Model Boat Mayhem

Mess Deck: General Section => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: Number 6 on December 22, 2010, 02:09:05 pm

Title: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Number 6 on December 22, 2010, 02:09:05 pm
Hi all, does anyone else out there subscribe to Model Boats Magazine? If so have you had problems with delivery? For the third time this year I'm having to chase up an undelivered copy. Saw the January 2011 edition in WHSmith today, been out since December 17th. As a subscriber you're supposed to receive it a couple of days before it's in the shops. Are standards starting to drop or is it too much to expect to receive a service that you've already paid for? Dave... >:-o >:-o >:-o
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Colin Bishop on December 22, 2010, 02:13:54 pm
Deliveries of the January issue have been delayed due to the adverse weather conditions, see announcement on the Model Boats Website - http://www.modelboats.co.uk/

I'm told that a subscriber in Essex did get his copy late yesterday afternoon so it would appear that Royal Mail are catching up.

Colin
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Number 6 on December 22, 2010, 02:20:53 pm
I'll let them off then, not looked on the website. Don't know what people would say if I could'nt turn out in our Fire Engine due to adverse weather conditions.  {-) O0 {-)
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: triumphjon on December 22, 2010, 02:22:39 pm
but we all notice its only adverse in britian ! the forecasters were warning of heavy snow fall for upto a week in advance yet still after a small bit of snow the whole country has screeched to a standstill !
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Colin Bishop on December 22, 2010, 02:41:35 pm
Interesting report in today's paper that BAA didn't buy sufficient de icing fluid for Heathrow and ran out. There is speculation that the Spanish owners are cutting back on costs because of the need to service the enormous debt they incurred in buying BAA.

I must say that our local postie has been delivering normally throughout, although quite a lot of mail we have expected has been significantly delayed. To be fair it is the very busiest time of year for Royal Mail in normal circumstances so the almost universally bad weather conditions are bound to have an effect.

I expect a lot of us on here can remember it worse. I recall walking on the frozen Thames at Kingston in '63/64. I do think a lot of people have used the weather as an excuse to bunk off work/school though.

Colin
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: DickyD on December 22, 2010, 02:47:18 pm
I received mine last Monday. :-))
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: colin on December 22, 2010, 03:05:35 pm
Glad it not just me then was about to phone them will wait another 24hours and kep out of Smiths.

Regards
Colin
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: pugwash on December 22, 2010, 03:08:23 pm
Mine arrived yesterday in the frozen north - you are supposed to be resting and not on the forum Dicky but glad your're back.
Geoff
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: sentry on December 22, 2010, 04:54:07 pm
hav,nt got mine yet and am in North Lincolnshire, so hope it come's before mother in law tomorrow for Christmas  so I can make my excuse's and go off and have a good read.
                                            Regards Sentry.
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Nordsee on December 24, 2010, 02:22:57 pm
but we all notice its only adverse in britian ! the forecasters were warning of heavy snow fall for upto a week in advance yet still after a small bit of snow the whole country has screeched to a standstill !
Don't you believe it! here in Germany it is total chaos, the Rail system is only operating now and again, Airports closed, towns run out of salt, no roads cleared. Indeed owing to some German Muppet banning Heavy lorries from Motorways, shops were not getting deliveries and no de-icer to Airports or fuel to filling Stations. Hows that for Organisation?  As I write the ICE Line between Hamburg and Berlin  is only open in one direction and there are 5 ICE trains stuck there with 700 passengers on board. Dusseldorf and Hamburg Airports ar closed, etc, etc. It isn't just Britain, and you seem to be getting your act back together rather well, but your Press just love to critisize anything British and only report the bad things, not the good. As the sign says on the Editors desk " Do not let the Truth spoil a good Story".
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: The long Build on December 24, 2010, 02:46:11 pm
Still not got mine but haho Its Just one of those things..   :-))
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Number 6 on December 24, 2010, 03:28:29 pm
It's finally arrived today! Gives me something to read over the festive period....That's 6705russell's Watson lifeboat on the cover, fame at last... {-)
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: nhp651 on December 24, 2010, 03:49:57 pm
I'm sorry, Colin but don't blame Royal mail this time.

They were blamed for the distribution fiasco with the 50th anniversary copy as well.

I ordered on line two large propellers for my Clyde lifeboat last Sunday 19th Dec, from Prop Shop, and they had to be cast as were none stock. They arrived by ROYAL MAIL this morning.....six days from casting to delivery.

I have had two large boxes delivered by Royal Mail in the last week that were only ordered from suppliers by Dave Metcalf late last week.

It's about time that Model Boats started having a lookcloser to home  at their distributer for subcriptions......if they can get them to WH Smiths and other retail outlets, before they are distributed for subscribers then there is a fault with that department and NOT Royal Mail.

I am no fan of Royal Mail, but in those last two circumstances I do not think that they can be held to blame.
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: The long Build on December 24, 2010, 03:57:48 pm
Well I'm afraid I think Royal mail have a part to play in this, 2 letters I sent were delivered within 48 hrs , However out of  4 parcels I know have been sent via Royal mail only 3 have arrived . 1 was despatched on the 10th !!  only arrived this morning..  8)
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Colin Bishop on December 24, 2010, 04:30:06 pm
Neil,

I think you need to understand that there are several factors at play here.

