Australian hobby stores are just taking deliveries of the Life Like "Heritage" series 2-8-8-2 USRA Steam Locomotives.
I work casually at a hobby store in Western Australia and I can tell you these beautiful little locos are real gems both in detail and performance!
I had a couple on the test track today - wow! Quiet and smooth!
I could not believe the price of these quality locomotives - just $165 AUD. (at current exchange rates that's about $92 USD) Can you believe that?
I've seen them advertised in the States for $200 - $235 (MSRP $275). Even Tex'N'rails who have the best price I have found so far are at $179.
Is someone in the US profiteering? Why the HUGE price difference? I'm sure those poor Chinese workers got paid the same bowl of rice for this product to make a profit for Life Like, the wholesaler and retailer at $92 USD. Beats me!
For once we Aussies are having a "loco feast" at a fraction of the cost of the same product in the US. LOL (we had 17 delivered to our shop on Thursday. In two days only 5 left)
We are SO used to paying TWICE what Americans pay, this is a really pleasant surprise. Pity those Aussies who placed advanced orders with US retailers ($200 USD = $360 AUD plus freight!)
Anyway, here's a "heads up" for US members of the Gauge. Buy your Mallets from Australia and save a bundle (even after freight).
I work casually at a hobby store in Western Australia and I can tell you these beautiful little locos are real gems both in detail and performance!
I had a couple on the test track today - wow! Quiet and smooth!
I could not believe the price of these quality locomotives - just $165 AUD. (at current exchange rates that's about $92 USD) Can you believe that?
I've seen them advertised in the States for $200 - $235 (MSRP $275). Even Tex'N'rails who have the best price I have found so far are at $179.
Is someone in the US profiteering? Why the HUGE price difference? I'm sure those poor Chinese workers got paid the same bowl of rice for this product to make a profit for Life Like, the wholesaler and retailer at $92 USD. Beats me!
For once we Aussies are having a "loco feast" at a fraction of the cost of the same product in the US. LOL (we had 17 delivered to our shop on Thursday. In two days only 5 left)
We are SO used to paying TWICE what Americans pay, this is a really pleasant surprise. Pity those Aussies who placed advanced orders with US retailers ($200 USD = $360 AUD plus freight!)
Anyway, here's a "heads up" for US members of the Gauge. Buy your Mallets from Australia and save a bundle (even after freight).