scale.

So yeah, really won't be long now. Its been way more work (and money!) then I figured on, and I was under no illusion this was going to be easy. But I've really worked on the sustainability.... Not rushing stuff out the door, but making sure I have good repeatable, sustainable, scalable processes so I can be as nimble as possible going forward, irrespective about how big or niche the product ultimately ends up being. Maybe these sell in career changing numbers. Or maybe not, but either way its sustainable regardless.

I'll be at the NSE convention in Kansas City, and the NTS in Novi too, so come out and see stuff in person! (I can't legally sell at these shows however, just to set expectations). I should have them at the Canadian launch retailer within the next couple of weeks, and I expect to have stuff in some US retailers hands in short order too.

Hooray!! I have so many rolling stock projects planned that are just "on hold" waiting for this release. These seem like such a clear improvement over the TSCs that its worth waiting.

[MK]

You could wear a trench coat and have the bags stapled to the inside lining.   

[Dwight in Toronto]

I should have them at the Canadian launch retailer within the next couple of weeks, and I expect to have stuff in some US retailers hands in short order too.

This is exciting!  Just curious … who is the “Canadian launch retailer”?  (I’m guessing Credit Valley?  Or maybe George’s Trains?)

[peteski]

I'll be at the NSE convention in Kansas City, and the NTS in Novi too, so come out and see stuff in person! (I can't legally sell at these shows however, just to set expectations).

Why not? Because you are attending as a manufacturer (exhibitor), not a dealer?

How about giving out free samples? 

[MK]

Probably tax ramifications.  He'll probably need to register with state of Missouri and get a tax ID.  Then report his sales afterwards, etc.  Too much paper work and hassle.

[bbunge]

I've solved the compatibility issue.

Reminded me of this.  Standard gauge PRR X-29 boxcar on narrow gauge trucks at the East Broad Top, with drop in coupler adapter to allow narrow gauge cars to couple up to the standard gauge car.  (not my photo):



If you aren't familar with EBT's operations, they had a crane at the PRR interchange where they would lift the cars up to swap out the trucks.  They found this cheaper than transfering the freight from on car to another.  A critical piece was that EBT maintained high track work standards, which allowed the standard gauge cars to run on their track without problems.

Bob

[learmoia]

"PRR 200-2000"  That's a new one..

I've seen symbols in Reporting marks but never in numbers... And a 7 digit number to boot.. 

[BCR 570]

This is exciting!  Just curious … who is the “Canadian launch retailer”?

Yes, good question - for these to be an option for Canadian modellers they need to be available here in Canada.

Gary showed these to me at our recent RMMBC event and I am intrigued enough to try them out.  With the layout now operating well on a consistent basis, the biggest frustration now is underperforming couplers.


Tim

[turbowhiz]

This is exciting!  Just curious … who is the “Canadian launch retailer”?  (I’m guessing Credit Valley?  Or maybe George’s Trains?)

Credit Valley Railway in Mississauga. I've been a customer there since their earliest days, and they've been super supportive along this crazy journey. (www.cvrco.ca) They have the parts listed on pre-order on their site now, but a couple of caveats:

a.) No assembled parts at launch... I'd originally planned on offering those, but the reality is that's going to be down the road bit. On the other hand, they're considerably easier to assemble then MTL designs. So maybe there doesn't even need to be an assembled offering. I figure every around here can assemble these easily.
b.) The pricing listed isn't right; The prices are listed as USD, but those should be Canadian dollar not USD. USD MSRP is $9.99/2 pairs.

[/quote]

Yes, good question - for these to be an option for Canadian modellers they need to be available here in Canada.

Gary showed these to me at our recent RMMBC event and I am intrigued enough to try them out.  With the layout now operating well on a consistent basis, the biggest frustration now is underperforming couplers.


Tim

Well, considering N-Possible is based in Canada, that shouldn't be a problem!

[EspeeGoldenState]

Probably tax ramifications.  He'll probably need to register with state of Missouri and get a tax ID.  Then report his sales afterwards, etc.  Too much paper work and hassle.

And that would be the wrong state.  But that state needs all the tax money they can get to fix all their pot holes and property tax issues.

That's too bad they aren't gonna be available at the show. Was hoping not to have to pay for shipping, unless Midwest Model Railroad is going to carrying these at some point. That would be nice.

[GaryHinshaw]

These seem like such a clear improvement over the TSCs that its worth waiting.

Like night and day.  It took me less than an hour of playing with TSC's to decide they weren't for me.   With N-Ps I'm nearing 200 cars converted now, and counting.  This is the product I've been wanting for decades.  I'm glad Andrew is being so methodical about it, and I hope it is a huge success for him.

[garethashenden]

Credit Valley Railway in Mississauga. I've been a customer there since their earliest days, and they've been super supportive along this crazy journey. (www.cvrco.ca) They have the parts listed on pre-order on their site now, but a couple of caveats:

a.) No assembled parts at launch... I'd originally planned on offering those, but the reality is that's going to be down the road bit. On the other hand, they're considerably easier to assemble then MTL designs. So maybe there doesn't even need to be an assembled offering. I figure every around here can assemble these easily.
b.) The pricing listed isn't right; The prices are listed as USD, but those should be Canadian dollar not USD. USD MSRP is $9.99/2 pairs.

I have put my money where my mouth is and reserved one of each. Plus an extra short shank scalebox.

Are you still working on bulkpacks?

[NSEGeorge]

There is a tax form for sellers at the Swaparama that allows a vendor of any type to declare sales, pay the tax, and not have to have a tax ID number.

And with room sales, we do not officially acknowledge their existence, and therefore if any tax goes unreported, it also does not exist for the host.

There is nothing preventing these being sold at the event other than they aren't ready for retail as yet or you aren't comfortable selling them yet.