As far as the January issue of Model Boats is concerned, MyHobbyStore were informed by their Distributors that Royal Mail had informed THEM that there were delivery delays. I am simply passing on this information in good faith, not 'blaming' anyone as such. The fact that subscriber issues have been arriving every day this week including last Monday to my personal knowledge tends to support this. As Larry says, Royal Mail deliveries are very erratic at the moment. My wife got a parcel today that was posted on 6th December and we have not received several Christmas cards or another parcel we expected, or my Model Boats issue subscriber either! On the other hand I have had material from Paul Freshney and ACTion which arrived the next day.

With regard to the Model Boats distributor, it is true that they have been several days late in sending out subscriber issues in recent months with the result that people have been tending to receive them on publication day. This has been the subject of a high level meeting between MHS and the distributors who have been told that this is not acceptable.

Royal Mail were not blamed for the Commemorative issue problems as far as I am aware. That was down to W H Smith not getting the copies into their shops when they said they would which provoked a run on the limited number of copies held by MHS who ran out after a couple of days.

So it's really best not to generalise when criticising. I do my best to pass on what information is given to me, I am not a MHS employee so have no direct involvement in the distribution process.

Whether keeping distribution in house instead of outsourcing it would be a better bet is not for me to decide.

Colin

Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: gingyer on December 24, 2010, 05:03:31 pm
I too recieved my magazine toady (Superb article on the National warshipweekend by Dave Wooley  :-))  )

along with a letter sent on monday from my work, my wage slip was sent on wednesday arrived on friday.

I think it is safe to say things at royal mail are still messed up
not that their service is something they can be proud of  >>:-( >>:-(
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: sentry on December 24, 2010, 08:49:27 pm
Well am stil one of them who hav,nt got there's yet getting fed up with it now as it seams to be every month now for the last 4 or 5 so will be thinking of canceling and just get it from WHsmiths, was looking forward to a good read over the holidays as I say not just one month but 4 or 5 now.
                              regards Sentry.
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: wbeedie on December 24, 2010, 11:11:01 pm
Got my first issue today wasnt really expecting it here yet due to weather but it was sitting there when I got home from sea so will be reading it tomorrow when the madness of five kids settles down aka when the last present is opened
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: BarryM on December 25, 2010, 08:41:37 am
Our postie certainly hasn't been delivering 'normally'. In temperatures of minus 6 and lower he's delivering mail in a short-sleeved shirt!!! :o  :o  :o

He says he doesn't feel the cold and is well wrapped up but I suspect he's actually an alien life form casing the joint.

Barry M
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: LarryW on December 25, 2010, 09:57:30 am
DONT WORRY it not worth buying , lacks model content , nothing for new comers , i will stick with mayem :-)) LARRY W.......
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Peter Fitness on December 25, 2010, 10:25:50 pm
DONT WORRY it not worth buying , lacks model content , nothing for new comers , i will stick with mayem :-)) LARRY W.......

That's just your opinion, Larry. I wonder if we're talking about the same magazine? I for one wouldn't contemplate not getting Model Boats. In my opinion there's heaps of model content, and beginners are well catered for in most issues.

Peter.
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Klunk on December 26, 2010, 08:18:23 pm
still waiting for mine, some idiot is using christmas as an excuse I suppose!
Title: Am I the only one
Post by: sentry on December 30, 2010, 11:33:40 pm
Hi Gents
Am I the only one still waiting for there Model Boat Magazine, On sale 17th DEC, but still not got mine or is there others I normally get mine about 5 days before its due out i live in North lincolnshire and other post is getting here so it not the weather now would like some info before I kick up a fuss but then thay don't reopen till the 4th of Jan so i cant ever do that yet.
                                          Regards Sentry.
Title: Re: Am I the only one
Post by: Bob_V on December 31, 2010, 12:08:22 am

Finally got my copy today so you are not alone. Well maybe you are now :-) :-) :-)

Bob.
Title: Re: Am I the only one
Post by: The long Build on December 31, 2010, 01:32:57 am
Nope , Still waiting.. <:(
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Colin Bishop on December 31, 2010, 10:09:33 am
Got mine yesterday.

They're out there somewhere...

Colin
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: LarryW on December 31, 2010, 12:02:09 pm
hi got mine local whs, also got marine modeling international three days before release date , much better content . its only mag i will be buying this year  :-))Larry w...
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: sentry on December 31, 2010, 12:13:17 pm
glad somebody is  am still waiting
     Regards Sentry
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Colin Bishop on December 31, 2010, 01:56:50 pm
Quote
hi got mine local whs, also got marine modeling international three days before release date , much better content . its only mag i will be buying this year  )Larry w...

Then you are likely to be missing a lot then Larry, neither magazine has a monopoly on good content and each individual issue will appeal to different people depending on what is in it in a particular month. Some people tend to prefer one magazine over the other because it is more in line with their specific interests. That doesn't make one magazine necessarily 'better' than another. Whether you consider it to be so is just a personal opinion. I am associated with Model Boats but I will buy MMI too if there are articles I am particularly interested in. Model Boats does considerably outsell MMI according to the independent circulation bureau figures though.

Colin
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Liverbudgie2 on December 31, 2010, 02:55:20 pm
DONT WORRY it not worth buying , lacks model content , nothing for new comers , i will stick with mayem :-)) LARRY W.......

