N Gauge Forum

Both Graham Farish and Dapol run collectors clubs are any of them worth joining ?

Anyone members of either to comment on the quality of what you get, magazines, collectables etc ?


Cheers...

I'm in the Bachmann Collectors club and I think you do get your money's worth from membership.

A quarterly mag, members edition wagon, catalogue of your chosen scale, good quality calendar and even a card at xmas ! Well worth the fee imho.

C. :)

You do get some good offers with Bachmann. I got caught out by Dapol. I joined in October, but the membership is not 12 months from when you join, but starts on 1st January, so I got 2 1/2 months for my money.

Quote from: ChrisWV10 on April 01, 2015, 06:53:24 PM
A quarterly mag, members edition wagon, catalogue of your chosen scale, good quality calendar and even a card at xmas ! Well worth the fee imho.

Agreed ...

The magazine is always worth a read (unlike the poor effort I got from Dapol, or the so-so one from Hornby).  A lot of nice stuff in there.  The Collector Club items are generally decent (depends where your interest lies, of course), and the calendar is a nice touch.

Never had to have second thoughts on renewals (we're in both the OO and N versions), unlike the recent Hornby changes (deteriorating rapidly) or the (in comparison) rubbish from Dapol - I doubt I'll ever renew that !

Mike

Quote from: Malc on April 01, 2015, 07:08:06 PM
You do get some good offers with Bachmann. I got caught out by Dapol. I joined in October, but the membership is not 12 months from when you join, but starts on 1st January, so I got 2 1/2 months for my money.

Malcolm

That's shocking behaviour! (On their part).

Never thought of joining these clubs so I thought I'd give them both a try to see how I get on.
:beers:

Another offer from Bachmann/Farish every year for free with their subscription is the chance to visit behind the scenes on a preserved railway, on a privately chartered train, accompanied by a surprise new model announcement, as well as having their display cabinets at the event.

Last year they visited the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, I attended that club event and thought it was great as I saw behind the scenes at Oxenhope, Haworth loco shed and the Vintage Carriages Trust workshop at Ingrow.

I don't know yet where they're heading to this year.

Quote from: DesertHound on April 01, 2015, 07:48:06 PM
That's shocking behaviour! (On their part).

IIRC, it is stated clearly that the Club runs Jan-Dec

Quote from: MikeDunn on April 01, 2015, 08:07:46 PM

Quote from: DesertHound on April 01, 2015, 07:48:06 PM
That's shocking behaviour! (On their part).

IIRC, it is stated clearly that the Club runs Jan-Dec

Surely they could make it quarterly though, or something similar. Seems a bit harsh taking cash from someone with only a couple of months of the year left, regardless of whether you put it in the terms and conditions.

Just my opinion.

Dan

I joined Dapol in Feb but did have to gee them up after waiting two weeks before anything was sent to me. Was not impressed when I was sent last years calendar in my membership package. You do get 15% off of website purchases though but the 15% does not stretch to their Monthly offers, I think this should as your a member.

Not sure if I will renew in the future.

Cheers guys decided to give the Bachmann / Farish one a go and signed up.

One of those SDJR 4F's does look appealing !

Quote from: UPINSMOKE on April 01, 2015, 09:10:59 PM
I joined Dapol in Feb but did have to gee them up after waiting two weeks before anything was sent to me. Was not impressed when I was sent last years calendar in my membership package. You do get 15% off of website purchases though but the 15% does not stretch to their Monthly offers, I think this should as your a member.

Not sure if I will renew in the future.

To balance up my previous thoughts, a 15% discount doesn't sound bad. So that's on their website. How do their website prices compare to other retailers (e.g. Hattons)?

I do find that Dapol have some tasty offers on their specials pages from time to time but if you were planning to buy regular priced items then the 15% could add up over a year (depending upon how much you plan to spend of course).

Dan

Given that the Farish website prices are full RRP and that dealers are allowed to offer up to 15% discount for the first 12(?) weeks after release then I can't really see the benefit of being offered that Collector's Club discount :dunce: ???
I also presume that if you bought something through the Collector's Club and it proved to be a lemon you send it back to Barwell?

Quote from: newportnobby on April 01, 2015, 09:36:51 PM
Given that the Farish website prices are full RRP and that dealers are allowed to offer up to 15% discount for the first 12(?) weeks after release then I can't really see the benefit of being offered that Collector's Club discount :dunce: ???
I also presume that if you bought something through the Collector's Club and it proved to be a lemon you send it back to Barwell?

Good point Mick!

Quote from: DesertHound on April 01, 2015, 09:45:14 PM

Quote from: newportnobby on April 01, 2015, 09:36:51 PM
Given that the Farish website prices are full RRP and that dealers are allowed to offer up to 15% discount for the first 12(?) weeks after release then I can't really see the benefit of being offered that Collector's Club discount :dunce: ???
I also presume that if you bought something through the Collector's Club and it proved to be a lemon you send it back to Barwell?

Good point Mick!

No doubt someone will point out the flaw in my thinking, Dan :uneasy:

Quote from: DesertHound on April 01, 2015, 08:58:02 PM

Surely they could make it quarterly though, or something similar. Seems a bit harsh taking cash from someone with only a couple of months of the year left, regardless of whether you put it in the terms and conditions.

Don't disagree in the slightest ...

Quote from: DesertHound on April 01, 2015, 09:25:04 PM
To balance up my previous thoughts, a 15% discount doesn't sound bad. So that's on their website.

Brings things close to the 'normal' price we expect from the likes of Hattons, RoS, Hereford Models, and a few others ... so hardly an incentive !

The only incentive there (to me) are 'club only' models - and after my experience with them, I'll do without ...

Quote from: newportnobby on April 01, 2015, 09:53:10 PM

Quote from: DesertHound on April 01, 2015, 09:45:14 PM

Quote from: newportnobby on April 01, 2015, 09:36:51 PM
Given that the Farish website prices are full RRP and that dealers are allowed to offer up to 15% discount for the first 12(?) weeks after release then I can't really see the benefit of being offered that Collector's Club discount :dunce: ???
I also presume that if you bought something through the Collector's Club and it proved to be a lemon you send it back to Barwell?

Good point Mick!

No doubt someone will point out the flaw in my thinking, Dan :uneasy:

As others said Mick, I think it's access to the special releases for club members that is the appeal. I'm not a member of either, since I'm a second-hand man.

Can't see any flaw in your analysis there.

Mike - I'll go along with your line not thinking there (post edited as we posted at the same time).

Maybe I could just add, whilst I'm here, that perhaps those thinking of joining should just try it for a year and see. Who knows, it might appeal to some. If one finds it's not for them, then they needn't renew. I wouldn't wish to tell someone not to join, having never been a member myself. Those who have "been there and done it" so to speak, or more than entitled to give their opinions though.

Dan

Quote from: DesertHound on April 01, 2015, 10:02:55 PM

Maybe I could just add, whilst I'm here, that perhaps those thinking of joining should just try it for a year and see. Who knows, it might appeal to some. If one finds it's not for them, then they needn't renew.

Dan

I agree Dan and that's exactly what I've done. If nothing else there is always the anticipation of receiving new information or offers in the post to peruse....
:)

Quote from: DesertHound on April 01, 2015, 08:58:02 PM

Quote from: MikeDunn on April 01, 2015, 08:07:46 PM

Quote from: DesertHound on April 01, 2015, 07:48:06 PM
That's shocking behaviour! (On their part).

IIRC, it is stated clearly that the Club runs Jan-Dec

Surely they could make it quarterly though, or something similar. Seems a bit harsh taking cash from someone with only a couple of months of the year left, regardless of whether you put it in the terms and conditions.

Just my opinion.

Dan

I've worked in membership administration (for a charity, but much the same applies) and people signing up for any sort of annual service will expect memberships to run for a year from when they joined. Doing what it sounds like Dapol are doing is a pretty certain method of alienating people so that they won't renew!

There are very few organisations which do this any more, but the reason is normally so that they only have to deal with renewals once a year, rather than on a monthly basis. With even a basic database and the mailmerge function in Word it isn't difficult to run off a few letters once a month, so that excuse doesn't really hold these days.

Quote from: davidinyork on April 02, 2015, 09:22:48 AM

Quote from: DesertHound on April 01, 2015, 08:58:02 PM

Quote from: MikeDunn on April 01, 2015, 08:07:46 PM

Quote from: DesertHound on April 01, 2015, 07:48:06 PM
That's shocking behaviour! (On their part).

IIRC, it is stated clearly that the Club runs Jan-Dec

Surely they could make it quarterly though, or something similar. Seems a bit harsh taking cash from someone with only a couple of months of the year left, regardless of whether you put it in the terms and conditions.

Just my opinion.

Dan

I've worked in membership administration (for a charity, but much the same applies) and people signing up for any sort of annual service will expect memberships to run for a year from when they joined. Doing what it sounds like Dapol are doing is a pretty certain method of alienating people so that they won't renew!

There are very few organisations which do this any more, but the reason is normally so that they only have to deal with renewals once a year, rather than on a monthly basis. With even a basic database and the mailmerge function in Word it isn't difficult to run off a few letters once a month, so that excuse doesn't really hold these days.

apart from HM Gov. who now have a similar scam policy on Road Fund licence

I have joined the Dapol collectors club in the past for the members-only models. The Silver Link and the green class 22 + milk tanker sets were both fantastic and access to them was well worth the cost of membership. However the current offers are of no interest so I have not renewed my membership.

The Farish trips to preserved lines sounds nice but with 3 young children, I don't get to just trundle off at weekends as I have to look after them and take to various activities.

Quote from: Westbury on April 01, 2015, 09:13:35 PM

Cheers guys decided to give the Bachmann / Farish one a go and signed up.

One of those SDJR 4F's does look appealing !

Sadly the S&DJR 4F is entirely historically inaccurate. They were all black.

Quote from: Karhedron on April 02, 2015, 11:16:07 AM

The Farish trips to preserved lines sounds nice but with 3 young children, I don't get to just trundle off at weekends as I have to look after them and take to various activities.

Sadly the missing word in the last sentence may possibly render you liable to arrest, Matt :laugh:

Quote from: gc4946 on April 01, 2015, 08:01:11 PM
Another offer from Bachmann/Farish every year for free with their subscription is the chance to visit behind the scenes on a preserved railway, on a privately chartered train, accompanied by a surprise new model announcement, as well as having their display cabinets at the event.

Last year they visited the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, I attended that club event and thought it was great as I saw behind the scenes at Oxenhope, Haworth loco shed and the Vintage Carriages Trust workshop at Ingrow.

I don't know yet where they're heading to this year.

When I went to last year's event on the Worth Valley, they didn't have any Collectors' Club or any Bachmann/Farish returned stock for sale.
Have they sold such stuff when they've visited other railways for similar events (e.g. Bluebell in 2013) in the past?

Quote from: Pete33 on April 02, 2015, 01:03:45 PM

Quote from: Westbury on April 01, 2015, 09:13:35 PM

Cheers guys decided to give the Bachmann / Farish one a go and signed up.

One of those SDJR 4F's does look appealing !

Sadly the S&DJR 4F is entirely historically inaccurate. They were all black.

Doesn't really matter to me if the originals were pink ! I'm not a 'gotta be historically accurate' modeller so is no problem... I just thought the S&DJR 4F was a very nice looking loco and will probably get one ...

Quote from: Westbury on April 02, 2015, 05:54:13 PM

Doesn't really matter to me if the originals were pink ! I'm not a 'gotta be historically accurate' modeller so is no problem... I just thought the S&DJR 4F was a very nice looking loco and will probably get one ...

That S&DJR blue was very nice - here's a photo of a 7F at Bishops Lydeard about 10 years ago.
[smg id=23550 type=preview align=center caption="Blue 7F"]
:beers:

I joined both clubs on April 1st  :hmmm: and received Graham Farish collectors club wagon 377-2014K 14T ministry of supply tank wagon yesterday. Very nice it is too.
Still awaiting response from Dapol but I guess it's early days yet.

:beers:

Maybe Dapol thought your registration was an April Fools Day prank, Bob :hmmm:

Quote from: newportnobby on April 11, 2015, 02:57:01 PM
Maybe Dapol thought your registration was an April Fools Day prank, Bob :hmmm:

Yes. I was thinking that. That's why I put the hmmm smiley in my post!!
I do hope I get a response from Dapol soon. I've not had good experience of communication with them to date.
:)

From what others have said, replies from Dapol only seem to occur from their Facebook page :unimpressed:

Just got my renewal pack from Farish - 'Pool' tank wagon and a new Membership card. Renewed with Dapol in early February and only thing I've had from them is a 'Magazine', which was full of mistakes...

No new Membership card, and when I've tried to get the members discount on a couple of items on their website shop, it doesn't seem to be accepting the code - guess they won't be getting my money next year...

Joined too... and got my card, badge and Ministry of Supply POOL tank wagon, sadly it doesnt really fit in with any era I'm interested in although it's difficult to find the absolute range of years over which these wagons where used.

Still waiting on the Catalogue... and my first magazine.

There are a few of the previous years Members' wagons (and locos/coaches) on the Shop section on the Collectors Club website.

http://bachmann-collectorsclub.co.uk/products/n-scale-products (http://bachmann-collectorsclub.co.uk/products/n-scale-products)

Being a member of both I would say it depends on what you from your membership.

The two magazines are very different to one another in size and content although neither really appeals to me as I model modern day N gauge and don't wish to read a life history of OO gauge Bach Far wagons and other, to me, irrelevant topics. The Dapol one is more akin to a newsletter with about half the content of no interest to me.

On joining I received a mug, calendar and wagon from Dapol and nothing else since except the magazine and a new catalogue.  With Farish I received a pen, calendar and wagon and catalogue, and another catalogue  and calender this year.

Both wagons are of the wrong era for me.

I have never attended a Farish enthusiasts day so can't comment, the Dapol open day was very good, a tour of the factory and the opportunity to build and keep a wagon, again the wrong era. There was a NQP stall and discounts in the shop, a free buffet with plenty of excellent  food. The icing on the cake for me was winning the Arriva Trains Wales EP Class 67 bookset.

For me the only advantage of the Farish Club has been the free catalogue as none of the special offers have appealed to me. Dapol has given me a free catalogue, a chance to visit the factory and access to NQP models and extra discounts on open day.

So you pay your money and take your choice.

Geoff

Free catalogue? I've never got a catalogue from Dapol...

An update on Dapol collectors club - placed order on 1st April (forget the April fools stuff please) nothing heard as of today (22nd April) -  no information about when stuff will be shipped, but credit card debited within hours of order - not impressed. Will wait another week before contacting them. This just isn't good enough.
:veryangry:

The Bachmann club have been very efficient - online joining and the ability to buy club specials 30 mins later.

My Wagon has arrived, as well as my F4 in blue & cream ( x2)

So well worth the fee.

[smg id=24143 type=full align=center caption="Bachmann Owners club version"]

Nick R

Quote from: Railwaygun on April 22, 2015, 10:52:42 PM
The Bachmann club have been very efficient - online joining and the ability to buy club specials 30 mins later.

My Waggon has arrived, as well as my F4 in blue & cream ( x2)

So well worth the fee.

[smg id=24143 type=full align=center caption="Bachmann Owners club version"]

Nick R

Likewise for me - no complaints about the Farish collectors club service from me.
:)

Quote from: austinbob on April 22, 2015, 09:58:49 PM
An update on Dapol collectors club - placed order on 1st April (forget the April fools stuff please) nothing heard as of today (22nd April) -  no information about when stuff will be shipped, but credit card debited within hours of order - not impressed. Will wait another week before contacting them. This just isn't good enough.
:veryangry:

Sent email to the collectors club asking for details of when I can expect a delivery. I noticed also, that there were 3 reviews on their site about the collectors club. One of them was complaining about no delivery and no communication - small world isn't it?
>:(

I would advise phone Dapol directly and asking to speak to Nicola (I think she runs the club). A polite but firm phone call is much harder to ignore/forget than an email.

Quote from: Karhedron on April 23, 2015, 10:34:33 AM
I would advise phone Dapol directly and asking to speak to Nicola (I think she runs the club). A polite but firm phone call is much harder to ignore/forget than an email.

You're probably right but I would hope they do respond to a customer's email!. I'll give them a week and phone if they don't get back to me beforehand.
:beers:

Quote from: Karhedron on April 23, 2015, 10:34:33 AM
I would advise phone Dapol directly and asking to speak to Nicola (I think she runs the club). A polite but firm phone call is much harder to ignore/forget than an email.

Received email from Nicola within 1/2 hour. Membership pack was reported to have been shipped 7th April - Awaiting feedback on what has gone wrong.
:beers:

Quote from: austinbob on April 23, 2015, 08:16:37 PM

Quote from: Karhedron on April 23, 2015, 10:34:33 AM
I would advise phone Dapol directly and asking to speak to Nicola (I think she runs the club). A polite but firm phone call is much harder to ignore/forget than an email.

