As you will be aware from Nick, we have been having issues getting a supply of parts from AC Models. This has been caused by their various property moves. We have talked to Clive (the owner of AC Models) about buying the live steam stock, but he did not want to sell.
Clive has now concluded a deal with an old friend who has a company in Liskeard that will now distribute and sell the parts on behalf of AC and using the AC name, AC still own the parts. As Clive is now sharing the profits with this company our discount has been reduced to 20%. To put his in perspective we were paying £8.00 fro a set of tender wheels, we are now paying £16.00, with a retail of £19.99. Unfortunately we don't have anywhere else to go.
I believe we now need to take some more control of critical parts, maybe 5 or 6 items, tender wheels being a good example as they would be difficult and expensive to re-manufacture. AC have 150 sets in stock, with possibly some more in unopened packing cases, I believe we should over time, say the next 18 months buy these parts in batches so that we end up owning them all, that with a refurbishment service should take care of that situation for some years to come. Another example would be the contact strips for the tender. We would do this in a prudent manner within the finances of the club.
Please let me have any questions or concerns also if you are in agreement?
Maurice
Absolutely agree. And for those items no longer available anywhere I would encourage buying some of those broken locos from from ACM.
Without spares we'll be in a slow decline.
Excellent move!! I would suggest ordering some critical parts every 3-4 months! Say 30 sets of everything we deem critical! Wheels, Contacts, PCBs etc!! I do intend to find out why the thin PCBs have huge price difference between A4 and A3 though! One is £9 and the other is £25 for what is essentially the same item!!
In my view is a very good idea. As you say it will give us control and also ensure we can continue to repair & maintain both the club and customer locos.