Did anyone else order a Trackmobile from Factory Direct ? They said they arrived last Friday and have started shipping. I haven’t gotten mine yet. Wondering if anyone else got one yet and what they thought of it ?
I ordered one using paypal[:(!]
It was the BNSF DCC which is exactly what I wanted and about the only one in stock.
Except paypal hasnt charged my bank yet and when I check the paypal site it says payment pending and waiting aproval, and it has been 6 days so far and Im starting to worry they will sell out before it will get aproved.
WHEN… I get my trackmobile I will post a review and pics.
Joe
I’ve had a UP on order for months - was supposed to be in & shipping, but just checked and not on my CC yet.[:(]
They havent been shipped as of yet.
David B
I ordered mine with PayPal and my credit card was charged last Friday.
I ordered one way back last fall, for “January delivery”. Late January I asked them about delivery - “February”. Late February I again asked - “within next two weeks”. It’s been at least four weeks now, so I guess they will be delivered “whenever”.
You’d think importers would learn by now - don’t provide supply dates if you are not in control of the manufacturing process. Supply less rigid arrival dates - “early 2008”, or “2008 sometime, maybe, perhaps, could be”, etc. Seems to me the always moving arrival dates, which I know are probably not their fault, give poor impressions to customers and potential customers.
I know if they should offer something in the future that I might be interested in, I’ll just add 6 months or so to their promised arrival date. I was hoping to have my Trackmobile for our local annual show held on March 1st. Maybe for next years’ show!
I was going to preorder, but just settled with ordering one when when they came out.
Since I jumped up out of my chair when I first saw an ad for the Trackmobiles, I have been patient for them to come out.
I was hoping for an older style, though. But any Trackmobile is good!
And the wait continues…
Phil
I wrote Factory Direct yesterday. I got a note from them stating that all preorders are shipping this week and thanks for being patient.
I checked my FDT acount and as of yesturday mourning it says it shipped and my bank was charged, although I havent recived a tracking number yet but im not worried about getting one.
Joe
My CC was charged on the 12th - didn’t get it yet - almost 2 sweeks seems a long time!! I’ll e-mail then to see what’s up.[%-)]
E-mailed them last night & got a reply first thjing this AM!! They were “all” shipped via US Mail 2 days ago - no tracking numbers, but should be ariving in next few days - can’t wait!![:P]
That sounds great, Im so excited[:D]
How about the first person to get theirs WINS!!![;)]
Joe
That’s interesting and strange. When I got my order confirmation a long time ago, it indicated they would be shipped by UPS. Using UPS for stuff coming into Canada can be expensive, they charge $35-50 to collect the tax we have to pay on imported items. I sent them an e-mail and asked if they would send mine by US Mail; they replied that they would, for the same $19.50 charge. Kind of steep for such a small model, but I didn’t have any choice. It will be interesting to see what the actual postage is on the package.
Mine won’t arrive for probably another week or more because it has to work itself through the two mail and customs systems. Hurry up and wait I guess!
At least everyone gets their trackmobile. I have to wait for the much longer release date for MSTS 2.
rant rant curse curse
I WON!!! Got it at 12noon (wasn’t home) Looked it over & put it on the layout. Track not cleaned in a long time & not used since Christmas when the grandson was here. Ran OK on dirty track - quick rub with a clean cloth & ran much better! Detail is excellent - has a driver and appears to have all the right details - I’ll have to check photos of a real TMB to see. One thing I found out right away - the railings are made of “engineered” plastic, and when I grabbed it they bent & popped right back where they belong!! Seems like a “keeper”!![tup][tup][:)]
Edit: I’ve been reading the Operator’s Manual printed by Factory Direct Trains. This is a DCC model that has no sound, lights, etc., and this is about the best Manual I have from a loco!! I have Atlas, BLI, Athern, and Lionel DCC/sound locos, and their manuals are not as good practically speaking. They give clear instructions for wheel cleaning, gear lubrication, and pick-up spring inspection/replacement. The programming instructions are the best non electronics geek instructions I’ve read yet!! It tells youi in plain English what each CV does and how to adjust it to your likeing!! Another [tup][tup][:)]
This link will take you to the prototype of the FDT model http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=97833&nseq=15 . I ordered the UP unit, but the Railpic site shows most UP units white or apparently leased. I guess if I were to orsder it again i would get the TM model. I’ve begun playing with it and found it will pull a Bachmann Spectrum HW diner, with lighting & properly weighted, up a 1/2 to 1% grade!! Great little unit!! To give you an idea of how small it is: 1.5" wide, 2.7" coupler face to face, 1.6" high above rail heads! See my previous post for more “test” info.[:)]
Any more reports on these? I was looking at these but worried they would work better as a static model only. So far, sounds good.
Thanks,
Rob
Just one thing to add - it runs great on reg track, but needs some speed to negotiate Atlas #6 plastic frog switches. It’s OK on a Peco double slip insulfrog switch & metal frog switches. The wheelbase is only 1.62" (center to center of wheels). The primary use of this little critter is in a yard/repair facility where switches will be a good portion of the running. Stay away from plastic frog switches and everything should be just fine!! My [2c] again.
Just got mine. It seems very sensitive to how clean the track is. Nice looking unit and looks like it will be great for sidings and such. It definetly doesn’t is not a speed deamon but they aren’t designed to go very fast. I’ll do some more testing and report back. They do come standard with Kadee #5s and alas the lights do not work so no night time operation without outdoor lighting.
Here’s a couple of pictures:
