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Ranjit		#1 Posted : 17 August 2008 06:21:25(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 18/06/2003(UTC) Posts: 3,009 Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA		Hi All, I was wondering how many of us are interested in buying Marklin. We are talking about a great company valued at around 150M. Are there any millionaires out there? Let's vote! With 1781 members, and with so many great minds, lets see where we stand. Cheers, Ranjit
		Modelling in HO Scale - Era III & IV. K+M Track, Analogue + Digital _____________________________________________________________________________ #Get Vaccinated -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need" - Marcus Tullius Cicero "Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come" - Victor Marie Hugo "If you can dream it, you can do it" - Walt Disney
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ozzman		#2 Posted : 17 August 2008 10:44:52(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 23/11/2007(UTC) Posts: 1,828 Location: Sydney, Australia		We'll have to hurry before the Tata group snaps it up [:0]
		Gary Z Scale "Never let the prototype get in the way of a good layout"
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kimballthurlow		#3 Posted : 17 August 2008 10:46:32(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 18/03/2007(UTC) Posts: 6,669 Location: Brisbane, Australia		I would like to own and run Märklin. And I realise it is a very complex business, and requires many facets of management, including CAPITAL. But I cannot afford it, I have only a few hundred dollars to invest. I would like to become a shareholder, if they offered shares. regards Kimball
		HO Scale - Märklin (ep II-III and VI, C Track, digital) - 2 rail HO (Queensland Australia, UK, USA) - 3 rail OO (English Hornby Dublo) - old clockwork O gauge - Live Steam 90mm (3.1/2 inch) gauge.
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Goofy		#4 Posted : 17 August 2008 11:37:48(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 12/08/2006(UTC) Posts: 9,019		Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by ozzman <br />We'll have to hurry before the Tata group snaps it up [:0] What is a Tata group...? Goofy
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Troy Yang		#5 Posted : 17 August 2008 11:44:31(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 10/12/2003(UTC) Posts: 356 Location: San Francisco, California USA		Buy their trains, not the company. Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by Ranjit <br />Hi All, I was wondering how many of us are interested in buying Marklin. We are talking about a great company valued at around 150M. Are there any millionaires out there? Let's vote! With 1781 members, and with so many great minds, lets see where we stand. Cheers, Ranjit
		Marklin HO - all eras and everything.
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spitzenklasse		#6 Posted : 17 August 2008 12:03:22(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 06/04/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,573 Location: ,		Goofy, Tata is the Indian automotive concern that recently bought Jaguar from Ford.
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Bigdaddynz		#7 Posted : 17 August 2008 12:06:04(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC) Posts: 18,665 Location: New Zealand		Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by Goofy <br /> Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by ozzman <br />We'll have to hurry before the Tata group snaps it up [:0] What is a Tata group...? Goofy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tata_Group
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Troy Yang		#8 Posted : 17 August 2008 12:13:14(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 10/12/2003(UTC) Posts: 356 Location: San Francisco, California USA		Tata is an Indian car maker that buys out a lot of foreign competitors. Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by Bigdaddynz <br /> Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by Goofy <br /> Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by ozzman <br />We'll have to hurry before the Tata group snaps it up [:0] What is a Tata group...? Goofy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tata_Group
		Marklin HO - all eras and everything.
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David Dewar		#9 Posted : 17 August 2008 14:26:40(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 01/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 7,343 Location: Scotland		Can somebdoy tell me how M is valued at 150M David
		Take care I like Marklin and will defend the worlds greatest model rail manufacturer.
