Well, I just paid for my ScaleTrains SD40-2 Preorder

[Philip H]

Just ordered 1 CSX SD-40-3. Not sure I can realistically use it as a run through unit or not, as I doubt CSX uses a lot of these on road freights anymore.

Our nearly daily Pascagoula to Pass Christian Turn has a pair of them for nearly dedicated power.  They went behind my house about 12:30 today.

[nkalanaga]

Off topic, but ScaleTrains related, so I'll ask here.

Since all of you have experience with ScaleTrains orders, how reliable are their estimated delivery dates?  My one (on so far only) order was for TTPX flatcars, ETA Nov 30, 2023.  It's been delayed twice and now says June 30, 2024.  Not really surprising for N scale, but is this par for ScaleTrains?

[kiwi_al]

So scaletrains and reservations to delivery:

I check when each loco I've ordered is due and found the following

SD40-2: This has slipped 3 times (30 Nov 2023, Dec 2023, 31 Jan 2024) so these are small incremental adjustment - my SD40-2 is on its way.

GE AC4400CW: This has slipped twice (28 Feb 2024, 31 March 2024, eta 15 April 2024)
FVM SD70AcE: This has slipped from 31 Dec 2023 to 31 Dec 2024.
FVM GE ES44C4: This has slipped from 31 Dec 2023 to 31 Dec 2024.

SD40-2 Snoot (ATSF): This has slipped from 30 June 2024 to eta 31 August 2024

I write the dates down in my notebook cause I'm an old fart, if I was a youngun I'd use a spreadsheet 

The Dash 9 and Standard Turbines came in pretty much on time from memory

They also state that if they fail to fulfill a preorder they will give you a USD $1000.00 credit which basically means you'll get it. I can't imagine the financial issues with having to give a few hundred people a $1000.00 a pop so I would like to think you won't get an Intermountain like problem with supply.

[nkalanaga]

Thank you!  I missed the part about paying if they don't deliver.  You're right, they're not going to want to do that.

I don't NEED these cars, as none of my industries require them, so will be patient.  Most Northwest lumber moved on shorter cars, like the KD/MT Thrall flat, until centerbeams took over, and I have plenty of the MT flats.

[learmoia]

They also state that if they fail to fulfill a preorder they will give you a USD $1000.00 credit which basically means you'll get it. I can't imagine the financial issues with having to give a few hundred people a $1000.00 a pop so I would like to think you won't get an Intermountain like problem with supply.

https://www.scaletrains.com/preorder-pledge
It's a carrot to get you to buy direct through them.. vs through a brick and mortar hobby shop.

A couple of things to keep in mind with that 'guarantee'
-They charge you MAP price and cut out the middle man (B&M Shops), and take in that portion of the sales as added profit.
-There is no guarantee on 'WHEN' they fill your pre-order so delivery dates can slip without consequence.
-You need to pre-order by the guarantee deadline to get the guarantee.. so your item is part of the initial order count.
-If for some reason they are short.. they could short the dealers so they don't have to pay you $1000
-The terms also have Force Majeure, so the don't have to pay you for anything out of their control. 

Atlas, Intermountain, BLI could offer the same thing to the people who pay full retail for their products through the web store, and they would likely never have to pay it either.

~Ian

[Rivet Miscounter]

There's letter of the law, there's spirit of the law, and there's.....social media.

If that scenario ever came to pass--and there wasn't some overwhelmingly obvious "out of their control" component--and they refused to pay, they would take a huge PR hit.   They would be roasted in every channel that matters.

So while they're insulated financially for the most part, there are at least some consequences....it does at matter to them at some level.

But it does make me think of one of my favorite movies...

[mu26aeh]

https://www.scaletrains.com/preorder-pledge
It's a carrot to get you to buy direct through them.. vs through a brick and mortar hobby shop.

A couple of things to keep in mind with that 'guarantee'

-If for some reason they are short.. they short the dealers so they don't have to pay you

Hey look, another way they could screw their special retailer network.  I'll add that to my notes

[learmoia]

Hey look, another way they could screw their special retailer network.  I'll add that to my notes

I'm just say'n... I think we've got better luck winning the lottery... because the lottery does pay out occasionally.. 

If we win.. I say we go double or noth'n on some Scale Trains Pre-Orders.. 

It just occurred to me.. the last Mfg to cut out dealers and distributors and go direct to consumer sales.....
........Is now owned by Scale Trains..  (Exact Rail)

And other thing....
Lets say they do have to pay out.... It's $1000 in Scale Trains Store Credit.
... Which usually sells at MAP prices.. which would be probably 40-50% cost....
So $1000 credit = $500-$600 expense..

[Ed Kapuscinski]

And now it's here.

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[C855B]

And now it's here.

Just got my tracking number. No estimate yet.

[dem34]

And now it's here.

(Attachment Link)

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Haha, oh, whoops, was just putting away some groceries and that happened to be in the shot.

[arbomambo]

They’re beautiful and run and sound great!
We’ll be running them in the T-TRAK layout at the Jacksonville, FL train show this weekend.

[GM50 4164]

Bruce they do look mighty fine! I especially like that Chessie unit!

[bman]

since Ed wouldn't take his out of the box for ya'll....