Many on this forum have expressed concern about Horizon’s takeover of both Athearn and MDC, and the fear of no more kits, higher prices and so forth. How about Horizon becoming the exclusive distributor for Intermountain. I just wonder if Horizon might be trying to corner the distribution end of the hobby and, thus, be in a position to set prices. I am aware they have a long way to go to accomplish anything like this, but it does appear at first glance that they are headed in that direction. Can any one on this forum alay my fears? Thanx.
Horizon Hobby is nowhere near creating a monopoly as long as Walthers is in business, nor are they likely to become as big as Walthers. Horizon has been in business for a long time distributing aircraft and automobile models, and is just now starting to branch out into trains. I patronize a hobby shop in Tucson, and one in Arizona City, that have dealt with Horizon Hobbies for many years and they both say that Horizon is easier to deal with than Walthers, and they have hundreds of Athearn and Model Die Casting kits and ready-to-run products in stock.
You provided exactly the input I needed to alay my fears. As a side bar, the two hobby shops I deal with prefer to use anyone but Walthers whenever they can for the very reason you stated. Again, thanks.