Mine arrived three days ago, not worth buying you write, in that case you will miss some first rate photograhs of models which are there to inspire all - whatever their ablities maybe.

LB
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: The long Build on December 31, 2010, 02:59:47 pm
From my point of view, over the past decades I have floated between the 2 , However have Tended to find that I Chose MB more than MMI , Like Colin I will browse MMI  If I see it in the shop and will purchase it if there is a suitable article , Such like the 1 I am building with My Son at the Moment from 1999.  What I do find is that with trying to complete my back issue catalog of MB I am finding they are much easier to sell than MMI, On this Forum and Ebay where they also seem to command a higher price , strange but true.  They both have their place,  and in a modelling world which seems to be domanated by Planes and Cars is welcome..


But still waiting mine... <:( <:(
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: tony52 on December 31, 2010, 03:55:01 pm
Still waiting for mine - as they haven't arrived in W H Smith I haven't give up hope yet.

Used to get MB, MMI and Ships in Scale. Large reduction in income meant I had to choose one - Chose MB!!

Tony
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Liverbudgie2 on December 31, 2010, 04:42:34 pm
Still waiting for mine - as they haven't arrived in W H Smith I haven't give up hope yet.

Tony

They have been in Sniths for the last three weeks to my knowledge, time you bent someones ear.

LB
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Wetwater on December 31, 2010, 08:55:51 pm
   Got mine in Smiths on it's due date, 17th .  There didn't seem to be as many on the shelf as normal though.

   Used to get MMI every month as well but only buy the odd copy now.  Prefer MB.
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Gra on January 01, 2011, 05:30:43 am
Got my Mag. late December.
Pages doubled up ,pages missing a complete mess.
Very disappointing.

Gra
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: tony52 on January 01, 2011, 12:41:18 pm
They have been in Sniths for the last three weeks to my knowledge, time you bent someones ear.

LB

Sorry LB for the misleading post - meant to say my subsciption copy hadn't arrived by the postie yet, but as I didn't see them in Smith's the other day I am still hopeful.

Tony.
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: joppyuk on January 01, 2011, 12:51:24 pm
I've had no problems here in Suffolk. Just received February copy through the post. Having said that, a lot of post has been delayed, sometimes up to three weeks after posting. Perhaps now the weather has cleared up things might get back to normal.
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: joppyuk on January 01, 2011, 01:18:13 pm
Please ignore my previous post (above) it was a real senior moment. It was the January issue that arrived!!. I really must keep of the Xmas sherry so early in the day. Comments about post generally were sound though.
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Colin Bishop on January 01, 2011, 02:03:08 pm
Quote
It was the January issue that arrived

Never mind, February will be here soon enough. I'm still receiving Christmas cards....

Colin
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Dekan on January 01, 2011, 03:08:46 pm
Bought mine from Wh Smugs last week.

I'm thinking of getting a sub as a birthday present for a mate of mine... I get him RCM&E... but he's into boats now..I cant make up my mind between MMI or Model Boats anybody got any thoughts
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: BrianCartwright on January 01, 2011, 03:26:16 pm
I take both magazines on subscription.
Each has its own merits and looks at the hobby slightly differently,
I think they are both first class and coupled wth model boat mayhem who could ask for more?  ;) :-))

Happy and prosperous new year to all.

Regards Brian
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: The long Build on January 01, 2011, 04:56:40 pm
Bought mine from Wh Smugs last week.

I'm thinking of getting a sub as a birthday present for a mate of mine... I get him RCM&E... but he's into boats now..I cant make up my mind between MMI or Model Boats anybody got any thoughts

Why not buy 1 of each for them and let them decide ?.
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Number 6 on January 01, 2011, 06:15:10 pm
I subscribe to both magazines too, MMI and Model Boats. You do make a saving over the year and most of the time they arrive on time! As for content, sometimes one is more interesting than the other but it's very unusual if I find nothing of interest in them. Dave.  :-))
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: ironman on January 01, 2011, 06:21:47 pm
I have ordered 3 MB mags from the MHS, UK..No problem.  Had to order Dec issue through MHS, US on 26 Nov and still waiting.  Emailed and called many times.  Was told it was sent on 30 Nov, then told that a new order was sent to UK through MHS, US on 20 Dec.  NOT YET.  PLUS:  Ordered 13 Issue subscription to MB on 20 Dec through ExpressMag.com, was told few days later that first issue (Jan 2011) was on the way.  Hopefully I will receive SOMETHING soon.  First time to order anything through MHS, US site or ExpressMag.  I tried to get my 8 digit Subscriber from MHS, UK and then from ExpressMag but can't et that either so I can read Subscriber Only articles on the MB website, have to wait until the Jan 2011 issue gets here so I can get the Subscriber number off the mailing label.  Hope no one else has to go through all this.  Like I said earlier,  Hopefully I will receive SOMETHING soon. Got to think positive.  ironman  (Ray)
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Peter Fitness on January 01, 2011, 11:35:35 pm
I have not received my January 2011 edition of Model Boats yet either, but I am on the other side of the world, and the weather has caused big problems over there.  Having said that, however, my copies of the magazine usually arrive much quicker than this one.

Peter.
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: RaaArtyGunner on January 01, 2011, 11:46:00 pm
I have not received my January 2011 edition of Model Boats yet either, but I am on the other side of the world, and the weather has caused big problems over there.  Having said that, however, my copies of the magazine usually arrive much quicker than this one.