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Macfire		#10 Posted : 17 August 2008 18:36:53(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 04/11/2006(UTC) Posts: 2,652 Location: New Zealand		Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by David Dewar <br />Can somebdoy tell me how M is valued at 150M David 'cause I am President for Life. And I am worth millions in my girls eyes [:p] [:p]
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Ranjit		#11 Posted : 17 August 2008 19:04:19(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 18/06/2003(UTC) Posts: 3,009 Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA		Hi David, I think Kingsbridge bank bought Marklin for 38M with a loss and/or liabilities of 80M in 2006. If you add the two plus add further losses of around 30M you have approximately 150M. Tell me if I am wrong. Cheers, Ranjit
		Modelling in HO Scale - Era III & IV. K+M Track, Analogue + Digital _____________________________________________________________________________ #Get Vaccinated -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need" - Marcus Tullius Cicero "Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come" - Victor Marie Hugo "If you can dream it, you can do it" - Walt Disney
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Ranjit		#12 Posted : 17 August 2008 19:11:29(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 18/06/2003(UTC) Posts: 3,009 Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA		Hey guys, Tata is not just a auto maker. Tata is a global conglomerate. They make everything from soaps to steel to making cars. Sure, they can easily snap up Marklin without a blink of an eye. Cheers, Ranjit
		Modelling in HO Scale - Era III & IV. K+M Track, Analogue + Digital _____________________________________________________________________________ #Get Vaccinated -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need" - Marcus Tullius Cicero "Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come" - Victor Marie Hugo "If you can dream it, you can do it" - Walt Disney
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drstapes		#13 Posted : 17 August 2008 19:43:11(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 23/08/2004(UTC) Posts: 764 Location: Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk		Why is Marklin so unprofitable? Why would Tata want to buy it anyway? regards
		Regards Geoff (UK) marklin HO from the 50's and 60's
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Ranjit		#14 Posted : 17 August 2008 20:03:13(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 18/06/2003(UTC) Posts: 3,009 Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA		Tata is certainly capable of buying Marklin. However, I don't think they would be interested. Exactly, why is marklin so unprofitable? I think they would need to trim their operations. Cheers, Ranjit
		Modelling in HO Scale - Era III & IV. K+M Track, Analogue + Digital _____________________________________________________________________________ #Get Vaccinated -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need" - Marcus Tullius Cicero "Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come" - Victor Marie Hugo "If you can dream it, you can do it" - Walt Disney
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Ranjit		#15 Posted : 17 August 2008 21:19:57(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 18/06/2003(UTC) Posts: 3,009 Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA		Hi All, So far, we have a response of 0.5%! Come on, guys. What does the rest think of buying marklin? Cheers, Ranjit
		Modelling in HO Scale - Era III & IV. K+M Track, Analogue + Digital _____________________________________________________________________________ #Get Vaccinated -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need" - Marcus Tullius Cicero "Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come" - Victor Marie Hugo "If you can dream it, you can do it" - Walt Disney
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David Dewar		#16 Posted : 17 August 2008 22:52:28(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 01/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 7,343 Location: Scotland		Hi Ranjit. Marklin will be worth less now than when bought by Kingsbridge. Continuing losses under new management and the present economic conditions make the firm almost unable to be put on the market. If Kingsbridge could sell for 150M they would be throwing the biggest party you have ever seen. The name did mean something but as time goes on the value goes down unless some profit can be shown. Anybody wanting to purchase the firm does not quite understand the business world and would be buying because they like toy trains and have more money than sense. In a few years time if the market changes and M is still on the go then perhaps it can be sold.....so keep saving. David
		Take care I like Marklin and will defend the worlds greatest model rail manufacturer.
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gachar001		#17 Posted : 17 August 2008 23:33:20(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 29/04/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,391 Location: Chennai		Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by Ranjit <br /> Exactly, why is marklin so unprofitable? I think they would need to trim their operations. My guess is that there are less enthusiasts out there as time goes by. The younger generation (at least here in the US) prefer to play with video games and watch TV. There are very very few youngsters exposed to model railroads. The only ones who are exposed are the ones who have parents that are into the hobby. As a company ages, it's costs go up (mainly their skilled labor). So the market size needs to keep increasing in order to stay profitable. In M*'s case, this may not be happening. That was my $0.02 worth
		Gautham Atlanta, GA USA
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Bigdaddynz		#18 Posted : 18 August 2008 00:24:00(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC) Posts: 18,665 Location: New Zealand		David, I read somewhere that the sale price for Marklin, when sold to Kingsbridge was $38m. In fact I read it in the Wikipedia entry for Marklin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marklin
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Ranjit		#19 Posted : 18 August 2008 04:56:03(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 18/06/2003(UTC) Posts: 3,009 Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA		Hi David, If the price is going to be lower than what Kingbridge paid for Marklin, that's even better, and we could be throwing the biggest party we have ever seen! Do you know what the current value might be? Cheers, Ranjit