Received email from Nicola within 1/2 hour. Membership pack was reported to have been shipped 7th April - Awaiting feedback on what has gone wrong.
:beers:

Nicola says membership pack resent today - so  - allowing for bank holiday should receive pack next week some time.
:)

Farish are doing a collectors club named Black 5 for £107 - looks nice. Every steam layout should have a black 5. It apparently has a tender drive (I assume its similar to the Jubilee?)
Anyone have views if this is a good deal ( and a good runner). Very tempting, I'd like a black 5 for my collection.
:beers:

Is that the 45157 'Glasgow Highlander' (ref 372-137K), Bob?
I did buy that one while I was in Scotland a couple of years ago. As well as a droopy coupling it was not the best of runners, either :hmmm:

Quote from: newportnobby on April 24, 2015, 09:44:34 PM
Is that the 45157 'Glasgow Highlander' (ref 372-137K), Bob?
I did buy that one while I was in Scotland a couple of years ago. As well as a droopy coupling it was not the best of runners, either :hmmm:

That's the one - slightly disappointed now - looks such a nice loco. Anyone else have any experience of this loco?
:'(

Quote from: austinbob on April 24, 2015, 09:47:48 PM

Quote from: newportnobby on April 24, 2015, 09:44:34 PM
Is that the 45157 'Glasgow Highlander' (ref 372-137K), Bob?
I did buy that one while I was in Scotland a couple of years ago. As well as a droopy coupling it was not the best of runners, either :hmmm:

That's the one - slightly disappointed now - looks such a nice loco. Anyone else have any experience of this loco?
:'(

Although not a Club member I managed to buy myself a brand new unused one. I haven't run it for a bit but when it was on the layout all was well with it, no problems at all.

Roy

Quote from: austinbob on April 24, 2015, 09:47:48 PM

Quote from: newportnobby on April 24, 2015, 09:44:34 PM
Is that the 45157 'Glasgow Highlander' (ref 372-137K), Bob?
I did buy that one while I was in Scotland a couple of years ago. As well as a droopy coupling it was not the best of runners, either :hmmm:

That's the one - slightly disappointed now - looks such a nice loco. Anyone else have any experience of this loco?
:'(

Apart from the nameplates it is a standard current generation Black 5 model (same tender drive mech as the Royal Scot and Jubilee)

I've 4 Black 5s including 45157, plus 6 Jubes/Scots (about half bought new, half 2nd hand) and not had any issues with any of them...  :)

There were 4 named Black 5s, all named for Scottish regiments that didn't have Royal Scots. They were always based at Glasgow area sheds for use on the ex GSWR lines, and normally didn't stray too far. Furthest south I've seen evidence of 5157 is Blackpool Central on an Illuminations Excursion.

Quote from: PLD on April 25, 2015, 11:59:56 AM
Furthest south I've seen evidence of 5157 is Blackpool Central on an Illuminations Excursion.

Thanks for shedding some light on that :laugh:

Quote from: PLD on April 25, 2015, 11:59:56 AM

Quote from: austinbob on April 24, 2015, 09:47:48 PM

Quote from: newportnobby on April 24, 2015, 09:44:34 PM
Is that the 45157 'Glasgow Highlander' (ref 372-137K), Bob?
I did buy that one while I was in Scotland a couple of years ago. As well as a droopy coupling it was not the best of runners, either :hmmm:

That's the one - slightly disappointed now - looks such a nice loco. Anyone else have any experience of this loco?
:'(

Apart from the nameplates it is a standard current generation Black 5 model (same tender drive mech as the Royal Scot and Jubilee)

I've 4 Black 5s including 45157, plus 6 Jubes/Scots (about half bought new, half 2nd hand) and not had any issues with any of them...  :)

There were 4 named Black 5s, all named for Scottish regiments that didn't have Royal Scots. They were always based at Glasgow area sheds for use on the ex GSWR lines, and normally didn't stray too far. Furthest south I've seen evidence of 5157 is Blackpool Central on an Illuminations Excursion.

I've just ordered one from Graham Farish.
My layout is a Rule 1 preserved railway so I'm quite happy for this Black 5 to run south of the border!!
:thankyousign:

Quote from: austinbob on April 11, 2015, 09:47:49 AM
I joined both clubs on April 1st  :hmmm: and received Graham Farish collectors club wagon 377-2014K 14T ministry of supply tank wagon yesterday. Very nice it is too.
Still awaiting response from Dapol but I guess it's early days yet.

:beers:

I also received the same wagon, but did you get a calender sent to you as I did not. According to their website it says they send a calender but did not receive it.

Quote from: UPINSMOKE on April 26, 2015, 10:05:14 AM

Quote from: austinbob on April 11, 2015, 09:47:49 AM
I joined both clubs on April 1st  :hmmm: and received Graham Farish collectors club wagon 377-2014K 14T ministry of supply tank wagon yesterday. Very nice it is too.
Still awaiting response from Dapol but I guess it's early days yet.

:beers:

I also received the same wagon, but did you get a calender sent to you as I did not. According to their website it says they send a calender but did not receive it.

Come to think of it I didn't get a calendar - perhaps it is too late for a 2015 calendar and we'll get a 2016 calendar at the end of the year.
Another update - I contacted Dapol by email who said my membership pack was shipped on April 7th - but appears to have gone missing. I phoned them and they say they have shipped another pack - look forward to receiving that.
:beers:

Received named Black 5 today from Bachmann. Looks great - will give it a test run tomorrow.  :)
Have not yet received membership pack from Dapol. Was told that pack was shipped on 7th April. No delivery.
Was then told that membership pack was reshipped  24th April - no delivery as yet. Nicola was very helpful on the phone but not impressed that no delivery yet.
>:(

My Glasgow Highlander runs fine, albeit with a slightly droopy coupler. No problems with my 2 Jubilees - Galatea & Trafalgar.  :thumbsup:

C. :)

Quote from: ChrisWV10 on April 30, 2015, 09:40:47 PM
My Glasgow Highlander runs fine, albeit with a slightly droopy coupler. No problems with my 2 Jubilees - Galatea & Trafalgar.  :thumbsup:

C. :)

Just received mine. Looks great, will try it out over the weekend.
:thankyousign:

Quote from: austinbob on May 01, 2015, 10:00:05 AM

Quote from: ChrisWV10 on April 30, 2015, 09:40:47 PM
My Glasgow Highlander runs fine, albeit with a slightly droopy coupler. No problems with my 2 Jubilees - Galatea & Trafalgar.  :thumbsup:

C. :)

Just received mine. Looks great, will try it out over the weekend.
:thankyousign:

Have run it in both directions for 1/2 hour each direction. Worked perfectly, very quiet, constant speed. Turned it round and will do the same tomorrow. However first impressions are its struggling to get round radius 2 curves in the new direction - wheel slip!! I'll check it out tomorrow.
:beers:

Quote from: austinbob on May 02, 2015, 09:15:20 PM

Quote from: austinbob on May 01, 2015, 10:00:05 AM

Quote from: ChrisWV10 on April 30, 2015, 09:40:47 PM
My Glasgow Highlander runs fine, albeit with a slightly droopy coupler. No problems with my 2 Jubilees - Galatea & Trafalgar.  :thumbsup:

C. :)

Just received mine. Looks great, will try it out over the weekend.
:thankyousign:

Have run it in both directions for 1/2 hour each direction. Worked perfectly, very quiet, constant speed. Turned it round and will do the same tomorrow. However first impressions are its struggling to get round radius 2 curves in the new direction - wheel slip!! I'll check it out tomorrow.
:beers:

Wheel slip due to senior citizen not noticing that front bogie was not on the track. Too many senior moments this year! Oh well!!! :D

Quote from: austinbob on April 24, 2015, 09:08:17 PM

Quote from: austinbob on April 23, 2015, 08:16:37 PM

Quote from: Karhedron on April 23, 2015, 10:34:33 AM
I would advise phone Dapol directly and asking to speak to Nicola (I think she runs the club). A polite but firm phone call is much harder to ignore/forget than an email.

Received email from Nicola within 1/2 hour. Membership pack was reported to have been shipped 7th April - Awaiting feedback on what has gone wrong.
:beers:

Nicola says membership pack resent today - so  - allowing for bank holiday should receive pack next week some time.
:)

Still nothing received. Called Nicola again and they are shipping a third membership pack. Apparently they were trying out a new carrier who just didn't deliver stuff. They've now ditched the carrier (can't remember the name something about UK and the mail!!). I guess they were trying to save costs. Two lost membership packs for me (plus I assume failed deliveries for others) means that low cost does not always save money.
Anyway, with a bit of luck, 3rd time lucky. Otherwise I'll ask for a refund.
:veryangry:

Quote from: austinbob on May 03, 2015, 07:51:44 PM

Quote from: austinbob on May 02, 2015, 09:15:20 PM

Quote from: austinbob on May 01, 2015, 10:00:05 AM

Quote from: ChrisWV10 on April 30, 2015, 09:40:47 PM
My Glasgow Highlander runs fine, albeit with a slightly droopy coupler. No problems with my 2 Jubilees - Galatea & Trafalgar.  :thumbsup:

C. :)

Just received mine. Looks great, will try it out over the weekend.
:thankyousign:

Have run it in both directions for 1/2 hour each direction. Worked perfectly, very quiet, constant speed. Turned it round and will do the same tomorrow. However first impressions are its struggling to get round radius 2 curves in the new direction - wheel slip!! I'll check it out tomorrow.
:beers:

Wheel slip due to senior citizen not noticing that front bogie was not on the track. Too many senior moments this year! Oh well!!! :D

Have things improved with all the wheels on the track, Bob?

Quote from: newportnobby on May 05, 2015, 09:06:43 PM

Have things improved with all the wheels on the track, Bob?

That is a definite yes - runs perfectly. I feel a complete idiot :-[

When will someone make an N gauge MAGLEV train then us olduns wouldn't have to worry about getting all the wheels on the track?
Bob

Bob, have you received your Dapol Club stuff yet, I got a similar response but still waiting ......

Rung three times now but nothing ...

Quote from: georgehgv on May 26, 2015, 05:58:42 PM
Bob, have you received your Dapol Club stuff yet, I got a similar response but still waiting ......

Rung three times now but nothing ...

No George - not a sausage. Even a sausage would have been nice! They claim to have had problems with their couriers and say they have shipped my membership pack  three times! Spoke to them last week and Nicola was on holiday (club secretary). They promised to phone me today - nothing! I'll give them another call tomorrow - if I don't get a sensible answer then I'll ask for my money back. I am really not impressed. :beers:

Will also ring tomorrow but off to Facebook page to see if can stir up there. Not impressed either, let us know any result.

Quote from: georgehgv on May 26, 2015, 08:30:34 PM
Will also ring tomorrow but off to Facebook page to see if can stir up there. Not impressed either, let us know any result.

Ok - will do George.
:beers:

Message sent via Facebook to Dapol along with a post, asking when will get Club stuff.

Quote from: georgehgv on May 26, 2015, 09:29:56 PM
Message sent via Facebook to Dapol along with a post, asking when will get Club stuff.

Spoke to Nicola a Dapol today and she said that yet another pack had been shipped in two parcels by Royal Mail. Fingers crossed???? :hmmm:

Bob, I just spoke to Nicola and as she was in the shop promised to look into it and call me back, will see. Did you believe another pack on its way?

Quote from: georgehgv on May 27, 2015, 10:43:47 AM
Bob, I just spoke to Nicola and as she was in the shop promised to look into it and call me back, will see. Did you believe another pack on its way?

Nicola did seem a lot more certain about the dispatch this time George. As I said yesterday - fingers crossed. :beers:

Quote from: austinbob on May 27, 2015, 10:13:01 AM

Quote from: georgehgv on May 26, 2015, 09:29:56 PM
Message sent via Facebook to Dapol along with a post, asking when will get Club stuff.

Spoke to Nicola a Dapol today and she said that yet another pack had been shipped in two parcels by Royal Mail. Fingers crossed???? :hmmm:

First parcel just arrived by Royal Mail - catalogue and price list. Looking hopeful. :)

Bl***y hell Bob.

Still waiting for Nicola to call back, little chance I reckon.

What should be in members pack? Binder for newsletters, collectable gift.

Membership card.

Missed anything?

Quote from: georgehgv on May 27, 2015, 11:51:02 AM
Bl***y hell Bob.

Still waiting for Nicola to call back, little chance I reckon.

What should be in members pack? Binder for newsletters, collectable gift.

Membership card.

Missed anything?

Not really sure now - its been so long since I placed the order!! What you suggested sounds vaguely familiar. I think you can look it up on the collectors club website. :beers:

Nicola rang !

All I get is the membership card, offer list, a catalogue when they publish it, a newsletter which is imminent, a model dunno what or when.

Oh and an Open Day in Wales if you want to cross Southern England to get there.

Not convinced worth it, so probably save my money nrxt yest.

Shame really as it was good when Nthusiast Club.

Quote from: georgehgv on May 27, 2015, 12:58:48 PM
Nicola rang !

All I get is the membership card, offer list, a catalogue when they publish it, a newsletter which is imminent, a model dunno what or when.

Oh and an Open Day in Wales if you want to cross Southern England to get there.

Not convinced worth it, so probably save my money nrxt yest.

Shame really as it was good when Nthusiast Club.

Now I am confused George. What you describe sounds more like the Bachmann club. The Dapol website describes more or less what you suggested in your earlier post
I received a membership card and a wagon from Bachmann/Farish so far.

I just received a catalogue from Dapol so far and have been told there is another parcel on the way
??? :confused2: :hmmm:

All in all it sounds awful being in this Dapol Club!

Just a shame they do not hold customers with high regard, I can only say if it was my business I would make sure the staff followed up customer problems asap.

They will not get me joining any time soon.

All the best with your short comings folks hope you get them sorted soon.

Quote from: austinbob on May 27, 2015, 02:12:07 PM

Quote from: georgehgv on May 27, 2015, 12:58:48 PM
Nicola rang !

All I get is the membership card, offer list, a catalogue when they publish it, a newsletter which is imminent, a model dunno what or when.

Oh and an Open Day in Wales if you want to cross Southern England to get there.

Not convinced worth it, so probably save my money nrxt yest.

Shame really as it was good when Nthusiast Club.

Now I am confused George. What you describe sounds more like the Bachmann club. The Dapol website describes more or less what you suggested in your earlier post
I received a membership card and a wagon from Bachmann/Farish so far.

I just received a catalogue from Dapol so far and have been told there is another parcel on the way
??? :confused2: :hmmm:

Catalogue? All I've had since I renewed in Jan is a newsletter. Looks like I'll need to get in touch with them as well...

Quote from: austinbob on May 27, 2015, 02:12:07 PM

Quote from: georgehgv on May 27, 2015, 12:58:48 PM
Nicola rang !

All I get is the membership card, offer list, a catalogue when they publish it, a newsletter which is imminent, a model dunno what or when.

Oh and an Open Day in Wales if you want to cross Southern England to get there.

Not convinced worth it, so probably save my money nrxt yest.

Shame really as it was good when Nthusiast Club.

Now I am confused George. What you describe sounds more like the Bachmann club. The Dapol website describes more or less what you suggested in your earlier post
I received a membership card and a wagon from Bachmann/Farish so far.

I just received a catalogue from Dapol so far and have been told there is another parcel on the way
??? :confused2: :hmmm:

I have had nothing so far from Dapol, the newsletter I had beginning of this year I assumed came within last years subs being as renewal was Feb/March time.
I should have a catalogue then and a model I think ??

Farish sent catalogue and had model and membership card.

In summary Dapol are crap and disorganized.

George - I agree!! I just hope the second package arrives as promised and its what it should be.
:beers:

Think I will request a refund.

Quote from: georgehgv on May 27, 2015, 05:52:13 PM
Think I will request a refund.

Did Dapol say they have or are shipping stuff to you. Might be worth waiting a few days if they did. Anyway.. this is not good publicity for Dapol. I wonder if they ever check out this Forum for what their customer problems/feelings are? Probably not. I must say the response from Bachmann/Farish has been sooo.. much better.
Hope you get all your stuff or a refund. I bet they argue about refunding the money - just a feeling.
:veryangry:

I joined the Dapol collectors club a few years ago; mainly to get the Silver Link A4 model. Unfortunately it was so delayed that, by the time it was released, I couldn't afford it.  :(  The club wagon was nice (although I probably couldn't identify it in amongst my stock boxes now!  ;D ) and I did get a catalogue and the occasional newsletter, but it never seemed worth the money, so I let my membership lapse after a year...

