If you haven't been checking the IM upcoming release page lately, the first run of SD40-2's have been pushed back again. The page now shows first run release sometime during month of January. I'm guessing of 2016, as a year is not listed. I pre-ordered one on March 9, 2014, expecting to receive it by my birthday, October 2014. Since then, it has been pushed back at least 3 times. With IM having decorated samples at Sacramento, I was hoping to have it by birthday this year. While not too many cancelled schemes in the 40-2 line so far, numerous schemes in other recent IM locomotive and freight car announcements have now been marked "TBD", which going by past experience pretty much means they are cancelled for time being.
Other than possibly MicroTrains, I can't think of a single manufacturer that's never pushed back the release date of a product.
This is true and more like the expected these days. Most often I've forgotten that I Pre ordered a model by the time it's released.
I understand that every manufacturer has delays, but this is ridiculous. They should have been focusing on getting the first run out on time instead of working up new paint schemes.
Yep, I've been waiting for well over two years for IM's 1937 ATSF Slogan / Map boxcars. After contacting IM the rep said they were delayed because "demand was weak". http://trainboard.com/highball/inde...weak-for-atsf-slogan-1937-aar-box-cars.83764/ This was one of the reasons I started the "Will Snubbing the Pre-Order System Get Us the Products We Want?" thread. Which I see you've posted your predicament.
And that is where the problem lies with the SD40-2. It is a highly sought after model, with only Kato doing limited runs every so often. I'm sure IM wants to hit this thing out of the park, knowing that if it is good, they've got years of releases to do. But again, get the first run out and then worry about additional runs if modelers approve of the model.
Our slogan cars do pretty well and I can't speak for what an acceptable response to pre orders are for other companies. I read through the thread on pre-orders and when they are open ended or a year out that can be problematic. We do 3-4 month windows and so far have been successful. Joe MTL
That time frame is quite reasonable. MT has been consistent in coming through with announced runs, for many long years. The problem is so many others seem to be sluggish, or worse, simply undependable. I am aware of those problems of Asian production....
In their newsletter for this month: There have been lengthy delays in the delivery of our N scale locomotives over the past few years. Initially these delays were caused by a change in vendors. Transfer of the tooling and subsequent start-up processes took longer than was anticipated. We have, however, begun production of N scale locomotives with our new supplier and several production runs have been made available to the marketplace during the past several months. Most recently, we have endeavored to provide a broader line of N scale locomotives with our existing and upcoming models, providing three options; DC only, DCC without sound, and DCC with sound. When entering into a new realm, unforseen circumstances usually arise. The two challenges we have faced in this project are the development of the N scale sound system and the retooling of all of the various chassis for each of the locomotive models. Both of these are near completion. While we have been forced to push back our delivery dates several times, we are pleased to be able to let you know that there will be a number of these items available over the next few months. It is anticipated that the first of our sound locomotives will be delivered yet this year or soon after the new year. We appreciate your patience and ongoing support of InterMountain Railway Company. Slowpokes.
I'm a big fan of Intermountain, and like all the models I have (30+ locos) , and their customer service has always come thru, but their record for getting stuff to market is horrible. It's true that few manufacturers hit every production date..........I understand that. What bothers me about IM is they keep stringing us along. When I ordered my Milw FP7's they were 6 months out.....at 5 months they moved the date out 3 more months, and 3 more and 3 more. That continued for about 2 years, at which time the delivery went to TBD. Finally they arrived after 3 and a half years. And this was not a new model.......it was new paint on an already produced model. I love the locos, but 3 1/2 years is ridiculous. The credit card info on the preorder had to be changed 4 times, which is a pain for me AND the dealer. I understand all the problems and the delays they cause, but if that's the case, don't make the announcement and advertise delivery schedules. Maybe the thought is "if we announce it, they will come", but they have failed so many times that their reputation is in the dumpster. I don't even look at their new announcements any more.........It's like offering trips to Mars..........Sounds great, but I'll probably never live to see it. The result is I no longer preorder IM stuff, which is self defeating since if we don't preorder, it's viewed as lack of interest, and there's less chance we will ever see the item. But if/when the SD40s show up, I'll probably buy all the road numbers of Milwaukee Road and the one announced MRL loco.........that's IF I can find them after not putting in a preorder.
So here's what bugs me: All of that is a reasonable reason for delays in releases, new or old and retooled. But to start taking pre-orders BEFORE You get at least some of these kinks worked out . . . . thats where the disillusionment sets in . . . .
Both of my pre-ordered loco's are thru my LHS, they don't have my credit card information so I'm safe there. While I'm glad to see they are explaining the situation, it still goes back to why announce soooooooooooooo many schemes when you don't have first ones out ? Get something on the street and then worry about adding more product.
I've done a couple preorders. Had the credit card expire, it took them so long to actually come. I don't think I'll go that way again...especially with the manufacturer. I just got one of the BLMA beer cars and paid list for it, then when they do hit the shelves, everyone has them for $7 less. I could have ordered a couple other things to spread out the shipping. Now it's the Bowser N5c's with radio antenna installed. Anticipated delivery next July. Cripes, I may not be alive or interested in trains by then. I'll see how I feel next summer and order a couple when woo woo woo or BLW have them in stock.
i remeber waiting close to 2 years for the 1st run of the SD-45-2's now the Conrail SD-40-2'S date are feb 2016, but at least its a correct version, (flexi coil trucks) funny BLW website still shows a deliver date of dec 2014
The manufacturer/importer has to have an idea of how many items to produce in order to get a production 'slot' in a factory. They don't want to under-order and definitely don't want to over-order certain decorated models. Under estimates leave people pissed-off with unavailable products they've been waiting for... over estimating leaves items on 'their' shelves as potential losses. This situation would be remedied if the production didn't have to come from overseas... where they have to compete for available production 'slots'.
