NEWS AND UPDATES

07/01/20

July 4th Schedule

BRH retail store and shipping department will be closed on Friday July 3rd.

Shipping Delays Continue

BRH is still experiencing in bound shipping delays from Fedex Ground. Shipments that used to arrive in 3 days are now taking  an additional 4, 5 or 6 days thus causing delays in our shipments to you. Please be patient. You orders will ship as soon as possible after the product to fill the order is received.

Warehouse Shortages

Unfortunately, BRH is still receiving orders that are short some products that we have ordered from the wholesalers. This situation is also adding more shipping delay time that leads to longer ship times to you, our customers.

The warehouses in Milwaukee and Easton are still running with short staffs which  may be causing some of these issues.

June Sale Up Again

The effect of Covid 19 continue with higher than normal sales which is good for BRH. Currently 99.9% of the business for BRH is via online sales with in store sales virtually non exsistent at this time. June 2019 vs 2020 sales where up 35.7% year to year and the best June since 2012. Year to date sales where up 5% year to year due to a slower January and February 2019.

New customers for the first 6 months up 11% and returning customers up 115%. So again the trends are good.

Upcoming Preorder Deadlines

July 17: Bluford Shops Preorders
July 25: Broadway Limited Preorders
July 31: Walthers Preorders

Atlas Announces New Licensed Beer Cars and Trucks in HO, N and O

Atlas has announced it's Beer Catalog and with it comes a full mug of beer-related freight cars and vehicles. Beer reefers are always big sellers because modelers of the era like the colorful schemes, and train and beer memorabilia collectors love them! Are you one of these? New wood reefers, trailers and semi tractors are all part of the new
announcements. Summer's here and it's time for beer, so order now!

Atlas HO & N:
  CLICK HERE TO VIEW ATLAS ITEMS 

AtlasO:
  CLICK HERE TO VIEW ATLAS O ITEMS 

Trainman HO & N:
  CLICK HERE TO VIEW ATLAS TRAINMAN ITEMS 

Haul In Broadway Limited HO EMD F-Units

One of the most popular EMD locomotives ever built is the subject of Broadway Limited's most recent delivery. EMD F3 and F7 diesels were operated by most larger and many smaller railroads across the continent. HO Scale replicas from Broadway Limited feature full Paragon3 sound and DCC and can be operated on all DCC
systems as well as on standard DC railroads (with limited sound functionality). The Paragon3 sound system works with all Broadway Limited Rolling Thunder(TM) advanced sound systems. For modelers of the transition and classic diesel eras, EMD F3 and F7 diesels are must-haves. Get them hauling on your freight and
passenger trains now!

  CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE EMD'S 

Newly Tooled HO & N Garbage Trucks Arrive from Classic Metal Works

Do you love vehicles from Classic Metal Works? Try the all-new garbage trucks and lowboy trailers. Based on typical 1950s vehicles, they're all great for late steam and classic diesel-era scenes. All feature metal bodies with applied plastic or resin parts, interior seats and window glazing. They're selling fast with some
already in short supply - don' t miss out!

  CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE EMD'S 

DON'T MISS THE


  CLICK HERE TO VIEW SALE INFO 

6/21/20

Repeating Emails From BRH

Some of you are still telling me that you are not receiving emails from BRH.

This may be due to your email settings and that your email provider could be blocking these all important emails from BRH. Please set your email provider to allow these email addresses so you can stay informed.

The following two email addresses are for out bound communication from Blue Ridge Hobbies. Any email sent to these email addresses will not garner a reply. 

Order confirmations and Status Updates from the Cart32 shopping cart server.
yourorders@blueridgehobbies.com

 Daily and Weekly Communications for sales and news.
blueridgehobbies@blueridgehobbies.com

To communicate with Blue Ridge  Hobbies via email and get a response via email
contactus@blueridgehobbies.com

Upcoming Preorder Deadlines

June 29: Rapido Preorders
July 17: Bluford Shops Preorders
July 25: Broadway Limited Preorders
July 31: Walthers Preorders
July 31: Walthers 2020 Early Buy Orders

N Scale Steam Locomotive Go-To: Broadway Limited USRA 2-8-2 Mikado

The USRA 2-8-2 Mikado was one of the most widely used freight locomotives in North America and now it's available in N Scale from Broadway Limited. USRA locomotives were standardized in light and heavy versions and were well suited for all kinds of freight traffic. Dozens of railroads were assigned these versatile locos and many more copies were built after WWI. USRA Light and Heavy Mikados feature full Paragon3 sound and DCC and can be operated on all DCC systems as well as on standard DC railroads (with limited sound functionality). The Paragon3 sound
system works with all Broadway Limited Rolling Thunder(TM) advanced sound systems. For steam fans modeling from the 1910s to the transition era these locomotives will be welcome additions to
your freight trains. Get these fast-sellers now!

