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Author Topic: Lack of fittings and accessories in Australia  (Read 5013 times)

bigfella

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Lack of fittings and accessories in Australia
« on: February 01, 2007, 10:58:38 pm »
Hi All

I don't know what it is like in the UK, but here in Australia when you walk into a hobby store and ask for fittings or accessories for a naval ship they look at you as if you are from another planet. All the R/C hobby shops in my area only stock Planes, Cars, Helicopters and Fast racing boats. It is so frustrating, the other day I went into one shop to try and find a life preserver in 1/32 scale and the reply was "No such animal" now I know there is because I had to buy a set of ebay. I think it is a fact that if you are not into the new thing (here it is helicopters) you just don't exist. What is the hobby shop scene like in the UK????


Regards Bigfella ;D
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Sub driver

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Re: Lack of fittings and accessories in Australia
« Reply #1 on: February 01, 2007, 11:04:40 pm »
 :) Try paul at PSShips, he knows just about everthing Naval, and a nice bloke, check out his website he's also a superb modeller of naval vessels ! ;D ;D Hope this assist
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bigfella

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Re: Lack of fittings and accessories in Australia
« Reply #2 on: February 01, 2007, 11:30:43 pm »
Thanks Sub driver
You wouldn't have his web address handy would you. I am on the Gold Coast.
Thanks Bigfella
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Stavros

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Re: Lack of fittings and accessories in Australia
« Reply #3 on: February 02, 2007, 12:01:50 am »
bigfella check out this link and you will find his web add and loads of others too all the bets Stavros
http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/Links/Traders_Directory.htm
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tigertiger

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Re: Lack of fittings and accessories in Australia
« Reply #4 on: February 02, 2007, 06:43:58 am »
Quote from: bigfella on February 01, 2007, 10:58:38 pm
Hi All

I don't know what it is like in the UK, but here in Australia when you walk into a hobby store and ask for fittings or accessories for a naval ship they look at you as if you are from another planet. All the R/C hobby shops in my area only stock Planes, Cars, Helicopters and Fast racing boats. It is so frustrating, the other day I went into one shop to try and find a life preserver in 1/32 scale and the reply was "No such animal" now I know there is because I had to buy a set of ebay. I think it is a fact that if you are not into the new thing (here it is helicopters) you just don't exist. What is the hobby shop scene like in the UK????


Regards Bigfella ;D

Hey luxury. ;D

I can't get stockwood, kicker, glues, varnish, all sorts here (China), but I have learned to be more resourcful.

Many bits come by oost from UK costing an arm and a leg. :(
Thanks royal mail ;)NOT
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RickF

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Re: Lack of fittings and accessories in Australia
« Reply #5 on: February 02, 2007, 10:00:17 am »
We've been down this road before. Model shops are in business. They exist to make a profit. Ergo, they will stock what they can sell most of. At the moment that is RTR plastic cars, helicopters and the odd boat. Anything else - and increasingly this means what used to be considered staple items, like modelling wood and styrene - will only be occasionally restocked.

Fortunately those of us that require something out of the ordinary are currently well served - at least in the UK - by many good mail-order and internet traders. I include eBay in these - I've had good service from may of the dealers on there.

Rick
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bigfella

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Re: Lack of fittings and accessories in Australia
« Reply #6 on: February 02, 2007, 10:24:01 am »
Yes Rick

I understand all that if you have an item in your store that does not sell that is money tied up that could be used for a quick turnover and hopefully a little profit to keep the doors open. My point is the virtual lack of Even acknowledgement that there are enthusiasts that are interested in something different.

Regards Bigfella
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DickyD

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Re: Lack of fittings and accessories in Australia
« Reply #7 on: February 02, 2007, 10:25:20 am »
Down here it is not so much that the hobby shops dont sell the stuff, its more the fact that there aren't any hobby shops thats the problem.

The one good thing is Westbourne Model Centre is only about 45 minutes away, less by phone.

Richard :)
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cbr900

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Re: Lack of fittings and accessories in Australia
« Reply #8 on: February 02, 2007, 11:55:11 am »
Like Bigfella I also suffer the same problems, and the model shops do not even want to order items in for you as it is to much of a bother........


Roy
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bigfella

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Re: Lack of fittings and accessories in Australia
« Reply #9 on: February 03, 2007, 02:29:19 am »
Well cbr900

If I ever win lotto I will set up a shop that only stocks the things that all the other shops refuse to.

And then go broke. At least I will end up with a lot of fittings :) :)

I dont mind going on the internet and buying fittings its the postage that kills. All the best online fittings are in the UK or USA, and the time it takes to fill the order, I ordered some fittings from a well known US online seller in November and I still havent seen anything. They have a policy that inhibits you asking about the progress of your order......................but I could go on forever.

...................and then there is the drought and kids of today and and....................................................................................

Bigfella
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Barry

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Re: Lack of fittings and accessories in Australia
« Reply #10 on: February 07, 2007, 10:46:04 am »
Have you tried Darkes Enterprises in Loganlea Qld. ph 0419142192. Or Float a Boat [www.floataboat.com.au] fastest mail order around. The website has downloadable catalogues. R2 Model marine is another one that has a good range of kits and bits.
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bigfella

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Re: Lack of fittings and accessories in Australia
« Reply #11 on: February 12, 2007, 12:55:48 am »
Hi Barry

I have seen float a boat and there OK but Darkes is news to me. I will try them as I am on the Gold Coast. Thanks again....

Regards Bigfella
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cbr900

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Re: Lack of fittings and accessories in Australia
« Reply #12 on: February 12, 2007, 02:16:34 am »
Bigfella,

John of John Darkes Enterprises is a nice guy and will help you in any way that it is possible,
and his prices are quite good, his service is excellent....
I use his business very often...


Roy
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herrmill

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Re: Lack of fittings and accessories in Australia
« Reply #13 on: February 12, 2007, 05:25:19 am »
You want to experience the desert, try living in China. 

I have to order everything off the net & mostly bring it back from my frequent visits to the States.

Chuck   
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bigfella

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Re: Lack of fittings and accessories in Australia
« Reply #14 on: February 19, 2007, 09:51:20 pm »
Hi Chuck

I can see how it would be a problem in China, but it seems funny how (from an Australians point of view) that all the things that you always need are Made in China. Not knowing much about the Chinese infrastructure this may sound stupid but if it were me I would find the factories that make stuff that I need and go and see what I could arrange directly. Or would I end up in trouble with the Authorities??

Regards bigfella
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tigertiger

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Re: Lack of fittings and accessories in Australia
« Reply #15 on: February 20, 2007, 01:41:42 am »
Quote from: bigfella on February 19, 2007, 09:51:20 pm
Hi Chuck

I can see how it would be a problem in China, but it seems funny how (from an Australians point of view) that all the things that you always need are Made in China. Not knowing much about the Chinese infrastructure this may sound stupid but if it were me I would find the factories that make stuff that I need and go and see what I could arrange directly. Or would I end up in trouble with the Authorities??

Regards bigfella

Hi Bigfella

I have met Chuck and he is making some inroads here.

One problem I have found is that OEMs (contract manufacturers) will not even give you scraps at it contravenes their manufacturing licence.
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