Does anyone know what is going on with California roadbed? They don’t answer the phone; and I got a stock Email reply that they would contact me soon but so far nothing has happened. I need some more of their Homasote roadbed which is excellent.
Have you contacted any of their dealers? Their list of dealers shows a number with websites and with email addresses.
EDIT
Seems most of the website links are useless (some don’t work, others don’t seem to stock the product)
Mainline Hobby does stock some HO scale products
I have used their roadbed for many years, even predating the California bunch, but have a supply “laid in” and haven’t tried in some time to order any new. But, all things, good and bad, have an end, maybe they have fallen prey to the “kill production” society in America. Any company that doesn’t answer their phone is in trouble.
Bob
I’ve ordered from this company a number of times. What the OP describes is the way they’ve always been. It’s essentuially a one-man operation and he doesn’t always get to the phone or e-mail quickly. I never had an order that went unfilled though.
I ordered from them last year and experienced a delay in placing the order and then having it filled because he had health problems. But eventually he came through with a complete and accurate order. Excellent product.
Dante
I had a delayed order. I called on June 2 and talked to Richard’s wife, who promised to follow the tracking numbers on FedEx. When I called again on Friday, the phone was not answering and there was no message capability.
I tried a couple emails the following Monday – nothing. I then notified them by email that I was disputing the charge (it was substantial). I got a return email from Richard telling me that he was sorry that he had not shipped the order, but that he had been hospitalized. He told me he would ship as soon as he got home. In fact, he did. I received my order last Friday – June 9 – and it was fine.
From earlier conversations, I understand he is a one man operation, and he has had his health issues; I don’t know why the phone doesn’t answer. However, I do know that the product is good, and will be the backbone of my layout.
As I posted, I have a considerable inventory on hand. I did that because delivery was often sketchy and if I was in the middle of a projecf and ran out, I sometimes experienced long delays in getting a shipment. That is why I bit the bullet and ordered a large amount and stored it away. I still have quite a bit, they layout is stable, but one never knows when a new idea/changes will loom up.
Bob
I just pray that Richard has a complete recovery from whatever health issues he may be dealing with. It would a loss to the hobby if we were to lose another modeler to the Great Switching Yard in the Sky.