I rang the shop earlier today to enquire about the 48's and was told that they will be arriving spread over a couple of shipments, apparently one ship is due here in the next few days, so hopefully they will be in peoples hot little hands in a few weeks, the ship with my version of the 48 (Werris Creek magpie model) is due here on the 22nd Dec, so probably have it in the New Year, wait's almost over.

Cheers Alex.

Might be pertinent to update any change of circumstance with Traino in view of the slightly delayed delivery schedule...

... in view of the slightly delayed delivery schedule...

You're a master of understatement I see GW.

I rang the shop earlier today to enquire about the 48's and was told that they will be arriving spread over a couple of shipments, apparently one ship is due here in the next few days, so hopefully they will be in peoples hot little hands in a few weeks, the ship with my version of the 48 (Werris Creek magpie model) is due here on the 22nd Dec, so probably have it in the New Year, wait's almost over.

Cheers Alex.

That is good news Alex, but yet again, their inability to keep their customers updated either via their website or other mediums shows their lack of respect to said customers.

The last post on their FB page was back in April, and I couldn't find any post relating to the 48's.  Pretty poor effort.

The photos of the pre-production models on their news page on the main website have never changed in the last few years, and they have yet to post pictures of a fully painted, assembled and finished production model.  Again, pretty poor effort.

Anyway, I'll be reserving judgement until they arrive, but if they are not up to scratch, I will probably sell them and order the Auscision version.

Cheers.

That is good news Alex, but yet again, their inability to keep their customers updated either via their website or other mediums shows their lack of respect to said customers.

The last post on their FB page was back in April, and I couldn't find any post relating to the 48's. Pretty poor effort.

The photos of the pre-production models on their news page on the main website have never changed in the last few years, and they have yet to post pictures of a fully painted, assembled and finished production model. Again, pretty poor effort.

Anyway, I'll be reserving judgement until they arrive, but if they are not up to scratch, I will probably sell them and order the Auscision version.

Cheers.

Hi LiverpoolRange,

I tend to agree to a large degree, their web site does have a piece about the 48 (buried half way down in the News section), but it is dated October, it would be nice to have an update saying that they are on-board a ship & due here soon, but then again other than Auscision, who are very good at mastering electronic comms (using FB), do any of the other major manufacturers really keep us up to date with progress, or lack thereoff?

I also agree it would be nice to have a photo of the production models, if they are now on ship (if not already here) then one would think that the factory could have supplied photos of the production run models, though I'm not sure we can blame Bob's for that as it may have been out of their control.

As for the quality I'm sure we'll know soon enough, though from what I've heard they are very good.

Cheers Alex.

Traino' did write on their NEWS page in October:


Production run samples which were test run for many days at both the October 2014 Sydney Model Railway Exhibition and on a particularly demanding private layout ran faultlessly.


Now, why on earth couldn't one of their staff taken a video of these locos running and put that video up on their FB page or their website.


I suggested that they do a short video clip of how one should go about the task of replacing the dud wheels in their 44 class too, but that was never done either.


They really are not taking advantage of the goodwill opportunities at their fingertips.


Roachie

Yeah, well a lot of that will be due to the attitude of the owner.....

Speaking of opportunities, I would imagine that the Liverpool exhibition is one of those times where a manufacturer can drum up business. I found it strange that Trainorama, while at the last Liverpool show decided to showcase their 48 class samples around the side of their stand with a hand written description of the upcoming model on an A4 piece of white paper.

This may sound perfectly acceptable, and I guess it is however just 10 steps away was another manufacturer, also producing a 48 class that knows how to advertise and promote their products. I would have thought pushing the 48 class would have been of great importance to Traino.

Your right Roachie, some golden opportunities to flood us with 48 class and general Trainorama propaganda have really been missed. I am by no means an advertising anything, but for me the whole thing seems a little under cooked.

I hope they do well, I really do, however it has almost come to a point with me where I am very biased towards one manufacturer (locomotive wise at this point). This is simply due to the excellent customer service they provide along with them offering quality products.  What else do you really need?

Will be good to see the Bobs model arrive.

Linton

I feel sorry for the importers, a two line update on FB generates them thousands of emails to troll through, and god forbid you 'upset' someone becasue you don't respond to their most precious query. Maybe TrainO don't need to advertise, just maybe the product is moving just nicely enough without any further expenditure for little extra result.

I feel sorry for the importers, a two line update on FB generates them thousands of emails to troll through, and god forbid you 'upset' someone becasue you don't respond to their most precious query. Maybe TrainO don't need to advertise, just maybe the product is moving just nicely enough without any further expenditure for little extra result.

I wouldn't feel sorry for them. What somebody does for a living is very much their own choice. I sympathise for people that have to deal with real life problems like criminals and saving peoples lives. Replying to a FB post is really not that hard.

In saying that, not getting a response about a model train is also not that big of a deal. I have however noticed that some people do buy large quantities of models and that being, have large sums of money tied up.

There are always two sides to these things. It just isn't the best way to run a customer based business I suppose.

