Topic: USA good stuff or not? (Read 8402 times)

John C · « **on:** February 04, 2007, 05:00:00 pm »

I'm shortly being forced (he he) to accompany swmbo to America (Miami) to celebrate her forthcoming five OOOOh ( we both love art deco). I was wondering if any forum members have been to the States and had an angle on what's worth bringing back. I had thought I'd like a river boat (plan kit whatever) New Orleans type stern paddler......... but perhaps Miami isn't the model epicentre of the USA. I really am open to suggestions (clean ones only on a post card) as I have not been to the States before, and have no idea whats available.
Have you any experience of buying/shipping from the States that you're willing to share, and were you happy with what you got?

Doc · « **Reply #1 on:** February 04, 2007, 06:57:17 pm »

John,
Bring ~ME~ back with you! When you get tired of feeding me, just send me home. Sounds like a very good deal to me...
- 'Doc

Bunkerbarge · « **Reply #2 on:** February 05, 2007, 01:05:51 am »

I work in Florida and I do buy a few bits and bobs while I am over here, although I have never bought a boat kit.

One major advantage at the moment is that the exchange rate is very favourable for buying goods. Unfortunately there is a very real chance that you may get pulled to one side by Customs, particularly as you may be carrying a very large box. You do have a lot more chance though than if you were getting it shipped over. I would make a handle to carry the box, wrap it in tape or paper or something and carry it.

I did once buy a Tamiya built model of the Bismarck as they were not available in the UK and simply carried it as hand luggage, in an appropriate box of course but I mostly nowadays only buy my engineering supplies over here as these bits always go back in my luggage.

As for American kits I would suggest that you get on the internet. You will be able to find shops in the area you are going to visit and see what they have to offer as well as how best to buy it. It may also be a good idea to get hold of a couple of American model boat magazines and have a look through them for ideas and outlets.

OMK · « **Reply #3 on:** February 05, 2007, 03:42:26 am »

If on the box it says "Made in America", then you can bet you're getting a good deal. Likewise, avoid anything that says "Made In Taiwan".

Doc:
Why would a Yank hanker to come to Blighty? You've got EVERYTHING there already.
The home of Fender and Gibson, Harley Davidsons', decent-sized steaks, drive-in movies, baby-delivering firemen, near-as-nekkid wimmin........

FullLeatherJacket · « **Reply #4 on:** February 05, 2007, 09:14:49 am »

PMK
I thought Fenders were all made in Mexico these days, and as for "baby-delivering" firemen? Can't they just stick with pizzas?
Doc
Don't even think about it. We have Tony Bliar, ASBOs, hyper-expensive road fuel, Channel 4 and wall-to-wall Z-list "celebrities" (i.e. not even Paris Hilton knows them). At least we got rid of Mr and Mrs Beckham.
John C
Bunkerbarge is right about Customs. A great big box would certainly attract attention from the Chalkies in the Green channel.
Suit yourself.

cbr900 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 05, 2007, 10:35:22 am »

PMK,

Why on earth would you want a Harley, over priced, noisy,uncomfortable,not fuel efficient,leak oil,do not handle, but very useful as a stationary water pump...

Roy

HS93 (RIP) · « **Reply #6 on:** February 05, 2007, 11:05:04 am »

sounds like a BSA.. Peter

Hobie21 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 05, 2007, 11:53:25 am »

I lived in California for twenty-six years and found the models supplies in the U.S. were of good quality. I still purchase parts from the U.S. because even with the shipping costs it proves to be better value for money and a greater range of products.

John C · « **Reply #8 on:** February 05, 2007, 12:45:15 pm »

Thanks for all the reply's.

I'd sort of come to the conclusion that there could be a bargain to be had with the current exchange rates, but had no previous experience of American kits.

John C

HS93 (RIP) · « **Reply #9 on:** February 05, 2007, 01:00:48 pm »

you may find that wood is of better quality than uk and a lot cheaper and a big bundle in a case would not interest the customs.. Peter

Tug Man · « **Reply #10 on:** February 05, 2007, 02:07:16 pm »

It is funny how the grass always looks greener on the other side. Like Doc you could bring me back with you as well. What you have in the U.K. is a mecca of building supplies, kit manufacturers, and hobby shops like no where else. What we have here in the states are a few companies. Midwest, Bluejacket, and of course Dumas. Dumas has now quit making fiberglass hulled kits and only does vacuumed hulls. The wood in their kits was never very good, all luan plywood. Dumas does make a Creole Queen riverboat.
There are of course your average guys making fiberglass hulls, what you call cottage industry that are making some very high quality hulls. Finding them and getting on their waiting list is another story. No one company sticks in my mind in Miami. The closest would be Model Expo in Hollywood Florida. Although they carry more of the sailing ships than R/C. They do have a Mississippi River boat kit made by Amati for $350.00 USD. Scaleshipyard.com is in California and makes some great tug kits. Microglass In Upstate new york have a good line of fiberglass hulls.
I wish I could give you names of shops in Miami but I honestly don't know of any. Their must be some they just don't advertise nationally.

