Got the please pay now email a few minutes ago.
Just paid for my two and looking forward to see how they have turned out. :D
Not had an email, but the NGS man at tings said if you prepay then you can pick up at Warley.
Just had my email which shows the wrong one! Sent off my cheque with a copy of the deposit invoice so double check what is states on the email.
Yeehah!
Need to pay the balance on my BR lined maroon version then.
Quote from: middlefour on October 02, 2016, 03:00:23 PM
Just had my email which shows the wrong one! ...
Just paid the balance on my Teak, which was correctly described in the email.
I wonder though if Gill and co. have created unnecessary work for themselves by billing online payments as 'sundry items'. I didn't find a box to enter my original order number, so I imagine a manual process to link my order for 'sundry items' with my 'deposit' order. A manual process which would need to be repeated in volume.
Paid for mine too, but do wonder when they will arrive, as it says the shop is closed for the first 3 weeks of October
Quote from: Shiney Sheff on October 02, 2016, 04:57:48 PM
Paid for mine too, but do wonder when they will arrive, as it says the shop is closed for the first 3 weeks of October
Not sure they are on holiday, they have probably gone somewhere quiet, dark and soothing while they figure out the ordering chaos. :D
Before the comments get really vitriolic let us put this into perspective.
This is the first time that the Society has used bulk email to advise members that a long awaited product is available. One of the reasons for the advance email was to check out the orders, some of which were placed to a previous incarnation of the Shop over 3 years ago and have been transferred onto the current system from a dubious spreadsheet.
Rather than slag the Society off on this forum we would ask that if your email suggests that the order is incorrect that you contact the Shop, just like it asks in the email.
If you haven't received an email then it is probably because you have failed to advise the Society that you have changed your email address since joining. We have had hundreds of bounced emails from incorrect addresses.
Both the email and the announcement in the latest journal state that distribution will not start until early November. You may choose to think that we deliberately booked our holiday to coincide with the distribution of the model. When we booked our holiday even the manufacturers could not predict when they would arrive. As recently as June 2016 they were unsure!!
We also know from the comments we read that many Forum members believe they could a better job of running the Shop. Please feel free to apply (providing you are a member of the Society).
Gill Reed - N Gauge Society Shop Manager
Alan Reed - N Gauge Society Treasurer
Quote from: zopadooper on October 02, 2016, 06:36:07 PM
Before the comments get really vitriolic let us put this into perspective.
This is the first time that the Society has used bulk email to advise members that a long awaited product is available. One of the reasons for the advance email was to check out the orders, some of which were placed to a previous incarnation of the Shop over 3 years ago and have been transferred onto the current system from a dubious spreadsheet.
Rather than slag the Society off on this forum we would ask that if your email suggests that the order is incorrect that you contact the Shop, just like it asks in the email.
If you haven't received an email then it is probably because you have failed to advise the Society that you have changed your email address since joining. We have had hundreds of bounced emails from incorrect addresses.
Both the email and the announcement in the latest journal state that distribution will not start until early November. You may choose to think that we deliberately booked our holiday to coincide with the distribution of the model. When we booked our holiday even the manufacturers could not predict when they would arrive. As recently as June 2016 they were unsure!!
We also know from the comments we read that many Forum members believe they could a better job of running the Shop. Please feel free to apply (providing you are a member of the Society).
Gill Reed - N Gauge Society Shop Manager
Alan Reed - N Gauge Society Treasurer
Please don't be so jumpy. I think we are all aware of the mess you inherited, and you have all our sympathies.
Dear Gill and Alan,
£16 per year. And what do we get for it?
An excellent range of Society kits.
An excellent and growing selection of ready to run models (probably none of which would otherwise exist) and many of which grace my layout.
A shop with an enormously comprehensive range of stock run by helpful, reliable people (who are clearing up what was clearly one hell of a mess).
An email helpline which in my experience responds within 24 hours with helpful, useful advice that I haven't been able to find elsewhere, including online forums.
A bi-monthly magazine packed with interesting, useful, n-gauge focused features which is at the least the equal of the mainstream monthly magazines.
A competition with excellent (that word again) prizes (not that I've ever won one of them).
A healthy number of Area groups up and down the country.
A mouthpiece for the hobby, a lobby group, a pressure group, even.
I'm sure I've missed other benefits, they're just the ones that immediately spring to mind.
Modelling consumes many hundreds of my hard earned pounds a year and the very best 16 of them is spent every year renewing my membership. Where else would you get all this for such a small sum?
