I have to admit that the whole principle of pre-ordering and paying a deposit (especially if "non-refundable") is one I am now personally reconsidering for future purchases.

This doesn't just apply in respect of Rails/Sonic, but any dealer/manufacturer/society and whether that be an up front payment in respect of a crowd funded model a "contribution" as was the case for the NGS cranes (that it turns out is explicitly not a deposit and your then discounted purchase in effect becomes a separate transaction if and when it happens) or a traditional deposit as a down payment.

Too often in my view timescales given for delivery seem to have been unreasonably optimistic leading to deposits being paid for items where there was no real prospect of delivery within the timescale stated (indeed some products said to be in production at that point pretty clearly weren't). If I know at the outset it is likely to be three years or more, than that's fine, I can make an informed choice, but that hasn't been the case.

The benefit of paying (we are told) is that it guarantees our model, but as things have played out, not only are there plenty of models to go around in most cases, but on some occasion the prices have subsequent to release even been discounted to less than the pre-order price which is pretty galling (as we are seeing with the J50!).

Just as bad is paying up front for a crowdfunded model in full, only to find the delivery date originally given pushed back and back until it is years late and delivery bears no resemblance to the original date at all (except possibly being the same decade!).

Of course some slippage is to be expected, that is a fact of life, but when the timeframe slips by a year or even more or continues to be pushed back then then it becomes much less so to me.

The scenario for me is different if I haven't paid a deposit/up front payment, having no financial "skin in the game", should I wish I can exit the transaction at any time without penalty. To take a personal example, the new run of Farish J39s was supposed to have arrived a year ago, I was told they weren't happy with the running so pulled production. Here we are, a year later and it is still "awaiting" on their website which, given no expected delivery date, means it is likely a further year away at least. No recent update and no response to my most recent enquiry, so, I may decide to cancel in due course and spend the money allocated on something else, I have the option - I am not "locked in".

I respect there are different views and am not asking anyone to agree with me, but nonetheless it is where I now am on this matter.

Roy

Quote from: Nbodger on Today at 10:30:36 AM

Quote from: Newportnobby on Today at 10:20:11 AMApologies, dear Readers, but at least I got @emjaybee to mess up

Well it doesn't take much 

Good days, bad days, y'know.

Quote from: Newportnobby on Today at 10:20:11 AMOh dear. I seem to have lost a year somewhere. Tax on my Cashcow when bought in 2022 was £155. 2023 was £180 and 2024 is £190.

Quote from: Ed on Today at 09:41:39 AMI thought it only went up £10 Mick 
Ed

To quote Monty Python "This is where my claim falls to the ground. I was hoping you would not point that out, but I can see you're more than a match for me"

Apologies, dear Readers, but at least I got @emjaybee to mess up

Hah!

I'm taking that as a win ya bugger!

Quote from: Newportnobby on Today at 10:20:11 AMApologies, dear Readers, but at least I got @emjaybee to mess up

Well it doesn't take much 

Oh dear. I seem to have lost a year somewhere. Tax on my Cashcow when bought in 2022 was £155. 2023 was £180 and 2024 is £190.

Quote from: Ed on Today at 09:41:39 AMI thought it only went up £10 Mick 
Ed

To quote Monty Python "This is where my claim falls to the ground. I was hoping you would not point that out, but I can see you're more than a match for me"

Apologies, dear Readers, but at least I got @emjaybee to mess up

I've had to try to get organised as I used to have a really bad reputation for buying things I'd already got. For some reason Peco tunnel portals were an Achilles heel as I'd buy a pack, get home and find the ones I already had.
Time was I'd meet with fellow forumites at a show and be asked "Bought any Peco tunnel portals yet, Mick?"

I thought it only went up £10 Mick 


Ed

Hello Bob;

The Prairies are en route to the UK, the ship left Singapore earlier this week, and is on schedule for 1st or 2nd at Felixstowe.

I'm aware that things are happening with the car carriers and Vanwides, but I don't know any details; the factory was on holiday last week, which hasn't helped. As soon as I hear from Sonic, I'll let you know. Though work has been continuing on the vanwides and NCC, the main concentration recently was approving and getting the Prairies into production and shipped.

Martyn

In the club's private dining room, oak-panelled walls exuded an old-world charm. Stylish furnishings and luxury décor adorned the space, while crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow, illuminating the faces of those assembled. Jeremy, resplendent in his naval uniform, stood at attention, acutely aware that this evening held far more significance than mere protocol.

"Young man, you've caught our attention. Your dedication to duty precedes you. Please be seated. Your respect for tradition and authority is commendable. I've observed your composure under pressure—a valuable trait in our line of work. Your attentiveness to details and willingness to learn have not gone unnoticed. Humility is a rare quality, especially among the ambitious. You understand the responsibility that comes with your uniform. And finally, your courage—the quiet strength that propels you forward—is evident. Keep these qualities close, Jeremy; they'll serve you well."

Jeremy nodded, feeling the weight of naval tradition. The admiral's approval was both an honour and a challenge.

Admiral Tregowan leaned forward, his steel grey eyes piercing. "Jeremy, I expect unwavering loyalty to your duty, to your country, and to the principles that uphold our naval service. You are not just a sailor; you are a representative of our values. Jeremy, always bear in mind that courage isn't merely blind obedience; it's the willingness to challenge authority when necessary. Our naval service thrives on integrity, and sometimes that means questioning decisions that veer away from our core principles. Your recent actions—when you witnessed an unfair decision and respectfully but firmly approached the commanding officer—demonstrate your grasp of this delicate balance. Stay true to your moral compass, Jeremy, and continue to lead by example."

Lord Trevelver's eyes held wisdom—the kind that came from years of experience. "Jeremy, welcome to our fold. My beloved young daughter, Sylvia, is eager to make your acquaintance."

Jeremy's heart skipped a beat. Sylvia, Sylvia Trevelver—the name that had danced through his thoughts since he'd first heard it.

Lord Trevelver leaned in, his voice firm. "As Sylvia's father, I expect you to treat her with the utmost respect. As our only daughter, she is our treasure, our legacy. Her happiness is non-negotiable. I have heard how, in a life-or-death situation, you plunged into icy waters to save a crew member who had fallen overboard. Despite the biting cold and rough seas, you swam tirelessly, pulling the unconscious sailor to safety. Your selflessness and quick thinking demonstrated true courage, and I am certain that you will display those same qualities in protecting Sylvia."

Sir George's earnestness matched his impeccable attire. "Welcome, Jeremy. You're about to enter a world where tradition and passion collide. Sylvia is no ordinary girl."

Jeremy leaned in, intrigued. "Tell me more."

I agree the products are really good but the information isnt we are still waiting for news of the Prairie .as said before a simple note like Revolutions Project page would at least give us some hope of receiving our models and any reason for the delay .
Bob