		Modelling in HO Scale - Era III & IV. K+M Track, Analogue + Digital _____________________________________________________________________________ #Get Vaccinated -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need" - Marcus Tullius Cicero "Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come" - Victor Marie Hugo "If you can dream it, you can do it" - Walt Disney
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Ranjit		#20 Posted : 18 August 2008 04:57:48(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 18/06/2003(UTC) Posts: 3,009 Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA		Thanks, Lutz. As you can see the thread has been moved to the correct location. Cheers, Ranjit
		Modelling in HO Scale - Era III & IV. K+M Track, Analogue + Digital _____________________________________________________________________________ #Get Vaccinated -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need" - Marcus Tullius Cicero "Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come" - Victor Marie Hugo "If you can dream it, you can do it" - Walt Disney
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Ranjit		#21 Posted : 18 August 2008 05:04:40(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 18/06/2003(UTC) Posts: 3,009 Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA		Hi Gautham, I don't think that kids these days have lost interest in RR. When I was at a hobby store yesterday, there were a large number of kids with their parents out there. I see the same in RR shows. Cheers, Ranjit
		Modelling in HO Scale - Era III & IV. K+M Track, Analogue + Digital _____________________________________________________________________________ #Get Vaccinated -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need" - Marcus Tullius Cicero "Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come" - Victor Marie Hugo "If you can dream it, you can do it" - Walt Disney
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pat		#22 Posted : 18 August 2008 05:37:28(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 06/01/2004(UTC) Posts: 913 Location: The Central Coast		buying Marklin no thanks I hate to mix hobbies with pleasure
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Ranjit		#23 Posted : 18 August 2008 05:53:07(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 18/06/2003(UTC) Posts: 3,009 Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA		Hi pat, Thank you for your note. I understand your views. Cheers, Ranjit
		Modelling in HO Scale - Era III & IV. K+M Track, Analogue + Digital _____________________________________________________________________________ #Get Vaccinated -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need" - Marcus Tullius Cicero "Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come" - Victor Marie Hugo "If you can dream it, you can do it" - Walt Disney
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jeehring		#24 Posted : 18 August 2008 06:01:34(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 25/09/2003(UTC) Posts: 2,786 Location: ,		I'm wondering where/how have you seen Marklin is generating "losses" & how much ? We have read some news about " Marklin must make savings" , " Marklin have some problems of cash" But I didn't see anything about "losses".They recently bought LGB ,in 2007 they have closed sonneberg factory : in the first year restructuring is something costly ...Turnover is somewhat stable . Have I missed something ? A friend of mine is running a small Cie ( very small : about 20 workers ). His Cie has been going well & making profits for many years , everything is OK . One day he told me " I will be soon confronted with problems of cash "...I was very surprised , so I ask him why & what's happenning (?)He answered me : "because the demand increase abruptly & more than I've expected "... [xx(][}:)]
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Ranjit		#25 Posted : 18 August 2008 06:05:14(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 18/06/2003(UTC) Posts: 3,009 Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA		Hi jeehring, Take a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marklin Cheers, Ranjit
		Modelling in HO Scale - Era III & IV. K+M Track, Analogue + Digital _____________________________________________________________________________ #Get Vaccinated -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need" - Marcus Tullius Cicero "Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come" - Victor Marie Hugo "If you can dream it, you can do it" - Walt Disney
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jeehring		#26 Posted : 18 August 2008 06:27:03(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 25/09/2003(UTC) Posts: 2,786 Location: ,		Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by Ranjit <br />Hi jeehring, Take a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marklin Cheers, Ranjit Thank you . Wikipedia shows the state of debt in the year 2005 before they have been bought by Kingsbridge ( after a period of 160/170M E annual turnover , knowing this turnover will decrease 30% the following years ). I just make a difference between " state of the debt" and " generating losses" Thanks
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mike c		#27 Posted : 18 August 2008 06:35:24(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 28/11/2007(UTC) Posts: 7,899 Location: Montreal, QC		Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by Ranjit <br />Hi Gautham, I don't think that kids these days have lost interest in RR. When I was at a hobby store yesterday, there were a large number of kids with their parents out there. I see the same in RR shows. Cheers, Ranjit Kids are as fascinated today with trains (and model trains) as they were years ago. The only difference is that they have to be introduced much earlier in order to gain hold before the kids are introduced to computers and video games. It also doesn't help if one kid has trains while all his neighbours and friends have Nintendo or Sony PS3. Nobody wants to be different these days. I introduced my niece and nephews to the trains at a young age. I had to make sure that they didn't touch the trains and that they stayed away from the plugs and the wiring. Now they are between 7 and 9 and they still enjoy the trains ever so often. Regards Mike C
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Ranjit		#28 Posted : 18 August 2008 06:53:09(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 18/06/2003(UTC) Posts: 3,009 Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA		Hi Mike, I am glad your niece and nephews are enjoying trains. I think kids love trains whatever new technologies are out there. Cheers, Ranjit
		Modelling in HO Scale - Era III & IV. K+M Track, Analogue + Digital _____________________________________________________________________________ #Get Vaccinated -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need" - Marcus Tullius Cicero "Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come" - Victor Marie Hugo "If you can dream it, you can do it" - Walt Disney