  CLICK HERE TO ORDER  

More Popular Kato N Scale Diesels Now Available with Sound and DCC

With the blossoming popularity of N Scale locomotives with sound and DCC, Kato has introduced over a dozen popular locomotive models with factory-installed LokSound decoders for realistic sound and DCC control. New diesels include popular F40PH and SDP40F models used for hauling passengers by Amtrak and commuter
lines. Check out the entire list and reserve yours now!

  CLICK HERE TO ORDER  

Rapido Trains Announces New HO Scale Boxcars for Two Eras

Steam and transition-era modelers, and 1970s-and-later modelers will love the new freight cars coming from Rapido Trains. The Pennsylvania Railroad was known for its round-roofed boxcars which ran from the 1930s into the early 1970s. At roughly 8700 strong, the X31A was PRR's second most numerous freight car and outnumbered the entire fleets of some railroads. The operated everywhere, so no 1930s-1960s layout is complete without several.
For modelers of the mid-1970s to the present, the Pacific Car & Foundry B-100-40 is a car that SP modelers will need. Ordered only by SP, these large boxcars featured 12 plug doors and unique waffle sides along the lower half of their walls. In the 1990s Amtrak bought a few and converted them to express package service which lasted until 2004. They're available in several accurate schemes, so they're sure to be a big hit with all modern-era
modelers. Reserve these now!

  CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE B100's  

 CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE X31A  

06/14/20

Emails From BRH

Some of you are telling me that you are not receiving emails from BRH.

This may be due to your email settings and that your email provider could be blocking these all important emails from BRH. Please set your email provider to allow these email addresses so you can stay informed.

The following two email addresses are for out bound communication from Blue Ridge Hobbies. Any email sent to these email addresses will not garner a reply. 

Order confirmations and Status Updates from the Cart32 shopping cart server.
yourorders@blueridgehobbies.com

 Daily and Weekly Communications for sales and news.
blueridgehobbies@blueridgehobbies.com

To communicate with Blue Ridge  Hobbies via email and get a response via email
contactus@blueridgehobbies.com

MTH (Mike's Train House) Closing

In my humble opinion, this is a good thing for the hobby as MTH-Railking has had the worst product availability and customer service. Products where announced and never produced. Track was never consistently available and the quality of products was not very good.

For the last 16 years BRH was not able to get product from MTH wholesalers to keep customers happy and the retail store well stocked contrary to what is said in the retirement announcement. The MTH-Railking customer service very rarely answered emails or returned voice mails so it does not surprise me that they will be going away.

While I hate to see yet another model railroad business close, this one will be a good closure and in the long run great for the hobby since a source of model railroader angst will be removed.

Maybe a new owner will do a better job as Mike Wolf did not in my opinion despite what he states below.

-------------------

Columbia, Maryland, June 9, 2020 --- M.T.H. Electric Trains president Mike Wolf has announced his retirement and the closure of his business effective June 1, 2021. Below is the text of his announcement sent to the M.T.H. Electric Trains Authorized Retailer network on the evening of June 8, 2020.

June 8, 2020

Dear Loyal M.T.H. Customers,

First, on behalf of M.T.H. Electric Trains, I want to thank you for the support and encouragement you have shown my company over our 40-year journey. From humble beginnings and a lot of hard work, we were able to build one of the world's largest model train manufacturers - one unquestionably buoyed by your unwavering support.

In particular, I am proud that M.T.H. has released more models than any train manufacturer in the history of our hobby. The variety, quality, and infusion of technology throughout our offerings allowed M.T.H. Electric Trains to help bring enjoyment to all who share our wonderful hobby.

It is, therefore, with mixed emotions that I tell you I have decided to retire in 2021 and close the business. The last two M.T.H. catalogs, our 2020 Volume 2 O Gauge catalog, and our 2020 HO catalog and all non-delivered items from our 2020 Volume 1 O Gauge catalog, 2020 Ready-to-Run Train Set catalog, 2019-2020 S Gauge catalog, and 2019-2020 G Gauge catalog will feature the last products produced by M.T.H. Electric Trains.

