Why aren't more MTH dealers taking advantage of this program. The ones that are, are doing great. The thing you have to remember is to do a local name car or engine. You should start with a freight car. My opinion its a great way to make money and probably a few new customers.
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It seems like the market is being flooded with custom runs. Perhaps not every business wants to assume the risk for a potential product that might not sell well.
With the state of the supply chain / economy, I have to wonder if all these proposed products will ever be produced?
Been waiting almost a year now on 3 items.
Which, or where, is the MTH dealer that will sponsor the Premier Boston & Albany 0-8-0 switcher or 4-6-2 Pacific that I would like to buy?
MELGAR
Mel. The risk with motive power is much greater than freight which I know you are well aware.
A large NE dealer would need to step forward but most likely have no interest.
@DMASSO posted:Mel. The risk with motive power is much greater than freight which I know you are well aware.
A large NE dealer would need to step forward but most likely have no interest.
Don,
That's my point. Where is there a dealer in New England who would do my project? So, the custom-run business model leaves us without new product. Especially motive power.
I'm pleased that JR Junction Train and Hobby in Syracuse, New York has proposed custom runs of New York Central, Boston & Albany, and Rutland cabooses. But I think that's primarily due to the sales potential of the New York Central version. Same question regarding New Haven locomotives and rolling stock.
MELGAR
Maybe the delivery times of the past are still to fresh for both the customer and retailer.
@jim sutter posted:Why aren't more MTH dealers taking advantage of this program. The ones that are are doing great. The thing you have to remember is to do a local name car or engine. You should start with a freight car. My opinion its a great way to make money and probably a few new customers.
How do you know they are doing great? Just because people are ordering the custom pieces doesn't equate to "great" for the dealer. Most dealers take pre orders with little or no money down, so there is no immediate influx of cash. Furthermore only dealers and MTH know when and how much money is exchanged prior to product being delivered...if the dealer needs to shell out money up front that could be a strain on their day to day. You have to wonder how many people don't follow through with their commitment and back out of the order when the piece is delivered months/years later. As far as getting new customers, speaking from my experience, I've ordered special run items from place I never ordered before, but still go to my regular dealer for everything else. While the custom run stuff is cool, all the risk is on the dealer, so I can see why they might be hesitant to jump in.
Typically, dealers stay away from custom runs because of the risk of getting stuck with unsold product. If the minimum order quantity is not met, that dealer gets stuck with purchasing the remaining units. Not everyone can afford to take that risk in what is a fairly low profit business model. This is a brilliant business decision on the part of MTH as they have successfully shifted a majority of the cost risk to their dealer network.
Just my opinion based on experience with doing custom run projects. I cannot speak directly to MTHs current business practices, but if one wants a custom run, I would think that they could approach MTH and have anything done they want with the current tooling as long as they front the cost for the MOQ.
@SIRT posted:With the state of the supply chain / economy, I have to wonder if all these proposed products will ever be produced?
Been waiting almost a year now on 3 items.
If you get a product within a year after it was announced, that is good given all the obstacles. We may not like it - but that is the way it goes.
With that said - a good number of my recent purchases have been custom runs. Love em.
Paul - all good waits come to those with things - Licata
@GG1 4877 posted:Typically, dealers stay away from custom runs because of the risk of getting stuck with unsold product. If the minimum order quantity is not met, that dealer gets stuck with purchasing the remaining units. Not everyone can afford to take that risk in what is a fairly low profit business model. This is a brilliant business decision on the part of MTH as they have successfully shifted a majority of the cost risk to their dealer network.
Just my opinion based on experience with doing custom run projects. I cannot speak directly to MTHs current business practices, but if one wants a custom run, I would think that they could approach MTH and have anything done they want with the current tooling as long as they front the cost for the MOQ.
That's correct - (our club continues to do customs runs with MTH).
-Greg
Yeah, what you guys are saying makes sense to me, regarding the risk of making custom runs. I definitely have my mental list of locomotives and rolling stock I'd like to see done, even if they aren't mass produced, but of course the question is will they ever happen? For example, I wish Atlas would make LIRR and NY&A schemes for their MP-15's. I know MTH has them, but they are hard to find, and I want the better detailing of the Atlas models. If I have to, I will make my own custom models, but I'd rather the manufacturer makes them first.
Jim I love and have ordered custom runs to date but like club cars we will reach the saturation point and the manufacturers will reserve certain roads and manufacturers for themselves.
@jim sutter posted:Why aren't more MTH dealers taking advantage of this program. The ones that are are doing great. The thing you have to remember is to do a local name car or engine. You should start with a freight car. My opinion its a great way to make money and probably a few new customers.
You akso need colorful graphics snd a popular road name. You dont to be saddled with inventory at years end.
I think it also has to do with the dealer and the consumer base that surrounds them.
For example; here in the Syracuse area, we have @JR Junction Train & Hobby. Not only is Phil the proprietor, but also is our CNY-NRHS Club President, a member of the O gauge club attached to the Chapter, a Central New York area railroad modeler, NYCSHS Member and our age (mid/late 40's) and we have a "band of brothers" about the same age and modelling interests, which are also popular amongst the general public, and have direct lines to manufacturers which respect the level of detail and research we provide to release fun and accurate models. We're all active here on the forum and can gather interest in custom runs, such as the upcoming NYO&W sheathed boxcars, NYC and B&A cabooses. But not all the ideas we have come to fruition; some crash and burn.
It's the enthusiasm we encourage each other with that really gives our custom runs life.
My 2¢.
Thanks!
- Mario
@MELGAR posted:Which, or where, is the MTH dealer that will sponsor the Premier Boston & Albany 0-8-0 switcher or 4-6-2 Pacific that I would like to buy?
MELGAR
We were indeed looking at custom runs of a NYC Pacific, but the details on the MTH Premier were just too much off from actual NYC classes that we deemed it was not worth the reward. So research efforts were placed into the MTH Premier O&W F3A/B sets, Premier Finger Lakes Railway GP9, 2nd run of Railking NYC RS3 8223, Solvay Process tank cars and other yet to be announced.
Thanks!
- Mario
Speaking of custom runs! The TCA still has the Buxom Melons 36' reefer available here. I believe they originally commissioned 150 units (75 of each number), and as of today, they still have 45. Every TCA member should have one! 
Meanwhile, the Strasburg snowplow sold out very quickly.
As someone who collects MTH 36' woodsided reefers, I find the sold-out custom run pieces rather hard to find on the secondary market. These are coming out fast and furious lately. I currently have 46 on pre-order! 
@CentralFan1976 posted:We're all active here on the forum and can gather interest in custom runs, such as the upcoming NYO&W sheathed boxcars, NYC and B&A cabooses. But not all the ideas we have come to fruition; some crash and burn.It's the enthusiasm we encourage each other with that really gives our custom runs life.
My 2¢.
Thanks!
- Mario
Mario is 100% correct. We are doing the most we can do while keeping within our limits. We had plans for several years to eventually do a custom run caboose using MTH Premier N-6b caboose tooling. Unfortunately for us, the tooling has fallen into Lionel's hands and now we must acquire currently available MTH models and redecorate and customize them ourselves. Its disappointing for us, but more custom run projects are on our drawing boards that will get produced.
@Frank Mulligan posted:Speaking of custom runs! The TCA still has the Buxom Melons 36' reefer available here. I believe they originally commissioned 150 units (75 of each number), and as of today, they still have 45. Every TCA member should have one!
Meanwhile, the Strasburg snowplow sold out very quickly.
As someone who collects MTH 36' woodsided reefers, I find the sold-out custom run pieces rather hard to find on the secondary market. These are coming out fast and furious lately. I currently have 46 on pre-order!
I'm no prude but, that TCA Melon car was not a smart choice. I'm with you on the majority of 36' reefers being produced, MTH and Atlas.
@CentralFan1976 posted:We were indeed looking at custom runs of a NYC Pacific, but the details on the MTH Premier were just too much off from actual NYC classes that we deemed it was not worth the reward. So research efforts were placed into the MTH Premier O&W F3A/B sets, Premier Finger Lakes Railway GP9, 2nd run of Railking NYC RS3 8223, Solvay Process tank cars and other yet to be announced.
Thanks!
- Mario
The unfortunate fact is that MTH is not offering (especially steam) locomotives and (especially passenger) cars in the same quantities that they once did. So, the loss of MTH in the marketplace is becoming apparent. As of now, there hasn't been any MTH custom-run item that I have purchased. MTH was my preferred train-maker.
MELGAR
@Frank Mulligan posted:Speaking of custom runs! The TCA still has the Buxom Melons 36' reefer available here. I believe they originally commissioned 150 units (75 of each number), and as of today, they still have 45. Every TCA member should have one!
Well, not every TCA member wants something like that. Maybe if they made something classy instead.
While not MTH, Grzyboski’s is doing a custom run of two Lionel Legacy Reading & Northern SD40-2’s. To the best of my knowledge, it is only the 2nd or 3rd time they’ve offered a custom run (a couple of years ago, they had a very nice Delaware - Lackawanna C420).
I’d like to see some custom runs of at least some rolling stock of products for those of us who live in Northeast.
@Chris Lonero posted:I’d like to see some custom runs of at least some rolling stock of products for those of us who live in Northeast.
It’s a start…
Hopefully many more in years to come.
@Chris Lonero posted:I’d like to see some custom runs of at least some rolling stock of products for those of us who live in Northeast.
We're testing that market too!
@Chris Lonero
Let us know what you are looking for - maybe something that we can tie together with here in the midwest!
It’s Really Nice seeing stuff done with a specific locale target. There’s so Many of Us that are sick of the endless runs of the same old stuff over n over n over !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Guess what ??? We stopped buying !!!
