I have a vague memory that this has been brought up before but do other people find the Dapol website to be less than helpful ?
I was just trying to find info on the 57XX paniers but can't seem to get anywhere !
Their site is cr**, unless it's available now there is absolutely nothing on there so if you want to check on a new model or a previous model your stuffed :veryangry:
I've been trying to find out which of the Class 22's will be the first green one in the shops as I want to place and order for one to no avail. ???
If you want info on Dapol you either have to go the RMWeb or Dapol's Facebook site :hmmm:
The website has been awful ever since it was "upgraded" a year or two back.
I think they usually post updates on their Facebook page and don't bother with the website.
The website is of little, if any, use so far as I am concerned. It's a shame because I find their products, or at least those I have purchased, to be of the highest quality.
Gerry
Quote from: edwin_m on November 07, 2012, 10:21:12 PM
I think they usually post updates on their Facebook page and don't bother with the website.
Yep, I use their Facebook site for new info but when you want to go back and see what was said say 6 months ago there is no search option to find it. Just wish they'd get themselves sorted. :veryangry2:
Not much use for those of us who do not wish to sign up for Facebook either >:(
Paul
Hi
I find that apart from some maintenance topics and some DCC information the web site is pretty poor. (most are pretty basic but useful to new modellers)
I agree with most other comments, information on past and future "models" is none existant.
Bill
Hi
IIRC the website has a link to their facebook page that doesn't require you to have a facebook account. If you are asked to sign in just close down the pop up box.
HTH ....R
Quote from: Sprintex on November 08, 2012, 09:22:21 AM
Not much use for those of us who do not wish to sign up for Facebook either >:(
Paul
I'm with you on that one Paul.
Quote from: Rowlie on November 08, 2012, 10:35:35 AM
Hi
IIRC the website has a link to their facebook page that doesn't require you to have a facebook account. If you are asked to sign in just close down the pop up box.
HTH ....R
The link on the website invites you to log in to Faecesbook or open an FB account - no way, José :censored:
Perhaps it would help if we got together as a forum and put our thoughts into saying what we'd like to see on the Dapol website? Then I can pass it on to them. It's very hard to run a website and to keep on top of it. :) I'm sure they'd welcome our views.
That's strange, when I tried it before I had the log in pop up which I closed and it went straight to their page :confused2:
Tank, I fully agree with you
Facebook really isn't going to sully the purity of your precious bodily fluids unless you let it.
If you create an account and look at the Dapol page, Facebook will know there's someone with your name who's interested in model trains.
If you link to your friends, family, employers, and then post pictures of yourself naked, drunk and cavorting with goats, then yes, some personal information will have leaked!
99% of Facebook is crap, and what's left is often annoying, but it does have some useful things, and it doesn't have the super-powers for Evil everyone seems to want to credit it with...
Quote from: tim-pelican on November 08, 2012, 03:39:59 PM
and it doesn't have the super-powers for Evil everyone seems to want to credit it with...
it would if steve jobs had thought of it first........
Quote from: tim-pelican on November 08, 2012, 03:39:59 PM
If you create an account and look at the Dapol page, Facebook will know there's someone with your name who's interested in model trains.
And every site you visit thereafter the cookie on your web browser means every page you visit with a facebook button it they know and can track and tie down to you individually. Thats why the want everything having facebook like buttons - every one they serve is a little tracker.
They are not unique in this of course... the Google buttons work the same way
Quote from: tim-pelican on November 08, 2012, 03:39:59 PM
pictures of yourself naked, drunk and cavorting with goats, then yes, some personal information will have leaked!
Dammit - I have been hacked :-[ :laugh:
Quote from: newportnobby on November 08, 2012, 05:35:43 PM
Quote from: tim-pelican on November 08, 2012, 03:39:59 PM
pictures of yourself naked, drunk and cavorting with goats, then yes, some personal information will have leaked!
Dammit - I have been hacked :-[ :laugh:
Any chance of a link Mick, love to see the pictures :P :P :P
Quote from: Tank on November 08, 2012, 03:25:29 PM
Perhaps it would help if we got together as a forum and put our thoughts into saying what we'd like to see on the Dapol website? Then I can pass it on to them. It's very hard to run a website and to keep on top of it. :) I'm sure they'd welcome our views.
I'd be interested in this . Anyone else. It probably needs a small group to share ideas but everyone else could be invited to contribute.
Me too, do anything to make the Dapol website actually useful :-X
While I agree with the sentiments expressed about us giving pointers to Dapol as to how they could improve their website, I think you should be aware that Dapol think this forum has a downer on them (source Dave Jones) due to the poor reviews given by us, in particular their steam locos. As such, any comment may be taken as criticism even if it is meant to be helpful/constructive.
It may be better if Dapol were approached and asked if they would welcome any input from us before any other action is taken.
