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Post by runamuckchuck on Apr 24, 2024 12:45:34 GMT
One of the more active threads in the Forum began with the thought that MTH was doing pretty well for a company that was going out of business. The on topic replies gradually morphed into more of discussion of the MTH Special Announcement phenomena and their Custom Runs. Perhaps those wishing to continue commenting upon the current general MTH business model/practice might like to consolidate their thoughts here. If not I will be the only one to comment!  Any specific new release/custom run of note or interest would and should have its' own thread so as not to get lost in a general thread.  Good grief am I channeling a moderator? Yikes!  Regardless let me kick things off and simply state that while I enjoy to some degree the barrage of 'Christmas Morning' surprise announcements from MTH, I agree with rockymountaineer that it makes budgeting for purchases akin to herding cats. As others have expressed, myself included a healthy MTH is good for the hobby. And while this current business model may have its' annoyances, if it allows MTH to stabilize and perhaps evolve to the point where new tooling/models may be offered, who would not be for that? In the meantime you have to give MTH credit, they do continue to offer great looking products. |
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Post by madockawando on Apr 24, 2024 13:40:19 GMT
I like the email announcements by MTH. They are like mini catalogs. What I do wish that MTH would do is more fantasy scale premier items. They aren't doing too bad for a company of 3-4 guys.
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Post by madockawando on Apr 26, 2024 13:47:48 GMT
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Post by rockymountaineer on Apr 26, 2024 14:42:16 GMT
Nice looking set from MTH: O Scale Premier 4-Car Coke Hopper Car Set 
The nice feature in these two sets though is the rolling stock will be plated. And MTH has really perfected “the plated look”.
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Post by runamuckchuck on Apr 26, 2024 22:27:20 GMT
Inflation in cost. Deflation in quantity.
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Post by rtraincollector on Apr 26, 2024 23:02:08 GMT
I for one am completely confused about the MTH as a company, At first if I remember right, Mike was retiring and selling the company, then it was liquidation time, then well a few of the guys are going to buy part of the company, nothing really said about the rest of it. Then I believe I heard Mike is retiring but keep some shares/parts of the company.
The other day someone reported that MTH wanted to make tinplate Standard Gauge trains again and Mike was on board with it.
If he sold the company what does it matter if he is onboard with it or not.
Is he still part of the company or not?
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Post by runamuckchuck on Apr 26, 2024 23:35:09 GMT
Without any insider information, from what I have gleaned from others far more familiar than I with the way in which Mike W operates in the business world; he marches to his own drummer. Not surprising as most folks who strike on their own business wise do not want to be told what or how to do things, other than their own way. As such speculation is futile IMO.
My suggestion is to buy your favorite concession, get a seat on the 50 yard line and enjoy the story however it unfolds.
Regardless of the outcome entertainment is guaranteed to one and all.
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Post by Traindiesel! on Apr 27, 2024 6:09:15 GMT
Well, as we all know, sometimes plans don’t work out.
Mike’s plan was to sell off the business and retire completely to the golf course. A couple of potential buyers didn’t pan out. Next was to sell it in pieces. He unloaded the headquarters, the HO and S gauge lines and only about 20% of the O gauge tooling. To try to keep revenue flowing they leased DCS to Atlas O and created a built to order system with remaining tooling that turned out to be very successful for MTH. This success led to talk of new tooling and DCS upgrades down the road. It also caused Mike to regret selling any of the tooling with the new BTO model being so successful. More like a happy accident. So now Mike can still hang out at the golf course.
Sometimes Superman doesn’t show up to save you. So you have to improvise.
I’m anxious to see if anything new is made in the near future.
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lionelllc
Junior Member
Posts: 93
Member is Online
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Post by lionelllc on Apr 27, 2024 13:26:25 GMT
Is he still part of the company or not? Yes.
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Post by rtraincollector on Apr 27, 2024 22:31:21 GMT
Is he still part of the company or not? Yes. You'd be surprise how many people think he retired and sold all of it off, some to his employee's and rest elsewhere.
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Post by Traindiesel! on Apr 28, 2024 6:18:24 GMT
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Post by runamuckchuck on Apr 28, 2024 16:06:55 GMT
Gee whiz. There you go ruining our fun with speculation, and rumors with facts. What a kill joy.
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Post by Traindiesel! on Apr 28, 2024 16:46:41 GMT
Gee whiz. There you go ruining our fun with speculation, and rumors with facts. What a kill joy.
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