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Ranjit		#29 Posted : 18 August 2008 07:02:23(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 18/06/2003(UTC) Posts: 3,009 Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA		Hey guys, I found this in a May 12, 2006 issue of Model Railroader Magazine: "London-based Kingsbridge had expressed interest in purchasing Märklin more than a month ago, and had acquired about $13 million of Märklin's $70.5 million bank debt. Dr. Ion Florescu, Kingsbridge's chief financial officer, says Märklin is a name that still has a lot of clout and profitability, despite slumping revenues the last few years. In the past two years, Märklin has reported losses of about $25 million." Just a bit of clarification between debts and losses. Cheers, Ranjit
		Modelling in HO Scale - Era III & IV. K+M Track, Analogue + Digital _____________________________________________________________________________ #Get Vaccinated -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need" - Marcus Tullius Cicero "Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come" - Victor Marie Hugo "If you can dream it, you can do it" - Walt Disney
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ozzman		#30 Posted : 18 August 2008 09:12:11(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 23/11/2007(UTC) Posts: 1,828 Location: Sydney, Australia		Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by pat <br />buying Marklin no thanks I hate to mix hobbies with pleasure My sentiments exactly!
		Gary Z Scale "Never let the prototype get in the way of a good layout"
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al_pignolo		#31 Posted : 18 August 2008 11:26:16(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 30/09/2005(UTC) Posts: 904 Location: bologna, BO		Maybe it would be interesting to own a part of your favourite MRR company (as for example Neil Young did for Lionel) but buying a couple of locos every year is the biggest investment I can make... Pietro
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RayF		#32 Posted : 18 August 2008 13:57:20(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 14/03/2005(UTC) Posts: 15,840 Location: Gibraltar, Europe		Pietro, you're absolutely right. Also, try to encourage others to take up railway modelling, and demonstrate the qualities of Marklin. So far, the only person I've been able to influence is my son, though he's more interested in British models, and collects Hornby and Bachmann. However, he will inherit my Marklin collection one day, and I would be very surprised if he doesn't add to it, if Marklin is still in business! Ray
		Ray Mostly Marklin.Selection of different eras and European railways Small C track layout, control by MS2, 100+ trains but run 4-5 at a time.
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tekin65		#33 Posted : 18 August 2008 14:01:09(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 11/10/2006(UTC) Posts: 2,151 Location: istanbul,		Hey, Are we buying Märklin? Count me in ... really I have other inverstors with me too Cem.
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David Dewar		#34 Posted : 18 August 2008 14:12:28(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 01/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 7,343 Location: Scotland		I am not sure where this thread is going but I think you can be sure that nobody will be buying Marklin except Jeehring who wants to take on their debt. I can give you their number and a name if you wish to discuss the amount my friend and when they receive your funds you can have free locos for life (Only joking dont take it seriously) Ranjit :There is a thread somewhere recently when M said they hope to start to make profits in 2009 which will be the 2010 figures so I think we can be sure they are still making losses. Never mind about buying the firm just keep buying their locos etc and keep them afloat. I would be interestd to know how Brawa are doing and if they are trading at a profit but it may well not be possible to get any accurate figures. David
		Take care I like Marklin and will defend the worlds greatest model rail manufacturer.
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Guus		#35 Posted : 18 August 2008 16:10:49(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 13/10/2004(UTC) Posts: 2,616		Buying Märklin? Looking at my collection of Märklin items,my wife thinks I already did that On a serious note,if Märklin get a better control of their cost of production ,which is the main cause of their current problems, I think they won't need a buyer any time soon. Hopefully Kingsbridge will allow them the time needed to get their problems resolved. If that's not the case,why not merge with the other remaining MRR manufacturers? Kind regards Guus
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al_pignolo		#36 Posted : 18 August 2008 19:01:36(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 30/09/2005(UTC) Posts: 904 Location: bologna, BO		Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by Guus <br /> On a serious note,if Märklin get a better control of their cost of production ,which is the main cause of their current problems, I think they won't need a buyer any time soon. But what is the right way to reduce costs? In these years it seems that M* products have more value compared with other brands: we have a metal body, more electronics (sound, mfx decoder), great detailing, good running characteristics for the same price: it's hard to find these qualities in a loco that cost more or less 200€ from other manifacturers. So how will they reduce costs? No more metal locos? No more digital? I don't think so. I fear higher prices OR less general quality. I hope M* will solve their problems and keep on give us great models.. Pietro
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Larry		#37 Posted : 18 August 2008 19:03:06(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 14/11/2003(UTC) Posts: 1,443 Location: Northeast Ohio		Yes, Guus, that is what Lionel did plus they had deep pockets from people who love model railroading and the Lionel brand. However, I'd think merging with another MRR company would drag both down at this stage and I'd like to see Maerklin continue as Maerklin. Lionel is now profitable, however, MRR at this stage is a risky business given the economy and I have to believe that the other MRR companies in Europe and elsewhere are generally hurting. (To clarify all the misinformation about TATA: They are a conglomerate with 96 companies. Their lines of business are IT and communications, engineering, materials, services, energy, consumer products and chemicals.)