Peter.

Peter,

Could it be that you didn't hang out your stockin.
Put it out now and Santa might do a U turn.
 O0 O0 O0 %) %) %)
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Gra on January 02, 2011, 03:40:31 am
As i indicated earlier in this column i have January 2011 subscription issue of mag but mag has two of some pages and zero of other pages.
Quite simply a mess.
Have sent email asking for a new copy after contacting Paul Freshney.
Fingers crossed.

Gra
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Peter Fitness on January 02, 2011, 04:21:35 am
Could it be that you didn't hang out your stockin.
Put it out now and Santa might do a U turn.

Perhaps I wasn't good enough during the year  %) {-)

Peter.
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Circlip on January 02, 2011, 07:20:57 am
Not sure about the toy Aircraft titles ,but certainly the two Muddle Ingineerin ones from MHS are suffering the same problems in delivery and "The weather" is being cited as a cause. Sadly, when the meteorological conditions change, that weapon in their armoury will have dissapeared so what then?

  While the editors of the said mags. can make all the sympathetic noises for their own bit of the pie, there does seem to be an underlying organisational problem with general subscription and distribution issues. I dropped a 2 mag sub years ago for the same inefficiency and that was when "Magically" owned it. Perhaps this is the norm we should expect from accountancy driven bureaucracies.

  Regards  Ian.
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Dekan on January 02, 2011, 10:05:09 am
Unfortunately poor service is now so much the norm, that nobody tries anymore..If the UK residents were more inclined to complain things might be a lot different..

But with vat changes and the massive train fare hikes... I have hopes that this might be the year that we finally send a message to the greedy pigs that run this country that they can't just continue to walk all over us...If we don't petrol will be £2 gallon by August
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: RaaArtyGunner on January 02, 2011, 10:08:10 am
It really is disappointing these days because everyone says they are sorry sorry sorry, even politicians. <:( <:( <:(

But at the end of the day nothing improves because they are not sorry, so saying sorry is meaningless, as are excuses. O0 O0 O0

Actions speak louder than words, being truly sorry means you will fix the problem. >>:-( >>:-( >>:-(
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Colin Bishop on January 02, 2011, 10:15:24 am
Quote
Actions speak louder than words, being truly sorry means you will fix the problem.

Yes, mistakes will always get made and people will accept that up to a point. It's how the problem is subsequently owned and remedied that attracts the judgement.

I think a lot of organisations are operating at less than peak efficiency because they have gone too far in cutting costs to maintain or drive up profits. But there are still a lot of very good ones too, many model boat suppliers give excellent and personal service and that is always very much appreciated.

Colin
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Dekan on January 02, 2011, 12:55:40 pm
Yes, mistakes will always get made and people will accept that up to a point. It's how the problem is subsequently owned and remedied that attracts the judgement.

I think a lot of organisations are operating at less than peak efficiency because they have gone too far in cutting costs to maintain or drive up profits. But there are still a lot of very good ones too, many model boat suppliers give excellent and personal service and that is always very much appreciated.

Colin

How true. IMO The more people involved in any enterprise the less likely the management is to take any responsibility for mistakes.. :((
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: phillnjack on January 02, 2011, 01:20:35 pm
Just to let you all know about deliveries etc.

The magazines dont travel all the way by royal mail believe me.
I worked for a company that picked up model boats mag and then it went to another wharehouse and then onto royal mail.

I too was a subscriber and couldnt believe it and how it went around.
I had one issue waiting to be delivered to my home , and yet the royal mail had not even got it yet as it was on my truck going to them.
Yes i was delivering to royal mail.

BUT it was already in the shops !!!! when i asked a few other drivers about this it seems that smiths get preferential treatment and the
lorries that deliver to smiths are on whats called specials.

I didnt believe this, till a few months later when i was delivering the specials to smiths, and yes it was a few days before the royal mail got it.

3 times i returned a mag telling them i had already purchased one in smiths and sent copy of recipt.

Then i cancelled it completely after not getting a particular issue that i realy wanted.

Plus they are far too expensive nowdays and prefer to read stuff on interweb

phill
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Yarpie on January 02, 2011, 08:32:38 pm
I think a lot of organisations are operating at less than peak efficiency because they have gone too far in cutting costs to maintain or drive up profits. But there are still a lot of very good ones too, many model boat suppliers give excellent and personal service and that is always very much appreciated.

Colin

I would fully endorse what you say there Colin. I have an online supplier who is situated west of Devon but not as far west as the USA, (if you get what I mean) and he is absolutely 100% reliable and prompt. And there must be more like him.

