I'm seriously bummed out here. Bronco just released an M-19 Gun Motor Carriage (AA) a couple of months ago. I saw it over at Sprue Brothers, and on HLJ. I knew I was getting a gift certificate for Xmas, so decided to wait on getting the kit. Now, neither SB or HLJ are carrying it--its been completely erased from SBs website. What's more worrisome is the announcement on HLJ's website which states "item has been discontinued, and not expected to come back in stock". I've done some searching on line, and found a few (a very few) on Evilbay, but that's not the way I prefer to go. Anyone know whats going on with Bronco and this model?
VR, Russ
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Bronco M-19 AA Carriage Discontinued?
Kevlar06
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
Armorama: 2,052 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 06, 2019 - 02:37 PM UTC
47jw66
Joined: January 16, 2014
KitMaker: 23 posts
Armorama: 22 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 06, 2019 - 03:57 PM UTC
Looks like Lucky Models has some.
John
John
GeraldOwens
Joined: March 30, 2006
KitMaker: 3,736 posts
Armorama: 3,697 posts
Posted: Monday, January 07, 2019 - 08:32 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I'm seriously bummed out here. Bronco just released an M-19 Gun Motor Carriage (AA) a couple of months ago. I saw it over at Sprue Brothers, and on HLJ. I knew I was getting a gift certificate for Xmas, so decided to wait on getting the kit. Now, neither SB or HLJ are carrying it--its been completely erased from SBs website. What's more worrisome is the announcement on HLJ's website which states "item has been discontinued, and not expected to come back in stock". I've done some searching on line, and found a few (a very few) on Evilbay, but that's not the way I prefer to go. Anyone know whats going on with Bronco and this model?
VR, Russ
Model kits all go "out of production" almost immediately, as the production run takes a matter of days, generally, and the kits are sold off over the next several months or years. It may be that Bronco underestimated the demand for this kit, and only ran a small number. If the demand is there, they will presumably do another batch.
Scarred
Joined: March 11, 2016
KitMaker: 1,792 posts
Armorama: 1,186 posts
Posted: Monday, January 07, 2019 - 11:18 AM UTC
It was probably a popular kit. There are several on eBay.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bronco-CB35148-1-35-US-M19A1-Twin-40mm-Gun-Motor-Carriage-Korean-War-New/323506582561?hash=item4b527eb421:g:aPsAAOSwcT5byW4-:rk:1:pf:0
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bronco-CB35148-1-35-US-M19A1-Twin-40mm-Gun-Motor-Carriage-Korean-War-New/323506582561?hash=item4b527eb421:g:aPsAAOSwcT5byW4-:rk:1:pf:0
Kevlar06
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
Armorama: 2,052 posts
Posted: Monday, January 07, 2019 - 03:31 PM UTC
Having worked in a LHS for several years, I'm well aware that kits go out of production, but since this kit only hit the shelves in November, I'm a little schocked that it's been removed from the market so early-- less than 30 days by my estimation. Some places never even listed it. I'm wondering if other things are afoot here, as Dragon USA was (not sure if they still are) the Bronco distributor for the US. I've noted shortages in some kits at other times too-- the HB M4 HST (8"/155mm) was unavailable for several years for a while. I suppose it's like Gerald has mentioned-- perhaps they are testing the water, but that doesn't entirely make sense either, if they are trying to recoupe the cost of the molds. A standard run for a kit is 15-20K before most companies retire the molds. I'll keep watching to see if it's based on "container" (shipping) availability, but when one supplier removes it from the list (instead of just saying "out of stock") while another in a totally different country makes the statement it's unavailable and discontinued, that's disappointing, and does not bode well. Didn't want to go EBay, and Amazon doesn't look good.
VR, Russ
VR, Russ
165thspc
#521
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Monday, January 07, 2019 - 05:27 PM UTC
That which is discontinued can always reinstated.
Old molds never die - I have only to mention the name Peerless Max to prove this point.
Old molds never die - I have only to mention the name Peerless Max to prove this point.
