DI/Dave Ferrari

Jim Reising May 14, 2014

  1. Jim Reising

    Jim Reising In Memoriam

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    Getting curious about what - if anything - has happened at DI. The Maxi IVs were supposed to be available before now...And Dave's last update was in January. Anyone? Bueller? Bueller??
     
  2. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Now that you mention it, some time has flown by....
     
  3. jtomstarr

    jtomstarr TrainBoard Member

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    I too think it's time for an update from DI - Deluxe Innovations.

    Tom
     
  4. jsoflo

    jsoflo TrainBoard Member

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    Sadly (because I think highly of Dave and he has my sympathies for what has transpired in China), I could wait no longer and pulled the plug and bought more sets of Kato Maxi IV's and canceled my longstanding order for the DI's. Also bit the bullet and purchased Kato containers as well. I no longer need or have the space for the DI's and with the Traincat etched upgrades for the Katos, well...that will be that.
     
  5. bman

    bman TrainBoard Member

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    I have more than enough containers and wells than I can store at the moment so I've not paid much attention lately. Has he made any of the big east coast train shows? He doesn't get to the mid west for shows often. Maybe an email if your waiting on a pre-order might be in order. I've had good experience in the past with contacting Deluxe.
     
  6. Pete Steinmetz

    Pete Steinmetz TrainBoard Member

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    I have always liked DI and own many of their cars, trailers, and intermodal equipment. I look closely at their release schedule. It seems like there are a lot of products but the release dates on almost everything are TBD.
    I know that the China manufacturing situation affected them greatly. I always questioned why they had the containers done in China? The containers require no assembly and just need to be painted and packaged. How much can you save going to China when factoring in freight?

    They did manufacturer some containers in the USA. They were a little higher prices, but I gladly paid a little more for USA manufactured product.

    The Maxis have been on order for years.

    I just don't follow their business model. Checking Walthers inventory there are a few items n stock, but not many.

    I wish them luck and hope they can build and release more product.
     
  7. John Moore

    John Moore TrainBoard Supporter

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  8. Pete Steinmetz

    Pete Steinmetz TrainBoard Member

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    The last update is May 2013. Nothing since then.

    That is the problem dealing with China. You need a local Chinese employee on the ground protecting your interests. Trying to do business long distance can end badly.
     
  9. Jim Reising

    Jim Reising In Memoriam

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    From the DI home page, January 2014:

    January Update: Our Maxi-IV production will not be completed before Chinese New Year. We expect the first run (TTX, BNSF, Pacer) to arrive here in April with the second run (AOK, MCER, IAIS) arriving in May. Look for more news here soon.

    My definition of "soon" is a lot less than five months - which is why the thread. The logical thing would be to email or call. But I hesitate to "nag" that way. Just me, I guess.

    I have a concern that a major intermodal player could be in serious trouble. I think a lot of DI, and strongly suspect his Maxi IVs will (justifiably) blow Kato out of the water both looks wise and operationally. To that end, I have sold off all my Kato IVs. I'm hoping I won't regret that decision.
     
  10. Glenn Poole

    Glenn Poole TrainBoard Member

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    I agree with you Jim on this. I think DI could be in real trouble. Also, I too think their Maxi IV's will be so much better than Kato's. I have quit buying Kato's as I just don't like their connection. Here is hoping that Dave can get these out soon. The problem is he has lost all credibility so best he say nothing and then just spring them on us some day.
     
  11. Doug A.

    Doug A. TrainBoard Supporter

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    Seriously?

    It's not like there's not an obvious and very well documented reason for the delays. It's not like Dave/DI is intentionally and continually announcing a bunch of vaporware. I think "lost all credibility" is a serious term to just throw around, IMHO.
     