That's exactly why I was trying to steer the thoughts of everyone from criticising to helping to suggest improvements. I always welcome ideas to this website, so hopefully they would as well.
Quote from: newportnobby on November 08, 2012, 08:32:46 PM
I think you should be aware that Dapol think this forum has a downer on them (source Dave Jones) due to the poor reviews given by us, in particular their steam locos.
Here's a daring thought ...
Maybe if they addressed the issues around those aspects they think we're
complaining about (and indeed a lot of others are), we
wouldn't complain ?
Just my tupp'orth ..
Quote from: newportnobby on November 08, 2012, 08:32:46 PM
While I agree with the sentiments expressed about us giving pointers to Dapol as to how they could improve their website, I think you should be aware that Dapol think this forum has a downer on them (source Dave Jones) due to the poor reviews given by us, in particular their steam locos. As such, any comment may be taken as criticism even if it is meant to be helpful/constructive.
Jeez! and there I have been trying to keep people on here informed about Dapol and it's news and new products and stuff. I feel a bit insulted now! I even posted news and stuff about their kettles! and I am definitely not a kettle fan! I have stuck up for them when things are being said and asked for fairness in complaints.
I've seen the stick that Dave gets elsewhere and can understand his frustration at having to deal with it all. I do wish we could have a rep from both the big manufacturers on here and then they would see there is no downer on any company/person. I believe Dapol were offered their own section on this forum some time back. It was a shame they didn't take up the offer.
Cheers
Mark
Dapol 16 Farish 12
If people keep telling big companies (whoever they are) that they are crap, they will stop listening.
It is better for the group (us) to collect all of our constructive criticisms and present them as a oner as already suggested.
If they then choose to ignore and not improve the issues we are faced with, such as poor running in some cases on various loco's, particularly steam and a less than user friendly website then I'm sure people will vote with their wallets.
That's when they will take note..............
We seem to have gone off topic here. I originally made a comment about Dapol's website being unhelpful.
It was nothing to do with their products.
I agree with Tank that it might be an idea for us as a "Forum Group" to suggest ways of improving their site.
It is no use simply criticising we need to be constructive and suggest improvements.
As it stands the site is of little use (as I see it). Websites are there to provide information clearly and in an informative way. This one doesn't as the moment.
I'd be up for collating suggested improvements (To Website NOT locos).
What do people think ?
I think it's an excellent idea, and I also agree the focus should be on the website rather than the loco's.
Gerry
Yes I think you are right, we have gone off Topic. :sorrysign: Just Focusing on Dapol's website then it is in great need of an overhaul to bring it to a user friendly standard.
At present, information On the site is sketchy at best. There are no stand out features on it. It is also difficult to Navigate. Their models are now sold in branded blue box's instead of purple, why did they not coincide a website revamp in the same style at the same time ????
P-P is quite correct.
The thread was about the website and its usefulness.
I would like to thank him for the offer of collating any suggestions and will send a PM over the weekend once I have spoken to others on the Admin team about how best to (a) go about it and (b) how to present the findings to Dapol.
Watch this space...........................
I think it's a great shame that Dapol think we have a "downer" on them.
I've certainly had my problems with the Hall's and my first Ixion Manor (I now have three) but Dapol Dave helped me to sort out the issues. This was to the point where I e-mailed Joel to thank him for the work Dave did and I got a brilliant reply back.
So for my part, have I had "issues"? Yes. But I remain a satisfied customer.
To that end I've just run a quick check on my stock and I find I have more Dapol vehicles than of any other supplier.
Can't be that bad.
I recall that at the time of the catalogue launch that Dapol said that they were planning a revamp of the website. I always try to remember that Dapol is a small outfit doing the same things as many larger producers. Time spent on Internet dialogue is time not spent on developing models. Getting the formula right by blending the presence on Facebook, Rmweb, other groups and the website is a time consuming challenge. Having said that the method of developing and perfecting models through Rmweb seems to have worked well, and I cannot see a point in duplicating that across a string of other routes.
Mike
Quote from: woodbury22uk on November 09, 2012, 08:58:21 AM
I recall that at the time of the catalogue launch that Dapol said that they were planning a revamp of the website. I always try to remember that Dapol is a small outfit doing the same things as many larger producers. Time spent on Internet dialogue is time not spent on developing models. Getting the formula right by blending the presence on Facebook, Rmweb, other groups and the website is a time consuming challenge. Having said that the method of developing and perfecting models through Rmweb seems to have worked well, and I cannot see a point in duplicating that across a string of other routes.
Mike
Well said Mike, just wish they'd get on with improving their website though. :)
Quote from: whiteswan on November 09, 2012, 09:27:16 AM
just wish they'd get on with improving their website though.
I'd rather they spend their time on getting on with their announced models rather than on website improvement.