Linton

Whats the general consensus on the Traino' 48 anyway?
From what I have seen so far its pretty nice - just interested what people might be thinking as a three way comparison between TrainO,Auscision and P/Line - obviously with no Auscision sample yet on hand but interested on people's thoughts.

Whats the general consensus on the Traino' 48 anyway?
From what I have seen so far its pretty nice - just interested what people might be thinking as a three way comparison between TrainO,Auscision and P/Line - obviously with no Auscision sample yet on hand but interested on people's thoughts.

I had the privilege of DCC testing the Traino 48 just prior to the Liverpool show.
While there is only one other model on the market at the moment I can say it is far superior to the previous offerings and you will be able to open it much easier with definitely no damage and parts falling off. The only part that maybe tricky for some is refitting the actually metal chain between the body and bogie by fitting a small chain loop on a small hook.
The detail is right up there and has smooth running qualities. Fitting an 8 pin decoder is simple and fuss free. The installed speaker will be sufficient to provide good sound quality. I tested it in DC, DCC and DCC with sound and found no problems and I'm sure those who have been waiting a long time will be rewarded with the best 48 class we have seen to date. And the wait is almost over.

The Captain

I wouldn't feel sorry for them. What somebody does for a living is very much their own choice. I sympathise for people that have to deal with real life problems like criminals and saving peoples lives. Replying to a FB post is really not that hard.

In saying that, not getting a response about a model train is also not that big of a deal. I have however noticed that some people do buy large quantities of models and that being, have large sums of money tied up.

There are always two sides to these things. It just isn't the best way to run a customer based business I suppose.

Linton

Replying to an FB post is easy for you, try being the business owner and doing it for yours and the other 200 replies you get and the 2000 emails and answering all the phone calls it generates on top of that.

Maybe TrainO don't need to advertise, just maybe the product is moving just nicely enough without any further expenditure for little extra result.

If that is true, then they are the only company I have ever come across in my business life (almost 40 years as a banker with NAB) that has not seen any potential benefit from pushing their own product....especially if that is in the form of free advertising (as would be the case if they chose to simply provide more regular updates on their FB page and/or website.

God bless Trainorama's management.....they have more business than they know what to do with (according to the wisdom of Aaron).

Roachie

Replying to an FB post is easy for you, try being the business owner and doing it for yours and the other 200 replies you get and the 2000 emails and answering all the phone calls it generates on top of that.

That's the whole issue mate....IF they chose to update FB or website more often they wouldn't get anywhere near the amount of emails, phone calls etc because the punters would be well-enough informed to just go with the flow..... Strewth!!!!

If that is true, then they are the only company I have ever come across in my business life (almost 40 years as a banker with NAB) that has not seen any potential benefit from pushing their own product....especially if that is in the form of free advertising (as would be the case if they chose to simply provide more regular updates on their FB page and/or website.

God bless Trainorama's management.....they have more business than they know what to do with (according to the wisdom of Aaron).

Roachie

Problem is with some is the push mentality of them.

If you think that TOR are the only ones who are bad in that way I doubt if you have looked too far to see others no better & in fact one of them worse.

Problem is with some is the push mentality of them.

If you think that TOR are the only ones who are bad in that way I doubt if you have looked too far to see others no better & in fact one of them worse.

Very true mate.....

Thankfully, it is only TOR that I have invested funds in (other than Auscision).....so, somewhat selfishly, I have very little interest in what those other bloody clowns are up to.....hahaha

I just wonder why they even bother to have a website or FB page if they don't bother updating it; thereby virtually inviting the punters to phone or email them for updates.....which would be a pain in the arze for them of course....

Very true mate.....

Thankfully, it is only TOR that I have invested funds in (other than Auscision).....so I very little interest in what those other bloody clowns are up to.....hahaha

Bill, I think a big problem is when the push mentality plays a big part, & ends up with models being fully paid for in advance, then more models are announced & the push goes onto them is what causes a lot of the angst, especially when delays come into play, with no news comming.

I also believe that TOR has tried to be a bit more informative over the times regarding the reasons for delays especially how they have been affected by the old factory situation & need for retooling, something the others who used the same factory have not been as up front about it either, & they having now all their eggs primarilly in the one basket has not helped either.

I hope to goodness that the latest Race update is not correct especially with some models due this year, & more especially first quarter next according to the push tales, along with a couple of other long winded models.  The other aspect though is how many models of loco's that are on the announced list from them all, that have had no news about them either, even when a direct question has been put on their FB page its ignored, just replies to the push comments?

How many models have also been announced & are very much at the end of the line now even with deposits & other amounts paid for them, & for some time at that?  Would be an interesting list to show when a model was announced, orders with deposits or full payment also first put, & when they also arrive.

Replying to an FB post is easy for you, try being the business owner and doing it for yours and the other 200 replies you get and the 2000 emails and answering all the phone calls it generates on top of that.

It doesn't have to be easy or hard for me. I am not selling model trains. Judging by how the other guys use Facebook it seems that not all FB questions are answered. It's purely an information distrubution method. As for answering 2000 emails and answering a phone, that is their job! Would someone seriously not expect to do these type of things if going into business selling retail products.