The word 'management' features here too. I firmly believe that management is more of a descriptive term nowadays than a noun. We really don't appear to have managers that actually 'manage' these days. (Even if they are allowed to 'manage' by their superiors). %)

By the way, I've never subscribed to any model boat magazine ever. I much prefer to browse online or get tips from my highly proficient colleagues in my local model boat club.
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Colin Bishop on January 02, 2011, 08:42:20 pm
Quote
I much prefer to browse online

For the vast majority of my modelling career there has been no Internet! Joining a club is certainly to be recommended but many modellers do not have a local one and find magazines to be very useful and maybe a good read too. Plus magazines are more versatile, my wife doesn't object to me reading one in bed but would probably draw the line at an iPad or, heaven forbid, my laptop.  %)

Colin
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: RaaArtyGunner on January 02, 2011, 10:29:26 pm
For the vast majority of my modelling career there has been no Internet! Joining a club is certainly to be recommended but many modellers do not have a local one and find magazines to be very useful and maybe a good read too. Plus magazines are more versatile, my wife doesn't object to me reading one in bed but would probably draw the line at an iPad or, heaven forbid, my laptop.  %)

Colin

Perhaps you should share or buy her one  %) %) %)
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: sentry on January 03, 2011, 01:51:49 am
Well am fed up of waiting and not for the first time if it don't come in the next few days i,ll be canceling for good.
                                           Regards Sentry.
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Colin Bishop on January 03, 2011, 10:48:19 am
Quote
Well am fed up of waiting and not for the first time if it don't come in the next few days i,ll be canceling for good.

Well, there haven't been any postal deliveries since Friday due toi the New Year holiday!
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Peter Fitness on January 03, 2011, 09:19:16 pm
I would have thought that the best course of action would be to take any grievances to Model Boats magazine, or their distribution agents, rather than complain about them here  O0

Peter.
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Colin Bishop on January 03, 2011, 09:24:16 pm
Very true Peter, if a subscription issue has gone missing they will normally send you a replacement. Mayhem can't do anything about it!

Colin
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: sentry on January 03, 2011, 09:36:48 pm
Yes Sorry  Gent's I was,nt trying to use this site to bitch just stating how it was as others had asked i,ll be taking it up with Model boat magazine in the morning when they reopen. think am upset coz am missing a good read so much. I NEED MY FIX and maybe feeling low as I have had my mother-in-law here for two weeks.
                                  Regards Sentry.
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Colin Bishop on January 03, 2011, 09:59:40 pm
Oh dear Sentry, that does sound bad! My Mother in Law is 180 miles away.  :-))

I hope you get your issue tomorrow, then you can read my superb articles  %) I think most people have received theirs by now. If I get any more information from MyHobbyStore I will post it on here.

Colin
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: RaaArtyGunner on January 04, 2011, 12:16:20 am
I would have thought that the best course of action would be to take any grievances to Model Boats magazine, or their distribution agents, rather than complain about them here  O0

Peter.

Whilst that makes good sense and is to be encouraged, it is often not effective as some have indicated.  <:( <:(

Reading the entire thread, it would seem Model Boats is preferencing distributors to the detriment of subscribers.  :(( :((

Therefore more affirmative action needs to be taken and why not advise/warn fellow mayhemers of the unreliability/failings of suppliers, after all we give a tick to the good ones why not a brickbat to poor performers.

Has been effective, with positive improvement in other instances on this forum.  O0 O0

If Model boats lifted it's game, I and maybe others may reconsider re purchasing it but not on present indications when subscribers are nearly the last to receive their copy.

Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Martin13 on January 04, 2011, 01:52:33 am
I have not received my January 2011 edition of Model Boats yet either, but I am on the other side of the world, and the weather has caused big problems over there.  Having said that, however, my copies of the magazine usually arrive much quicker than this one.

Peter.

I'm in the same boat Pete. Got my December Issue just before the New Year. Probably will get January issue in February :o :o

Mdu
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: bwmarks on January 04, 2011, 02:20:36 am
I just received my Jan 2011 issue. Delivery has gotten better in the US, but I will not renew when the subscription ends, we shouldn't have to beg to receive issues we have paid for
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: john s 2 on January 04, 2011, 10:27:46 am
The reason that suppliers are given preference is because the public go into the shop to buy on the expected date.If the magizine is
not on the shelf then they may buy a rivals mag like it and never buy first mag again.Or walk and just not bother.If you are a
suscriber then you get your mag when they deem to.After all they have your money.It would have been nice to have seen posted an
apology from the mag surely as boat jounalists they read the forums? O look a flying pig.I await with baited breath to see if an free
copy is given to members.O look another flying pig. John
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Colin Bishop on January 04, 2011, 11:21:03 am
Just got a subscriber copy of Ships Monthly this morning. I thought I hadn't seen one for a while but assumed it was the weather etc. However it seems that, due to the company being recently taken over, it was deemed impractical to publish the next issue so effectively they have skipped one with a 7 week break! We are assured that we will still get the number of mags we signed up for though.

Colin
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: gwa84 on January 04, 2011, 01:05:24 pm
i subbed before Christmas and still haven't received my copy what annoyed me is on the subscription blurb one of the bonuses of subbing is you will receive your mag before there in the shops  >>:-(
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: ironman on January 04, 2011, 01:59:07 pm
Good luck gwa84.  I subbed on 20 Dec.  We will get them eventually. (I hope)    ironman
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: BrianCartwright on January 05, 2011, 01:16:35 pm
I have an example of how useful and interesting Model Boat magazine is.
In December test bench I spotted A small but concise mention of Model Motors Direct linear screw drive outfit.
I have just received my second unit.They are brilliant.
I.m using them to raise and lower the gun barrels on my new build Sir Lancelot minesweeper.
This is an exampleof how some of us need model magazines and with discounted subscription if we aee a little late receiving our copy so be it.
I now have a question
How many more manufacturers are out there who we don't know about or know of there existence? :-)) :-))

Brian
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: The long Build on January 05, 2011, 01:43:21 pm
Just got some lego I ordered 2 Months ago !!

