Anybody know what’s going on with IHC? Was browsing their steam locomotive section and most of them are listed as “limited quantities available” or “sold out”. Their 2-6-0 section is down to 3 choices, all “limited quantities available”.
This has been going on for a while. IHC seems to be just letting things sell out rather than importing additional production runs. In some cases where the inventory is low, the locomotives they are selling consist of mismatched engines and tenders (such as a New Haven locomotive and a Southern Pacific tender).
Would it be too much to hope that they are in the process of improving their offerings to stay competitive? It would be very nice, especially if what they offer is in the same league as their new 2-10-2, or even somewhat better. Could give some other players a run for the bucks.
I would think one of two things is happening… pure speculation on my part:
1- Emptying inventory preparing to get out of the HO engine business.
2- Emptying current stock to re-issue with sound and DCC or perhaps other improved features to stay competitive.
My one regret is that the wreck train bunk cars are probably sold out, maybe I can use a troop car for that work.
I inquired about a CP Hudson well over a year ago. They said they expected more by Xmas of 06. Nothing yet.[sigh] I gave up.
Well, first, IHC is only an importer. They do not make the stuff they sell. Most of the trains are made in Slovenia or whatever they call it now, by Mehano. Mehano manufactures stuff not sold by IHC so they may be busy. Also IHC sells for cheap, so the exchange rate may not be good at this time - they may not be able to buy at a price to be in the low end market here.
IHC’s advertised sale prices on the locos has gone up a lot. Slovenia is now a Euro currency country. On the exchange rate alone a product that cost $27 in 2002 now costs $40!! That assumes no increase in manufacturing cost or an increase in transportation and shipping costs, just simply based on the weakening of the US$ compared to most of the major global currencies. I suspect that they are feeling the pinch and considering an alternative strategy.
Maybe they’re switching production to China, like every other importer, and are waiting for a container or two full of new products to arrive. If they do change to Chinese manufacture, the amount of detail should improve. Mehano has always had good, smooth running mechanisms, but were lacking in detail.