Scarred
Joined: March 11, 2016
KitMaker: 1,792 posts
Armorama: 1,186 posts
Posted: Monday, January 07, 2019 - 06:42 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Having worked in a LHS for several years, I'm well aware that kits go out of production, but since this kit only hit the shelves in November, I'm a little schocked that it's been removed from the market so early-- less than 30 days by my estimation. Some places never even listed it. I'm wondering if other things are afoot here, as Dragon USA was (not sure if they still are) the Bronco distributor for the US. I've noted shortages in some kits at other times too-- the HB M4 HST (8"/155mm) was unavailable for several years for a while. I suppose it's like Gerald has mentioned-- perhaps they are testing the water, but that doesn't entirely make sense either, if they are trying to recoupe the cost of the molds. A standard run for a kit is 15-20K before most companies retire the molds. I'll keep watching to see if it's based on "container" (shipping) availability, but when one supplier removes it from the list (instead of just saying "out of stock") while another in a totally different country makes the statement it's unavailable and discontinued, that's disappointing, and does not bode well. Didn't want to go EBay, and Amazon doesn't look good.
VR, Russ
I've got no problem with eBay. 99% of my purchases are "buy it now" and only from vendors with high ratings and have been there for years and accept PayPal. The few problems I've had in 13 or so years were resolved in my favor by PayPal in just a few days. I maybe making A major kit purchase there next week
M4A1Sherman
Joined: May 02, 2013
KitMaker: 4,403 posts
Armorama: 4,078 posts
Posted: Monday, January 07, 2019 - 07:12 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I'm seriously bummed out here. Bronco just released an M-19 Gun Motor Carriage (AA) a couple of months ago. I saw it over at Sprue Brothers, and on HLJ. I knew I was getting a gift certificate for Xmas, so decided to wait on getting the kit. Now, neither SB or HLJ are carrying it--its been completely erased from SBs website. What's more worrisome is the announcement on HLJ's website which states "item has been discontinued, and not expected to come back in stock". I've done some searching on line, and found a few (a very few) on Evilbay, but that's not the way I prefer to go. Anyone know whats going on with Bronco and this model?
VR, Russ
In the last 12 years, I've made nearly 2,500 purchases on Ebay, with NO problems. I see a lot of people on this site using the word, "Evilbay". Just think- There are a lot of vendors on ebay that are regular LHS owners, AND just regular "Joes" like you and I. "Evilbay" is just another way to sell stuff. Several years ago before I got really sick, I sold off about $1,200.00 worth of my unbuilt and unneeded 1/48 and 1/35 models, and about $3,000.00 worth of HO brass and mixed-media locomotives and related rolling stock. And I did it all on Ebay. So, I really don't understand the epithet, "Evilbay". Why the slurs..?
Please understand, I do not work for Ebay...
CMOT
Editor-in-Chief
Joined: May 14, 2006
KitMaker: 10,954 posts
Armorama: 8,571 posts
Posted: Monday, January 07, 2019 - 10:11 PM UTC
I have contacted Bronco and I am awaiting an answer.
Scarred
Joined: March 11, 2016
KitMaker: 1,792 posts
Armorama: 1,186 posts
Posted: Monday, January 07, 2019 - 10:25 PM UTC
True story just happened last couple of weeks. Newegg, Amazon had the headsets I wanted for my PC and DAP. Newegg had them at the lowest price from one of their vendors so I ordered them the day before Xmas. The retailer had good ratings but I never heard from them and a week later Newegg canceled the sale. Figured I get them on Amazon for $20 more when I popped over to eBay and looked for them. Found them for $20 less than Newegg had them listed, the vendor had several sets in stock, been on ebay for years and answered my email in less than an hour. Ordered them last Tuesday got them last Saturday and that was with free shipping. Through Paypal so I wasn't worried about losing my money, Factory warranty, New in box unopened all seals intact. Should have went to eBay first.
Bravo1102
Joined: December 08, 2003
KitMaker: 2,864 posts
Armorama: 2,497 posts
Posted: Monday, January 07, 2019 - 10:56 PM UTC
For me the moniker "evilbay" isnt about how awful Ebay is, but how addictive it is and how easy to compulsively buy.
Many sellers have presences on both Amazon and Ebay and occasionally Ebay is cheaper and other times Amazon especially if you have Amazon Prime. But both are evil.
Many sellers have presences on both Amazon and Ebay and occasionally Ebay is cheaper and other times Amazon especially if you have Amazon Prime. But both are evil.
long_tom
Joined: March 18, 2006
KitMaker: 2,362 posts
Armorama: 2,005 posts
Posted: Tuesday, January 08, 2019 - 12:26 AM UTC
Quoted Text
For me the moniker "evilbay" isnt about how awful Ebay is, but how addictive it is and how easy to compulsively buy.