Father in Law got his mag yesterday ... <:( <:(
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: roycv on January 05, 2011, 05:51:05 pm
Hi all, got my subscribtion Jan. issue yesterday.
We have Radio Times by subscription (20 p cheaper) and they sent a nice letter out apologising and mentioning the Post Office backlog of deliveries, i.e. they sent them out on time.
regards Roy
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Bryan Young on January 05, 2011, 06:34:48 pm
I suppose it's understandable that the Bishop gets all the brickbats and odure sent in his direction.....because he's here. But surely a bit of "common dog" will tell you that you're preaching to the wrong person. OK, he's available on this forum, but mainly as a modeller. Other members do jobs/tasks that have fallen short of expectations over the last few weeks/months/years but don't advertise it. Distribution of a magazine is absolutely nowt to do with a writer. Aim your barbs elsewhere otherwise I can visualise the loss of a rare voice of sanity...and we will all be the poorer for it.
When I was "working" (at sea) my copy of "Model Boats" was ordered through my local Newsagents and I never once missed an issue. Perhaps 20p makes a difference to some, but peace of mind is equally important.
I don't think I'm missing the point here, just that many of you seem to be letting off steam to the wrong person. BY.
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Yarpie on January 05, 2011, 06:41:34 pm
Good sensible post Brian Young.

  Moderated  <*<
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: The long Build on January 05, 2011, 06:43:40 pm
In all fairness I don't think anyone has actually blamed Colin have they ?.  He joined in on the thread as a contributor to the forum.

I blame only one thing, well 2 actually The Weather and then the postoffice , suppose we could blame the Bin men aswell as they seem to be the latest target.. Rightly or Wrongly..  :} :} (we seemed to have escaped the bin issue here)  :} :} :-))

Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: BrianCartwright on January 05, 2011, 06:47:13 pm
Hear,hear Brian.
I completely agree,Unless a late mag is life threatening why get so worked up about it :-))
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: The long Build on January 05, 2011, 06:48:07 pm
Because I had to talk to the inlaws over christmas instead.. :}
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Colin Bishop on January 05, 2011, 07:57:15 pm
Thanks for the encouraging comments guys, Bryan in particular.

I only work for MyHobbyStore on a Freelance basis but, like everyone else, I don't like to see people having to wait for their issues (especially when they contain so much of my own brilliant work  :D). Because of my situation I do have a bit of inside knowledge and I try to keep people informed. In the case of the January issue I'm reliably told that the various agents all did their bit according to plan and that the delays in delivery were indeed down to the weather and Royal Mail. Obviously MHS don't want unhappy customers and will do their best to rectify any problems that are down to them but that was not the case on this occasion.

It is accepted that delivery of subscriber copies have been later than usual in recent months although not normally later than the nominal publication date. This issue has been addressed with the distributors and things should now improve (weather permitting!). While it is nice to get your subscription copy a few days in advance of it appearing in W.H Smith, as has been pointed out, it is hardly the end of the world if this does not happen on occasion as long as you do get the issue. It still remains the case that subscriptions are cheaper than buying off the shelves if you want to purchase most of the annual issues.

As one of our American Model Boats Forum members has pointed out to me, we are very fortunate in the UK to have two first class model boating magazines available. This is not the case elsewhere and we should value what we have.

Colin
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: sentry on January 05, 2011, 09:48:48 pm
Hi Gent's
  First let me say that even Theo my magazine  has been very late in coming in no way has this been or had any thing to do with Colin in fact i feel he has been very helpful  and I thank him for that  he is just a member like us all but where  he thought he could help he did.
                Regards Sentry.
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Peter Fitness on January 05, 2011, 11:18:42 pm
Excellent comments from Bryan and Colin :-))

As I live in Australia (that once great cricketing nation  {-) ), if I relied on the newsagent for my copies of Model Boats I would get them at least 2 months late, so I have a subscription. I have had great service from MyHobbyStore in the past, and I have every confidence that same level of service will continue. On the rare occasion that I have had a problem it has been speedily rectified. Full marks to MHS O0

Peter.
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Circlip on January 06, 2011, 02:39:10 pm
Someone is probably going to point to it, but I don't see any criticism of Colin in the preceeding postings? There may have been grousings and my own comments apply to ALL that My Hobby Store seem to have their fingers in, which if you look at the other specialist web site for the mags, is getting the same sort of response from all quarters. Again, NO-ONE is criticising the editors, just the lack of delivery. The weather has NOT been resposible for the complaints over the last eighteen months on the other sites.

  Regards  Ian.
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: john s 2 on January 06, 2011, 03:21:34 pm
Firstly i want to say there is no implyed or otherwize critisim of Colin.But he states that delivery has been poor for months also part
of the sales blurb is by suscribing you get your mag early.Will this claim be now withdrawn? As the magazine has been aware of poor
delivery times why has action not been taken sooner? It is a sad state of affairs that a forum thread had to be started on this
matter. But at least members know they are not the only ones. Also i wonder how many others have been getting bad service? But
are not forum members?. John 
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Colin Bishop on January 06, 2011, 04:15:10 pm
Actually I've heard that MMI has been late in arriving too....

Colin
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: RaaArtyGunner on January 06, 2011, 08:06:30 pm
Trivia,

Went to local newsagents whilst out the other day, also newsagents at shopping centres and as usual browsed the mags.