I'm always bewildered when I hear criticism of the Society, although I don't think the above posts were meaning to be critical, just making observations. Clearly, though, on the eve of your previously announced break, Farish, or their Chinese manufacturers, could not have picked a more untimely moment to deliver several thousand boxes.
Go on holiday and don't worry about it for 3 weeks safe in the knowledge that most, if not all, of us are profoundly grateful for the time, effort and support that you and all the Society's officers volunteer.
Thank you,
Mark
I can only agree wholeheartedly with the comments made by Mark. Well said that man! :thumbsup:
Totally agree with what Mark said, membership of the society is the best £16 I spend and I appreciate all that those who run the society do. I look forward to receiving my Thompson when they have had their break.
Stuart
Here!here! for the n gauge society , love it!
I couldn't agree more with Mark's comments.
I received an e-mail for one, the lined maroon one, but not the second unlined maroon I ordered at the same time. I paid £36 i.e. the balance due for each plus postage and e-mailed Gill to tell her what I had done. Even though off on hols tomorrow she still replied to confirm that if payment had bee made for two I would get two, so they have clearly thought about how they will reconcile payments to orders.
I think that Gill and Alan have done (and continue to do) an absolutely amazing job of getting the NGS Shop sorted out and back up and running as they have. They do this for nothing, I too am very grateful that they are willing to do so.
I am looking forward to receiving my BGs and hoping against hope that this will be the catalyst to kick off a Farish range of Thompson coaches too.
Keep up the great work Gill and Alan and enjoy a well deserved break.
Roy
Ditto what @Mark (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=1658) said.
I'm filled with wonder, and gratitude for the great job done by all the Officers of the Society.
Totally agree with the last 6 posts. I got my email notifications too today, both of which were for the correct models. I'm more than happy to wait another couple of weeks for them - what's the hurry? The shop staff are doing an excellent job and deserve our full support, not oblique criticism.
All hail the NGS!
Cheers,
Chris
If people could post pictures when they get them, as I live in NZ it might take longer than most for me to get mine! I'm pleasantly excited by this!
Social media and forums are great, but like almost everything in life for every plus there will be a minus. Now, I am all very much for freedom of speech, and this is why the politically correct brigade rankle me.
However, as far as the NGS is concerned it is run by volunteers, and for this reason I feel people need to cut them a sizeable bit of slack. Of course, if a person is holding a committee position and enjoys the title but has a "whatever" attitude to their voluntary task then questions are warranted. I have recently stood down as vice chairman of a Tropical fish association in no small part due to others not playing their part.
I recently asked a question about some Modelmaster decals. Jill quickly responded and is trying to find the answer for me. The job of shop manager has not been taken on with a clean and friendly handover, but one where the pieces have to be picked up. I have a strong feeling that the shop was previously run in a chaotic / often untraceable manner, and the volunteers on our committee have been painstakingly sorting through the mess that unfolded for them. A financial "discrepancy" was bad enough, but add to that a shop contents where much of it is mixed up, then it must be a nightmare.
Remember, those sorting it out are doing so in their own time.
A typed comment having no body language can be construed by the recipient in a way that may, or may not have been unintended by the sender. Volunteers can walk away at any time, especially if they get unwarranted flack!!!
Enjoy your holiday Jill and Alan.
It is also worth remembering that people are more likely to put finger to keyboard to complain than to praise, this can be seen on many forums where the 'issues' with suppliers and manufacturers seem awful and yet it is a small minority of the actual sales/supplies that have a problem (Dapol Schools for instance).
When the BBC show a program that is viewed by several million people, the complaints that make the papers/news are usually less than a thousand and yet Ofcom will then look at the situation... so 500 complaints from 5,000,000 viewers is 0.01% of the viewers... you don't see the papers/news reporting that 4,999,500 people didn't complain...
The point I am making is the NGS Shop shouldn't take a couple of criticisms to heart as the majority of people are happy with the work they are doing and the huge amount of sorting they have had to do to get this far.
Steve
Gentlemen
I started this thread about the NGS Thomson Brake
It gained complaints, then complaints about the complaints, well i'm now complaining about the complaints about the complaints, and you are all hijacking the thread. :doh:
Lets get back to discussing the Thomson Brake :thumbsup:
Correct! Apologies for complaining about the complaining...
I did get my three order emails yesterday and paid my final amount this morning, looking forward to November!!!
Thank you to everyone for the very kind comments you have made. We do try our hardest to do a good job but you know what they say about pleasing some of the people some of the time!
Any queries about Thompsons (or any other Shop matter) will remain unanswered now as we are about to set off from home but you can be assured that we will deal with them when we return in about 3 weeks.
