Garden Leave Posted April 1, 2021 Share Posted April 1, 2021 Dear Hornby,I am sure you have a strategic reason for your collector’s club annual offering.I can only presume you are trying to attract a certain demographic of collector, probably aimed at younger members.However, the word collector suggests something of high value or a revered item. I think the loco offering each year is not fulfilling that objective. Over time and in my case I will shortly have my third gift loco, I have no use or see no value in the gift. I am at a point that in reality I am paying a subscription to receive 4 magazines a year and is it worth it, No. My grandson (18mths!) ends up with the Locos and even he does not now yet he’s got them!Of greater value would be a unique wagon, or similar rolling stock that most could fit onto an existing layout, perhaps that might encourage a further purchase of similar items. Or a generic line side accessory such a signal box, signal or similar. At least add value to someones collection!Given I am of a demographic that now has disposable income, I think the club membership is questionable. Maybe the answer is two categories “Junior Members” (give them the toy train) and “lifelong collector”.(wagon or valued item) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RB51 Posted April 1, 2021 Share Posted April 1, 2021 Hi Garden Leave, just to point out that Hornby do not as a matter of course review comments made on the forum. I have no doubt that your thread will garner interest and further comment from forum members but for your own purposes may I suggest you send a letter to Hornby outlining your thoughts? R- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garden Leave Posted April 1, 2021 Author Share Posted April 1, 2021 good suggestion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellocoloco Posted April 1, 2021 Share Posted April 1, 2021 @garden LeaveThis years Club Electrotren model is an engineering coach, chosen from a selection of three by the members last year.It is certainly a much 'collectable' item of the type you describe above. I'm sure many more adult Hornby Club members would prefer something similar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
graham_young1 Posted April 2, 2021 Share Posted April 2, 2021 Whilst you have your views may I point out that Bachman do not give you anything just catalogues and magazines so although the free loco is nothing special its something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveM6 Posted April 2, 2021 Share Posted April 2, 2021 The only thing that was of any value as a club member was the 10% discount (20% at the Hornby Visitor Centre).Discontinued a few years ago - as was my membership. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJ73 Posted April 2, 2021 Share Posted April 2, 2021 @ Steve :- If you go to your Local Model Shop - you will find that they are / have cheaper prices than @ Hornby.com!!! 🙂🚂🚂🚂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveM6 Posted April 2, 2021 Share Posted April 2, 2021 Well JJ, not strictly true.Pre orders at 10% off with price and availability guaranteed when they eventually arrived would easily undercut the boxshifters.Plus the HVC is one of my local shops so 20% discount was very welcome.The occasional chat with Simon Kohler in the shop was a bonus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EricJ Posted April 3, 2021 Share Posted April 3, 2021 Actually, Bachmann give a club wagon, a free annual catalogue and a calendar to their club subscribers every year, and the price is comparable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJ73 Posted April 3, 2021 Share Posted April 3, 2021 @ Steve :- Well my Local Model shop have always given me a cheaper price than Hornby - that's why I said it!!! 🙂🚂🚂🚂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bulleidboy Posted April 6, 2021 Share Posted April 6, 2021 As a "Club Member" you do of course get the chance to buy an exclusive model, only(?) available to club members - this year it is R3837 BR Standard 2MT – 2-6-0 78022 – 149.99.This is a £30 reduction on similar models available to non-club members.In times gone by, the Club often had several "exclusive" models available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carltonf Posted April 18, 2021 Share Posted April 18, 2021 Does anyone know what has happened to the exclusive club model 2MT? I saw it the other day, searching on 2MT. But now it's no longer listed, even when logged on as a member, and searching on 2MT or the R3837 part number. My renewed membership is definitely active, so it's not that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bulleidboy Posted April 19, 2021 Share Posted April 19, 2021 Well it was there when I ordered it back in February. If your after one, I would ring Customer Services. It's not due until the Summer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carltonf Posted April 20, 2021 Share Posted April 20, 2021 ... I would ring Customer Services. It's not due until the Summer. Yep, I will do that thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5Dublo2 Posted April 21, 2021 Share Posted April 21, 2021 I suspect they have hidden the 2MT Club Exclusive model page for the website, as the pre-order option wasn't enabled when it was there and I bet it was causing them work with people asking about it - I know I for one did ask them about it, so I suspect others did too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superkent50 Posted May 3, 2021 Share Posted May 3, 2021 Very good comment! I feel the same & the content in magazine is full of locos etc from bygone era & not really collecting or new loco reviews or even a letters page. Layouts could be shown (I note last issue did have a layout feature) but not a great read. Perhaps tips on ballast, layout issues & additional Hornby product info.I'd give the collector a choice on their yearly gift, a loco, accessories kit, a wagon or perhaps a Skaledale building.Doubt I'll sign up again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bulleidboy Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 It was listed initially (the 2MT R3837), with the option to pre-order - that is how I ordered it. Mystery why it is not there now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Going Spare Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 Another of the 2MTs, R3836, is now showing as "Unavailable". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bulleidboy Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 Another of the 2MTs, R3836, is now showing as "Unavailable". Not "club" models, but interestingly, both R3988 Evening Star and R3991 Flying Scotsman are also shown as "Unavailable". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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