Garden Railway Planning/Procurement for post 31st December 2020

[AustrianNG]

Okay.
This is not a political post !! Merely a considered response in relation to our garden railways in the light of the changes to trading which are heading our way.

I am wondering what other folk are doing while "normal" trading with Europe is still possible.

I have been buying new track, a new digital system, a new loco (one so far) and other small spares in anticipation of the price hikes that will occur from January 2021 onward.

 

[PhilP]

So for £6:00 you would be all but legless

Well I would be, these days.. - Am definitely out of practice!

 

[Rhinochugger]

Okay.
This is not a political post !! Merely a considered response in relation to our garden railways in the light of the changes to trading which are heading our way.

I am wondering what other folk are doing while "normal" trading with Europe is still possible.

I have been buying new track, a new digital system, a new loco (one so far) and other small spares in anticipation of the price hikes that will occur from January 2021 onward.

Again Paul, trying to keep the politics out of it, it's much more likely that commercialism will prevail, and any manufacturer needs a market. Price hikes will hurt Europe, and they're not in a sound financial position. Equally, the exchange rates will fluctuate (I'm not going to stick my neck out and forecast which way - but we've moved away from near parity with the Euro.)

London alone at 8m population has to be seen against a total of approx 20m for the remaining 9 cities in the European (land mass) top ten.

It may be that there's an initial approach, which involves tariffs, before reality sets in - European action is notoriously slow because of the decision making progress.

So you're probably right, if you can afford to, indulge in some advance purchases, if you can't, sit tight and wait.

 

[JimmyB]

Okay.
This is not a political post !! Merely a considered response in relation to our garden railways in the light of the changes to trading which are heading our way.

I am wondering what other folk are doing while "normal" trading with Europe is still possible.

I have been buying new track, a new digital system, a new loco (one so far) and other small spares in anticipation of the price hikes that will occur from January 2021 onward.

Why the price hike, surely it will sold as "tax free" and our customs will then add tax on import, no different than countries outside Europe, or pre EEC. Maybe a small admin fee, but I buy some "stuff" from the USA, and some international retailers (charge) pay the UK tax there, and no admin fee, so just postage.

 

[dunnyrail]

In theory Vat could be reduced as we export a fair bit of the take to EEC as part of our fiscal contribution thus prices should have the opportunity to reduce, though whether that will apply in these troubled fiscal times is another matter.

 

[AustrianNG]

So getting back to my original question, what items are fellow garden railway enthusiasts buying (funds permitting) ?

the only way I see prices going down in our favour is if the monetary exchange rate improves considerably.

 

[dunnyrail]

So getting back to my original question, what items are fellow garden railway enthusiasts buying (funds permitting) ?

the only way I see prices going down in our favour is if the monetary exchange rate improves considerably.

Hm yes sorry ignored that part if the question, I was watching a certain G scale Metal Engine or two in Ebay that I would have probably flinched at had one not been offered on here. For the moment I am fully up to date with all of my needs unless someone comes up with something very desirable like a Harz Railcar other than T1 which I have still not yet sourced.

 

[Rhinochugger]

Um, well, Europe doesn't hold a lot of interest for a USA Fn3 modeller .................... but, earlier in the year, as a reaction to some rather unwelcome discoveries about my late father's will, I made myself feel better by purchasing a couple of brass Galloping Geese (one Accy the other BLW).

I mean, I don't have an electronic system that can handle up to 1,000 locos and in any case, the shed's pretty full and the only way to go bigger would be a two-storey shed so I am looking at quality, and will probably settle for the odd snap purchase of something else in brass. I could be tempted by an Accucraft D&SP Way Car if another one were to sneak its way onto evilbay

 

[idlemarvel]

You just want an excuse to spend more on railways!

 

[ebay mike]

So getting back to my original question, what items are fellow garden railway enthusiasts buying (funds permitting) ?

the only way I see prices going down in our favour is if the monetary exchange rate improves considerably.