However, since then, I still receive the occasional newsletter, and have even had catalogues through the letterbox too - I got the latest newsletter a few days ago! I keep wondering if they would send me the club limited edition loco if I ordered it and paid for it?  :hmmm: (Probably!)

Anyone wanting to voice their concerns should visit the Dapol page on Facebook, i did earlier but no response but just maybe if enough did then who knows? Will prove they do or don't read it.

I am not at all surprised that you still get Newsletters after lapse, I have not had mine since beginning of year so I must be paying your subs.

Not holding my breath for anything more than a membership card and list of supposed bargains which are probably all OO and dearer than Hattons.

Keep you posted, at least Farish have a yearly do and wagon and catalogue and newslettters.

have just got a dapol collectors club mag today i left the club over a year ago  :o

Quote from: JBQFC on May 29, 2015, 10:45:10 AM
have just got a dapol collectors club mag today i left the club over a year ago  :o

The magazine comes from the printer directly, mine arrived as well today but nothing from Nicola at the Collector Club. I left a post on Facebook which Joel Dapol disliked but nothing done until I posted it, he offered to refund my Membership which I have now confirmed I wished to do and am waiting for a refund. The N'thusiasts Club was far better run than this new multi gauge venture which is a shambles.

Quote from: georgehgv on May 29, 2015, 11:18:05 AM

Quote from: JBQFC on May 29, 2015, 10:45:10 AM
have just got a dapol collectors club mag today i left the club over a year ago  :o

The magazine comes from the printer directly, mine arrived as well today but nothing from Nicola at the Collector Club. I left a post on Facebook which Joel Dapol disliked but nothing done until I posted it, he offered to refund my Membership which I have now confirmed I wished to do and am waiting for a refund. The N'thusiasts Club was far better run than this new multi gauge venture which is a shambles.

Well!! I've waited the two or three days Nicola suggested to receive the two parcels she promised and all I've had so far is a Dapol catalogue. Time to ask for a refund methinks. The Dapol catalogue isn't even mentioned as part of the membership pack!! :veryangry:

Very ironically, Bob & George, I received the magazine today ...  While generally better than previous ones (eg it's not 6 sheets of A4 stapled in a corner this time !), it's still nowhere near the quality etc of the Hornby or Bachmann magazines in either material or content terms.

Why ironically, you may be asking ?  Well, like a lot here, I joined up (I was after Silver Link) but was extremely disappointed in the Club and never renewed.  That was a couple of years ago now !!!  Either they are using a very old copy of the database, or are desperate to get back ex-members ! 

Or could it be that (privately) they admit the way they have run the Club was lousy & have extended previous members for another Issue or two ...  ???

Mike

But my beef Mike, is that I am a new member who applied 1st April (April fools day note) who despite being told that they have physically shipped a membership pack 4 times, I've received nothing but a catalogue. Am I the only unfortunate new member to have this problem??
:confused2:

Quote from: austinbob on May 29, 2015, 06:14:51 PM
But my beef Mike, is that I am a new member who applied 1st April (April fools day note) who despite being told that they have physically shipped a membership pack 4 times, I've received nothing but a catalogue. Am I the only unfortunate new member to have this problem??
:confused2:

Not a new member, but renewed in Jan or Feb - I forget exactly which - but the only thing I've had from them since is one Newsletter (and not recently). No new membership card or other material, or a code to get the members discount on the website shop (the one I've previously used is not working now). I'm beginning to think (like others) I've backed a Donkey...

Bob,

Not at all ... this kind of happening was going on several years ago too; I think there are posts about it here somewhere.

I do recall that at least half-way through the membership year (could be close to the end) that Dapol made a big deal about revamping things to improve the Club; I had my doubts then & it seems my suspicions were right  :(

It really is ironic that a number of ex-members are receiving copies of the latest magazine whereas new members get nowt !  But at least you've had response from them; my emails & letters were ignored ...

I was with the Bachmann club, but they never offered Anyloco's of interest to me, so I decided to leave and take out the Dapol one.

The Dapol one was good, until I found out it ends in December (I took it out in September  :censored: ). When I joined, they said you got a mug and all sorts, but it never turned up and after 20 emails to Dapol they are still yet to reply.

Dapol have brilliant loco's but  :censored: customer service.

Quote from: NOE 544R on May 29, 2015, 08:00:24 PM
I was with the Bachmann club, but they never offered Andy loco's of interest to me, so I decided to leave and take out the Dapol one.

The Dapol one was good, until I found out it ends in December (I took it out in September  :censored: ). When I joined, they said you got a mug and all sorts, but it never turned up and after 20 emails to Dapol they are still yet to reply.

Dapol have brilliant loco's but  :censored: customer service.

I joined the Bachmann/Farish collectors club the same day as the Dapol Club. I got my membership card and a lovely N gauge wagon within a week. I also got access to the collectors club specials and bought a named black 5 and a nice set of private owners wagons at prices better than Hattons. I think I've already got my moneys worth out of the Bachmann/Farish club with absolutely no hassle
Dapol should be ashamed of themselves. I'm seriously considering contacting trading standards about this. I know its only £25 but its £25 a pensioner could be spending on something else.
:beers:

I believe that Joel Bright is MD of Dapol. Does anyone know his email address as I was thinking of emailing him about my dissatisfaction with the collectors club. Online searches seem to have him fairly well hidden. Perhaps not a surprise!!
Help if you can please.
:thankyousign:

Quote from: austinbob on May 29, 2015, 08:08:40 PM

Quote from: NOE 544R on May 29, 2015, 08:00:24 PM
I was with the Bachmann club, but they never offered Andy loco's of interest to me, so I decided to leave and take out the Dapol one.

The Dapol one was good, until I found out it ends in December (I took it out in September  :censored: ). When I joined, they said you got a mug and all sorts, but it never turned up and after 20 emails to Dapol they are still yet to reply.

Dapol have brilliant loco's but  :censored: customer service.

I joined the Bachmann/Farish collectors club the same day as the Dapol Club. I got my membership card and a lovely N gauge wagon within a week. I also got access to the collectors club specials and bought a named black 5 and a nice set of private owners wagons at prices better than Hattons. I think I've already got my moneys worth out of the Bachmann/Farish club with absolutely no hassle
Dapol should be ashamed of themselves. I'm seriously considering contacting trading standards about this. I know its only £25 but its £25 a pensioner could be spending on something else.
:beers:

This is the problem I have with dapol. I prefer their loco's, especially with their new weathering which is amazing. However, when it comes to customer service, it's non existent. At shows they are fine, but as a so called professional company they fail.

I wish they would just stop for a few days, re organise everything, sort out their customer service and then resume trading, as it is the only way it will be done.

[mod]Post edited - please do not make potentially libellous comments on the forum.[/mod]

Quote from: austinbob on May 29, 2015, 05:45:16 PM

Well!! I've waited the two or three days Nicola suggested to receive the two parcels she promised and all I've had so far is a Dapol catalogue. Time to ask for a refund methinks. The Dapol catalogue isn't even mentioned as part of the membership pack!! :veryangry:

Second parcel never arrived - what a surprise. So all I got from Dapol for my £25 was a catalogue I didn't ask for.
Sent off an email to Nicola asking for a refund. Got a reply from Nicola from BACHMANN!!! saying 'are you sure you've got the right collectors club??'  :-[ Fancy them both having the same name - wow!!
Had to do grovel, grovel reply to Bachmann saying how sorry I was for getting it wrong and that I was more than happy with their club  :-[ :-[ :-[
Reposted email to Nicola of Dapol requesting refund so lets see what happens?
:hmmm: :)

Quote from: austinbob on June 01, 2015, 05:56:36 PM

Quote from: austinbob on May 29, 2015, 05:45:16 PM

Well!! I've waited the two or three days Nicola suggested to receive the two parcels she promised and all I've had so far is a Dapol catalogue. Time to ask for a refund methinks. The Dapol catalogue isn't even mentioned as part of the membership pack!! :veryangry:

Second parcel never arrived - what a surprise. So all I got from Dapol for my £25 was a catalogue I didn't ask for.
Sent off an email to Nicola asking for a refund. Got a reply from Nicola from BACHMANN!!! saying 'are you sure you've got the right collectors club??'  :-[ Fancy them both having the same name - wow!!
Had to do grovel, grovel reply to Bachmann saying how sorry I was for getting it wrong and that I was more than happy with their club  :-[ :-[ :-[
Reposted email to Nicola of Dapol requesting refund so lets see what happens?
:hmmm: :)

Still no reply to me either. Ah shame really.

Quote from: austinbob on June 01, 2015, 05:56:36 PM

Quote from: austinbob on May 29, 2015, 05:45:16 PM

Well!! I've waited the two or three days Nicola suggested to receive the two parcels she promised and all I've had so far is a Dapol catalogue. Time to ask for a refund methinks. The Dapol catalogue isn't even mentioned as part of the membership pack!! :veryangry:

Second parcel never arrived - what a surprise. So all I got from Dapol for my £25 was a catalogue I didn't ask for.
Sent off an email to Nicola asking for a refund.

Never got a response to my email to Nicola at Dapol collectors club requesting a refund. (waited nearly a week).
Sent email to Joel Bright, MD, yesterday. Got a read receipt but no reply. Maybe he's busy, maybe he'll contact me next week. Still I know he's probably got other things on his mind. After all I'm only a customer and nobody of importance!
In any event I'm pretty much resigned to the fact that my £25 has been fraudulently appropriated by Dapol and I'm not likely to see a refund or a membership pack. Don't really have any other options now, not worth pursuing this from a legal point of view as its not a lot of money and I can't be bothered with the hassle.
From now on, as far as I am concerned, Dapol no longer exists and I will no longer purchase anything from them.
Next port of call is the ehattons web site to cancel all my Dapol preorders.
This is just an appalling way to treat customers. :veryangry: :veryangry: :veryangry: :veryangry:

In contrast I've just received the latest Bachmann Times from the Bachmann Collectors club and very nice it is too.
:)

Sorry to hear that about Dapol, Bob.
It just reminds me of the Q & A session on a certain other forum which turned out to be a debacle ::)

Or their marvellous appearance @ the NGS meeting (I think it was) about a year back ...

I treat Dapol kit with a great deal of caution these days ... if it's not perfect, I won't touch it.

Quote from: MikeDunn on June 06, 2015, 06:10:12 PM
Or their marvellous appearance @ the NGS meeting (I think it was) about a year back ...

I treat Dapol kit with a great deal of caution these days ... if it's not perfect, I won't touch it.

Unfortunately I quite like some of the Dapol stuff. To be honest its just as good as Farish. (or bad depending on your point of view). However I can't accept rubbish customer service - in my opinion fraud in this case.
So on principle I will no longer buy Dapol products. If I see a second hand Dapol  product in good condition then I would buy it because Dapol would make no money out of it.
:beers:

Quote from: georgehgv on May 29, 2015, 11:18:05 AM

Quote from: JBQFC on May 29, 2015, 10:45:10 AM
have just got a dapol collectors club mag today i left the club over a year ago  :o

The magazine comes from the printer directly, mine arrived as well today but nothing from Nicola at the Collector Club. I left a post on Facebook which Joel Dapol disliked but nothing done until I posted it, he offered to refund my Membership which I have now confirmed I wished to do and am waiting for a refund. The N'thusiasts Club was far better run than this new multi gauge venture which is a shambles.

George? did you ever get your refund?
:worried:

Just ordered a very nice Pullman brake from Farish collectors club. Will complement my rake of Pullmans from Farish very nicely when they arrive.
:)

Quote from: austinbob on June 07, 2015, 10:16:11 AM

Quote from: georgehgv on May 29, 2015, 11:18:05 AM

Quote from: JBQFC on May 29, 2015, 10:45:10 AM
have just got a dapol collectors club mag today i left the club over a year ago  :o

The magazine comes from the printer directly, mine arrived as well today but nothing from Nicola at the Collector Club. I left a post on Facebook which Joel Dapol disliked but nothing done until I posted it, he offered to refund my Membership which I have now confirmed I wished to do and am waiting for a refund. The N'thusiasts Club was far better run than this new multi gauge venture which is a shambles.

George? did you ever get your refund?
:worried:

Hi Bob, did send you message.

Yes I did get refund  :bounce: . I never got a membership card etc despite being assured it had been sent days before requesting refund, anyway I got refund.

I posted a not very complimentary post on Dapol Facebook page to which Joel responded privately, let's say he did not like what I posted but he sorted the refund straight away.

My suggestion is to do similar search Dapol in Facebook search and post the facts, sit back and wait, have a look at mine if you are there.

I like Dapol products, will still buy them as I know where to buy very competitively and if repairs are needed DCC Supplies are very good, warranty work no problem. Better than Farish who you have to pay your own postage to return even for warranty work.

So anyone unhappy with service or gets no response rattle on Facebook it works without exception in my experience, have had cause to complain on many occasions to different places and Facebook is the place to do it. Name names if you like just make sure facts are true.

Good luck all.

Thanks George but I don't do facebook or other media stuff so am  resigned to hoping for refund. In any event Dapol have lost my business for good unless I see some evidence that they care a damn about their customers :beers:

Quote from: austinbob on June 08, 2015, 10:01:09 PM
Thanks George but I don't do facebook or other media stuff so am  resigned to hoping for refund. In any event Dapol have lost my business for good unless I see some evidence that they care a damn about their customers :beers:

Make an exception Bob, can use Facebook without posting much if you want but believe me if you need to kick butt it works.

Not sure if it has been mentioned earlier in the thread but you can contact your local trading standards office who should be able to help or try Citizens Advice.  Really a shame to hear of such blatant disregard for customers from Dapol, we need them to ensure Bachmann keep their game up. and their Class 56 and 58 are brilliant.

Georgehgv and simong
Thanks for your input and suggestions.
I have sent another email to Joel and Nicola today and may send a further email if I still get no response.
As regards Citizens Advice and Trading standards, I don't think its worth the hassle for £25.
In any event, as far as I'm concerned, Dapol no longer have my custom and I have cancelled several hundred pounds worth of pre-orders for Dapol kit and reassigned the cash to Graham Farish pre-orders.
:thankyousign:

I can fully understand your annoyance but there are 2 that will loose out on not buying Dapol anymore, first is you. There is a reason that you wanted to pre-order the stuff, because you wanted it and Dapol announced it. Dapol will get their money either way because the trade pay them you are in fact hurting the shops more by having an unsold model on the shelves.

Have you tried going old fashioned and actually phoning them! Emails are useless as they are quite easy to ignore or be overlooked.

Alistair

Quote from: alibuchan on June 09, 2015, 10:25:56 AM
I can fully understand your annoyance but there are 2 that will loose out on not buying Dapol anymore, first is you. There is a reason that you wanted to pre-order the stuff, because you wanted it and Dapol announced it. Dapol will get their money either way because the trade pay them you are in fact hurting the shops more by having an unsold model on the shelves.

Have you tried going old fashioned and actually phoning them! Emails are useless as they are quite easy to ignore or be overlooked.

Alistair

Yes, of course I have phoned them and all I get is excuses and the runaround about why the stuff has not been shipped.
The emails are not getting overlooked as I have read receipts for some of them. The b****s just don't respond!!
Also as I have reallocated the funds I was going to use for Dapol to Graham Farish instead so the trade is not losing anything.

OK guys and gals lets put all this Dapol stuff behind us. What will be will be.

On a more positive note the Bachmann collectors club have just announced a new MK1 pullman BR Mk1 BCK 374-080K. I have just ordered one to go with my Farish Pullman rake on pre-order with ehattons. It looks great. http://bachmann-collectorsclub.co.uk/products/n-scale-products/n-scale-rolling-stock/n-scale-br-mk1-bck-sloa-pullman-coach-car-no-355.html (http://bachmann-collectorsclub.co.uk/products/n-scale-products/n-scale-rolling-stock/n-scale-br-mk1-bck-sloa-pullman-coach-car-no-355.html)
:beers:

Bob, might I suggest you write up a brief summary of your experience, in a letter to a editor format. Then, one of the following.

Contact Dapol and inform them that if they do not issue you a refund, you will be sending the the major model railway magazines and the NGS Journal, as advice to others.

Option 2, and my choice if it were me, at this point, would be to just send the letter on to the magazines.

If published, it would reach a far wider audience than that of Facebook, forums, or any other social media methods.

Just a suggestion.

Jim F

Quote from: JimF on June 09, 2015, 11:48:12 AM
Bob, might I suggest you write up a brief summary of your experience, in a letter to a editor format. Then, one of the following.

Contact Dapol and inform them that if they do not issue you a refund, you will be sending the the major model railway magazines and the NGS Journal, as advice to others.

Option 2, and my choice if it were me, at this point, would be to just send the letter on to the magazines.

If published, it would reach a far wider audience than that of Facebook, forums, or any other social media methods.

Just a suggestion.