Apparently the GWR 0-6-0PT is now available but there's still a lot outstanding;
* SR/BR Schools class 4-4-0 locomotive
* SR/BR light Pacific 4-6-2 (original and re-built)
* BRC&W/BR class 33 and 33/1 bo-bo diesels
* EE/BR class 50 co-co diesel
* GM class 59 diesel locomotive
* GWR/BR 2884 2-8-0 locomotive
* BR Western class 52 diesel hydraulic loco
* NBL/BR class 22 diesel hydraulic locomotive
* BR class 142 rail bus
* Maunsell coaches
* JNA Falcon bogie open wagon
* IOA Merlin bogie open wagon
* MJA bogie ballast wagon
* HIA bogie limestone hopper wagon
* Fruit D van
* Grampus open wagon
and that's after crossing off the class 92 and Pendolino EMU from the list. Plus on top there's a load of OO and O stuff.
H.
Add the Class 27/HST coaches/ Mk3 Buffets/ Mk3 TGS
Later;
STU from EGDL
I've already got HST mk3 coaches and a buffet (although that's the wrong livery) - perhaps you missed them. But, yep, the others are still awaited.
H.
Quote from: H on November 09, 2012, 03:34:52 PM
I've already got HST mk3 coaches and a buffet (although that's the wrong livery) - perhaps you missed them. But, yep, the others are still awaited.
H.
Really....you got a Dapol Mk3 buffet....which livery??
Later;
STU from EGDL
I notice that we have a few new advertising banners, Model Rail, Gaugemaster, Kernow Model and Dapol. Each banner of course links to the various web sites, including Dapol's, the very one that we've been discussing. :hmmm:
Quote from: StufromEGDL on November 09, 2012, 03:42:47 PM
Really....you got a Dapol Mk3 buffet....which livery??
Yep, this one;
(http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/5886/dsc3836x.jpg)
H.
Quote from: Jack9465 on November 09, 2012, 06:23:37 PM
I notice that we have a few new advertising banners, Model Rail, Gaugemaster, Kernow Model and Dapol. Each banner of course links to the various web sites, including Dapol's, the very one that we've been discussing. :hmmm:
All contributors of prizes to our raffle will have advertising banners for a while. Please bear this in mind and visit their sites even if you don't buy. If these kind companies see just more hits on their websites as a result, they are more likely to advertise further with us, and that helps forum funds. Gets off soapbox and exits stage left :wave:
Quote from: H on November 09, 2012, 03:28:14 PM
I'd rather they spend their time on getting on with their announced models rather than on website improvement.
Can't argue with that, H. There are a few of those on pre-order :D
Yep, and Farish are the same with a similar long list of outstanding announced models;
* LMS/BR Princes Coronation class 4-6-2 loco
* Midland/BR Pullman 6-car DEMU
* BR class 31 AiA-AiA diesel locomotive
* Freightliner class 70 Co-Co diesel locomotive
* BR Deltic class 55 Co-Co diesel locomotive
* LMS/BR class 3F Jinty 0-6-0T locomotive
* BR standard class 4MT 2-6-4T locomotive
* BR Ivatt class 2MT 2-6-0 locomotive
* LNER/BR Peppercorn A2 4-6-0 locomotive
* SR/BR Merchant Navy 4-6-2 locomotive
* LNER/BR J39 0-6-0 locomotive
* Bulleid coaches
* Mk2 coaches
* Mk1 Horsebox
* Iron Ore hopper
* Bulk grain bogie hopper wagon
* SR Pill Box brake van
::)
H
Quote from: H on November 09, 2012, 08:19:29 PM
outstanding announced models;
Bulk grain bogie hopper wagon
Seems they've got the description wrong too. That type of Polybulk wasn't used for carrying grain, though it was used, among other things, for china clay. Quite misleading as it suggests it's like the NGS kit, which it isn't.
As a moderator I try to remain impartial at all times but I make these comments, not as a moderator, but as a member of the forum, personally I do not think it is the forums place to tell Dapol what is right or wrong with their website. It is important for all of us to feedback constructive criticism to manufacturers on their products, interfaces and services and if our reputation continues to grow it may well be that Dapol ask us to poll our members for their views, until then I think it would be a little impertinent to tell them where they are going wrong.
As Tank rightly says, it is hard running a website (and he is the resident expert on these matters ;) ), especially for a company where personnel and resources may be stretched to there limits, but these are tough times for all companies.
Now with my moderators hat back on, this thread is about their website not their released or lack of released products.
just clicked on the link and see they now have the instructions for the easimate adaptors as a pdf.
not out yet, but at least you can see what you will get, and how they fit.
alan
Quote from: Lawrence on November 09, 2012, 11:18:35 PM
Now with my moderators hat back on, this thread is about their website not their released or lack of released products.
Actually the comments haven't been about a lack of released products - there are plenty available (released) - but that there are a lot of outstanding promised ones that some people would rather they concentrate on finishing rather than use those resources to improve their website (which is other peoples wishes).
H.