Received a couple of new 86 foot auto-parts boxcars from Class One Model Works early in the week. These are from their newer run, and I had "pre-ordered" them back in October of 2024, so about 5 months or so waiting for their arrival.
This is how the packaging looks
The top flips up to reveal the models through a window, and includes a nice diagram. Nice packaging. The box top is held closed with magnets.
The two models look really good.
But then the troubles begin...
One of the end walkways was/is bent upwards on the Conrail car too.
None of these are earth shattering defects, and I can make the repairs, but for $75 each, plus shipping, plus currency exchange of about 43%, plus tax, plus customs handling fee, (I don't think I even want to know what all that totals up to in CDN dollars) I would hope for and expect them to be in better condition.
The customs invoice I had to pay upon delivery
Oh well. It is what it is, as they say.
Here's a bit better look at the both boxcars.
Class One has done nice paint jobs on both cars.
Now I'll have to try to find pictures of similar prototype cars that I can use as examples for weathering them.
Class One has done nice paint jobs on both cars.
Hey Jim, those 86 footers look nice! Fortunately for you and others, 86 footers don't catch my eye and they would probably have issues taking the curves on my layout, guess that's more rolling stock for you guys, hahahahaha!
ReplyDeleteNot surprised you had issues with the cars. Although minor and based on your skills, you shouldn't have any problem making the repairs. But like you said, for the price, we shouldn't have to.
I recently received my 1st order from Class One, the ARI 5200 hoppers. I purchased 2, the CHTT and the TCMX. The end cages on the CHTT weren't completely secured, this was a minor fix. However, the TCMX has printing errors. The reporting marks on the trucks are wrong (they printed TMCX). I sent an email to them, and their response was "there is no fix, you'll have to do it yourself. If you return the item, we'll charge you a 25% restocking fee, deducted from your refund". I was surprised to see a restocking fee, especially for something that's beyond the control of the customer. Although I wouldn't return the item and just live with the printing error, I was not impressed with the "restocking fee" statement in his email.
I have also seen print errors on the UP hopper and people I spoke with that purchased the COER hopper have stated the paint is already flaking and the patched out and distressed finish feels like sandpaper.
So, for $66 a hopper and their "higher standards" advertisement, their customer service and quality control is less than desirable. Doubt I will purchase from them again.
Years ago, I had some issues with a ScaleTrains purchase, they had no problem fixing the problem and giving me a $25 credit for a future purchase. Class One fell considerably short of customer service.
Terry
The 86 foot boxcars are favourites of mine. On the layout here, I can only put 7 of them on the passing siding and 3 on the spur where I spot them.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear of you and any others also having problems with this manufacturer. It is rather galling.