Jim F

Thanks for your post Jim. I think I have already spent too much time on this Fiasco but for £25 it really isn't worth the hassle of pursuing this matter further.
I guess that probably sounds a bit whimpish but I don't want to start a witch hunt and would like to get back to the fun business of N gauge railway modelling.
All the best.
:beers:

Quote from: austinbob on June 09, 2015, 10:51:01 AM
Yes, of course I have phoned them and all I get is excuses and the runaround about why the stuff has not been shipped.
The emails are not getting overlooked as I have read receipts for some of them.

The read receipts are not worth the paper they are printed on - they don't tell you much.

Send them a letter (preferably signed for) asking for a refund within X days.

Cheers, Mike

Quote from: austinbob on June 09, 2015, 09:57:07 AM
Georgehgv and simong
Thanks for your input and suggestions.
I have sent another email to Joel and Nicola today and may send a further email if I still get no response.
As regards Citizens Advice and Trading standards, I don't think its worth the hassle for £25.
In any event, as far as I'm concerned, Dapol no longer have my custom and I have cancelled several hundred pounds worth of pre-orders for Dapol kit and reassigned the cash to Graham Farish pre-orders.
:thankyousign:

Well now. Guess what? I've just received an apology from Joel Bright by email and an assurance that they will expedite a refund. They are apparently investigating what went wrong. My faith in human nature is partly restored (assuming I do receive a refund of course).
:)

At last there's been some response. Please keep us informed, Bob.

Quote from: austinbob on June 09, 2015, 12:48:42 PM

Quote from: austinbob on June 09, 2015, 09:57:07 AM
Georgehgv and simong
Thanks for your input and suggestions.
I have sent another email to Joel and Nicola today and may send a further email if I still get no response.
As regards Citizens Advice and Trading standards, I don't think its worth the hassle for £25.
In any event, as far as I'm concerned, Dapol no longer have my custom and I have cancelled several hundred pounds worth of pre-orders for Dapol kit and reassigned the cash to Graham Farish pre-orders.
:thankyousign:

Well now. Guess what? I've just received an apology from Joel Bright by email and an assurance that they will expedite a refund. They are apparently investigating what went wrong. My faith in human nature is partly restored (assuming I do receive a refund of course).
:)

It is now two weeks since Joel Bright promised to 'expedite a refund'. I have checked my on-line credit card statement which shows all transactions up to and including 21st June and guess what - zilch, no refund.
Fired off another email to Joel just now.
I wonder if those who label some of us as 'Dapol bashers' would agree that issues like this require a bit of 'bashing'
Eagerly awaiting next installment of this sorry tale.
:D

Quote from: austinbob on June 23, 2015, 10:15:33 AM

Quote from: austinbob on June 09, 2015, 12:48:42 PM

Quote from: austinbob on June 09, 2015, 09:57:07 AM
Georgehgv and simong
Thanks for your input and suggestions.
I have sent another email to Joel and Nicola today and may send a further email if I still get no response.
As regards Citizens Advice and Trading standards, I don't think its worth the hassle for £25.
In any event, as far as I'm concerned, Dapol no longer have my custom and I have cancelled several hundred pounds worth of pre-orders for Dapol kit and reassigned the cash to Graham Farish pre-orders.
:thankyousign:

Well now. Guess what? I've just received an apology from Joel Bright by email and an assurance that they will expedite a refund. They are apparently investigating what went wrong. My faith in human nature is partly restored (assuming I do receive a refund of course).
:)

It is now two weeks since Joel Bright promised to 'expedite a refund'. I have checked my on-line credit card statement which shows all transactions up to and including 21st June and guess what - zilch, no refund.
Fired off another email to Joel just now.
I wonder if those who label some of us as 'Dapol bashers' would agree that issues like this require a bit of 'bashing'
Eagerly awaiting next installment of this sorry tale.
:D

Hi

Personally I would put it in the hands of the credit card company and let them deal with it.

Cheers

Paul

Shame we didn't know this last Friday, Bob, as we could have picketed the Dapol stand at the Conwy Show and inserted NQP items into Joel until he coughed up >:D

Quote from: PaulCheffus on June 23, 2015, 11:04:37 AM

Quote from: austinbob on June 23, 2015, 10:15:33 AM

Quote from: austinbob on June 09, 2015, 12:48:42 PM

Quote from: austinbob on June 09, 2015, 09:57:07 AM
Georgehgv and simong
Thanks for your input and suggestions.
I have sent another email to Joel and Nicola today and may send a further email if I still get no response.
As regards Citizens Advice and Trading standards, I don't think its worth the hassle for £25.
In any event, as far as I'm concerned, Dapol no longer have my custom and I have cancelled several hundred pounds worth of pre-orders for Dapol kit and reassigned the cash to Graham Farish pre-orders.
:thankyousign:

Well now. Guess what? I've just received an apology from Joel Bright by email and an assurance that they will expedite a refund. They are apparently investigating what went wrong. My faith in human nature is partly restored (assuming I do receive a refund of course).
:)

It is now two weeks since Joel Bright promised to 'expedite a refund'. I have checked my on-line credit card statement which shows all transactions up to and including 21st June and guess what - zilch, no refund.
Fired off another email to Joel just now.
I wonder if those who label some of us as 'Dapol bashers' would agree that issues like this require a bit of 'bashing'
Eagerly awaiting next installment of this sorry tale.
:D

Hi

Personally I would put it in the hands of the credit card company and let them deal with it.

Cheers

Paul

Just received email from Lynn in accounts saying my refund has been processed today. :hmmm:

Quote from: austinbob on June 23, 2015, 12:02:24 PM
Just received email from Lynn in accounts saying my refund has been processed today. :hmmm:

You wouldn't believe how many times I hear that when I'm chasing late-payers at work. Usually they do actually process it, but only because they've been chased for it. The moral of the story is that chasing works. Being nice and waiting doesn't, sadly.

Changing the theme a bit here, I have just joined the Bachmann collectors club and I am looking forward to all the literature that comes with being a member, the reason I have joined is because of all the good feed back it receives from fellow members.

Just goes to show forums spread the good and bad news, I feel Dapol will have to change its attitude towards members before I join that club.

Quote from: Geoff on June 23, 2015, 02:42:26 PM
Changing the theme a bit here, I have just joined the Bachmann collectors club and I am looking forward to all the literature that comes with being a member, the reason I have joined is because of all the good feed back it receives from fellow members.

Just goes to show forums spread the good and bad news, I feel Dapol will have to change its attitude towards members before I join that club.

I joined the Bachmann club at the same time as I tried to join the Dapol club. Such different experience!! I am so pleased with what I have received so far and have already purchased some of the collectors items at a good price. I've probably already got my membership fee back.
:D

I have been a member of Bachmann Club a number of years and without exception they deliver every ppromise, magazines, club model, days out etc. no problem at all with them, just a shame others do not follow suit. I do hope you have now received your refund Bob.

Quote from: georgehgv on June 24, 2015, 03:35:30 PM
I have been a member of Bachmann Club a number of years and without exception they deliver every ppromise, magazines, club model, days out etc. no problem at all with them, just a shame others do not follow suit. I do hope you have now received your refund Bob.

Waiting for online update to credit card statement tomorrow or Friday...
:sleep:

Quote from: austinbob on June 24, 2015, 03:39:12 PM

Quote from: georgehgv on June 24, 2015, 03:35:30 PM
I have been a member of Bachmann Club a number of years and without exception they deliver every ppromise, magazines, club model, days out etc. no problem at all with them, just a shame others do not follow suit. I do hope you have now received your refund Bob.

Waiting for online update to credit card statement tomorrow or Friday...
:sleep:

Received refund - recorded on credit card statement today.
Here endeth the final chapter. AMEN!!
:claphappy:

That is good Bob, pleased it is all over.

Brian Rix would have been pleased his long running farce has come to a full stop at last.

Quote from: newportnobby on June 25, 2015, 10:24:56 AM
Brian Rix would have been pleased his long running farce has come to a full stop at last.

Who is Brian Rix?  ;) Have forgotten.  :wave:

Quote from: georgehgv on June 25, 2015, 11:52:16 AM

Quote from: newportnobby on June 25, 2015, 10:24:56 AM
Brian Rix would have been pleased his long running farce has come to a full stop at last.

Who is Brian Rix?  ;) Have forgotten.  :wave:

You're not as old as I thought George. Brian Rix was an actor who specialised in farces (passed away now). Can't remember any of the plays he acted in now but he was a household name and very funny. :beers:
Sorry I believe he's still alive.

Oh dear Bob, fooled you there I remember Brian Rix farces course I do lol.

All at the Whitehall theatre!  :D

Quote from: georgehgv on June 25, 2015, 12:59:41 PM
Oh dear Bob, fooled you there I remember Brian Rix farces course I do lol.

All at the Whitehall theatre!  :D

:-[ :-[ :-[ :'(

Signed up for the first time this week  :D Got my wagon yesterday  :D

Quote from: RichardBattersby on September 11, 2015, 09:18:32 PM
Signed up for the first time this week  :D Got my wagon yesterday  :D

Which Club, GF or Dupol?

Oops sorry, Farish. Already spent £100 on CC wagons. Still waiting for delivery though.

Anybody have any updates on whether Dapol collectors club is now worth the effort of trying to join.
As you will see from earlier posts on this thread I had a very bad experience with the Dapol club.
Bachmann club is great and I will continue to subscribe.

Latest feedback on Dapol club would be appreciated.
Ta!!  :beers:

Quote from: austinbob on December 11, 2015, 06:17:56 PM
Anybody have any updates on whether Dapol collectors club is now worth the effort of trying to join.
As you will see from earlier posts on this thread I had a very bad experience with the Dapol club.
Bachmann club is great and I will continue to subscribe.

Latest feedback on Dapol club would be appreciated.
Ta!!  :beers:

Having just read this thread, I can't believe you would give them another go! You're a much more forgiving sort than I! I have been looking at joining the Bachmann club as I want both steam locomotives and both coaches currently available, but the cost is a bit high, especially since I'm used to getting the VAT deducted from UK purchases on top of the 15% lower that retail is from MSRP.

I can't find a listing of the available Dapol collectors club items, but apparently the next up is to be a Grange in black livery with GW on the tender. Anyone know what else they have on offer? Since their dates run Feb 1st-January 31st, it would certainly be a waste to renew before February....

Quote from: N-Gauge-US on December 12, 2015, 02:44:29 PM

Quote from: austinbob on December 11, 2015, 06:17:56 PM
Anybody have any updates on whether Dapol collectors club is now worth the effort of trying to join.
As you will see from earlier posts on this thread I had a very bad experience with the Dapol club.
Bachmann club is great and I will continue to subscribe.

Latest feedback on Dapol club would be appreciated.
Ta!!  :beers:

Having just read this thread, I can't believe you would give them another go! You're a much more forgiving sort than I!

I know, I'm a glutton for punishment. I'm just interested if anyone has had any good experiences of the Dapol club recently.
:beers:

I rejoined the dapol club in the last month, main reason was to get an O gauge terrier, not N i know!
I was told on the phone to expect my terrier along with free yearly wagon etc. To mu suprise no wagon in the parcel, i dropped them an email to be told they no longer supply any wagon for any of the 3 gauges. They included 4 magazines and a renewel form that starts January for the years subscription!
So basically £25 for two months subscription, no free wagon and 4 magazines that had news from the beginning of the year!,
Certainly wont renew it for next year. Bachmann certainly seems better value and good Ltd Edns in comparison.

Quote from: housey_d444 on December 13, 2015, 05:38:35 PM
I rejoined the dapol club in the last month, main reason was to get an O gauge terrier, not N i know!
I was told on the phone to expect my terrier along with free yearly wagon etc. To mu suprise no wagon in the parcel, i dropped them an email to be told they no longer supply any wagon for any of the 3 gauges. They included 4 magazines and a renewel form that starts January for the years subscription!
So basically £25 for two months subscription, no free wagon and 4 magazines that had news from the beginning of the year!,
Certainly wont renew it for next year. Bachmann certainly seems better value and good Ltd Edns in comparison.

Doesn't sound like they've improved at all since I had my problems trying to joining the club. I think I'll stay away from the Dapol club and carry on with Bachmann which, I agree, is good value.
:beers:

I joined the Farish club half way through this year. I've just received my pack with calendar and magazine. I'm really, really impressed by the magazine. So much more than what I was expecting and a publication actually worth reading. I'd assumed upon joining it would be a leaflet with the latest CAD and that would be about it. Will be renewing when the time comes.

Quote from: housey_d444 on December 13, 2015, 05:38:35 PM
I rejoined the dapol club in the last month, main reason was to get an O gauge terrier

You don't explicitly say, but you got the Terrier, yes ?  So you did get what you were really after.

Quoteto be told they no longer supply any wagon for any of the 3 gauges.

Hmmm - the website today states that

Quote from: Dapol Website
The club will be a great way to keep in touch with Dapol including receiving a quarterly newsletter a members pack and the opportunity to purchase special club offers, this will run annually from 1st February to 31st January inclusive. The offers will include one limited edition Locomotive and three limited edition wagons for all gauges.

Your new members pack will include your first newsletter of the year along with a folder to file and store them as well as a collectable free gift!! All this for an annual payment of £25.

(My emphasis above) So they are in breach of contract as stated on their site (and likely the membership form, if you filled one in off-line).  Wish it surprised me ...

QuoteSo basically £25 for two months subscription, no free wagon and 4 magazines that had news from the beginning of the year!

At least you got the magazines - improved any from 6 sheets of photocopy stapled together ?

I was just given the Bachmann Collectors Club membership as a Christmas gift and placed a large order straight away. I emailed them this morning with a question about the order and whether I would be receiving this year's calendar or next year's. I got an email back from Megan almost immediately who was extremely friendly and helpful. She explained that my membership was after the date for the 2016 calendar and the winter magazine edition but that when she returned to the office she would send me both with her compliments, which I thought was extremely nice. I thought this little story worth sharing for any of you on the fence about which to join. (Also, as mentioned above, Bachmann membership is for 365 days, not until February 1, as Dapol's is).

Quote from: N-Gauge-US on December 23, 2015, 08:36:23 PM
I was just given the Bachmann Collectors Club membership as a Christmas gift and placed a large order straight away. I emailed them this morning with a question about the order and whether I would be receiving this year's calendar or next year's. I got an email back from Megan almost immediately who was extremely friendly and helpful. She explained that my membership was after the date for the 2016 calendar and the winter magazine edition but that when she returned to the office she would send me both with her compliments, which I thought was extremely nice. I thought this little story worth sharing for any of you on the fence about which to join. (Also, as mentioned above, Bachmann membership is for 365 days, not until February 1, as Dapol's is).

As I mentioned before - this club gives a good deal!! Glad you're pleased with your Xmas present - enjoy!
:beers:

"the opportunity to purchase special club offers,","The offers will include one limited edition Locomotive and three limited edition wagons for all gauges."

But it does not say that members will receive a free wagon, only that "limited edition" wagons will be available - not that I am trying to defend Dapol, I have seen too many adverse comments for that. 'Bachmann' all the time for me  :thumbsup:. David.

Quote from: dannyboy on December 23, 2015, 09:55:43 PM
"the opportunity to purchase special club offers,","The offers will include one limited edition Locomotive and three limited edition wagons for all gauges."

But it does not say that members will receive a free wagon, only that "limited edition" wagons will be available - not that I am trying to defend Dapol, I have seen too many adverse comments for that. 'Bachmann' all the time for me  :thumbsup:. David.

I did get a free wagon when I joined the Bachmann club - not sure if I'll get one every year. Even if I don't I still think its worth the money. Excellent magazine and calendar and a nice choice of collectors club special locos and rolling stock. I think its great!!
:D :beers:

Quote from: austinbob on December 23, 2015, 09:59:30 PM

I did get a free wagon when I joined the Bachmann club - not sure if I'll get one every year. Even if I don't I still think its worth the money. Excellent magazine and calendar and a nice choice of collectors club special locos and rolling stock. I think its great!!
:D :beers:

I have just renewed my Bachmann membership and received the 2016 calendar and a wagon - I did not get a calendar for 2015, (think I joined just too late), but I did get a wagon, so it looks like members do get a free wagon every year - and the magazine is good quality with interesting content  :thumbsup:. David.

Quote from: dannyboy on December 23, 2015, 10:10:53 PM

Quote from: austinbob on December 23, 2015, 09:59:30 PM

I did get a free wagon when I joined the Bachmann club - not sure if I'll get one every year. Even if I don't I still think its worth the money. Excellent magazine and calendar and a nice choice of collectors club special locos and rolling stock. I think its great!!
:D :beers:

I have just renewed my Bachmann membership and received the 2016 calendar and a wagon - I did not get a calendar for 2015, (think I joined just too late), but I did get a wagon, so it looks like members do get a free wagon every year - and the magazine is good quality with interesting content  :thumbsup:. David.