Don

John C · « **Reply #11 on:** February 05, 2007, 06:01:59 pm »

I am aware from reading the threads on this and other sites, that we are pretty well catered for when it come to our chosen hobby in the UK compared to some countries.
I just thought I might be able to bag a bargain while I was in the USA and perhaps get something a little different to what's on offer here.
To be honest I dont usually buy kits although I did build a few Billings kits (and a kiel Craft) when I was younger, I prefer to do my own thing these days sometimes from a plan but usually something semi/stand off scale from an idea thats pops into my head.
Last year I did finish a Caldercraft tug and built a vac formed puffer (model slipway) for the widow of my modelling friend who passed away. But plastic doesn't really do it for me, I appreciate (after a break of 20 odd years) that it's a good modelling medium with which you can get some great results it's just what you're used to I suppose.
I will certainly buy some hobby magazines while I'm in the States (got to have something to take your mind off the eye candy) and perhaps follow up suppliers when I get home.

John C

rats · « **Reply #12 on:** February 06, 2007, 10:16:30 am »

Off tack I know - but if I were going USA in near future I'd buy a copy of Windows Vista half price of UK !

Tug Man · « **Reply #13 on:** February 06, 2007, 01:14:12 pm »

John C, I really wish it were a better place for you to find something different here. We would all benefit if it were. You may have trouble finding magazines about this hobby here. Ships in Scale is the best one and about the only one you can find if you get lucky. Usually it is subscription available only, but some hobby shops do carry them. The other boat mag is having troubles getting out an issue and is also subscription only just now.
If you wanted magazines on plastic models, cars or trucks you can find them. I am not trying to paint a gloomy picture for you about what you may find. I hope you prove me all wrong and leave here one happy builder. Let us know how the trip turns out if you would?

Don

tigertiger · « **Reply #14 on:** February 06, 2007, 02:58:40 pm »

Quote from: Tug Man on February 06, 2007, 01:14:12 pm

John C, I really wish it were a better place for you to find something different here. We would all benefit if it were. You may have trouble finding magazines about this hobby here. Ships in Scale is the best one and about the only one you can find if you get lucky. Usually it is subscription available only, but some hobby shops do carry them. The other boat mag is having troubles getting out an issue and is also subscription only just now.
If you wanted magazines on plastic models, cars or trucks you can find them. I am not trying to paint a gloomy picture for you about what you may find. I hope you prove me all wrong and leave here one happy builder. Let us know how the trip turns out if yo would?

Don

There have been a few gripes about the UK magazines on this website as well. Mostly about the lack of content on modelling.

John C · « **Reply #15 on:** February 06, 2007, 05:20:51 pm »

Tug Man

I'm not going until the end of April, but I'll post how I get on.

I'm surprised to hear that there is a lack of magazines in the USA, I found when Doing some research on my Father in Laws ships from WWII that the American web sites had a more info available, although two were USA loan ships, (Destroyer escort HMS Capel & a BYMS).

Perhaps there's a business opportunity there for someone?

John C

Capt. Spaulding · « **Reply #16 on:** February 06, 2007, 06:42:49 pm »

Some impressions from a boat-builder in the USA:

1) Curent currency exchange rates probably make products priced in US dollars look attractive to folks on the other side of the pond.

2) Some US companies (for example, Bluejacket, Harbor Models, Microglass) offer top-quality products and efficient, helpful, reliable service. Others (no names, please) tend to exhibit a variety of faults: exhorbitant prices; persistent lack of inventory; slow/shoddy/hostile service; and, from time to time, outright nuttiness (the proprietor of a Mom-and-Pop business once scolded me while I tried to place an order because my phone call interrupted his nap). My experience with ordering by mail from UK companies generally has been much better.

3) As for US hobby shops...well, the less said, the better, in many cases. Shops that cater to the model boat hobby are few and far between, and the "general interest" shops that do have a boat section usually treat it as if it were an unwelcome step-child. The situation is somewhat better when it comes to building supplies, but not by much; once again, lack of inventory and unhelpful service are the root causes of the problem.

By the way...You folks in the UK might complain about Tony Blair, but at least he's on the way out. Over here, another Clinton might be on the way in.

Tug Man · « **Reply #17 on:** February 06, 2007, 06:50:58 pm »

John C
I think the problem with the magazines here is finding people to provide the content on a monthly basis. With the ever decreasing supply of scratch builders here the magazine is limited for their monthly content. There are only so many kits made here so once that is number is completed and no new scratch builders are stepping up to the plate what does one do? Many people like to build models and read about how others build them. But few like to actually sit down and write about how they make them. The new magazine R/C Scale Ships I think it is ( I may be wrong ) has had problems meeting publishing deadlines and subscribers don't receive their copies on time. The issue before last was a few months behind schedule. This last one is still not in the hands of the sucscribers. Worse yet they do not answer their phone or respond to e mails. It doesn't look good at this point.