No Model Boats on display only Marine Modelling International.

Suppose could be several reasons why,

Model Boats all sold out, Marine modeling poor seller,
Poor delivery Model boats, good supply Marine modelling.

Some local newsagents have refused subscription/save me a copy of Model boats as they won't stock it???

Am in Oz
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Colin Bishop on January 06, 2011, 08:27:55 pm
Quote
Am in Oz

Never mind, you'll get used to it eventually.... :} :} :}
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: RaaArtyGunner on January 06, 2011, 08:31:59 pm
Never mind, you'll get used to it eventually.... :} :} :}

 {-) {-) {-) {-) {-) {-) {-) {-) {-) {-) {-) {-) {-)
 
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Peter Fitness on January 06, 2011, 08:58:13 pm
Am in Oz

Move from the Sunshine Very Wet State to NSW :o, Model Boats is always available in Ballina O0 {-)

Peter.
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: RaaArtyGunner on January 06, 2011, 10:29:25 pm
Peter,

Model boat building is on hold, might have to extend it to full size. <:( <:(

Left NSW yonks ago  >>:-( >>:-( >>:-(

Nice drive to Ballina and back plus they have a martime museum and nice model boats AKA trawlers and the "BIG PRAWN"  :P :P
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: The long Build on January 07, 2011, 01:50:48 pm
Oh Well , Have finally decided that My January Mag is well and truly lost to that Huge postbag in the sky..  <:(  I have today contacted the Subscriptions Department who are going to look into it !. (not sure what there is to look into really ?)

So will I get the Feb issue before the Jan or vise versa, The race is on...  %%   And its just started to snow again... <*<
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Number 6 on January 10, 2011, 08:56:40 pm
Well I've had a 2nd copy of January's Model Boats Magazine delivered today! If anybody wants it drop me a pm and I'll pass it along, Dave.  O0
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: The long Build on January 14, 2011, 01:08:08 pm
 :} :} :} :} :}

At Last , The Postal system found my House... , The original and Replacement arrived Yesterday !!...  So as per the Subscription office I will be passing the mag to one of the Junior Members of our group.


Larry R.
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: gwa84 on January 14, 2011, 04:32:17 pm
glad you have yours mines still not arived  :((
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: tony52 on January 14, 2011, 05:02:18 pm
Mines still not here either.

The North West news on ITV last night was reading out letters from people who haven't had mail delivered. One poor soul was sent for a medical in order to keep his benefits. The letter never arrived, he missed the medical and is being threatened with loss of benefit and possible eviction. Perhaps the priority of my magazine being late should be assessed.
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: scoop on January 14, 2011, 08:56:57 pm
Unfortunately poor service is now so much the norm, that nobody tries anymore..If the UK residents were more inclined to complain things might be a lot different..

But with vat changes and the massive train fare hikes... I have hopes that this might be the year that we finally send a message to the greedy pigs that run this country that they can't just continue to walk all over us...If we don't petrol will be £2 gallon by August
I wouldn't mind paying £2/gallon for petrol  :}
Scoop
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Peter Fitness on January 14, 2011, 09:13:31 pm
It seems to me that a lot of the problems associated with the late arrival of Model Boats are due to the troubles the British postal service had with the cold weather. We sent a Christmas card to friends in Ripon, Nth Yorkshire, about 2 weeks before Christmas and they have not yet received it. They sent us one at about the same time and it only arrived a few days ago.

Perhaps the card we sent is still wandering aimlessly around the UK, accompanied by some undelivered copies of Model Boats {:-{

Peter.
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: The long Build on January 14, 2011, 09:53:48 pm
are due to the troubles the British postal service had with the cold weather. {:-{
Peter.

Yes Because Cold weather is so rare in Britain.. %% %%
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: tony52 on January 15, 2011, 07:52:38 pm
Mine was pushed through the letter box this morning.

Despite the problem I am still convinced that subscription is the best option - beats paying for bus/tram fares or parking charges to go into town, then to be met with some ignorant so and so who insists on standing at the front reading every used car price. It is also handy to see the older magazines available electronically as against filling up valuable wardrobe space. I can't say I fancy an electronic (kindle) copy either.

Tony.

Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: The long Build on January 15, 2011, 08:34:40 pm
I can't say I fancy an electronic (kindle) copy either.
Tony.

Kindle Copy... Now I Like the sound of that.. :-)) :-))That would put MB ahead of the Rest...  :} 
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Colin Bishop on January 15, 2011, 08:44:56 pm
There is an article in today’s Times under the headline that “Royal Mail faces huge payouts for unacceptable Christmas delays.” It states that over 2 million parcels and letters were lost or delayed in the Christmas post and that the backlog has still not yet been fully cleared.

Colin
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: The long Build on January 15, 2011, 08:53:59 pm
Are Mb able to make a claim as it seems a few mags were/are still delayed , Mb Have I assume incurred costs in having to reissue a replacement mag ?.  Or is it only the big boys who have the power to put in a claim.

Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Colin Bishop on January 15, 2011, 09:39:37 pm
Hardly practical as written proof would be needed from all those with missing issues and I think the maximum compensation for unregistered post is just a few first class stamps! Obviously the situation is different for expensive parcels sent under some form of registered post.

