--- In [email protected], "SMMW" <jimking3@...> wrote:
>
> The RTR mfrs are in a pickle simply because China has been their primary
> source, if not sole source, for products for a LONG time. A comment made
> farther down Jason's blog re: offering kits has merit but the RTR momentum,
> particularly if we're trying to entice younger modelers to "join us", will
> be difficult to slow down or redirect.
>
>
>
> I've been a design engineer in the manufacturing world all of my
> professional life (since 1981). I've been privileged to have worked in many
> industries, ranging from Navy Nuclear subcontractor, to industrial
> thermometers, to making jet engine parts, pneumatic pumps, injection
> molding, sheet metal, foundries and rapid prototyping. They all have 1
> common threat: everything was made in the US. Granted, none of these
> industries cater to the fickle hobby world (not JUST model railroading is
> included here), but each of my employers were committed to stay with Made in
> the USA as long as possible. Nearly all of those employers are still in
> business although I'm sure a few have contracted more expensive parts of
> their processes to offshore sources.
>
>
>
> I have been a firm believer that there IS a way to continue making model RR
> parts solely in the US at a price that will not cause "sticker shock".
> America has the greatest manufacturing and design diversity and potential on
> Earth but corporate greed has led many CEO's and stockholders to look for
> the easy way to make a buck instead of keeping jobs here. It takes hard
> work to continually come up with better ways to build the proverbial mouse
> trap but many companies would rather sell out to a Communist country then
> try to resolve difficult problems.
>
>
>
> I'm not going on a rant here; this list is NOT the place for that. I'm
> simply stating my position as a model RR manufacturer since 1994. Here's
> the "model RR content" portion: Given that costs to produce anything in
> China that's labor- or petroleum-related will continue to rise for at least
> several years, the playing field between the US and China continues to get
> more level every day. If more US mfrs would take the time to develop
> highly-efficient processes that can produce a better quality product for
> even a little more money than China, I think we will start seeing model RR
> goodies made here. Think about just the money saved in shipping containers
> halfway around world! Kadee and many others have been doing it for a long
> time. It won't happen overnight but it CAN be done. If it means we will
> see more semi-RTR or kits, that's fine too. That helps the detail parts
> guys even more.
>
>
>
> I'm proud to state on my web site that all of my products are Made in The
> USA, including raw materials. It's way past time for others to bring this
> stuff back to the US even if it costs (for now) a little more on sticker
> price.
>
>
>
> Jim King
>
> Smoky Mountain Model Works, Inc.
>
> Ph. (828) 777-5619
>
> <www.smokymountainmodelworks.com>
Well said,Jim and keep up the good work.
I mentioned businesses like yours on another scale's forum, as they seem to be
having a melt-down over this news. If so many other product lines ( in all
kinds of fields)didn't have to rely on the whims of other countries, I think
we'd all be better off. If you can do it,why can't they?
Mark in Oregon
>
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