Many sellers have presences on both Amazon and Ebay and occasionally Ebay is cheaper and other times Amazon especially if you have Amazon Prime. But both are evil.
Not unique to eBay: http://vickifox.com/comic/strip/016
dmiles
Joined: August 17, 2008
KitMaker: 160 posts
Armorama: 159 posts
Posted: Tuesday, January 08, 2019 - 12:58 AM UTC
RobinNilsson
TOS Moderator
Joined: November 29, 2006
KitMaker: 6,693 posts
Armorama: 5,562 posts
Posted: Tuesday, January 08, 2019 - 03:32 AM UTC
My favourite plastic pusher have at least 5 of them in stock:
https://www.modellbau-koenig.de/en/Vehicles/Military-1-35/Tanks/Armoured-Vehicles-since-1945/Tracked-fighting-vehicles/US-M19A1-Twin-40-MM-Gun-Motor-Carriage
/ Robin
https://www.modellbau-koenig.de/en/Vehicles/Military-1-35/Tanks/Armoured-Vehicles-since-1945/Tracked-fighting-vehicles/US-M19A1-Twin-40-MM-Gun-Motor-Carriage
/ Robin
Kevlar06
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
Armorama: 2,052 posts
Posted: Tuesday, January 08, 2019 - 11:46 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I have contacted Bronco and I am awaiting an answer.
Thanks folks for the replies-- Especially Darren and Robin. I'm not really as concerned with the "where or how" to get the kit as I am with the reasons behind two very reputable and well stocked on-line stores not having a kit they both just had (but for a very short time), with one reporting the item has been discontinued by the manufacturer. I checked with my LHS, and they tell me they can't get it through Dragon USA either.
I have some personal reasons for not using Ebay, stemming from my 7 years working at a LHS (which had a 99% Ebay rating by before we closed due to the owners death). But thank you all for your input, I do really appreciate it.
VR, Russ
CMOT
Editor-in-ChiefJoined: May 14, 2006
KitMaker: 10,954 posts
Armorama: 8,571 posts
Posted: Tuesday, January 08, 2019 - 10:43 PM UTC
Bronco Models has said that the item is available and they will discuss this with their importer when they order next.
Kevlar06
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
Armorama: 2,052 posts
Posted: Wednesday, January 09, 2019 - 05:41 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Bronco Models has said that the item is available and they will discuss this with their importer when they order next.
Thanks Darren-- so it looks like a distributor problem then. I think Dragon USA is one of the main US distributors, and I was shocked to see that most, if not all of their Bronco kits (more than 50) look like they are sold out. I wonder what's going on here-- trade wars maybe?
VR, Russ
M4A1Sherman
Joined: May 02, 2013
KitMaker: 4,403 posts
Armorama: 4,078 posts
Posted: Wednesday, January 09, 2019 - 06:25 AM UTC
Quoted Text
back to the M 19 44.80USD hobbyeasy
link:
https://www.hobbyeasy.com/en/data/lic8w2hvljstdnf42gir.html
Hmmm... Hobbyeasy... Think I'll give them a look the next time I want to buy a model. I've been buying on Ebay and at Luckymodels...
babaoriley
Joined: June 23, 2017
KitMaker: 195 posts
Armorama: 179 posts
Posted: Wednesday, January 09, 2019 - 06:38 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I've got no problem with eBay. 99% of my purchases are "buy it now" and only from vendors with high ratings and have been there for years and accept PayPal. The few problems I've had in 13 or so years were resolved in my favor by PayPal in just a few days. I maybe making A major kit purchase there next week
I've had no trouble on eBay either, but then I'm careful who I buy from. I want sellers to have been there for awhile and be highly rated. In the few cases in which I've taken a chance it was for a low-value item. The closest I've come to disappointment is when items have taken a long time to arrive but then I've had that experience with Amazon sellers too when "free shipping" turned out to mean "mule train". While I don't doubt there are folks who have had bad experiences on eBay I think being cautious about who you buy from goes a long way towards preventing that.
Kevlar06
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
Armorama: 2,052 posts
Posted: Wednesday, January 09, 2019 - 09:11 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I've had no trouble on eBay either, but then I'm careful who I buy from... The closest I've come to disappointment is when items have taken a long time to arrive... when "free shipping" turned out to mean "mule train"...I think being cautious about who you buy from goes a long way towards preventing that.