  12. Glenn Poole

    Glenn Poole TrainBoard Member

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    Apparently you have not followed this account for years? It is not that he has not documented his problem, and believe me, I'm sorry for him---it is just that he continually says they will be available in one, two or three months. His web site says available late 2012. My back order is dated 10/27/10. And this thread started with a promise of April or May. So I say, unk (unknown) would be the best answer and then just spring them on us. Obviously you disagree with me and I respect your right to have a different opinion.
     
  13. Eagle2

    Eagle2 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Let's not allow this to get personal. We're talking about a business here, one which has in past supplied outstanding product and will hopefully get back on track soon. Two thoughts occur in terms of the proper outlook on this (at least from my point of view). First, as we say many times, this is a hobby for most of us; for the owners of the companies, it is their livelihood, quite possibly, so they don't want to create problems. Second, from a business perspective, it is never good to create unrealistic expectations or "string along" your customers. Many companies in the business have suffered from some form of the China Syndrome, as I recall from keeping up with discussions, and it seems to me that it would behoove them to put the best information possible out, address the problems they're experiencing and publish the most accurate information and schedules they can.
     
  14. mcjaco

    mcjaco TrainBoard Member

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    Actually, he's at least at Trainfest every year. And he's always up front on what issues he has going on, and he's posted here multiple times about the factory issues, and then IIRC he got hit by the hurricane a couple years back too.

    I love these statements. I know of multiple companies that don't have locals there protecting their interests. They have to do visits multiple times a year. The real issue was the factory.

    I agree. It's Mid-May. Not like it's January of 2015 without said inventory. Give the guy a break.
     
  15. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    Instead of blaming factories...tooling.......revolutions...shipment hijackings...ships sinking with containers....hurricanes...tornadoes....or other natural or man made disasters at times like this. We should just call it the "Atlas Syndrome". That has been well documented and should pretty well cover any questions for the next 5 years minimum about anything !!

    "Hey whatever happened to (__________)"

    "Atlas Syndrome !"

    "OH...ok...thanks."
     
  16. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    True.

    I just wonder how efficient this might be, as the costs of making such trips could be a bit of a strain. Especially when trying to even get a product out to market, which is also a negative for cash flow at the moment. Never seeing any ROI is tough to survive.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 16, 2014
  17. jsoflo

    jsoflo TrainBoard Member

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    I like it!
     
  18. bman

    bman TrainBoard Member

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    Never get out to Trainfest. Last time I've seen him in person was the Louisville show a few years ago. Now I've spoken with Dave on a couple of occasions via the phone for various things(nothing to do with reservations and product arrival times) and yes, he is very up front with the issues. And your right, when you add the hurricane, he's had more to overcome than most. I'm for a little grace and give him some time to get everything sorted out. I will be needing some more trailers and chassis.
     
  19. Boilerman

    Boilerman TrainBoard Supporter

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    I do not think that any one here on this forum understands what a company goes through dealing with the China suppliers, when dealing with them you are at their mercy, they only work at one speed and that is when your turn comes plus they have different holidays than we do and that throws of deliveries.
    Dealing with China is a hard task and I do not envy anyone who deals with them!!!!

    The Chinese manufactures will service their largest accounts first like WALLMART who is larger than all the model railroad companies combined, so we end up taking the back seat and heaven forbid if anything gets tied up in legal litigation like Atlas went through.

    I the same as others wish Atlas would go back to production in the US even if the cost is higher as long as the quality was there and product available I would buy it.

    Just my thoughts and knowledge on the subject of Chinese manufacturers.
     
  20. jsoflo

    jsoflo TrainBoard Member

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    As I said before, I really feel terrible for Dave. I know it has been a tough road and that between China issues, getting their molds back, and hurricanes he must be going out of his mind. Dave has always been super up front with his difficulties and having e-mailed with him years ago, he's a really nice guy. It pains me to see him getting pushed off as he is and I myself thought I was going to be able to wait but well cars called and thus I ended up with more Katos and canceled my DI order. Between Kato and Nscalekits (along with some old DI product I had on hand) I have been able to fill my needs and I feel terrible about it!
     

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