Colin
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: tony52 on January 16, 2011, 01:05:19 pm
Kindle Copy... Now I Like the sound of that.. :-)) :-))That would put MB ahead of the Rest...  :} 

Larry,
I guess you would like that!! To find Model Boats alongside magazines like The Spectator and The Economist would be interesting. Problem is the majority of model boat builders aren't that interested in a computor let alone a kindle or ipad unit. I have just downloaded How to Build Model Ships and Boats to mine, an old American book which is still very interesting. The detail on building a flash steam unit is interesting. Well worth the £3.71.

Tony.
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: The long Build on January 16, 2011, 06:08:44 pm
Larry,
I guess you would like that!! To find Model Boats alongside magazines like The Spectator and The Economist would be interesting. Problem is the majority of model boat builders aren't that interested in a computor let alone a kindle or ipad unit. I have just downloaded How to Build Model Ships and Boats to mine, an old American book which is still very interesting. The detail on building a flash steam unit is interesting. Well worth the £3.71.

Tony.

there is also the Asimov Mag..
I understand what your saying about the Mb Audiance but times are changing, there are 5405 on just this forum who obvuiously use a computer, a few more on the Rc forum  .
But as they are already digitaly available it would seem the next step, Downside is you would not get the free plans. But it would probaly mean a steady income from sales for a minimal outlay. Not that I have any idea what the outlay would be. Can only mags, Books available for the kindle be sold by Amazon, or could it be from the MB site direct ?.

As I say to me this is just the natural course of Media Evoltion , Look at the big boys who said Digital camera's would never replace film, They soon changed their mind to catch up , same with Vinyl to cd and now digital Mp3 Downloads are overtaking cd sales..
Its not a case of if , its just when..
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: john s 2 on January 16, 2011, 07:38:32 pm
Free plans could be offered as a postable option.Who knows when though you would get them. John.
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: tony52 on January 17, 2011, 07:14:16 am

Its not a case of if , its just when..


Larry, You are quite right, it is only time before this happens.
Asimov and others are also available along with some newspapers. Listening to Paul Lewis on Moneybox it would appear vat is payable to electronic newspapers etc but not to paper ones.
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: dougal99 on January 17, 2011, 02:14:20 pm
I received my Feb edition today. Inside was a flyer for the Oldie magazine! What does that say about the perceived demographic of model boaters?  {:-{
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Colin Bishop on January 17, 2011, 02:30:28 pm
Quote
I received my Feb edition today. Inside was a flyer for the Oldie magazine! What does that say about the perceived demographic of model boaters?

I'd say they'd got their market research spot on!  :}

Colin
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: The long Build on January 17, 2011, 03:31:37 pm
 <*< <*< 8)
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: wbeedie on January 17, 2011, 04:13:00 pm
Got my Feb issue today also ansd can now look at digital back issues  :-))
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: The long Build on February 05, 2011, 01:48:12 pm
Well I think with all those issues over the January Issue, long gone I can only say I was very surprised and pleased  to find on my doorstep this morning the March Issue of MB which is not on sale until the 11February , how you managed to deliver them so early CB is a mystery , You Borrowed Santa's sledge ?.  :}  and 2nd class , So it just goes to show when the system works , it works well.. :-)) :-)) :-)) :-)) :-))
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Colin Bishop on February 05, 2011, 02:06:05 pm
Seems to be back to what it ought to be then. BTW I think Dave Wooley did a good job on Vic Smeed's obituary.

Colin
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: The long Build on February 05, 2011, 02:15:15 pm
Seems to be back to what it ought to be then. BTW I think Dave Wooley did a good job on Vic Smeed's obituary.

Colin
Yes it was very fitting, The picture with the Marblehead ? I like the smartness of his attire for the pond, reminds me of my grandfather who used to go to the allotment with a tie on !!

Never met Vic , but I am convinced he has influenced thousands of modellers and his name will live on..
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: regiment on February 05, 2011, 05:04:18 pm
do you not mean £2 a litre by august and not £2 a gallon
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: The long Build on February 05, 2011, 07:32:40 pm
do you not mean £2 a litre by august and not £2 a gallon
#??????
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Peter Fitness on February 11, 2011, 04:49:06 am
I would like to give Model Boats Magazine a big pat on the back. After a problem with my January issue, when some pages were printed twice, and others were left out altogether, I emailed editor, Paul Freshney, who forwarded the message to the subscriptions department. I received a prompt reply from Paul explaining what he had done, then another soon afterwards from the subs dept apologising for the error, and informing me that a replacement copy had been sent. This duly arrived, closely followed by the February issue. However, much to my surprise, the March issue arrived in my mail box, here in Australia, today, 11th February, the same day as its "on sale" date in the UK O0 That certainly is excellent service - well done, Model Boats  :-))

Peter.
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Gra on February 11, 2011, 07:57:12 am
Had the same problem as Peter.After an email to editor i had my replacement copy within the week.
Great service.

Gra
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Number 6 on February 11, 2011, 01:26:58 pm
I fancy one of those Dark Biters, just don't tell Audie. Too late, damn...  ;-)
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Double D on February 11, 2011, 05:46:35 pm
I fancy one of those Dark Biters, just don't tell Audie. Too late, damn...  ;-)

 <*< <*< <*< <*< <*<
Title: Re: Model Boats Magazine...
Post by: Nordsee on February 12, 2011, 04:21:17 pm
My Issue arrived last week as well, a good few days early! good read too. What is this Oldie Mag you mention?