I've slowed down a bit now. On eBay.de I bought an Orient Express set that had been retro-fitted with DCC, then another six Pullman coaches to go with it. Also a PIKO BR50 and a number of other LGB wagon and coach offerings. I sourced a significant quantity of track fairly locally in the UK so have about 3-400 feet surplus at the moment. Recent purchases from Germany have been of the electronic nature - sound units, decoders, complete loco boards etc.to enhance my fleet. I also found a lot of obscure spares on eBay.fr

 

[JimmyB]

Yes the original question, well I have to very honest, and say most of my continental ventures in Garden Railways have not been good, from good not sent, poor salesmanship and poor or lack of communications (even when translated), so I will not be rushing to buy anything.

 

[AustrianNG]

That’s a shame Jimmy.
I buy most of my stock/track/etc from Germany and with one exception in 15 years to date I have not been disappointed.
If the UK shops were able to supply for the same cost that Germany does, I would buy from the UK. But while the middleman in MK or wherever they are add their20% I shall buy direct from Germany.

 

[dunnyrail]

That’s a shame Jimmy.
I buy most of my stock/track/etc from Germany and with one exception in 15 years to date I have not been disappointed.
If the UK shops were able to supply for the same cost that Germany does, I would buy from the UK. But while the middleman in MK or wherever they are add their20% I shall buy direct from Germany.

Have to say that I have bought on occasion direct from Germany with no problems at all. Both Ebay and direct from Shop.

 

[MTheStrong]

I have bought many items from both Germany and Austria. I have not encountered any problems. On one occasion a loco was damaged in transit and I received a replacement within 72 hours. Delivery of items from Germany are often quicker than UK mail.

I have only had one poor experience of shopping in Germany and that was in Wernigerode at the Trainline shop located at the mainline station. The Manager/Shop Assistant was too busy assembling a batch of coaches. Disappointing as the shop was well stocked.

Martin

 

[ebay mike]

Another plus is that the postage is sometimes considerably cheaper too.

 

[idlemarvel]

That’s a shame Jimmy.
I buy most of my stock/track/etc from Germany and with one exception in 15 years to date I have not been disappointed.
If the UK shops were able to supply for the same cost that Germany does, I would buy from the UK. But while the middleman in MK or wherever they are add their20% I shall buy direct from Germany.

UK retailers will never be able to match those big German (and Dutch) web retailers who can buy direct from LGB. Because they shift volumes they can offer 10-15% off RRP, whereas UK retailers are starting at RRP+20%. Different matter with PIKO as topslots'n'trains can match prices with the best of the German retailers. I assume they don't have the same distribution model as LGB.

My German retailer de jour (mein Händler der Wahl?) is modell-land.de. Outstanding service, quick and cheap delivery (€9.99 tracked and insured), keen prices, a wide range of products in stock including spares, and they don't charge for using PayPal. And they have their own branded (sometimes rebranded) goods which look good value. Pity they don't sell second hand stuff. I used to use grootspoor a lot but their shipping and payment charges are much higher, unreasonably so, and shipping much slower, which has put me off.

 

[LGB-Sid]

I Buy direct from Germany if my usual UK goto 's don't have what I want in stock, usually decoders etc, I have also found one or to places that sell on eBay have shops as well and the shop price and postage is often cheaper than the eBay prices and I still pay with Paypal after 14 days, so no real diffrence just saves money, . So far this year I have sold more rolling stock than bought, I just buy the wheels now and make my own, I can beat the price rises Might get some track in case one day I can go bigger

 

[playmofire]

Another plus is that the postage is sometimes considerably cheaper too.

sINCEFIRST jNAUARY

Another plus is that the postage is sometimes considerably cheaper too.

This year postage from Germany seems to have gone up quite a bit I find.

 

[ebay mike]

sINCEFIRST jNAUARY


This year postage from Germany seems to have gone up quite a bit I find.

Some have increased their prices I agree Gordon. At the moment I'm watching a 20841 Saxon IV K with tracked shipping quoted at €9.90 which compares favourably with what's on offer here.

 

[playmofire]

Some have increased their prices I agree Gordon. At the moment I'm watching a 20841 Saxon IV K with tracked shipping quoted at €9.90 which compares favourably with what's on offer here.

That's a very good price, Mike. I am usually after small, low price items, so unless an item is really important, high postage is a turn off. However, I have noticed that where the price is high, e.g. 24euro, additional items are free up to the next weight limit, but that does mean I have to want to buy a number of items to really benefit.

 

[Paul M]

Another plus is that the postage is sometimes considerably cheaper too.

That really is hard to understand!