That's good news. So I should get a new wagon early next year.
:)

Quote from: N-Gauge-US on December 23, 2015, 08:36:23 PM
I got an email back from Megan almost immediately who was extremely friendly and helpful.

Aye, Megan's a good lass  :thumbsup:

Quote from: austinbob on December 23, 2015, 10:16:58 PM

Quote from: dannyboy on December 23, 2015, 10:10:53 PM

Quote from: austinbob on December 23, 2015, 09:59:30 PM
I did get a free wagon when I joined the Bachmann club - not sure if I'll get one every year.

but I did get a wagon, so it looks like members do get a free wagon every year

So I should get a new wagon early next year.

Yup - if you've said N, you get the wagon in N; if you said OO, you get OO.  If you've bought both (yes this is an option) you get both wagons ...

The BachFar Club is far superior to the crap that is Dapol's "club" or the current fiasco Hornby have begun ...

Quote from: austinbob on June 25, 2015, 07:15:09 AM

Quote from: austinbob on June 24, 2015, 03:39:12 PM

Quote from: georgehgv on June 24, 2015, 03:35:30 PM
I have been a member of Bachmann Club a number of years and without exception they deliver every ppromise, magazines, club model, days out etc. no problem at all with them, just a shame others do not follow suit. I do hope you have now received your refund Bob.

Waiting for online update to credit card statement tomorrow or Friday...
:sleep:

Received refund - recorded on credit card statement today.
Here endeth the final chapter. AMEN!!
:claphappy:

AND THERE'S MORE FOLKS.
After cancelling my membership (or lack of membership) and getting a refund, I have since received two Dapol club news letters from them... Go Figure???
??? :hmmm: :beers:

Sounds about right ... :censored: up & brewery spring to mind, as do GPS system & backside ...  I ended up with 2 extra ones ...  Unfortunately, extra photocopies of a poor newsletter still didn't make me think I was missing out  ::)

Just to throw my opinions to the respective clubs, I am both a member of the Dapol and Bachamnn offerings, and must agree that the Bacmann club is far better.

When I first joined the Dapol club earlier in the year, I did get the memberhip pack, but since then, which was back in April 2015, I never received any newsletters, invites to open days etc. So overall not overly impressed, and I got fed up emailing and phoning to chase up newsletters etc.

Safe to say I won't be renewing, which is a shame as Dapol do produce some lovely models.

ive had a nimber of wagons / locos fropm the Farish Club, and they have all been lovely models.

I ordered the Blue Fairburn last week, and it arrived quickly. However it waddled down the track, so a call to the club today was followed by Fedex collecting the loco tomorrow, and a new loco to be despatched on receipt.

so excellent service ( and my first dodgy Farish loco).

Nick R.

Quote from: Railwaygun on January 11, 2016, 11:53:06 AM
ive had a nimber of wagons / locos fropm the Farish Club, and they have all been lovely models.

I ordered the Blue Fairburn last week, and it arrived quickly. However it waddled down the track, so a call to the club today was followed by Fedex collecting the loco tomorrow, and a new loco to be despatched on receipt.

so excellent service ( and my first dodgy Farish loco).

Nick R.

Mine has a smudge on one side (about the size of an n gauge person's hand, maybe) but I decided it looked enough like dirt that I could leave it, as I couldn't bear to send it back. Sorry you've had to swap yours :/ Glad to hear the process is relatively pain free.

Quote from: Only Me on January 11, 2016, 12:34:41 PM
I have the wonderful Pullman Brake.... its a fantastic model..

Me too! I got it to go with Tornado primarily and it makes a very fitting support coach (plus I get all kinds of excited when I see it in pictures and video clips now! I've not gotten excited about seeing coaches in pictures before!).

The one complaint I would have about the pair, is that, if for some asinine reason, you wanted to run the Fairburn with the SLOA Pullman, you might find as I did that the Fairburn causes the Mk1 to derail around some curves (11" and maybe even larger, only had 11" radius to test it on). It seems to be that the huge buffer stops on the Fairburn catch and prevent the bogie from turning on the Mk1. If I made super certain to line them up just right (and too much jostling didn't subsequently undo my handiwork) I could make it make the curve, but it really didn't like to. Indeed, a number of my locomotives have more difficulty coupling to the SLOA than to other coaches, seemingly because of the corridor connector. Is this a known issue with Fairburns and Mk1s or is this a model specific issue? Thankfully, the locomotive the support coach coupled most easily too (perfectly actually) was Tornado, so I suppose in the end it does EXACTLY what I bought it for perfectly. Lol

Hmmm, despite not being a member of the Dapol Club for several years now, they've just sent me a renewal invite, order forms for collector club locos, and details of the high-end OO A4s they're planning (beats me why - I joined in N !).  And they sent it twice !!!

Now - do I assume that they're keen to get a lapsed member back, or that their records are so disorganised they haven't a clue if I'm still a member or not !!!

Quote from: MikeDunn on January 15, 2016, 11:30:51 AM
Hmmm, despite not being a member of the Dapol Club for several years now, they've just sent me a renewal invite, order forms for collector club locos, and details of the high-end OO A4s they're planning (beats me why - I joined in N !).  And they sent it twice !!!

Now - do I assume that they're keen to get a lapsed member back, or that their records are so disorganised they haven't a clue if I'm still a member or not !!!

The latter I would guess - I only received anything from them after I cancelled my membership!!!
:beers:

Quote from: MikeDunn on January 15, 2016, 11:30:51 AM
Hmmm, despite not being a member of the Dapol Club for several years now, they've just sent me a renewal invite, order forms for collector club locos, and details of the high-end OO A4s they're planning (beats me why - I joined in N !).  And they sent it twice !!!

Now - do I assume that they're keen to get a lapsed member back, or that their records are so disorganised they haven't a clue if I'm still a member or not !!!

me to not been a member for two years i will not be rejoining

Quote from: JBQFC on January 15, 2016, 07:52:50 PM

Quote from: MikeDunn on January 15, 2016, 11:30:51 AM
Hmmm, despite not being a member of the Dapol Club for several years now, they've just sent me a renewal invite, order forms for collector club locos, and details of the high-end OO A4s they're planning (beats me why - I joined in N !).  And they sent it twice !!!

Now - do I assume that they're keen to get a lapsed member back, or that their records are so disorganised they haven't a clue if I'm still a member or not !!!

me to not been a member for two years i will not be rejoining

ok i got a second lot today so must be desperate for me to rejoin

I was once I member for a year of the backman club they arrange a trip to the blue bell steam railway in Sussex ok my ggirlfriend signed me up for a year but I wont to be a rember of dapol to compere

Quote from: hst on January 17, 2016, 05:02:05 PM
I was once I member for a year of the backman club they arrange a trip to the blue bell steam railway in Sussex ok my ggirlfriend signed me up for a year but I wont to be a rember of dapol to compere

I had the same thought about comparing the Dapol club with Bachmann but after paying my membership fee all I ever received, after many phone calls and emails to Dapol, was a Dapol catalogue. I gave up and asked for a refund and that then took a couple of months to come through after another load of communications with Dapol. Then, guess what, after cancelling the membership and receiving a refund I started to get their newsletter a few months later.
Its all recorded earlier in this thread.
My advice would be to steer will clear of the Dapol Club.
:veryangry: :beers:

I've been waging an EMail 'war' with the Dapol Club for the best part of last year trying to get something for the renewal £25 I paid at the end of January. I received a Q3 Newsletter (advertising the Open Day) two days before the advertised event - apart from that, nothing. No new Membership Card, catalogue, newsletters - they've promised to sent out replacement copies, not received. They've asked for my address to confirm they had the correct one (I've lived at this address for 34 years!), still not received anything. Put a message on the Dapol FB page expressing my displeasure, got a reply from Joel, explained the situation, forwarded the Email correspondence (now 3 pages of A4 if printed out!). Joel said he would extend membership to next year FoC, and make sure all the missing stuff would be sent out - nothing arrives, and to add insult to injury, this morning a membership renewal notice (plus the other stuff everyone else has got) appeared through the door. I give up, the whole company is rotten from the top down...

Appalling. I don't think I've ever read of worse trouble with a retailer than the Dapol Collectors Club (obviously it isn't the same as their normal dispatching department, which appears to be moderately competent.). They would do better to end the club IMO than to let it continue like this, as it alienates the people who are supposed to be Dapols biggest fans.

Quote from: talisman56 on January 22, 2016, 10:46:36 PM
I've been waging an EMail 'war' with the Dapol Club for the best part of last year trying to get something for the renewal £25 I paid at the end of January. I received a Q3 Newsletter (advertising the Open Day) two days before the advertised event - apart from that, nothing. No new Membership Card, catalogue, newsletters - they've promised to sent out replacement copies, not received. They've asked for my address to confirm they had the correct one (I've lived at this address for 34 years!), still not received anything. Put a message on the Dapol FB page expressing my displeasure, got a reply from Joel, explained the situation, forwarded the Email correspondence (now 3 pages of A4 if printed out!). Joel said he would extend membership to next year FoC, and make sure all the missing stuff would be sent out - nothing arrives, and to add insult to injury, this morning a membership renewal notice (plus the other stuff everyone else has got) appeared through the door. I give up, the whole company is rotten from the top down...

I have just received the third 2016/17 renewal from Dapol must be desperate.

Quote from: glenng on January 23, 2016, 01:02:31 PM
I have just received the third 2016/17 renewal from Dapol must be desperate.

Just received renewal for subscription cancelled months ago!!
:veryangry: :beers:

Quote from: austinbob on January 23, 2016, 01:09:41 PM

Quote from: glenng on January 23, 2016, 01:02:31 PM
I have just received the third 2016/17 renewal from Dapol must be desperate.

Just received renewal for subscription cancelled months ago!!
:veryangry: :beers:

The fact that everyone seems to get renewal letters but none of the other promised (even "sent") items is one more condemnation of their service. How is it that ONLY those letters get sent properly (though to people they REALLY ought to know better than to send them to!)? Shame! Shame!

Oh the tale I could tell, but would have the legal system on my tail if I did.

My membership expired 2 years ago but a renewal form has arrived. It might have got here sooner if Dapol had not mailed it to a random address down the road.  :headbutt:

The daft thing is that they obviously have my correct address because they have sent me stuff before. This was just handwritten and someone obviously wasn't paying attention.

Reading these posts I find it amazing that Dapol have let themselves become so disorganised. I would not want to join a collectors/manufacturers club, but for those that do by paying a subscription it sounds as though they are getting a poor deal.


For those prepared to pay a subscription I imagine they expect to feel a connection to the manufacturer by way of their communications, invites, special members offers to name a few.  Members finding they are being left off, ignored when they make enquires about their membership, unwanted renewals, and even statements from the M.D/CEO not carrying through, will simply alienate the very people they could build some customer rapport with...and possibly more people who are reading these posts.

I have always said I would like to see Dapol continue to grow, but they seem to fall down in several areas. They need to sort things out, especially with a new kid on the block and possibly more to come.

The Dapol club just seems like a joke. A very bad value for money joke. Even if they got the members packs out on time, I still wouldn't be joining as they don't get any product out on time, instead, churning out the same stuff.
They need to get someone onto the social media side of things who can update the website, facebook and Twitter feeds and perhaps get onto the forums (or even make their own members-only forum/sub section of an exisiting forum) to keep customers updated to rebuild a bit of faith in the company.

I think whilst many have been very critical of Dapol, others have cut them them some slack. They had a change of M.D.  Dave Jones parted company, new people entered the leading team. I remember reading a 2-3 page interview with Joel and his new team in the model press.We were told to expect a period of of "bedding in" for the new team members and to expect some re-issues of existing products.

Apparently they are now working on their own version of coreless motor to be fitted in future releases. Let's hope they get it right, along with conducting a serious look at their public relations.
We do hear on this forum of people getting good customer service from Dapol, and then hear of people having real problems with them. In this area as a company they appear to be inconsistent. I have to wonder if like many companies these days they operate with staff numbers pared to the minimum?   Customer loyalty can only be pushed so far, and as always actions speak louder than words.

Quote from: trkilliman on January 24, 2016, 12:52:20 PM
I think whilst many have been very critical of Dapol, others have cut them them some slack. They had a change of M.D.  Dave Jones parted company, new people entered the leading team. I remember reading a 2-3 page interview with Joel and his new team in the model press.We were told to expect a period of of "bedding in" for the new team members and to expect some re-issues of existing products.

Apparently they are now working on their own version of coreless motor to be fitted in future releases. Let's hope they get it right, along with conducting a serious look at their public relations.
We do hear on this forum of people getting good customer service from Dapol, and then hear of people having real problems with them. In this area as a company they appear to be inconsistent. I have to wonder if like many companies these days they operate with staff numbers pared to the minimum?   Customer loyalty can only be pushed so far, and as always actions speak louder than words.

Very well said. I didn't know about their coreless motor; I will be looking forward to that. I have honestly had good luck with Dapol locomotives but have been turned off from buying too many more because of all of the known issues with so many of the classes. I don't want to return things from the US, so confidence in a quality product is vital for me. I stick to classes with good track records now (after buying an M7 before reading all of the reviews...).

I think you are right to point out that Dapol has had many good examples of customer service enumerated on here and I pointed out above that there seems to be some sort of disconnect between their Club and their normal running operations, to the club's detriment (obviously). I would like to think that the club gets back benched because of other priority issues, but I also think that if that is the case, they should end the club or make it a free or very low cost online option, which would shift much of the burden away from mailing lists (electronic ones are stupid simple to manage) and would group club orders in with Dapol website orders, which typically dispatch properly (compared to the club).

I sometimes get the impression from things I read that Joel and Dapol are working very hard and are genuinely concerned about customer satisfaction and I sometimes get the impression that their office is a miserly cesspool of incompetence and apathy. I would guess the truth lies somewhere in the middle and that staffing, as you mentioned, is likely a major source of the non-QC problems.

Don't get me wrong - I'm very impressed and pleased with the products that Dapol produce and that I have purchased, it's just that if they say there's a Club and take money for it, it behoves them to make sure that it operates correctly and the personnel that staff it are efficient and responsive to customer needs and issues.

I have just renewed my membership of the Bachmann collectors club and received my collectors club wagon, badge and membership card.
Very rapid service and very pleased with the wagon (14T Tank wagon 'Dorman Long')

[smg id=36441 type=preview align=center caption="14T tank wagon"]
:)
:beers:

Very nice little wagon. :)

Nice wagon - I look forward to receiving it when my membership is renewed...

:thankyousign:

I'd join just to get that tanker!  :thankyousign:

Quote from: Paul B on March 08, 2016, 11:00:14 AM
I'd join just to get that tanker!  :thankyousign:

I am in my second year of membership and have to say it is excellent value for money - not withstanding the free wagons  :thumbsup:. David.

That's the wagon I got when I joined around Christmas :) I also would like to note that Megan, who is doing lots of the correspondence there now, is very helpful and friendly and well worth contacting if you have questions about the club (she's new to model railways, but is great with customer service, from my experience). I'll be interested to see what this year's club offerings are. I wound up getting a silly amount of last year's items (both the Fairburn and 4F, both the Mk1s and two wagons, plus the club wagon....), but I am doubtful we will get two years of great steam offerings.... ;)

Quote from: N-Gauge-US on March 09, 2016, 09:57:43 AM
That's the wagon I got when I joined around Christmas :) I also would like to note that Megan, who is doing lots of the correspondence there now, is very helpful and friendly and well worth contacting if you have questions about the club (she's new to model railways, but is great with customer service, from my experience). I'll be interested to see what this year's club offerings are. I wound up getting a silly amount of last year's items (both the Fairburn and 4F, both the Mk1s and two wagons, plus the club wagon....), but I am doubtful we will get two years of great steam offerings.... ;)

Must admit I was very extravagant last year and bought most of the club offerings. Looking forward to this year's offerings.
:beers:

Just renewed too and got the tanker (*** ducks in case he's seen*** in both scales too...)