The new items featured in all these catalogs will be available beginning Summer 2020 through April 2021 and will carry our limited one-year warranty supported by our Authorized Service Center network and the M.T.H. Service Department. Upon our closing in May 2021, our ASC network will provide warranty coverage through April 2022. A list of M.T.H. Authorized Service Centers is available on the M.T.H. website and will be updated as M.T.H. Authorized Retailers join the program over the coming months.

M.T.H. Electric Trains would not have enjoyed success without the support of the M.T.H. Authorized Retailer network. While traditional retail has changed significantly over the past decade, the independent hobby shop has been and continues to be the most important cog in our distribution chain. I truly appreciate the support and friendship these shops have shown M.T.H. I wish all of them good luck and prosperity in the years to come.

Finally, I want to thank all of my employees for their hard work over the years. Most of them have been with me for decades and their loyalty and talents were paramount to our success.

With thousands of tools and molds and a wealth of intellectual property, a new model railroading company may arise from my former company as I entertain various options and buyers. One scenario is a new company organized and owned by members of my current staff. Their decades of experience, work ethic, and creative talent will ensure success regardless of who owns the assets while providing a welcome bridge between the past 40 years and the future.

The remainder of my time will be busy as we clear out inventory and other miscellaneous items accumulated over the past 40 years. As that process evolves, we’ll be offering consumer and retailer purchase opportunities.

Again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for your loyal support for all these years

Mike Wolf, President
M.T.H. Electric Trains

Upcoming Preorder Deadlines

June 15: Rapido Preorders
June 17: Atlas Preorders
June 18: Broadway Limited Preorders
June 29: Rapido Preorders
July 17: Bluford Shops Preorders

06/07/20

May Sales

While started strong by the end of the month sales slowed considerably. But overall another good month despite all of the issues in the world.

May sales where even, almost to the exact dollar, 2019 vs 2020.
Right now June sales are up double May 2019 sales.

May saw a big drop in new customers down 42% from the over the top and very very busy April 2020. However May saw 38% increased in customer returning so BRH must be doing something right.

Low Stock At Wholesalers

There may be a problem on the horizon.

My perception of product availability at our two major wholesalers is that it seems to be thinning quickly with a lot of product that would normally be available not being available. This may be do to high sales volumes in March and April that was not expected by anyone and the slowing of shipping operations at the manufacturers and wholesalers. 

This should be a short term issue caused by the Covig-19 shutdowns. The short staffing at the wholesalers is causing these shortages as well. No time to restock. However, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel here as well. It seems by mid July restocks at the wholesalers should help the situation as product is in transit from the manufacturers.

Out of 147,000 products in the BRH database only about 30,000 are available to sell to you all each day as of this update. 

When you all order, many of you are requesting NO BACKORDERS. I know this can be a hassle, but if you need the products for your layouts I would suggest that you say YES to back orders so that you are first in line when the products are restocked.

Please be patient as BRH works on getting you the product you need at the lowest price possible and as fast as possible.

Easton Warehouse

 Our Easton warehouse database was not been available to us for ordering due to a server issue they where having for 4 days last week. So BRH can not see any products in their inventory thus we currently we did not offer these products as a backup to the Milwaukee warehouse on our website since Sunday but it was back online late Thrusday and the product re added to our database.  Plus their shipping to BRH has slowed a bit while they work through this issue. As of this update the issue has been resolved.

Back Orders and Advance Reservations 

There is really nothing new to report here, but there are still many issues dating back some 10 years now with product shortages and long long delays in the arrival of product. The main offenders of these delays and shortages are Atlas, Bowser, Intermountain-Railway, Lionel and MTH-Railking. Plus, the delays caused by Covig-19 have increased the delays about another 90 days or so!

So, if you want the latest update on your order, just go to our product
 search page and enter the item number in to check the status.

If the status says Unknown Availability Date, it means just that. The wholesalers and manufacturers do not have a clue as to when the item will arrive. It could be days, weeks or even years. Some items show and In Transit status. What does this mean? Well, it could mean that the product has left the factory (where ever that is), has arrived at the port of entry (stuck in customs) or on its way from the manufacturer to the wholesaler(s). So again, there is no time frame.

Suffice to say that once BRH receives the back order / advance reservation I will process ASAP. I usually send out items that effect layout building first such as track, then rolling stock (locos, freight and passenger cars) and then everything else. All as time and daily online orders permit.

Most of the back orders and advance reservations that BRH has received have no been shipped.

Again, please be patient, there is no need to call or email. Just check the BRH product search page.