OK, here's why I don't use eBay:
1) From my 7 years experience working in a LHS which did about 1/3 of its sales business on eBay (again with a 99% rating mind you). It was a large volume (for a LHS) business with more than 70 ebay transactions a week--some to customers as far away as Russia, Brazil and China (there's a funny story there about selling Trumpeter kits cheaper than they could be bought in China). It only takes one or two arbitrary ratings to "skew the stack". We always had problems with an occasional arbitrary customer--you just can't make everyone happy regardless of how hard you try.
2) I've seen some ridiculous comments about service, some downright stupid. I remember a (rather expensive) sale of a classic Revell 1958 F-102 "stick flying" kit. When the customer got it he reported "it was old and small" (it was near 1/60th scale)--the description clearly said "1957 classic box scale kit". Another held us accountable for a three day USPS delay to Mississippi during a hurricane.
3) I've seen sellers buy from us at near wholesale (we were a distributor, and would often sell overstock at much reduced prices), then turn around and double the price on their own eBay offering. Another customer called and berated us for using USPS rates in shipping. He was upset we were selling items 10-15% below MSRP but still charging shipping.
4) On occasion, we would buy on eBay (we had a large volume OOP and classic kits service). We purchased items from sellers meting the description and photos with no problem. But we had others that were flat rip- offs. We had one highly ranked seller (98%) send us 5 lots of discontinued "Testor's Japanese Aircraft Colors" --with empty bottles in the tins at $5 a tin. We never got the money back, because we got what was described- "a tin of six paint jars for $5" (less the paint of course)- the photo "clearly" showed the bottles and tin, but the jar labels obscured the contents-"buyer beware".
5) We occasionally received kits through eBay sellers that were missing parts or had parts substituted , or had additional "non-kit" items (a porn DVD and a pack of foreign cigarettes in one! Another had a dozen dry-wall screws and a roll of fishing line, the best one was a Badger 155 airbrush, covered in heavy paint, to match the paint that had been applied to the sprues). We also received at least one sealed kit box with NO parts. Here's my advice to anyone buying kits-- buy only sealed kits, from reputable dealers, preferably knowledgeable hobby dealers, not antique or "collector" dealers--they usually don't know what they are doing.
6) Finally, I've found on-line and LHS shopping deals to be just as good as anything from eBay, with less hassle in the long run.
Many of you use and love eBay, but for me it's more of a hassle than a convenience. I think twice before I buy on eBay--sometimes it's like playing the lottery.
VR, Russ
Scarred
Joined: March 11, 2016
KitMaker: 1,792 posts
Armorama: 1,186 posts
Posted: Wednesday, January 09, 2019 - 11:35 AM UTC
I have a friend who is cheap as cheap can get. He won't buy anything new but he will buy 5 of the same used item, paying shipping, hoping one of them will work. That will cost him more than if he just bought the item new. I've been a computer geek since the 70's, went to college for electronics and have worked in just about every aspect of the computer industry from programing to making IC's and CPU's. So my friend would see the systems I'd build for myself or my customers when I was working in shops, and want one exactly like it but he would get the parts from eBay or second hand stores and show up at my door with a pickup truck load of parts and boxes and expect me to make a working system out of junk. I finally had to tell him that if he wanted a new computer, buy new working parts with guarantees from online vendors not eBay because people LIE on eBay. He started listening to me and quit bringing me boxes of junk which I would have to pay to take to the dump or recycling center.
People want something for nothing but I don't care if a eBay seller want's to charge shipping because I've done my research and most hobby shops charge some form of shipping and handling so if I need to buy something off eBay I already know the price range of the object and don't mind paying. But I won't buy used. I've not been ripped off but have had issues that were settled. I've learned a long time ago before this thing called the "internet" that if something sounds too good to be true, it is, don't trust anyone when profit is at stake and always caveat emptor.
Since I won't buy used off ebay, I won't buy consumables like paint or glue and I won't bid on an item. If it has buy it now I'll use that but bidding will often drive the price above what someone else is offering at a fixed price. Not to mention there are sellers will bid on their own items to drive up the price. You learn to recognize sellers who do that and I've gotten several kicked off of eBay. But they always come back with a new name.