Quote from: austinbob on March 09, 2016, 11:02:02 AM
Must admit I was very extravagant last year and bought most of the club offerings. Looking forward to this year's offerings.
:beers:

Just received the Spring edition of the Bachmann Times and very nice it is too. Unfortunately there are no new N gauge club specials announced so far.
:beers:

Quote from: austinbob on March 24, 2016, 01:53:54 PM

Quote from: austinbob on March 09, 2016, 11:02:02 AM
Must admit I was very extravagant last year and bought most of the club offerings. Looking forward to this year's offerings.
:beers:

Just received the Spring edition of the Bachmann Times and very nice it is too. Unfortunately there are no new N gauge club specials announced so far.
:beers:

Thanks for the update, Bob! Mine should be here in a week or so. Disappointing that there are no new n Gauge offerings yet, but I'm looking forward to the promised LBSCR Article :) Should make for an entertaining read in any case :)

These are the current offerings:

http://bachmann-collectorsclub.co.uk/products/n-scale-products (http://bachmann-collectorsclub.co.uk/products/n-scale-products)

Quote from: Railwaygun on March 24, 2016, 11:21:10 PM
These are the current offerings:

http://bachmann-collectorsclub.co.uk/products/n-scale-products (http://bachmann-collectorsclub.co.uk/products/n-scale-products)

That's right, and I have several of them but, unfortunately, there are no new N gauge offerings announced in the Spring Bachmann Times. - Maybe later in the year??
:beers:

I wonder if Bachmann/Farish are hosting their Collector Club members' lounge at this weekend's York show.
I'll have to dig out and bring my current membership card!

Quote from: gc4946 on March 25, 2016, 08:28:53 AM
I wonder if Bachmann/Farish are hosting their Collector Club members' lounge at this weekend's York show.
I'll have to dig out and bring my current membership card!

The Bachmann/Farish stand at York has always been a non-trading display/information stand. This is historic arrangement from their being a 'supporter' of the York show, long before the days of the scrum for cheap returns at the "quantity-not-quality" type shows...

Got mine this morning. A nice read. Also disappointed at the lack of N Club specials but fingers crossed for later in the year. It was particularly nice to get a catalogue as I've not had one since I was a child. It's well produced and whilst most of it is online, it's just nice to be able to flick through paper sometimes. :)

Quote from: PLD on March 25, 2016, 09:28:03 AM

Quote from: gc4946 on March 25, 2016, 08:28:53 AM
I wonder if Bachmann/Farish are hosting their Collector Club members' lounge at this weekend's York show.
I'll have to dig out and bring my current membership card!

The Bachmann/Farish stand at York has always been a non-trading display/information stand. This is historic arrangement from their being a 'supporter' of the York show, long before the days of the scrum for cheap returns at the "quantity-not-quality" type shows...

Which shows do Farish / Dapol tend to sell their returned models at?

Quote from: davidinyork on June 11, 2016, 11:06:37 PM

Quote from: PLD on March 25, 2016, 09:28:03 AM

Quote from: gc4946 on March 25, 2016, 08:28:53 AM
I wonder if Bachmann/Farish are hosting their Collector Club members' lounge at this weekend's York show.
I'll have to dig out and bring my current membership card!

The Bachmann/Farish stand at York has always been a non-trading display/information stand. This is historic arrangement from their being a 'supporter' of the York show, long before the days of the scrum for cheap returns at the "quantity-not-quality" type shows...

Which shows do Farish / Dapol tend to sell their returned models at?

As a general guide, Bachmann usually only actively trade at shows where they are a named 'sponsor'. At other shows, any presence is primarily a marketing/publicity exercise, though a small quantity of selected items (such as special editions) may be available to purchase.
Show where they tend to carry a significant amount of returns mostly fall into two categories:
1. shows that attract a large audience primarily of mass market 'collector'/'bargain hunter' type customers. (e.g. Warley, the Warners Shows)
2. specialist N-gauge events. (e.g. TINGs, some NGS events)

Well, from reading all the comments on here. Looks like the Dapol Club isn't worth joining? Or has it improved in recent months to worth while now?

Cheers,

Jon

Quote from: angr607 on June 12, 2016, 04:35:08 PM
Well, from reading all the comments on here. Looks like the Dapol Club isn't worth joining? Or has it improved in recent months to worth while now?

Cheers,

Jon

I haven't considered rejoining after my bad experiences - don't know if its any better now.
:beers:

Quote from: austinbob on June 12, 2016, 05:04:53 PM

Quote from: angr607 on June 12, 2016, 04:35:08 PM
Well, from reading all the comments on here. Looks like the Dapol Club isn't worth joining? Or has it improved in recent months to worth while now?

Cheers,

Jon

I haven't considered rejoining after my bad experiences - don't know if its any better now.
:beers:

How strange... I've just had an email from Andrea who apparently is the new coordinator for the Dapol collectors club, asking if I would like to renew my membership. I wonder if they're finally trying to get the club sorted out?
Anyone have any news / views on this?
:beers:

I was tempted to start a topic about the Collectors Club on the new Dapol Digest forum, but hearing there may be a new pair of hands at the controls I'll hold off until I hear anything further that warrants opening up old wounds...

I've just found an EMail from Andrea at the Dapol Collectors Club in the Spam folder on my old EMail address, offering to re-sign me up to the Club and listing the various specials for Club members.

I replied, saying that it did interest me but due to my experiences (which I briefly explained) after I renewed in 2015, I won't be outlaying any more money on the DCC until I could be assured that I would be receiving what I paid for...

I wonder what the response (if any) will be...

Quote from: talisman56 on July 11, 2016, 04:59:55 PM
I've just found an EMail from Andrea at the Dapol Collectors Club in the Spam folder on my old EMail address, offering to re-sign me up to the Club and listing the various specials for Club members.

I replied, saying that it did interest me but due to my experiences (which I briefly explained) after I renewed in 2015, I won't be outlaying any more money on the DCC until I could be assured that I would be receiving what I paid for...

I wonder what the response (if any) will be...

I'd like to know what they have to say too. Perhaps you could post the response.
:beers:

Good news to report.  :)

Looks like the new hands at the tiller of the Dapol Collectors Club are good ones.

I got a reply to my EMail next morning, and, after conferring with Joel the actions the promised in my last communication with him have been actioned. I am now the proud possessor of a new Dapol Collectors Club Membership card, dated until July 2017.  :claphappy:

It looks like they've ditched the fixed February to January membership year. There is also a redesigned Club Newsletter under preparation and it will be sent out soon.

Here's hoping that this good progress will be continued.

:beers:

Quote from: austinbob on June 20, 2016, 05:46:30 PM

Quote from: austinbob on June 12, 2016, 05:04:53 PM

Quote from: angr607 on June 12, 2016, 04:35:08 PM
Well, from reading all the comments on here. Looks like the Dapol Club isn't worth joining? Or has it improved in recent months to worth while now?

Cheers,

Jon

I haven't considered rejoining after my bad experiences - don't know if its any better now.
:beers:

How strange... I've just had an email from Andrea who apparently is the new coordinator for the Dapol collectors club, asking if I would like to renew my membership. I wonder if they're finally trying to get the club sorted out?
Anyone have any news / views on this?
:beers:

I have received the invite to rejoin, I explained why I left and received an aplogetic explanatory email from Andrea and today a very long email from Neil the new Marketing man listing a lot of exciting things in the pipeline. I do not feel it right to post publicly but I will be rejoining and looking to share the new changes.

As a result of good responses from the Collector Club I have rejoined. The membership pack containing my card, order form and latest newsletter arrived the next day. I have had three or four email exchanges with Neal Morrlle the Marketing Manager with a lot of positive news regarding where Dapol are going to. Andrea the new lady fronting the Collector Club is very helpful and responds very quickly to any emails I have sent, this is a huge improvement to my last experiences with them. Very helpful and I feel I have spent £25 wisely. I have booked my place at the Open Day on October 1st and as it is the first time I have been to Chirk I am looking forward to the experience and meeting both the people at Dapol and anyone else from here? Are any of you guys going?

Quote from: georgehgv on July 23, 2016, 07:09:19 AM
Are any of you guys going?

Sadly not George as, providing no impediments present themselves, I will be at the Wigan Show and the Saturday just happens to be my birthday :claphappy:
I'm glad your experiences with Dapol have improved.

Quote from: newportnobby on July 23, 2016, 10:35:27 AM

Quote from: georgehgv on July 23, 2016, 07:09:19 AM
Are any of you guys going?

Sadly not George as, providing no impediments present themselves, I will be at the Wigan Show and the Saturday just happens to be my birthday :claphappy:
I'm glad your experiences with Dapol have improved.

By our age Mick birthdays are just other days, I think with your Celebrity status you should come to Dapol, could be that we could all do with a dose of your wit.

Quote from: georgehgv on July 23, 2016, 07:09:19 AM
As a result of good responses from the Collector Club I have rejoined. The membership pack containing my card, order form and latest newsletter arrived the next day. I have had three or four email exchanges with Neal Morrlle the Marketing Manager with a lot of positive news regarding where Dapol are going to. Andrea the new lady fronting the Collector Club is very helpful and responds very quickly to any emails I have sent, this is a huge improvement to my last experiences with them. Very helpful and I feel I have spent £25 wisely. I have booked my place at the Open Day on October 1st and as it is the first time I have been to Chirk I am looking forward to the experience and meeting both the people at Dapol and anyone else from here? Are any of you guys going?

Definitely attending. My UK trip revolves around TINGS at the start and the Dapol open day at the end.  Interspersed with real ale and steam trains sometimes at the same time  :)

Quote from: austinbob on June 20, 2016, 05:46:30 PM

Quote from: austinbob on June 12, 2016, 05:04:53 PM

Quote from: angr607 on June 12, 2016, 04:35:08 PM
Well, from reading all the comments on here. Looks like the Dapol Club isn't worth joining? Or has it improved in recent months to worth while now?

Cheers,

Jon

I haven't considered rejoining after my bad experiences - don't know if its any better now.
:beers:

How strange... I've just had an email from Andrea who apparently is the new coordinator for the Dapol collectors club, asking if I would like to renew my membership. I wonder if they're finally trying to get the club sorted out?
Anyone have any news / views on this?
:beers:

I had an email from Andrea asking if I would like to rejoin. I replied that I was a member. Over the years I have had two membership numbers. When I pointed this out Andrea said she had updated her records and sold me some club mega frets. Happy customer means sales!

my Bachmann (owners) Club 'Horlicks wagon arrived this AM post . nice as usual .

Quote from: mr bachmann on July 23, 2016, 03:26:52 PM
my Bachmann (owners) Club 'Horlicks wagon arrived this AM post . nice as usual .

I don't want mine wrong era.

Quote from: georgehgv on July 23, 2016, 02:18:21 PM

Quote from: newportnobby on July 23, 2016, 10:35:27 AM

Quote from: georgehgv on July 23, 2016, 07:09:19 AM
Are any of you guys going?

Sadly not George as, providing no impediments present themselves, I will be at the Wigan Show and the Saturday just happens to be my birthday :claphappy:
I'm glad your experiences with Dapol have improved.

By our age Mick birthdays are just other days, I think with your Celebrity status you should come to Dapol, could be that we could all do with a dose of your wit.

I'm hoping to arrive at the Wigan Show with vouchers provided by the family, George ;)
I also believe Dapol's opinion of me merely rhymes with wit :(

"I'm hoping to arrive at the Wigan Show with vouchers provided by the family, George ;)
I also believe Dapol's opinion of me merely rhymes with wit :( "

Well on the first I hope you have been dropping hints and the second I can only think of one word - fit, that's it they think you are fit.  :dunce:

Quote from: georgehgv on July 23, 2016, 05:54:39 PM
"I'm hoping to arrive at the Wigan Show with vouchers provided by the family, George ;)
I also believe Dapol's opinion of me merely rhymes with wit :( "

Well on the first I hope you have been dropping hints and the second I can only think of one word - fit, that's it they think you are fit.  :dunce:

Nice try, George, but when I first met Dave Jones at TINGS some 5-6 years ago I introduced myself as being from the NGF and his reply was "Oh yes - you lot don't like us, do you?"
Luckily Dave and I have a much better understanding of each other now.

Decided to rejoin Dapol collectors club after receiving great email from Neil the Marketing Manager explaining recent changes to the club and some plans for the future.
I really hope it works out ok this time.
:hmmm: :beers:

Quote from: newportnobby on July 23, 2016, 05:59:40 PM

Quote from: georgehgv on July 23, 2016, 05:54:39 PM
"I'm hoping to arrive at the Wigan Show with vouchers provided by the family, George ;)
I also believe Dapol's opinion of me merely rhymes with wit :( "

Well on the first I hope you have been dropping hints and the second I can only think of one word - fit, that's it they think you are fit.  :dunce:

Nice try, George, but when I first met Dave Jones at TINGS some 5-6 years ago I introduced myself as being from the NGF and his reply was "Oh yes - you lot don't like us, do you?"
Luckily Dave and I have a much better understanding of each other now.

Your not a bad stick really I suppose ;-)

Quote from: DJM Dave on July 25, 2016, 05:59:37 PM

Quote from: newportnobby on July 23, 2016, 05:59:40 PM

Quote from: georgehgv on July 23, 2016, 05:54:39 PM
"I'm hoping to arrive at the Wigan Show with vouchers provided by the family, George ;)
I also believe Dapol's opinion of me merely rhymes with wit :( "

Well on the first I hope you have been dropping hints and the second I can only think of one word - fit, that's it they think you are fit.  :dunce:

Nice try, George, but when I first met Dave Jones at TINGS some 5-6 years ago I introduced myself as being from the NGF and his reply was "Oh yes - you lot don't like us, do you?"
Luckily Dave and I have a much better understanding of each other now.

Your not a bad stick really I suppose ;-)

Haha Mick, you can run but not hide, Dave will always be Dapol Dave, he did so much there and by the way "behind you "

Quote from: austinbob on July 25, 2016, 05:42:59 PM
Decided to rejoin Dapol collectors club

Keep us informed as to how things work out Bob.  :beers:

Quote from: dannyboy on July 25, 2016, 10:20:49 PM

Quote from: austinbob on July 25, 2016, 05:42:59 PM
Decided to rejoin Dapol collectors club

Keep us informed as to how things work out Bob.  :beers:

Well so far excellent for me, Andrea and Neal have got it sussed.

Rang Andrea at Dapol yesterday re not having a new membership card yet, it arrived this morning. This lady seems to be well organised and on the ball. Also booked my place for the Open Day.

Geoff

QuoteI do not feel it right to post publicly but I will be rejoining and looking to share the new changes.

Hi Gang,

I love the cloak and dagger of the model railway world sometimes. Makes you think you have privileged information and the Western world will fall apart if it's revealed.

Later,
Stu from EGDL

Quote from: StufromEGDL on July 26, 2016, 07:48:53 PM

QuoteI do not feel it right to post publicly but I will be rejoining and looking to share the new changes.

Hi Gang,

I love the cloak and dagger of the model railway world sometimes. Makes you think you have privileged information and the Western world will fall apart if it's revealed.

Later,
Stu from EGDL

Seems perfectly reasonable of George to me, and also showing that rare quality nowadays too - integrity :thumbsup:

Maybe there were things in that e-mail that he was let in on as enticement to rejoin, but that Dapol don't want broadcast to all and sundry yet in advance of their own announcements?


Paul

I dont think you need to be a rocket scientist to work out why the club went down hill, and now is working well :doh:

Quote from: Sprintex on July 26, 2016, 08:09:44 PM

Quote from: StufromEGDL on July 26, 2016, 07:48:53 PM

QuoteI do not feel it right to post publicly but I will be rejoining and looking to share the new changes.

Hi Gang,

I love the cloak and dagger of the model railway world sometimes. Makes you think you have privileged information and the Western world will fall apart if it's revealed.

Later,
Stu from EGDL

Seems perfectly reasonable of George to me, and also showing that rare quality nowadays too - integrity :thumbsup:

Maybe there were things in that e-mail that he was let in on as enticement to rejoin, but that Dapol don't want broadcast to all and sundry yet in advance of their own announcements?


Paul

Thanks Paul, there was a lot of information which was in a private email, I did ask Neal if it was OK to pass on the contents and he confirmed that it was ok to do so, in the event I passed the email to another Forum member who mesaged me as I considered it the decent way to go. Integrity or jusy plain old fashioned behaviour by me call it what you like but nothing will change me. Incidentally I have since had more emails from Neal and I feel that it is not right to disclose the contents. When Dapol are ready to release press I am sure they will.

So George, in a nutshell, would you say "yes" or "no" to people (re)joining the Dapol Club?  ???  :beers:

Quote from: dannyboy on July 26, 2016, 09:14:08 PM
So George, in a nutshell, would you say "yes" or "no" to people (re)joining the Dapol Club?  ???  :beers:

It is definite yes from me  :D. Now where have I heard that? 

There are pegople at Dapol now who are keen to get thhe Club going again and respond well.

Quote from: dannyboy on July 25, 2016, 10:20:49 PM

Quote from: austinbob on July 25, 2016, 05:42:59 PM
Decided to rejoin Dapol collectors club

Keep us informed as to how things work out Bob.  :beers:

Received membership card, magazine and flyer about open day today. Schools loco - Malachite green with 'british railways' on tender is on offer to members for£100! Had to have that as my second Schools so ordered today.
:) :beers:

Yesterday my copy of the new Dapol Magazine arrived, introducing Andrea, Neal and Jim along with some bio of them. Nice to see photographs of those we deal with.
The magazine is still in the same format but the content is interesting. I thought the photographs need some improvement, they are too dark, possibly the printing process has spoilt them.
However I am sure there is a lot of work to do at the Club and it is good to see things happening, I look forward to the Open Day as I have never been before and discovering more.
Good start, well done for moving things on quickly.