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Ranjit		#38 Posted : 18 August 2008 19:53:43(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 18/06/2003(UTC) Posts: 3,009 Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA		Hi ozzman, Thank you for your note. I understand your sentiments... Cheers, Ranjit
		Modelling in HO Scale - Era III & IV. K+M Track, Analogue + Digital _____________________________________________________________________________ #Get Vaccinated -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need" - Marcus Tullius Cicero "Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come" - Victor Marie Hugo "If you can dream it, you can do it" - Walt Disney
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Ranjit		#39 Posted : 18 August 2008 19:57:52(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 18/06/2003(UTC) Posts: 3,009 Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA		Hold your horses, and keep your investors interested, tekin65! Cheers, Ranjit
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Ranjit		#40 Posted : 18 August 2008 20:52:09(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 18/06/2003(UTC) Posts: 3,009 Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA		Hi All, With prices still on the high side, quality at its lowest, and lack of concentration of non-european markets, I think there something drastically wrong with the way Kingsbridge is handling Marklin. On the basis of 1% response from total membership, I can say that a bunch of us are simply not interested, a bunch of us who are extremely interested and a bunch who are simply sitting on the fence. I agree with David, and I am also not sure where this thread is going. I believe a time has come to talk seriously about the future of Marklin. May I propose that we call for a face-to-face meeting to discuss issues and the way forward? I know that there are many brilliant minds in this group that can turn this thing around. If this is really a dumb idea, let's close this thread, and let nature take its course. On the other hand, if this is an idea worth pursuing, let's all come together and do something about it. I, for one is very keen to take control, to "see Maerklin continue as Maerklin" as Larry put it, and bring back the "magic' of Marklin. What say you? Cheers, Ranjit
		Modelling in HO Scale - Era III & IV. K+M Track, Analogue + Digital _____________________________________________________________________________ #Get Vaccinated -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need" - Marcus Tullius Cicero "Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come" - Victor Marie Hugo "If you can dream it, you can do it" - Walt Disney
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Guus		#41 Posted : 18 August 2008 21:56:53(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 13/10/2004(UTC) Posts: 2,616		Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by al_pignolo <br /> Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by Guus <br /> On a serious note,if Märklin get a better control of their cost of production ,which is the main cause of their current problems, I think they won't need a buyer any time soon. But what is the right way to reduce costs? In these years it seems that M* products have more value compared with other brands: we have a metal body, more electronics (sound, mfx decoder), great detailing, good running characteristics for the same price: it's hard to find these qualities in a loco that cost more or less 200€ from other manifacturers. So how will they reduce costs? No more metal locos? No more digital? I don't think so. I fear higher prices OR less general quality. I hope M* will solve their problems and keep on give us great models.. Pietro Hi Pietro, I share your fear. Most of the time reducing costs means less inventory- read fewer spare parts- and shifting production to lower cost countries. From what I understand of the whole situation is that there's an agreement between management and the workforce not to lay off people, at least for the time being. I realise most of what I say is highly speculative and I'm by no means a financial expert. Like you and all of us I'm a Märklin enthusiast and I certainly hope they'll get their problems resolved in the very near future. Kind regards Guus
		Kind regards, Guus
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Guus		#42 Posted : 18 August 2008 22:07:55(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 13/10/2004(UTC) Posts: 2,616		Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by Larry <br />Yes, Guus, that is what Lionel did plus they had deep pockets from people who love model railroading and the Lionel brand. However, I'd think merging with another MRR company would drag both down at this stage and I'd like to see Maerklin continue as Maerklin. Lionel is now profitable, however, MRR at this stage is a risky business given the economy and I have to believe that the other MRR companies in Europe and elsewhere are generally hurting. (To clarify all the misinformation about TATA: They are a conglomerate with 96 companies. Their lines of business are IT and communications, engineering, materials, services, energy, consumer products and chemicals.) Hi Larry, Like I mentioned in the previous posting on this subject I'm by no means a financial expert. However I imagine there could be some synergy between two large MRR companies when they merge and share an inventory ,share administrative duties and so on. This will inevitably lower costs I should think. Just my two pennies......... Kind regards Guus
