Why are they saying thay are the Real Broadway Limited? Broadway Limited is a separate company correct?
What exactly is the context of the ad? They are gettin’ real dirty with their ads in regards to BLI. I am surprised that MR even ran the ad, but of course money talks.
It’s comparison advertising and a play on words. Pennsy K4 heading up the Broadway Limited train and a supposed (but not stated) comparison to the company of the same name. It’s the game advertisers play.
BLI has nothing to do with MTS.
(Thank goodness.)
That was referring to the legendary actual PRR passenger train named the Broadway Limited…not having anything to do with the manufacturer named Broadway Limited, although this is a great example of where the similar names in this business can get confusing.
I must say, that I agree with csmith9474, I too am surprised that MR accept the ads. Last month’s MTS ad had a feature comparison with BLI with ticks in boxes with MTS (surprise, surprise) scoring higher.
(Still wouldn’t buy one!)
I’m serious about this … I don’t think our hobby needs this sort of advertising and neither does MR.
Cheers
Barry
If you feel strongly enough … COMPLAIN!
That’s right. There was nothing wrong with the ad.
I was also thinking back to last month’s ad, too. I am just not used to seeing one model railroad manufacturer “attacking” another like that.
What next?
Maybe BLI can wage war with Athearn. BLI F7s v Genesis F7s!!!
Edit: BLI has more class than that, though.
Its comparing 2 models of the same engine, trying to show that the MTH one is better. Well listen to this MTH, the BLI is a different Era!
You mthrules you are right there was nothing overtly wrong about the ad.
Ethiclly I found it repulsive. and I have complained. Both to MR and to MTH. MR at least responded that similar ads won’t be posted, never did get a response from MTH (not that I really expected one.)
Anyone else wishing these guys would pull a Lionel and get out of the HO market?
I looked at the ad and thought to myself “This ad doesn’t convince me not to buy BLI” I like the couple of BLI locos I have and I could care less if it’s not an EXACT copy of the original. (But then I’m not a rivet counter either, so take that in consideration)
Hi Trynnallen, is that true that MR responded and said that similar ads won’t be posted? If so, good for MR. Well done!
(And don’t take too much notice of mthrules, it’s, well, MTH!)
MTH isn’t doing anything that isn’t done in advertising in all sorts of other markets. If you want to see some extreme examples of comparative advertising, just look at automobile ads. A lot of companies compare themselves to Honda, and others to Toyota, claiming lower prices, better this, better that, and so on. Does it seem to be hurting Honda or Toyota sales?
There isn’t anything unethical about comparisons like in the July (I think) MTH ad, as long as the advantages claimed are true. The fact that they don’t list things where they’re at the disadvantage is just standard advertising practice.
I suspect that MR’s refusal to accept additional similar advertising is based more on the fear of losing another advertisier than out of outrage at some advertising ethics violation.
Burton,
That’s fine for the auto industry. I generally turn the tube or the radio to something else when ads come on. Just like I don’t read the ads in the MR, or any other mag for that matter.
Just because something is “fine” doesn’t mean that we (or I) have to agree with it, or in the manner and TASTE in which it was done. I don’t want to see that kind of negitive attack ad in model railroading or in magezines that I purchase. Hence why I wrote to both the mag and to the company that submitted the ad.
MTH has done nothing in my mind to give them a chance to redeem themselves for thier lawsuits or for thier high-handedness in thier buisness dealings. Piraiha’s are not welcome and I don’t for one what to encourage them. So in my opinion the sooner MTH leaves the HO market the better for the HO market.
I must be missing something? To me, the MTH ad was just about a new production model steam locomotive…but I don’t model steam era.
Jim
Having been in 3 rail for years I second your opinion. They can’t get out of HO fast enough.
Writing letters is okay, but in the final analysis, it’s the buying public that will determine the direction of MTH, or any other company for that matter. You cast a vote for them when you purchase their products or a vote against them if you, with forethought (and it seems in the case of some, malice), do not buy their products. With me I guess I’m abstaining; I can’t afford a $400 locomotive.
Sure there was. MTH is advertising yet ANOTHER Pennsy K-4, a locomotive that’s been done to death. It doesn’t matter whether or not it has a few more feature or less than the BLI K-4. It’s a [censored] Pennsy K-4. Tell MTH to get it through its thick corporate head, we don’t need any more Pennsy locos. BLI has done a sound equipped K-4, not to mention a T-1, a J-1, an M-1a (and b) and PCM is coming out with an I-1 Decapod. It wouldn’t surprise me to see an L-1 soon since the K-4 boiler and a USRA Mikado chassis could probably be used as a basis for Pennsy’s 2-8-2.
I can tell you this. I definitely will NOT be buying one (or more) of MTH’s K-4’s. When you people get off your Pennsy kick and start producing locomotives that us Western types might buy, then I’ll give you some consideration. But only if PCM, BLI or P2K doesn’t beat you to it.
'Til then, MTH is a copy cat who is a day late and a dollar short.
NO MORE PENNSY ENGINES!!!
And while we’re at it…
NO MORE UP CHALLENGERS OR BIG BOYS, EITHER!
If MTH wants me to spend my money on MTH locomotives, then it will produce one or more of the following: Southern Pacific P-6 4-6-2, Southern Pacific MT-4 4-8-2 (postwar version), Southern Pacific P-10 4-6-2, both with and without skyline casing. And I’m definitely in the market if MTH produces an SP TW-8 4-8-0.
Andre
Aw shucks[:I][:I][:I]
Andre