Quote from: georgehgv on July 29, 2016, 07:18:44 AM
Yesterday my copy of the new Dapol Magazine arrived, introducing Andrea, Neal and Jim along with some bio of them. Nice to see photographs of those we deal with.
The magazine is still in the same format but the content is interesting. I thought the photographs need some improvement, they are too dark, possibly the printing process has spoilt them.
However I am sure there is a lot of work to do at the Club and it is good to see things happening, I look forward to the Open Day as I have never been before and discovering more.
Good start, well done for moving things on quickly.

Must admit George, so far I'm impressed with the changes for the better in the club. Received all my membership stuff in a couple of days. Ordered a club schools loco which arrived in less than 24 hours.
Andrea very responsive to enquiries. Well done Dapol. Nice to be able to report positively on the improvements.
:beers:

This is all very good news. I know Neal follows these posts and it should be encouraging to all at Dapol that the efforts of tbhe new team are are recognized and appreciated.

Prompted by these recent posts, I tried to find some info about the Dapol collectors club, and how to join, using the power of Google.

All I can find is a well out of date page on the Dapol website, which doesn't include any joining instructions. Having a further look round the Dapol website doesn't reveal anything else helpful.

Do I need to learn a secret handshake, or something?

Quote from: Yet_Another on July 29, 2016, 12:11:00 PM
Prompted by these recent posts, I tried to find some info about the Dapol collectors club, and how to join, using the power of Google.

All I can find is a well out of date page on the Dapol website, which doesn't include any joining instructions. Having a further look round the Dapol website doesn't reveal anything else helpful.

Do I need to learn a secret handshake, or something?

Hi Tony, very interesting point.. I cannot find it either, I have emailed Andrea and await her reply which I shall post here. Hang on in there fella.

George - this is in response to your original reply, but it's still relevant, I think  :)



Entering 'join dapol collectors club' into Google brings this page:

http://dapol.co.uk/index.php?route=information/information&information_id=22 (http://dapol.co.uk/index.php?route=information/information&information_id=22)

Which just has the following text:

QuoteThe Dapol Collectors club was started in 2007 to bring together Dapol and N Gauge modellers to share their enjoyment and enthusiasm for this fantastic gauge and pastime.



Dapol is proud to announce that as of the 31st January 2014 we will now have a club open to all collectors of N, OO and O gauge.



The club will be a great way to keep in touch with Dapol including receiving a quarterly newsletter a members pack and the opportunity to purchase special club offers, this will run annually from 1st February to 31st January inclusive. The offers will include one limited edition Locomotive and three limited edition wagons for all gauges.



Your new members pack will include your first newsletter of the year along with a folder to file and store them as well as a collectable free gift!! All this for an annual payment of £25.



Dapol would like to thank all members of our Nthusiasts club for their support and look forward to this continuing support with the new Dapol Collectors Club.

Dropping the word 'join' also brings back the above page as the top hit, followed by this page, which does indeed refer to details of how to join, so thanks for that:

http://dapol.co.uk/index.php?route=product/category&path=177_750 (http://dapol.co.uk/index.php?route=product/category&path=177_750)

However, when you go to the actual page, it just has the same details as above, plus one review recommending not joining, and doesn't look like it's been updated for four years. So I'm still not sensing massive enthusiasm on Dapol's part.

Tony try this link,

https://digest.dapol.co.uk/

Quote from: georgehgv on July 29, 2016, 12:39:26 PM
Tony try this link,

https://digest.dapol.co.uk/

Yeah, not seeing anything there that relates to the collectors club. Had to check on my phone because that page won't display on my work PC.

No worries, I was only curious.

Andrea has replied and forwarded my email for a link to Collectors Club to Neal, will update when I get a reply.

Quote from: georgehgv on July 29, 2016, 12:58:01 PM
Andrea has replied and forwarded my email for a link to Collectors Club to Neal, will update when I get a reply.

Here from Neal is what to do...

I have had our web site guru make up a banner which cycles through on the top of our website. If you go to www.dapol.co.uk (http://www.dapol.co.uk) and wait a few seconds you should come across the following....


If you press on the big banner it should take people through to the joining instruction forms. Alternatevly I have also arranged for there to be a joining facility in the drop down menu of the shop section of the website. If the people you have mentioned are still having difficulty in finding the right place to join they simply have to type dapol collectors club into the search bar of our website and this will take them to the right place.



I hope this answers the queries your friends have had. I also hope you enjoyed issue 10 of the magazine, I have started working on issue 11 if you have any material you think others may be interested in reading about please feel free to e-mail me an article.... You never know there may be a prize in it for you...


so there you all go, a rapid response and a quick fix. thanks Neal

Just noticed that ALL Farish collectors club items are out of stock and I mean EVERYTHING - N gauge and OO gauge. - That just has to be a glitch doesn't it??
??? :hmmm:

Why does the Dapol Collectors Club membership not last a year from when you join? I joined in October a couple of years ago and was asked to renew the following January.

It has now changed, that does not apply anymore  :beers:

Going on recent comments regarding the Dapol club, I decided to join. Once I had sent my payment, I realised that I had not allowed for any postage. I sent an email and got a reply the following day, stating that, even though I was in Ireland, there was no charge for postage - excellent, makes a change from some companies who charge ridiculous amounts to send things to Ireland. My membership pack arrived within a week, but the membership card was in the wrong name. I rang Dapol and was informed that there was "no one in the club at the moment, but they would ring me back", even though I was in Ireland. A couple of hours later, Andrea rang very apologetic and said she would get the correct one to me - it arrived within a week. The membership now lasts for 12 months from the date of the joining. So far, I am impressed.  :thumbsup:

Quote from: austinbob on August 07, 2016, 11:06:14 AM
Just noticed that ALL Farish collectors club items are out of stock and I mean EVERYTHING - N gauge and OO gauge. - That just has to be a glitch doesn't it??
??? :hmmm:

All back to normal this morning..
:)

Quote from: austinbob on August 08, 2016, 10:36:23 AM

Quote from: austinbob on August 07, 2016, 11:06:14 AM
Just noticed that ALL Farish collectors club items are out of stock and I mean EVERYTHING - N gauge and OO gauge. - That just has to be a glitch doesn't it??
??? :hmmm:

All back to normal this morning..
:)

Having planned and executed such a daring heist what made you have a rethink, Bob? ;)

Quote from: newportnobby on August 08, 2016, 10:57:29 AM

Quote from: austinbob on August 08, 2016, 10:36:23 AM

Quote from: austinbob on August 07, 2016, 11:06:14 AM
Just noticed that ALL Farish collectors club items are out of stock and I mean EVERYTHING - N gauge and OO gauge. - That just has to be a glitch doesn't it??
??? :hmmm:

All back to normal this morning..
:)

Having planned and executed such a daring heist what made you have a rethink, Bob? ;)

Not me Guv.. For I while I'd thought you might have bought up all the Farish collectors club items to sell on ebay at exhorbitant prices. But my faith in you has been restored after all the items are back on sale!!
:) :) :beers:

I have been a member of the Bachmann club since 2013 when I was in France, at that time I decided not to join the Dapol one due to a lot of posts on forums when researching it.
Once back in UK and earlier this year things started to look up for the Dapol club so thought I would at least try it for a year... I have to say it has been great they have obviously had a number of personnel changes there and all seemingly for the better. I have on the back of the membership decided to venture across country to the Open day and have just yesterday had a call from Andrea confirming some details, great service.

The only minor niggle I would have is that the 15% discount on shop purchases, thank you, is not applicable to the monthly specials... bargains as they are it would just give you the feeling that the membership was really getting you something more than anyone else. :hmmm:

The Dapol magazine seems to be improving and along with the online Digest really is providing customer feedback/ownership which is great.  :claphappy:

Thoroughly agree an incentive like extra discount on purchases or even free postage would make you feel you have the edge

So I signed up to all the clubs at TINGS (Dapol, Graham Farish and N Gauge society)

Absolute credit to Dapol, I had all the welcome pack, the lot by Wednesday the following week!
last night I received my N Gauge society membership card, but alas nothing from Graham Farish... is it normal to wait a couple of weeks?  :hmmm:

Also, I unfortunately cannot make the Dapol open day  :( but would anyone have an idea of what the collectors club wagon would be? they have photos for the exclusive locos but nothing of rolling stock!
it sounds like it should be a good day too, I'm annoyed I cant make it.

:thankyousign:
Dale

Any updates on Farish Dale?

I went to the Dapol open day, was interesting and I guess as it was Wales they organised a mass scrum for the NQP items, was funny to watch!
Well worth going and some nice bargains on offer, although the pricing was the same as TINGS I think, good though, still made me open the wallet  :worried:

The result of the scrum for me was well worth it, a Schools and a Pannier and a 9F all fixed and running. Total cost for the three £80. :claphappy:

Under going running in and awaiting a smaller chip.
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/44/2383-111016172407.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=44398)

Schools with the tender to loco link repaired



(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/44/2383-111016172556.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=44399)


Black Pannier missing handrail


(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/44/2383-111016172733.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=44400)

Quote from: Fardap on October 11, 2016, 04:47:49 PM
Any updates on Farish Dale?

I went to the Dapol open day, was interesting and I guess as it was Wales they organised a mass scrum for the NQP items, was funny to watch!
Well worth going and some nice bargains on offer, although the pricing was the same as TINGS I think, good though, still made me open the wallet  :worried:

Farish turned up the next day, its almost like they knew!  :laugh:
I'd like to have made the open day (been a yorkshireman I love the idea of a bargin) they seem to be quite selective of NQP's at Warley and TINGS.
Did the open day include a factory tour? I love been nosy in factories  :D :D :D

Dale

Quote from: snail on October 11, 2016, 09:23:40 PM

Quote from: Fardap on October 11, 2016, 04:47:49 PM
Any updates on Farish Dale?

I went to the Dapol open day, was interesting and I guess as it was Wales they organised a mass scrum for the NQP items, was funny to watch!
Well worth going and some nice bargains on offer, although the pricing was the same as TINGS I think, good though, still made me open the wallet  :worried:

Farish turned up the next day, its almost like they knew!  :laugh:
I'd like to have made the open day (been a yorkshireman I love the idea of a bargin) they seem to be quite selective of NQP's at Warley and TINGS.
Did the open day include a factory tour? I love been nosy in factories  :D :D :D

Dale

Thee factory/warehouse was open to view and the scrum was very up close and personal but fruitful.

Quote from: snail on October 11, 2016, 09:23:40 PM

Quote from: Fardap on October 11, 2016, 04:47:49 PM
Any updates on Farish Dale?

I went to the Dapol open day, was interesting and I guess as it was Wales they organised a mass scrum for the NQP items, was funny to watch!
Well worth going and some nice bargains on offer, although the pricing was the same as TINGS I think, good though, still made me open the wallet  :worried:

Farish turned up the next day, its almost like they knew!  :laugh:
I'd like to have made the open day (been a yorkshireman I love the idea of a bargin) they seem to be quite selective of NQP's at Warley and TINGS.
Did the open day include a factory tour? I love been nosy in factories  :D :D :D

Dale

Yes it was basically IN the factory, they had demos of pretty much anything going, injection moulding of Deltic models (OO), a really interesting demo in the printing of Private plank wagons was fascinating, I have a bit of a graphics background so was my kind of thing...

'Building' the N gauge model consisted of putting in coal, clipping body to chassis and adding wheels, the O gauge build looked really interesting and met someone in the 'Weathering booth' that although an N gauge modeller had bought an O gauge model as a shelf display... wish I had thought of that as it looked fantastic.

Got my model wagon weathered and had a nice chat with the 'weather lady'.

All in all well worth the trip, spent too much but hey ho.   I came out of the scrum, having let it die down, with a nice little Ivatt 2-6-2 doesn't seem to be much wrong with it for £25.

S

Just posted to Dapol my form to reserve my class 66 Evening Star club special. Artwork drawings look great.
Not really my era this loco but can't miss this opportunity. Wonder when it will be available?
:) :beers:

Quote from: austinbob on November 29, 2016, 08:00:25 PM
Just posted to Dapol my form to reserve my class 66 Evening Star club special. Artwork drawings look great.
Not really my era this loco but can't miss this opportunity. Wonder when it will be available?
:) :beers:

I am going to scan my order in the morning Bob, not seen the artwork but the images of the real thing look good.

Quote from: georgehgv on November 29, 2016, 08:58:11 PM

Quote from: austinbob on November 29, 2016, 08:00:25 PM
Just posted to Dapol my form to reserve my class 66 Evening Star club special. Artwork drawings look great.
Not really my era this loco but can't miss this opportunity. Wonder when it will be available?
:) :beers:

I am going to scan my order in the morning Bob, not seen the artwork but the images of the real thing look good.

Do you know when its actually gonna be available George?
:beers:

where did you find out about this?  :hmmm:

I've not had anything from Dapol for a bit, I'd be very interested in evening star though!!!

Email from the dapol club.

Quote from: snail on November 29, 2016, 09:34:46 PM
where did you find out about this?  :hmmm:

I've not had anything from Dapol for a bit, I'd be very interested in evening star though!!!

Got an email from Neil at Dapol today. Its also on the Dapol Digest Web site in the Collectors club section.
:beers:

How bizarre, I've not had an email.

I really need to join the Dapol forum.

Hopefully I get an email in the morning and its just been lost in the interwebs :angel:

You need to be a member to get the emails

Quote from: potts on November 29, 2016, 09:42:05 PM
You need to be a member to get the emails

And to get the exclusive models.

Quote from: potts on November 29, 2016, 09:42:05 PM
You need to be a member to get the emails

I am a member, joined up at TINGS   :doh:

Quote from: snail on November 29, 2016, 09:50:09 PM

Quote from: potts on November 29, 2016, 09:42:05 PM
You need to be a member to get the emails

I am a member, joined up at TINGS   :doh:

Ah but gave you been vetted yet?

No idea  ;D I received the welcome pack, sent a few emails to get the collectors club model on the open day (as I wasn't able to attend)

But that's been the last I heard from them, the wagon is great though!  :claphappy:

Quote from: snail on November 29, 2016, 09:57:24 PM
No idea  ;D I received the welcome pack, sent a few emails to get the collectors club model on the open day (as I wasn't able to attend)

But that's been the last I heard from them, the wagon is great though!  :claphappy:

Send an email to Andrea at Club@Dapol.co.uk should get a quick reply she is right on the ball mate,

Quote from: austinbob on November 29, 2016, 09:25:05 PM

Quote from: georgehgv on November 29, 2016, 08:58:11 PM

Quote from: austinbob on November 29, 2016, 08:00:25 PM
Just posted to Dapol my form to reserve my class 66 Evening Star club special. Artwork drawings look great.
Not really my era this loco but can't miss this opportunity. Wonder when it will be available?
:) :beers:

I am going to scan my order in the morning Bob, not seen the artwork but the images of the real thing look good.

Do you know when its actually gonna be available George?
:beers:

Comment from Joel on Dapol Digest website is that current best estimate for availability of Class 66 Evening Star is around Easter time.
:beers:

Quote from: austinbob on December 01, 2016, 10:39:40 AM

Comment from Joel on Dapol Digest website is that current best estimate for availability of Class 66 Evening Star is around Easter time.
:beers:

Ah - but did he mention which year? :-X

Quote from: newportnobby on December 01, 2016, 10:43:40 AM

Quote from: austinbob on December 01, 2016, 10:39:40 AM

Comment from Joel on Dapol Digest website is that current best estimate for availability of Class 66 Evening Star is around Easter time.
:beers:

Ah - but did he mention which year? :-X

Funny you should bring that up NN - he didn't mention the year??  :hmmm:

I saw the 66 Evening Star in one of the Dapol cabinets at Warley and thought it looked tremendous!

Just re-joined Dapol after a 9 year hiatus. The reason I left is that I felt there wasn't enough of value to a post/modern image modeller like myself. Reason for re-joining is to get hold of 66779 'Evening Star'.

Quote from: RailGooner on December 01, 2016, 06:07:50 PM
Just re-joined Dapol after a 9 year hiatus. The reason I left is that I felt there wasn't enough of value to a post/modern image modeller like myself. Reason for re-joining is to get hold of 66779 'Evening Star'.

Shame on you. :D

Quote from: georgehgv on December 01, 2016, 06:28:45 PM

Quote from: RailGooner on December 01, 2016, 06:07:50 PM
Just re-joined Dapol after a 9 year hiatus. The reason I left is that I felt there wasn't enough of value to a post/modern image modeller like myself. Reason for re-joining is to get hold of 66779 'Evening Star'.