Here’s hoping we are Now experiencing a bit of a hobby rejuvenation with the targeting of Long Ignored Markets !!!! I’m enjoying seeing New products I want that have never been done before !!! I hope you are too !!!
Cheers !!!! 🙂
PS-2 covered hoppers are what I would like to see.
You could start with this one.
@Berwyns Toys and Trains posted:We're testing that market too!
@Chris Lonero
Let us know what you are looking for - maybe something that we can tie together with here in the midwest!
I believe these are hot sellers! They are a great looking design! Good luck! I hope you sell a ton!
Shouldn't Berwyns Trains be doing a car featuring what comes natural from Berwyn, a Saturday night ritual:
@Berwyns Toys and Trains posted:We're testing that market too!
@Chris Lonero
Let us know what you are looking for - maybe something that we can tie together with here in the midwest!
I ordered both when first announced… can’t go wrong with Nipper (or PRSL)!!!
I ordered two custom run pieces from berwyns. the rock island geep and matching caboose. both were flawless and look amazing. my first time dealing with them and they were really great. from easy online ordering to phone calls the whole nine yards.
While they are making many mth engines in road names I collect. while the prices are very reasonable there are just so many of there custom runs engines I want its hard to get them all.
with all this inflation and gas prices being what they are its hard to save for train money.
while I will still buy another custom engine or two from berwyns when I get the funds. that is if they are still in stock. its hard to get all the models I would like that are being made.
there are so many custom mth runs already by berwyns and others that its almost to many comming out at once.
just saying maybe with the economy and other things. hobby shops could maybe do custom runs not so often. perhaps twice a year and promote these in advance so those of us with limited train budgets could save the money. it feels like there is somthing new out almost every month I want but dont have the funds to pre order or get.
I love mth products and my collection is almost 65 percent mth. I used to and still do order from the bigger online hobby shops if they have what I want. especially if what I want is on sale.
as far as getting new customers by hobby shops with these special runs. at least for me these custom runs do just that. being a midwest guy and running midwest road names. its where my engine dollars will go for now. so places like berwys are now my new go to hobby shop for new models I like and want.
@Lionelzwl2012 posted:While they are making many mth engines in road names I collect. while the prices are very reasonable there are just so many of there custom runs engines I want its hard to get them all.
with all this inflation and gas prices being what they are its hard to save for train money.
I share your view. I spent a lot on MTH stuff and custom runs last year, including 2 engines and several cars from Berwyn's. Part of the reason was not knowing how long the new MTH would last. In speaking with the owner of Berwyn's, his position was (probably shared by a lot of hobby shops) he didn't know how long MTH's run will last, either. Berwyn's is doing road names I like, too and that continues to capture my attention. As long as demand is robust, hopefully we are in a great position to enjoy looking at the new runs and choosing the gotta haves within our budgets.
Mike
@Frank Mulligan posted:Speaking of custom runs! The TCA still has the Buxom Melons 36' reefer available here. I believe they originally commissioned 150 units (75 of each number), and as of today, they still have 45. Every TCA member should have one!
Maybe they should open up the offer to non-TCA members if they are not selling well now. I tried to open that link but one must be a member just to look at the car?
@BenLMaggi posted:Well, not every TCA member wants something like that. Maybe if they made something classy instead.
You realize that was a real life company and the car features the actual company logo, right?
-Greg
@Greg Houser posted:You realize that was a real life company and the car features the actual company logo, right?
-Greg
Did they in fact have reefers ?
AFAIK it's a fantasy scheme....Greg
@jim sutter posted:Why aren't more MTH dealers taking advantage of this program. The ones that are, are doing great. The thing you have to remember is to do a local name car or engine. You should start with a freight car. My opinion its a great way to make money and probably a few new customers.
Jim:
I am somewhat puzzled by your question. Just about every dealer I buy from has done/are doing custom runs and most have done/are doing a number of them. They include Patrick's Trains, Mr. Muffin, Grzyboski Trains, Nicholas Smith, Stockyard Express, the Public Delivery Track and Trainworld. The only one that hasn't is CharlesRo. And there are a number of other Forum Sponsors who do custom runs as well, including Berwyns' Trains, JR Junction and Nassau Hobby.
Pat
I would like to see some REA owned cars in their 1929 to 1953 paint scheme (without the large red diamond). This scheme lasted well into the 60s. This is off HO Brass Trains Inc site.
This scheme was on a release of the rebuilt troop car (express car), but all of that run had the warped underframes. So I'd like to see Atlas do that one again.
This scheme would also be good on the 53'6" wood express reefer.
@CentralFan1976 posted:It’s a start…
Hopefully many more in years to come.
The engine you had mentioned is already being done by my LHS
@bluelinec4 posted:The engine you had mentioned is already being done by my LHS
This is a joint custom run between us and Scags EZ Catch Electric Train Shop. When produced it will be available at both stores.
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