Happy modelling.
Gill & Alan
Quote from: zopadooper on October 02, 2016, 06:36:07 PM
If you haven't received an email then it is probably because you have failed to advise the Society that you have changed your email address since joining. We have had hundreds of bounced emails from incorrect addresses.
Gill Reed - N Gauge Society Shop Manager
Alan Reed - N Gauge Society Treasurer
I am acting as postbox, and collating online Thompson balance payments (and trying to sort out any queries that arise over them) ready to pass on to Gill when she and Alan return from hols so that she can get a flying start!
I have put a news item on the main Society website aimed at people who have not received an email, to enable them to nevertheless get their payments in. Several responses have come in already from members for whom we had email addresses which have since changed.
So if you are one of the 'hundreds' who didn't get an email, please have a look at http://www.ngaugesociety.com/ (http://www.ngaugesociety.com/)
Mike Bloomfield
NGS Mem.Sec.
I received my emails about both Thompson BGs (BR Lined Maroon and BR Blue) and look forward to receiving them, which will, no doubt, take a while longer as I don't live in the U.K. I'm also looking forward to receiving them but, until then, would also welcome reviews and pictures from those who have received theirs (should be any day, now?).
BTW, despite a little chaos, I also received both my Collett BGs (BR Lined Maroon and BR Blue) and am very happy with them, too.
Many thanks to all at the NGS who make such wonderful models possible for us to enjoy.
Got the email but am waiting for the dust to settle after the latest credit card bill arrived.
Plus the £90 pound cash that was taken from the hole in the walls on last weekends visit for "sundries" ok BEER...
I will send payment soon.
Jerry
:bounce: :claphappy:
Happy to report that a parcel flopped through my letter box this morning containing two beautiful BGs, in teak and crimson and cream. They look fantastic on first inspection. I'm looking forward to seeing them on my layout, when I can actually get back to it again... Thank you N Gauge Society!
Cheers,
Chris
My parcel of three (Teak, Crimson & Cream and Crimson) arrived today, look lovely will have a look inside the boxes at lunchtime!
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/45/5581-021116115708.jpeg)
Many thanks for these initial photos. of what look like lovely models. I look forward to seeing the unboxed photos. (Although I ordered BR Lined Maroon and BR blue versions.)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/45/3453-031116134210.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=45127)
they look nice - lets hope there's some left for normal orders '
There will be at least some of each livery available for general release through the Shop and Display Stand but it is unlikely to be before Christmas.
Gill
Shop Manager
As much as it's great to see that the BG's are arriving, to all those who have theirs STOP SHOWING OFF :D :D :D :D
I can't get mine until Warley, because I'm a skinflint and paid to pick them up :hmmm: :hmmm:
But the do look bl00dy good :claphappy: :claphappy:
Cheers
Neal.
Well chuffed. Another great NGS RTR model.
:bounce:
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/45/5427-041116180939.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=45155)
A big thanks to all the volunteer Officers of the Society involved in producing and delivering this little beauty :beers:
I've received mine as well, it's a lovely model, looking forward to giving it a good run
Thanks for the photos., so far. Anyone received a BR Maroon and a BR Blue version and can put up photos., please?
Quote from: Chris in Prague on November 04, 2016, 06:49:29 PM
Thanks for the photos., so far. Anyone received a BR Maroon and a BR Blue version and can put up photos., please?
Hi Chris
Maroon, lined and unlined.
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/45/242-311016195504.jpeg)
Regards
Roy
Many thanks, Roy, I've ordered a BR Lined Maroon one but the unlined one looks good, too. 8-)
I have received my Thompson teak brake too - looking forward to comparing it with my collection of Dapol and Minitrix Gresley coaches to see how it looks with them, but haven't had a chance yet as I have just got back from honeymoon... :heart2:
@ Paul B
Quote from: Paul B on November 05, 2016, 10:35:53 AM
I have received my Thompson teak brake too congratulations that man
I have just got back from honeymoon and congratuations again (to you both) :thumbsup:
My two NGS Thompson BGs (BR Lined Maroon and BR Blue) have arrived and look very good. (Photos. soon.) I'm tempted to buy a BR Plain maroon one, now!
Many thanks to all at the NGS who has made these possible.
Don't tell Calnefoxile but his Thompsons are closer than he thinks!
My BR Blue example made a successful trip over the Atlantic and has been inserted into one of my parcels rakes. I have to say it looks excellent next to the Collett BG and LMS Stove R that the NGS also produced ! Kudos to the NGS folks who chose these less than obvious prototypes and turned them into great models :thumbsup:
I have a parcel of two parcel coaches all the way in Auckland NZ! Fantastic looking things, have yet to get them on the layout, but that'll happen before too long :D
Gill - so please let us know here when these become available for order in the shop. NGS news takes a while to reach us here in Oz.
