Dated today 3/12/2024 - This is from an announcement by Joe Grubba. No timeline on changes yet: "A New Chapter for woo woo woo: A Message from Our President Dear woo woo woo woo woo woo and some train store Family, My name is Joe Grubba, and I'm the President of Factory Direct Hobbies. Today, I'm reaching out with some exciting news. I'm thrilled to share that woo woo woo woo woo woo and http://some train store.com are now part of the Factory Direct Hobbies family. We're an American company based in Arden, North Carolina, and we're passionate about our hobby and the model train community. ....." - Tonkphilip
I wonder if the new owners would be open to building a better relationship with TrainBoard? Just thinking out loud there.
If I understand right, TrainBoard's software inserts that when a non-sponsoring hobby supplier is mentioned. It helps to support Trainboard's paying advertisers.
I've visited their store in Arden several times, a small space near Asheville that was open only on weekdays and has since become on-line only. I've also seen them at local train shows. The acquisition of "woo woo woo" is likely a major financial and operational commitment, and an entry into the big league.
That they didn't have a going out of business sale, I knew that they had to be back in some iteration. There was just too much merchandise sitting there to have then just shutter the place without selling it off. At least it is back in American hands...
I would think the new owners would feel they don’t need to; they are “new owners”, after all. Likewise, I would think Trainboard wouldn’t think it necessary, either - this shouldn’t be like some Old Testament “sins of the fathers” thing.
Well, agreed that should be the situation but I did notice that the new owners are working to bring on folks from the original store so one never knows how it would be.
Welp, since The Former Suburban Baltimore Online Hobby Shop That Was Briefly Purchased By A Major British Model Train Retailer is now back in business, then it will continue to be known as "Woo Woo Woo" on this forum. But then again, FDH wasn't censored, so if they are (or will be) a sponsor of TB, maybe the Woo Woo Woo embargo will finally be lifted? Note To Self: If I ever open my own hobby shop, call it, "Woo Woo Woo Model Trains."
I should add that Factory Direct Hobbies will need to review their pricing structure if they hope to succeed with their acquisition. I've never placed an order with them because they are consistently uncompetitive with sources here on TrainBoard in the things I buy. Your mileage may vary.
I hope trainboard’s powers that be aren’t so iron-fisted that they control how may “o’s” members may insert in their woos.
There is currently a world wide shortage of "oo's". Under an internationally led conservation effort, the number of "oo's" in any single "woo" is restricted to two. Anyone caught exceeding this regulation is subject to being ejected from the railroading hobbies, with a lifetime ban enforced. We would hate to lose you, if you should overdo your limit of two "oo's" in any "woo"! Big Brother is watching yoo....