Upcoming Preorder Deadlines

June 15: Rapido Preorders
June 17: Atlas Preorders
June 29: Rapido Preorders
July 17: Bluford Shops Preorders
July 31: Walthers Preorders

New Accurail HO Car Kits Now Shipping

Accurail rolling stock are an easy way to build a car fleet without breaking the bank. All kits feature fast and fun assembly, molded details that stand up to handling during operation and realistic paint schemes. They're
great for modelers of any skill level including those just getting started. New arrivals are at the link below. Make sure to check them out if you are looking to boost your car fleets.

  CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT ALL OF THE ACCURAIL KITS 

Bluford Shops Announces New Road names on N Scale Bay Window Cabooses

N Scale modelers love the International Car Bay Window Caboose from Bluford Shops. Based on cars used from the 1950s to the 1990s and beyond, these cabooses feature road name-appropriate bodies and details, metal wheels and magnetic knuckle couplers for great performance. Check out these fast sellers and order now!

  CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT ALL OF THE BLUFORD SHOPS ITEMS 

Preorder Kato N Scale 20th Century Limited Extra Car Kits Now
 
Extra cars for the instantly popular NYC 20th Century Limited passenger train will be available separately as kits. The extra cars will include the decorated bodies and all parts for a complete model. The order window for these cars is very short and all orders must be in by tomorrow June 8th!

    CLICK HERE TO ORDER  

Animation for Layouts from Miller Engineering

If you are looking for cool additions to your layout you will like animated neon signs from Miller Engineering. These signs replicate the flashing and animation of neon and other lighted billboards on rooftops and roadsides. The lighting is possible with wafer-thin electroluminescent sheets connected to under-layout circuitry. New signs include the iconic Rosie the Riveter/We Can Do It sign and an animated Conrail sign among others. They are easy to add and will light up any layout scene. Get them on your layouts now!

  CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT ALL OF THE MILLER ENGINEERING SIGNS 

05/31/20

Will Fedex Ever Catch Up?

I continue to try to get on the right side of shipping your orders in a timely manner, but I am still having issues with shipment arrivals to BRH. I have the Fedex Ground route driver under control now, but the actual Fedex Ground system is still having issues!

Today we received what was on schedule to arrive at BRH on Monday, which was the orders BRH received from 6am Tuesday until 6am Wednesday. Which mean Fedex was back  on regular schedule. However order BRH received from 6am Monday until 6am Tuesday should have arrived Thursday or Friday due to the Memorial Day Holiday is now scheduled to arrive at BRH on Monday!

So, sorry for the delays that BRH has no control over!

Catching Up

This week thanks to the help of Ed Culbertson at the retail store shipping department,  I can see light at the end of the tunnel! Ed helped with some shipping area clean up and order check in and packaging.

All of the Rapido and Intermountain back orders and advance reservations have shipped today. I am still working through the Walthers name train shipments. They just need to be sorted and shipped.

I have about 30 single item back orders as well to finalize. They are packed for shipping and just need to be processed. That should happen this week.

Upcoming Preorder Deadlines

June 1:Broadway Limited Preorders
June 1: Intermountain Preorders
June 1: Trainworx Preorders
June 1: Walthers Preorders
June 15: Rapido Preorders
June 29: Rapido Preorders
July 31: Walthers Preorders

New WalthersMainline HO Arrivals Selling Out FAST!

With all of the modelers using their extra spare time to improve their layouts it's no wonder new WalthersMainline arrivals are almost sold out upon arrival! We still have a few of all road names and road numbers on the latest arrival of EMD F7s decorated in popular business train schemes from the 1980s to today. Available with ESU sound and DCC as well as standard DC models, modelers love these special units, so order now for best selection.

  CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE EMD F7's 

Bachmann Delivers HO Scale Freight Cars

New and popular Bachmann freight car arrivals include 40' Wood Reefers, 40' Boxcars, Wide-Vision
Cabooses and Single-Dome Tank Cars. Always a great value, they all feature popular paint schemes, molded details,
metal wheels and E-Z Mate(TM) knuckle couplers. Order yours now!

  CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE FREIGHT CARS 

New Brekina HO Vehicle Announcements Include Popular VWs

Loaded with detail and featuring models used in North America and internationally, Brekina cars and trucks are
modeler favorites. In its most recent announcements Brekina is expanding its lineup of popular Volkswagen 1960s and 1970s vans, camper vans, cargo vans and pickup trucks. These are highly detailed models of some of the most
popular vehicles in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, many of which are still in use today. All feature authentic
decoration, chrome parts when appropriate, interior seats and clear windows. Even if you don't currently have
Brekina vehicles, you should add these 1960s and later
cars and trucks. Check out the new announcements and order now!

  CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE VIEW ALL BERKINA ITEMS