Do modellers really want more?

2457 Views 18 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Dennis David, May 19, 2006

Gary

Discussion Starter · May 18, 2006 (Edited by Moderator)

QUOTE Many modellers want more than the basic offerings by Hornby and Bachmann

Noting this comment in a DCC discussion it could make for a good general discusion topic.

Its all very well wanting more but at what price?

How many Bachmann Deltics will be sold with sound chips if they come in at the rumoured £70 above the cost of a standard model?

In terms of detailing how much more could Bachmann and Hornby offer?

They are surely at the limits now?

Running qualities cannot be bettered.

Lets accept that older models and rolling stock are having phased updates so no point in referring to older models. Code 100 track is here to stay as anything less falls apart.

Forget the finescale running gear argument. It is not suitable for the masses.

So what more can seriously be done?

And are you prepared to pay the price?

My personal view is that Hornby and Bachmann offer a value RTR mass produced product at a price and that those who want more can upgrade the product themselves to meet their specific criteria with their own money!

Read the Simon Kohler (Hornby's marketing manager) interview again. Simon makes a very valid point:-

http://www.modelrailforum.com/forums/index...om&page=SK-2005

QUOTE Customers come up and say that if we did that, or this, or something else, they would buy it. However, when you eventually produce the product, those customers who said they would buy it don't!

Happy modelling
Gary

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Gary

Discussion Starter · #6 · May 18, 2006 (Edited by Moderator)

QUOTE I too always want more especially if either Bachmann or Hornby start producing Era I or whatever you call Early locomotives. If they did then even I would start buying some.

There will always be a demand for new locomotives of whatever persusion although the big consideration here is commercial viablility.

I was thinking more about enhancements and improvements to existing product and the viability here given that we could be asked to pay more!

Agreed that it is very difficult to see how Hornby and Bachmann could improve on detail although to their credit they do seem to manage it year on year!

I think its more the areas under the skirt/kilt where there is room to enhance the picture.

However what is going to be the cost of this to the consumer and are these sort of improvements the sort of thing the typical railway modeller is willing to pay extra for?

Lights, sound, smoke, finescale enhancements and even better running are possibly the only catagories for consideration. DCC readiness with chips all prefitted?

This lot could more than double or even triple the cost of a loco!

A quick check does indeed confirm that full spec steam locos in Europe with all of the above are £300 or more!

Happy modelling
Gary

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Gary

Discussion Starter · #11 · May 18, 2006

QUOTE A quick check does indeed confirm that full spec steam locos in Europe with all of the above are £300 or more!

QUOTE So that leaves us back to where we started in all of these types of threads.

Maybe I should have titled the thread "Do UK modellers really want more?"

I remain unconvinced that UK model railway enthusiasts have the stomach for a £300 RTR loco although they do have the stomach for the extras. Maybe Hornby or Bachmann should come up with sound and smoke kits so that the basic models remain at the current pricing levels and those who want the sound and smoke can purchase the kits. Future models would have of course have to be designed to accomodate the fitting of these.

Happy modelling
Gary

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