The rating system on eBay is bullsh#t. Feedback should be optional and should be limited to communication, packaging, and speed of order processing. Since mail and shipping rates have been going up, someone shouldn't be able to complain about lack of free shipping. Since it takes more time and money to ship from a foreign country I always look at the price and their shipping fees. If the seller will combine orders, heck yeah, if they won't, bye bye.
I don't worry about eBay, but I'll check my online hobby shops first before I head to eBay.
People want something for nothing but I don't care if a eBay seller want's to charge shipping because I've done my research and most hobby shops charge some form of shipping and handling so if I need to buy something off eBay I already know the price range of the object and don't mind paying. But I won't buy used. I've not been ripped off but have had issues that were settled. I've learned a long time ago before this thing called the "internet" that if something sounds too good to be true, it is, don't trust anyone when profit is at stake and always caveat emptor.
Since I won't buy used off ebay, I won't buy consumables like paint or glue and I won't bid on an item. If it has buy it now I'll use that but bidding will often drive the price above what someone else is offering at a fixed price. Not to mention there are sellers will bid on their own items to drive up the price. You learn to recognize sellers who do that and I've gotten several kicked off of eBay. But they always come back with a new name.
The rating system on eBay is bullsh#t. Feedback should be optional and should be limited to communication, packaging, and speed of order processing. Since mail and shipping rates have been going up, someone shouldn't be able to complain about lack of free shipping. Since it takes more time and money to ship from a foreign country I always look at the price and their shipping fees. If the seller will combine orders, heck yeah, if they won't, bye bye.
I don't worry about eBay, but I'll check my online hobby shops first before I head to eBay.
Kevlar06
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
Armorama: 2,052 posts
Posted: Wednesday, January 09, 2019 - 12:59 PM UTC
I need to add, the last time I used eBay was in 2014, and it was a good experience for the most part-- but I would still rather take my chances on a known reputable source if I have the chance. The LHS I was working for (Discount Models) went out of business in 2014 after the owner died. And yes, I know several reputable on-line shops also use eBay (we did), but again, my first choice is always the LHS, then known on-line stores (and even there, I've been burned-- Hobby Linc USA was the last one to fool me. My favorites are Squadron, Sprue Brothers and formerly Great Models (now KitLinx).
VR, Russ
VR, Russ
Scarred
Joined: March 11, 2016
KitMaker: 1,792 posts
Armorama: 1,186 posts
Posted: Wednesday, January 09, 2019 - 08:35 PM UTC
I've had a couple of unpleasant experiences with Hobby Linc but Squadron and Sprue Bros are good and I haven't had issues with them. My go to store is Scalehobbyist. Sadly there are no LHS's within at least an hour drive from my house and it's a Hobby Lobby without much in the way of the model department.
Kevlar06
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
Armorama: 2,052 posts
Posted: Thursday, January 10, 2019 - 03:38 AM UTC
Patrick-- where are you in Washington state? I live in the Tacoma area, and can get to three LHS in about 35 minutes (on a good traffic day). Two of them are Hobby Towns, the other is Skyway Models (probably the best store in the PNW) Galaxy Hobby is another 25 minutes farther, making it four shops within an hours drive.
VR, Russ
VR, Russ
Scarred
Joined: March 11, 2016
KitMaker: 1,792 posts
Armorama: 1,186 posts
Posted: Thursday, January 10, 2019 - 06:26 AM UTC
I'm up on Whidbey. It takes an hour to get to the mainland driving north or a couple hours driving south and taking the ferry. When I was stationed at Lewis it'd take about 2-3 hours to get to my parent's home, now traffic has gotten worse and it takes me that long just to get to VA Hospital on Columbia Way from here. There was a great hobby shop on S Tacoma Way, past the Tacoma Mall heading north from Lewis. The place was loaded and that's where I started seeing a lot of aftermarket stuff that I'd only seen in Germany. I bought a lot of Verlinden kits there and they would order anything you wanted. There used to be a couple LHS's up here when I was a kid but they were gone by the end of the 80's. I shop on line be cause driving hurts too much nowadays and by the time I hit a hobby shop on the mainland I've burned enough gas to cover the cost of any shipping fees from anywhere in the world. There's 3 Hobby Lobbys I've been to, Everett, Marysville, Mt. Vernon, and they're more craft store than hobby shop. There was another good shop at the B&I.
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