It depends how quickly the remaining pre-orders are claimed and paid for. We reckon over 200 orders are currently unclaimed. Currently 1st December looks like a possible date but you will need to keep your eyes on the ngsjoin website.
Gill
NGS Shop Manager
The date of Warley gets closer when I collect mine! Paying out on train fares and entry so being a retired accountant, did not want to pay postage as well!
But is it really worth the long wait just to save £4?
Alan Reed
NGS Treasurer
got my blue one yesterday a great model it is well done to the NGS :NGaugersRule:
Quote from: Calnefoxile on November 03, 2016, 05:30:27 PM
As much as it's great to see that the BG's are arriving, to all those who have theirs STOP SHOWING OFF :D :D :D :D
I can't get mine until Warley, because I'm a skinflint and paid to pick them up :hmmm: :hmmm:
But the do look bl00dy good :claphappy: :claphappy:
Cheers
Neal.
I didn't think you wanted yours until Trainwest...........
Quote from: Portpatrick on November 08, 2016, 08:51:30 AM
The date of Warley gets closer when I collect mine! Paying out on train fares and entry so being a retired accountant, did not want to pay postage as well!
I'd better not forget them then...... :)
Received mine this morning - a really fine model in Faux Teak.
Congrats to the Society for another first class model with superb service. I only paid the balance on line on Saturday,
which makes less than two working days to get here!!
Thank you to all
Mine has arrived, and been test run in the Northbound parcels train on Hawthorn Dene. It has stayed coupled to each of the three locos normally rostered to said train and to the CCT the other side of it for ten laps of the track for each loco without incident. This is a minimum prerequisite for shows as far as I'm concerned If a train even only manages nine uneventful laps before a separation or derailment it is remarshalled and retested until it can do ten.
Following application of a light coat of grot (powders and dirty thinners to seal them) it is now safely boxed up with the rest of the parcels train ready for Newcastle show this weekend.
The displaced Poole GUV has gone into the spare stock box.
Les
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/45/42-091116153257.jpeg)
Flying Scotsman in wartime black and Sir Nigel Gresley with the new coaches along with my Dapol teak as a comparison.
One thing I have noticed the new brakes are very close coupled and while coupling together is easy they are quite difficult to get back apart, which has so far involved removal from the track to get them apart, otherwise very happy with them
Rescived mine last week ! All in good order and correct from when the deposit was paid some time ago, well worth the wait ! I must admit that I have only looked at them in their boxes as I have not quite had the time to give them a run out yet, look forward to doing this after Rembrance Sunday. The ones I've orded are the teak and Crimson & Cream.
The great advantage of parcels stock is that it travelled far and wide. There are plenty of photos. of WR, LMR, and ER parcels stock in North Cornwall, albeit 4-wheeled not bogie LMR and ER parcels coaches but I have a story to explain that. Here is a special parcels train of the NGS Thompson design BGs in BR Blue and BR Lined Maroon passing through Cant Cove en route to Penmayne.
(http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t449/chrisinprague/2016-11-09%2015.47.01_zps900h83ox.jpg) (http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/chrisinprague/media/2016-11-09%2015.47.01_zps900h83ox.jpg.html)
Close-ups:
BR Lined Maroon
(http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t449/chrisinprague/2016-11-09%2015.47.21_zps1jzklg47.jpg) (http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/chrisinprague/media/2016-11-09%2015.47.21_zps1jzklg47.jpg.html)
BR Blue
(http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t449/chrisinprague/2016-11-09%2015.47.32_zpskxevrg4z.jpg) (http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/chrisinprague/media/2016-11-09%2015.47.32_zpskxevrg4z.jpg.html)
:thankyousign: will try and send a photo tomorrow !
Now on sale to NGS members at the online Shop.
http://www.ngsjoin.com/thompson-bg-full-brake-8065-p.asp (http://www.ngsjoin.com/thompson-bg-full-brake-8065-p.asp)
Just ordered a crimson & cream one to keep my lined maroon one company :D
Many thanks, just order another 2 marooned lined TB to add to my exsisting fleet !
Mine looked great in a rake of Gresley Thompson and Mk 1 coaches on the club layout last Thursday. And at last I have got the B12/1 kit running to my satisfaction on the front of them. The number of vehicles I can choose from to make the parcels train each time Portptatrick Town goes out grows ever larger.