Waiting for a new arrival…
The excitement of a model, new tooling perhaps, or even a long desired paint scheme. Pre-order now…
But the long wait, it doesn’t build anticipation. I find, instead, it leads to ambivalence. The longer the time between ordering and delivery the less connected I feel - almost as if the energy and excitement has just petered out or just faded away, dissolved or soaked back into the source material.
Surprises are great, they can give an injection of energy, motivation perhaps to start a new project or complete an old one. For me they’re best delivered warm at the least. Fantastic when the wait is just a few days, probably optimum a week - that blend of energy and anticipation actually enhances the arrival, a few weeks at most… longer is too long. This is possible when buying a model already available, even from overseas.
As I sit here at Wrecsam Canolog I’m waiting for the Transport for Wales liveried 150 by Farish. It has been three months already… the energy for that new project has gone, instead it will see service here… the connection is strong enough to ensure it has remained ‘pre-ordered’.
The Revolution 1931 stock, ordered and cancelled twice. Rapido USA GP40 cancelled, same with the RS18 and M420… same with a Bowser RS3 and Intermountain GP10. Examples of when the wait becomes so long I question the investment at all.
So as I muse on this here, what’s the answer? I’m no saint. We announced our Victory when we had pushed ‘go’ on tooling… delivered from that date in a little over 12 months…
In a world used to shorter and shorter order delivery times I wonder if manufacturers could try a new approach. Announce as they are ready to arrive in the shops… Bachmann tried this but have drifted backwards. Let’s embrace the new and shiny, yes, but without loosing the energy and excitement that makes the box opening and collecting aspect of this hobby so appealing…
I continue to wait,I will be excited,But it could have been so much more…
Until next time, more soon…
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Rapido's approach is interesting, announce the model, open the order books, then when the book is full enough to go ahead then press go on tooling. It seems to be an approach that works, especially as they are going for more risky off-beat models, but then you're left waiting a long time.
ReplyDeleteI don't do RTR, but I couldn't resist ordering Ivor.
It’s the wait. It’s an energy killer. Anticipation works for a week or two, possibly a month or two… any longer and it risks loosing any momentum for me…
DeleteHi James
ReplyDeleteI do understand what you are saying.
For me modelling North American shortlines this means now having to wait if a model one feels is needed is announced, and yes the anticipation does wane as time goes by. I then have the problem that I can forget what product I ordered, especially if something similar is announced. That and also reflecting on what one has ordered means I have cancelled more than a few, particularly lokeys, orders that however nice would not fit with how my railroad would work in the real world. I imagine that is a difference as I am rarely waiting for a product as part of a new project. What I ordered is mainly as another way of seeing my model develop or an alternative that seems possible and interesting. With that when the product does arrive, after however long, the excitement of the new gets rekindled
Best regards
Alan
I see your angle Alan. I suppose I see ‘new releases’ as ‘energy’ or ‘batteries’. I’d rather they were available as soon after announcement as possible, as my butterfly modelling may mean I’ve moved on before they ever arrive. I also don’t like being beholden to all these companies, even though I can cancel. I’d rather pay, and receive my goods… I guess there are many like you, and probably just as many like me… no right or wrong.
DeleteJames first of all thank you for the Christmas greetings email. Anyway there is no right or wrong but I do know where you are coming from regarding waiting for a specific railway item arrive and it would be nice if it were available straightaway. Its pure joy when the parcel arrives. Have a nice day.
ReplyDeleteYes and I find that can sour or dissipate if the wait is too long… certainly for me.
Delete