Shame on you. :D

:-[ To compound my shame I must confess that when previously a member I bought the club exclusive Class 9F 92220 'Evening Star' being seduced by it's historical significance. So you'll see I couldn't pass up a chance for 66779!

To atone for this flagrant hypocrisy I will whip myself with a vacuum brake hose - a 1:148 scale brake hose  :D

Cue for whipping noy NN to add his ten penneth. Lol

Quote from: georgehgv on December 01, 2016, 07:09:23 PM
Cue for whipping noy NN to add his ten penneth. Lol

:laughabovepost:

Just received 2017 catalogue from Graham Farish. Going off to have a drool....
:drool:

Quote from: austinbob on January 12, 2017, 12:04:39 PM
Just received 2017 catalogue from Graham Farish. Going off to have a drool....
:drool:

Perused my catalogue yesterday Bob, a few things there for the future, not a lot to interest me really but wondering the wisdom of copying Dapol Club model Class 66 Evening Star. :confused2:

Ok never been a member of a collectors club, but........

Well Dapol "Evening Star" £85 quid plus £25 for membership £110 so 2 quid more than Farish, but add on to that 15% discount in the shop well...... No brainer really!

Yes. I don't understand that at all. I've got the Dapol club version on order at £85. I can't see the Farish one being cheaper although it is available to everyone at whatever price it ends up at I suppose.
Also, the trouble with catalogues is that it could be year or two before new items are on the shelves.
:beers:

Quote from: austinbob on January 12, 2017, 12:34:56 PM

Also, the trouble with catalogues is that it could be year or two before new items are on the shelves.
:beers:

If it's only 2 years then things will have improved :D

As for the duplication, just look at what's going on with the class 92. Also, I wonder how many folks wish Farish had produced the 9F and not Dapol :hmmm:

Quote from: newportnobby on January 12, 2017, 02:13:07 PM

Quote from: austinbob on January 12, 2017, 12:34:56 PM

Also, the trouble with catalogues is that it could be year or two before new items are on the shelves.
:beers:

If it's only 2 years then things will have improved :D

As for the duplication, just look at what's going on with the class 92. Also, I wonder how many folks wish Farish had produced the 9F and not Dapol :hmmm:

This looks like another post to be transferred to the angry thread NN!!  ??? :beers:

I'm a member of Dapol's club, having recently re-joined after a ten year hiatus. I'm not a member of Bachmann's club.

I know that Dapol's club exclusives are limited to one per member, but do Bachmann impose the same restriction? Because if Bachmann do, then I don't understand how a trader can carpetbag themselves half a dozen of an exclusive model.

Example:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/N-Gauge-Farish-374-080K-BR-Mk1-BCK-Coach-Pullman-Car-No-355-Collectors-Club-BNIB-/252753763046?hash=item3ad94c5ae6:g:XFMAAOSwNuxXYcyU (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/N-Gauge-Farish-374-080K-BR-Mk1-BCK-Coach-Pullman-Car-No-355-Collectors-Club-BNIB-/252753763046?hash=item3ad94c5ae6:g:XFMAAOSwNuxXYcyU)

???

I have purchased a couple of Collectors Club items from 'normal' shops, one of them being a late crest Black 5 'The Glasgow Highlander' ref 372-137K (where the K signifies Collectors Club) so they find their way out into the wide world somehow.

I quite often see Farish collectors club items on ebay. Rails ebay have a Queen Mary brake at the silly price of nearly £50. KGB have a Pullman brake for a smidge under £50. Rails ebay frequently have the club's sets of three wagons.
:beers:

Yes @newportnobby (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=264) me too. I've got a shop bought club exclusive British Steel liveried 60. The shop in question had only one and I know the proprietor was a club member. The shop was closing (well, relocating) and it was found hiding at the back. The proprietor knew it was my kinda thing and offered it to me, at cost.

I don't have a problem with a shop buying one and selling it on. Let them make a profit too. It's the obvious carpetbagging that I'm questioning. And I wonder to what extent Bachmann facilitate this.

From what I can see from the club website, You can't order more than one at a time but you can go back and order a second one after you've purchased one.
Maybe you can repeat this several times. Can't confirm this is correct without actually completing the order for a second (or subsequent) item.
You obviously have to be a club member to do this.
:beers:

Quote from: RailGooner on February 11, 2017, 12:37:03 PMI know that Dapol's club exclusives are limited to one per member, but do Bachmann impose the same restriction? Because if Bachmann do, then I don't understand how a trader can carpetbag themselves half a dozen of an exclusive model.

Dont complain too loudly, including P&P his price is 3 quid cheaper than the next best of the 5 currently on there!!  :goggleeyes:

Quote from: newportnobby on February 11, 2017, 01:06:51 PM
I have purchased a couple of Collectors Club items from 'normal' shops, one of them being a late crest Black 5 'The Glasgow Highlander' ref 372-137K (where the K signifies Collectors Club) so they find their way out into the wide world somehow.

After they have been sold by Farish, like any other product or supplier there is no restriction on who the purchaser can sell them on to, either trade or other modellers or at what price. Sometimes yes it is pure profiteering - there was one individual who listed at least half a dozen N gauge Society Thompson's within a couple of weeks of them being released; other times it is a genuine modeller changing their mind on scale/era or whatever trading in stock for something else...

Personally, I've also purchased a couple of Collectors Club items direct from Farish despite not being a member having picked up from their 'returns' pile at exhibitions including that same Glasgow Highlander.

Quote from: newportnobby on February 11, 2017, 01:06:51 PM
I have purchased a couple of Collectors Club items from 'normal' shops, one of them being a late crest Black 5 'The Glasgow Highlander' ref 372-137K (where the K signifies Collectors Club) so they find their way out into the wide world somehow.

Same here, my local shop has had a few Collectors Club editions (The Glasgow Highlander is still available from him, I think).  I'm trying to remember what the proprietor said; I think slow selling models are offered to the trade.

Just received Dapol collectors' club magazine. Very nice article about weathering FYI.
:beers:

Just seen on Bachmann collectors club page all club models are 20% off in June. The SDJR 4F is now only 79.95, intercity 08 is 58.40 and Fairburn 95.96. Cheaper than the non club models! Worth the membership for the saving. Also applies to the wagons but the savings are obviously smaller.

Paid full price for mine last year (all 3)

C.  :veryangry:

Just to put a plug in for the Bachmann Club - I noticed last week that my membership card was for 2016, no idea what I have done with the 2017 card  ???. I sent an email off to Bachmann explaining this and asking if I needed a current card and, if so, I was quite prepared to pay for one and/or postage. I received a reply a few days later stating they would send me a new card and refused to accept any payment. Excellent customer service  :thumbsup:.

I've just joined the Dapol collectors club solely because I wanted to buy the 66779 model (which is excellent). As regards the stuff they send you, they've clearly put effort into it but I'm not sure that it's entirely well-directed. I don't particularly want the 2014-15 catalogue which they sent (I did have one and it went in the bin ages ago), the badge is fairly pointless, and as regards the binder for the magazines - well, they could make that an extra you could buy if you wanted it - I'm not sure how many people tend to file and keep railway-related magazines after they've read them.

Also a load of bits of paper about various things, including saying that future catalogues will be a folder which they will send out, and new models after that will have sheets available to print out. What's the point of that? The basic information they give on the prototype is much less detailed than many online sources (including Wikipedia), and a simple list of model number / loco number / name / livery, which would fit on a few sides of A4 for the year, would probably be sufficient for those who keep details of such things.

Perhaps it would be better if they offered an online-only option (perhaps with a slightly reduced cost)? I can't imagine I'm alone in only really joining to buy a specific model, and although I will read the magazines, a downloadably PDF on the members section of the website would be fine. I didn't really want all the junk which came through the post!

Another plug for Bachmann. I wanted a particular item of which the website stated there was only one available, so I logged in during the early hours of Sunday morning. For some reason, when I got to the place order bit, the website just sat there - the 'roundy roundy' bit was going, well, 'roundy roundy', but nothing was happening.  :(. Eventually, after leaving the site and reconnecting a number of times, nothing had changed. I fired off an email asking that if the item was still available, would they let me know by email and I would then ring them and pay over the 'phone. 3.15pm this afternoon, my mobile phone rings. It was Richard from the club ringing me - in Ireland! The item was still available so was bought there and then  :). As an aside, I also belong to the Dapol club and have never had a problem, but just thought I would let peoples know how good the customer service is at Bachmann.

Yes Yes Yes. All very well, but what was it?!!!!! :D

Sorry, I can not reveal that information as it was the last one available from the club  :P

Okay, it was the Class 08 in Intercity livery. I have noticed that the model is available elsewhere, but I have not seen it cheaper taking postage to Ireland into account.

Just renewed my membership for another year. Received nice little collector's 5 plank wagon M.E.EVANS, 377-2017K.
:)

BR Mk2A Test car 6

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/72/941-061218210625-721531030.jpeg)

Quote from: Railwaygun on December 06, 2018, 09:08:00 PM
BR Mk2A Test car 6

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/72/941-061218210625-721531030.jpeg)

...which is wrong because it was converted from a Mk2 FK, S13396. These early FKs had Mk1-style window ventilators, not the Mk2 single pane vents.

The coaches must have proved popular, according to the website, there are only 12 left.

https://bachmann-collectorsclub.co.uk/products/n-scale-products/br-mk2a-ex-fk-coach-test-car-6-in-br-rtc-red-blue-livery.html

Didn't Modelzone do a similar coach?

Still 12/500 left. Might be an investment?

Ive just bought the 2015(?) collectors SDJR 4f from EBay, whilst very pretty I was disappointed to read yesterday that they are somewhat fictitious in that they never ran in this livery. I've a good rake of SDJR 4wheeler coaches for it to pull and as I run rule 1 preservation it will look fine for me. Question - how much were these at the release date back in 2015 (not sure if I have the year right).
Has anybody got any other comments on this Loco?
Kind regards to all

U th

Quote from: Fredastaire on October 23, 2020, 04:00:48 PM
Ive just bought the 2015(?) collectors SDJR 4f from EBay, whilst very pretty I was disappointed to read yesterday that they are somewhat fictitious in that they never ran in this livery. I've a good rake of SDJR 4wheeler coaches for it to pull and as I run rule 1 preservation it will look fine for me. Question - how much were these at the release date back in 2015 (not sure if I have the year right).
Has anybody got any other comments on this Loc

Quote from: Fredastaire on October 23, 2020, 04:00:48 PM
Ive just bought the 2015(?) collectors SDJR 4f from EBay, whilst very pretty I was disappointed to read yesterday that they are somewhat fictitious in that they never ran in this livery. I've a good rake of SDJR 4wheeler coaches for it to pull and as I run rule 1 preservation it will look fine for me. Question - how much were these at the release date back in 2015 (not sure if I have the year right).
Has anybody got any other comments on this Loco?
Kind regards to all

I think it was £105 ish

My notes list this as £99.95, delivered direct by the Bachmann Collectors' Club at Barwell. I was so pleased with it in its pristine form that I bought a second, but that had a problem with rear driving wheel (the lining was poorly applied and the loco ran with a wobble). I returned it to Barwell for replacement. This too was flawed: again the lining on the rear driver was poorly applied (missing over part of the wheel). I requested yet another replacement. This was a good one and so I sent it off to be weathered by CF Locos (Tom Hardwick) and now it runs really well and looks great.

Addicted to Graham Farish Collectors Club Wagons: :-[

Started off just buying wooden bodied p/o wagons various makes to convert to P no wagons for an era 4-5 layout, then i noticed some of them were just too plain attractive or might have some local association, to scrub re number and weather etc then i noticed that some were collectors club.. so i started collecting them.
Before i knew it these had happened.

Graham Farish      377-075k1      1665   7 Plank   Fife   etc
Graham Farish      377-075K4         7 Plank   Guard Bridge Paper   etc
Graham Farish      377-075k5         5 Plank   LochGelly   etc
Graham Farish      377-075k6      4550   7 Plank   Earl Of Rosslyns   etc
Graham Farish      377-075k7         7 Plank   Wemyss   etc
Graham Farish      377-075K8      1402   7 Plank   Balgonie   etc
Graham Farish      377-077k      10   7 Plank   Smith Anderson    
Graham Farish            373-2003      47   7 Plank    James Kenworthy, Huddersfield   
Graham Farish      373-175k   2005   70001   7 Pank   Charles Roberts   
Graham Farish      377-125k      1907   8 Plank    T Burnett    Doncaster
Graham Farish      377-075k   2005   1923   7 Plank   Standard Cambrian   
Graham Farish      377-075k2   2006   941   7 Plank   Aberpergwm   
Graham Farish      377-076k       2   7 Plank   Edward Eastwood   
Graham Farish      377-150k   2006   188   7 Plank   Metropolitan   
Graham Farish      377-2009k      No no   7 Plank   Thomas Hunter   
Graham Farish      377-2010K      1002   7 Plank   RY Pickering   
Graham Farish      377-2011K      701   7 PLANK   WR Davies   
Graham Farish      377-2012k      nono   7 Plank    Gloucester Carriage and Wagon   
Graham Farish      377-2013K      101   14t Tanker   Regent   
Graham Farish      377-2014K         14t Tanker   Munitions tank   
Graham Farish      377-2015k      30   14t tank    Dorman long   
Graham Farish      377-2016K      No1   7 Plank   Horlicks   
Graham Farish      377-2017k      nono   5 Plank   M E Evans   
Graham Farish      377-2018k      8538   5 Plank   Ministry of Munitions   
Graham Farish      377-2019k      nono   5 Plank   8 Ton Gloucester Carriage &Wagon   
Graham Farish      377-2020k      nono   7 Plank   10  Ton Gloucester Carriage &Wagon   
Graham Farish      377-2021k      nono   8 Plank   12  Ton Gloucester Carriage &Wagon   
Graham Farish      377-2022k       126   7 Plank   Gloucester Direct Coal Supply   

Please can i stop now or have i missed any :goggleeyes:

   

Assuming the 'etc.'s are the full set of three in each case, and that 377-077K has an 'etc.' after it (Pilkington Brothers; David Jones & Son; Smith Anderson & Co), then these (I think) are all the other n gauge wagons issued by BCC:

Catalogue No    Type                   Name                           Number
373-665K (a)    14T Tank             War Office                           83
373-665K (b)    14T Tank             War Office                           84
373-665K (c)    14T Tank             War Office                           85
373-675K          14T Tank             Admiralty Naval Stores      229
373-676K          14T Tank             Ministry of Munitions           303
373-775K          TTA Tank Wagon   VIP                                   5958
377-050K          5-Plank              Mountsorrel Granite Company   539
377-075K3        7-Plank                   Cain of Wallasey           3
377-080K (a)     7-Plank End Door   SECR                           15090
377-080K (b)     7-Plank Fixed End   SECR                           14517
377-080K (c)     5-Plank                     SECR                           9816
377-525K            20 Ton Brake Van                                      WD49027
377-625K            Box Van                      Graham Farish 40th Anniversary   40

I don't know how many of the above might fit into your addiction!

Mike.

Quote from: mw554 on February 12, 2023, 12:54:31 PM
377-080K (a)     7-Plank End Door   SECR                           15090
377-080K (b)     7-Plank Fixed End   SECR                           14517
377-080K (c)     5-Plank                     SECR                           9816

Thanks, Mike! I knew he had missed these but hadn't gone through my boxes to find the numbers yet. Thank you for saving me the effort :D

Thanks chaps, the obvious ones are  the 377-075k3,  and 377-050k plus the 665 /676 tanks.
Maybe with all those Military Vehicles i need a W^D Loco !

Cannot locate 373-675k in my other sources, theres a 37 -675k ( 00 gauge) and a 377-675k ( tarmac bogie tank n gauge) but will keep an eye out

Not too sure  whether i am happy to have a few more targets to hunt down or not,  :-\
Dont think  i have done too badly considering i have never been in the collectors club.

Been a busy few months, the only ones that have eluded me so far are:
377-080K (a)     7-Plank End Door   SECR                           15090
377-080K (b)     7-Plank Fixed End   SECR                           14517
377-080K (c)     5-Plank                     SECR                           9816
Which I am not in any hurry for as they are a little dull

377-525K            20 Ton Brake Van                                      WD49027
Which now seems to be on general sale at all bigger retailers so ;

Have added the MK1 Pullman Brake 374-080K and Northern Belle mk1BG 374-040k, but i think it will be years before these arent going for silly money.

Out of interest what is this years 'free with membership' wagon ?

 

This year's wagon is 377-2023K    Conflat A with Paton's Flair BD Container    B700526
I think both the SECR set and the Northern Belle coach are still available from the club.

Mike

Ah yes, bit unimpressive.