Originally Posted by Rusty Traque:
Originally Posted by Rocky Mountaineer:
Unfortunately for toy train makers, I think we're heading in the wrong direction (again)... this time with goods made in China. Although not universal, the perception of "made-in-China" being equated to junk seems on the rise, and a serious QA program is in order.
David
Athearn, Walthers and Rapido Trains don't seem to have quality issues with their Chinese builders.
Rusty
That's why I said it's not a universal perception. But let's also call it like it is. Stuff is produced in China now largely because that's where companies feel the cheapest cost of production exists. When that changes, another country will be found to make the cost equation more favorable. It's the way of the world. Cheap doesn't always equate to best quality though. Good enough? Perhaps. Best? Not likely.
Most folks here would probably admit the quality of our Korean-made trains was a step up from the current Chinese built trains. This isn't unique to O-Gauge trains, as I've heard the same concern voiced by many folks in the Standard Gauge world too. Although I've been lucky with the tinplate trains I've purchased thus far, some folks have encountered paint-chipping issues much more now than when products came from Korea.
About a year ago, many of us took delivery of scale Berkshire locomotives whose front wheel bushings came off as soon as the locomotives were removed from their packaging. The locomotives didn't even make it onto the track. 
That's another example of poor quality control. Lionel responded quickly for customers who called in their problem, but stuff like that shouldn't happen in the first place if quality is emphasized in production.
David
