Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length.

[kiwimodeller]

I am looking to purchase some steam engines for my own use and to resell so I did the usual internet search. I then sent off emails to two American companies and three British companies. Both American companies came back to me overnight (remebering that we have a time difference of between 13 and 17 hours), I ordered off one and got invoiced by Paypal. I made the payment and was notified when it was shipped. Total elapsed time 32 hours. It is now 10 days since I first emailed one British company and 7 days for the other two and still I have no replies. I know you have had a royal wedding but _ _ _ _! Kind of reminds me of the demise of the motorcycle industry in Britain quickly followed by the car industry. What I fail to understand is why these companies bother to have websites if they do not reply to enquiries from them and yes I realise they are probably one man bands, so am I. Ian

[derekwarner]

kiwimodeller ...I think we [in model marine steam market] as a small minority consumer group get a service relative to the manufacturers wishes...& my limited experience is.....

French engine manufacturers = prompt response, prompt shipment, after purchase assistance .... near non existant [JMC] ...Anton has better response
Japanese engine manufacturer   = need to deal with a 4 x fold purchasing tree & no direct access to the manufacturer for a response to a question   [Saito]   + a 12 week delivery?
UK engine manufacturers........I have not purchased any.....but from whom?
UK boiler builder = ACS Enginering = prompt response, prompt shipment....good to deal with & 100 A1 ...but no longer in business  
UK accessories manufacturers? ....Forrest Classics = prompt response, prompt shipment....good to deal with & 100 A1 .. MacSteam has a 100 A1 reputation
German accessories manufacturers? ..... Winfried Niggle = prompt response, prompt shipment....good to deal with & 100 A1 reputation

  ..in a perfect world...my next build would have......

Saito engine
Macsteam boiler + accessories + gas tank + deoiler/condensor
JMC gas/steam regulation
Winfried Niggle lubricator + valving + tubing flanges + accessories  ...............Derek