I rang an importer the other day to place an order and I could not get through. Later that night (around 1900) I had a return phone call from the importer who promptly placed my order over the phone and the locomotive turned up two days later. These guys just received a shipment, were able to answer a phone and also mail all the orders out. I was so impressed and that is why I will be a return customer. It's simple for me.

I agree that some customers would be difficult to deal with, "precious" as you say however general consensus seems to indicate there may be a few problems.

Just my opinion mate. Not fact. I am not writing a book about it.

Linton

If that is true, then they are the only company I have ever come across in my business life (almost 40 years as a banker with NAB) that has not seen any potential benefit from pushing their own product....

At quarter past two in the morning I can hardly really be bothered thinking too much about this, but at 6.30 I will head to work for the day and just quickly off the top of my head will deal with 5 companies that do not advertise, companies founded in the 60s and 70s, sometimes earlier than that, seem to be surviving just nicely. There is little point in advertising a product that is fully subscribed, or will be shortly before, or even shortly after release. In Australia at least, it is illegal to sell a product more than once, so what would the advertising* gain them?

especially if that is in the form of free advertising (as would be the case if they chose to simply provide more regular updates on their FB page and/or website.

*At whatever cost, but never free, even an email or FB post takes time to make.

God bless Trainorama's management.....they have more business than they know what to do with (according to the wisdom of Aaron).

That is a vast misrepresentation of what I posted. They likely don't have more business than they know what to do with, but their limited product run is generally sold within short time of arrival. In many cases, take it from someone that's dealt with them, you cannot just email the Chinese and say 'Roachie's advertising scheme worked and we need to triple the order!' - the factory has no capacity for that, so actually, Roachie's advertising scheme was fruitless.

At quarter past two in the morning I can hardly really be bothered thinking too much about this, but at 6.30 I will head to work for the day and just quickly off the top of my head will deal with 5 companies that do not advertise, companies founded in the 60s and 70s, sometimes earlier than that, seem to be surviving just nicely. There is little point in advertising a product that is fully subscribed, or will be shortly before, or even shortly after release. In Australia at least, it is illegal to sell a product more than once, so what would the advertising* gain them?

*At whatever cost, but never free, even an email or FB post takes time to make.

That is a vast misrepresentation of what I posted. They likely don't have more business than they know what to do with, but their limited product run is generally sold within short time of arrival. In many cases, take it from someone that's dealt with them, you cannot just email the Chinese and say 'Roachie's advertising scheme worked and we need to triple the order!' - the factory has no capacity for that, so actually, Roachie's advertising scheme was fruitless.

Okay.....you win

That is a vast misrepresentation of what I posted. They likely don't have more business than they know what to do with, but their limited product run is generally sold within short time of arrival. In many cases, take it from someone that's dealt with them, you cannot just email the Chinese and say 'Roachie's advertising scheme worked and we need to triple the order!' - the factory has no capacity for that, so actually, Roachie's advertising scheme was fruitless.

That is something that many do not realise its not a matter of just picking up the phone to order more models & its the same with doing reruns even without any modifications to them, there is a stand in line for production slot to be considered.

When the Sydney Exh returned to Liverpool a long awaited model had finally arrived, such was the demand the importer was telling all who would listen that he had already advised the factory that he wanted another run of them ASAP.  I guess in this case its a matter of beleiving what was said, although the rerun is still being advertised, & a few cyclones under the bridge since then.

Okay.....you win

You're right Roachie.  Give it up!  You can't inform or teach some people.

I ran a business based on attending to the needs of customers and keeping them happy.  It worked!  In the brave new world of the internet the customer seems to be a nuisance.  Counting minutes needed to answer a request as a cost!  Glad I have retired from that sort of rat race.

Regards,
John

After all the talk, is is interesting to note the first poster found out news, BY RINGING.  He then shared the info.  Seems to me if you want to know what's happening, is to Ring and ask. In this case we know Bob'd Hobbies is intertwined witnTrainorama, so ringoing the shop works.

The method of communication is rather old but still works.

Regards,
David Head

At quarter past two in the morning I can hardly really be bothered thinking too much about this, but at 6.30 I will head to work for the day and just quickly off the top of my head will deal with 5 companies that do not advertise, companies founded in the 60s and 70s, sometimes earlier than that, seem to be surviving just nicely. There is little point in advertising a product that is fully subscribed, or will be shortly before, or even shortly after release. In Australia at least, it is illegal to sell a product more than once, so what would the advertising* gain them?

So Aaron you do the breakfast shift At McDonald's , Lunch shift at KFC , After noon tea shift at Wendy's , tea shift at Hungry jacks then do a shift delivering pizza's .

Trainorama have more than one engine to sell . So I think they need to keep there customers informed who have paid deposits or in full .

Because what people paid for a long time ago . Trainorama plans have changed with what numbers and models are being done .

This latest info of their plans from about 6 weeks ago that I got . Is not on their website and should be so the customer can have time to think what they would like to do with their orders .

If Trainorama or other model train business thinks that they can survive in the future .

By thinking . We will take your money and no communication from then .

Then they wont be in business much longer . Once the customer has been burnt  they usually don't return .