Don

Tug Man · « **Reply #18 on:** February 06, 2007, 07:04:20 pm »

Capt, I concur with everything you posted. I believe I even placed an order from that napping gentleman. It seems I called him and woke him up from a nap and was promptly told about it. On the other hand everything I have ordered from the U.K. has been dealt with on a first class process. Even when I had a broken item it was replaced without questions asked. I am willing to suffer the exchange rate for this kind of quality and service. Another good hobby shop is Lowell Brigg's in Comeauville, Nova Scotia, Canada. I find he is very well stocked and ships fast.

Don

Quote from: Capt. Spaulding on February 06, 2007, 06:42:49 pm

Some impressions from a boat-builder in the USA:

1) Curent currency exchange rates probably make products priced in US dollars look attractive to folks on the other side of the pond.

2) Some US companies (for example, Bluejacket, Harbor Models, Microglass) offer top-quality products and efficient, helpful, reliable service. Others (no names, please) tend to exhibit a variety of faults: exhorbitant prices; persistent lack of inventory; slow/shoddy/hostile service; and, from time to time, outright nuttiness (the proprietor of a Mom-and-Pop business once scolded me while I tried to place an order because my phone call interrupted his nap). My experience with ordering by mail from UK companies generally has been much better.

3) As for US hobby shops...well, the less said, the better, in many cases. Shops that cater to the model boat hobby are few and far between, and the "general interest" shops that do have a boat section usually treat it as if it were an unwelcome step-child. The situation is somewhat better when it comes to building supplies, but not by much; once again, lack of inventory and unhelpful service are the root causes of the problem.

By the way...You folks in the UK might complain about Tony Blair, but at least he's on the way out. Over here, another Clinton might be on the way in.

John C · « **Reply #19 on:** February 07, 2007, 05:35:59 pm »

Did I say bag a bargain...................Just had the invoice for the trip with £518 worth of flight supplements added.

Seeing as my garden pond is frozen over at the moment, I can't help thinking that global warming is just another stealth tax.

Oh well, you can't take it with you.

John C

Tug Man · « **Reply #20 on:** February 07, 2007, 05:49:39 pm »

All the more reason to be able to bring something back with you. :)

Don

Quote from: John C on February 07, 2007, 05:35:59 pm

Did I say bag a bargain...................Just had the invoice for the trip with £518 worth of flight supplements added.

Seeing as my garden pond is frozen over at the moment, I can't help thinking that global warming is just another stealth tax.

Oh well, you can't take it with you.

John C

tigertiger · « **Reply #21 on:** February 08, 2007, 02:41:47 am »

Quote from: Tug Man on February 07, 2007, 05:49:39 pm

All the more reason to be able to bring something back with you. :)

Quote from: John C on February 07, 2007, 05:35:59 pm

Oh well, you can't take it with you.

What?
Bring what back when you return from the dead? :'(

Triang? Airfix? Humbrol?

John C · « **Reply #22 on:** February 08, 2007, 04:52:40 pm »

Yeah.........good thinking Tiger Tiger

I arrived home from work one day shortly after leaving school, to find my Mum had given away my prized Triang Mistral yacht, still with original box!!!

If I decide to come back and haunt someone, maybe I'll bring my long lost boat with me.

If you hear sounds of ghostly rigging.........................

John C

John C · « **Reply #23 on:** July 31, 2007, 02:20:47 pm »

A bit late posting this reply but there wasn't really much to say.
I guess that most people who muck about with boats in Miami can afford the real thing, didn't see anything much model boat related. One of the malls we went to had diecast and plastic, but not much of interest to me.
There was a definite absence of hobby magazines as well, but maybe I looked in the wrong places.
Which leads me to another USA related question..........having read the article "Pratt's Landing" in the August MMI (the bits that weren't messed up by the type setter) I went on to John Fryant's web site "www.modelplans.steamboats.org" there's some great stuff on there if you like old steamboats. Anyway I digress, although he accepts orders from the UK he states that "overseas checks or money orders must be in funds drawn on US banks".
My local Barclays say they only do an International money order at a cost of £10, as the plan I am considering ordering only comes to $25 with shipping even the bank teller though it was a bit excessive.
How do the rest of the forum get round this when ordering abroad.........or am I just being a bit Yorkshire? ::)

JC

kayem · « **Reply #24 on:** July 31, 2007, 02:26:45 pm »

Quote from: John C on July 31, 2007, 02:20:47 pm

How do the rest of the forum get round this when ordering abroad.........or am I just being a bit Yorkshire? ::)

JC

PayPal !! Hasn't John Fryant got an account, all the US traders I've used seem to have one. And on the Yorkshire thing, that kind of attitude isn't mean or tight fisted, it's just careful. At least that's what I tell my Lancashire born Wife, and I'm from Sheffield which is Yorkshire x 10 in many respects.

News:

Author Topic: USA good stuff or not? (Read 8402 times)

John C

Bunkerbarge

OMK

FullLeatherJacket

Hobie21

John C

Tug Man

John C

Tug Man

John C

Tug Man

Tug Man

John C

Tug Man

John C

John C