		Kind regards, Guus
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Guus		#43 Posted : 18 August 2008 22:48:11(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 13/10/2004(UTC) Posts: 2,616		Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by Ranjit <br />Hi All, With prices still on the high side, quality at its lowest, and lack of concentration of non-european markets, I think there something drastically wrong with the way Kingsbridge is handling Marklin. On the basis of 1% response from total membership, I can say that a bunch of us are simply not interested, a bunch of us who are extremely interested and a bunch who are simply sitting on the fence. I agree with David, and I am also not sure where this thread is going. I believe a time has come to talk seriously about the future of Marklin. May I propose that we call for a face-to-face meeting to discuss issues and the way forward? I know that there are many brilliant minds in this group that can turn this thing around. If this is really a dumb idea, let's close this thread, and let nature take its course. On the other hand, if this is an idea worth pursuing, let's all come together and do something about it. I, for one is very keen to take control, to "see Maerklin continue as Maerklin" as Larry put it, and bring back the "magic' of Marklin. What say you? Cheers, Ranjit Hi Ranjit, First of all let me welcome you back on the forum.(should have done so earlier in this topic!). It's been a long time since you last posted isn't it? We're all Märklin enthusiasts and I can't help thinking we're all very sensitive to what's been said in the media about Märklin and that we may easily fear for the worst. I think we'll all agree they make luxury goods that may sell well when the economic tide is favourable but they will be the first to suffer from an economic downturn no matter how good the stuff is they make. I don't think it's a dumb idea to discuss the future of MRR or Märklin in particular,however I think we should not overestimate our influence. I think we're all together a very small part of their clientele. Germany is I think by far their most important market and I'm confident they do a thorough marketing investigation in their home country. It's all a matter of taste and how you perceive their new products,but I'd like to mention that for me Märklin has even gained in that special "magic" feeling, by producing far more detailed locomotives with their smooth driving characteristics provided by the new SDS drive. That said, I realise that I'm an old model rail enthusiast with the financial means to buy their- it must be said- very expensive items which most probably are out of reach for the majority of kids. And if Märklin wants a profitable future they should concentrate on making nice and sturdy stuff for children. But I'm sure Märklin realises this as well. Kind regards Guus
		Kind regards, Guus
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David Dewar		#44 Posted : 18 August 2008 22:52:03(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 01/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 7,343 Location: Scotland		I, for one is very keen to take control, to "see Maerklin continue as Maerklin" as Larry put it, and bring back the "magic' of Marklin. What say you? .................................................................... Ranjit : when you wrote the above just exactly what were you drinking If you are keen to take control all you have to do is make an offer to Kingsbridge. If it is anywhere near what they paid then Marklin is yours. I cant think of anybody who would join with you to put up cash for this venture Much better to use your money to buy Marklin products and enjoy using them. David
		Take care I like Marklin and will defend the worlds greatest model rail manufacturer.
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Guus		#45 Posted : 18 August 2008 23:03:14(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 13/10/2004(UTC) Posts: 2,616		Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by Hemmerich <br /> Quote: [size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by Guus Looking at my collection of Märklin items,my wife thinks I already did that Didn't she ask yet "when are you going to sell again?" Hi Lutz, Not yet ,but I fear for the worst since some of the boxes take up valuable space in the closet and very soon I'll have to claim some of the space taken up by her wardrobe. I'm sure she'll suggest selling some if not all Märklin if it comes to that point Kind regards Guus
		Kind regards, Guus
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Ranjit		#46 Posted : 18 August 2008 23:30:20(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 18/06/2003(UTC) Posts: 3,009 Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA		That was funny, David! I was only have a cup of coffee when I wrote that stuff, but I was sober, and I was serious. I don't wish to make an offer to Kingsbridge Capital, and have Marklin all to myself. I want us to 'get involved' together. I am sure if someone or a group like us doesn't get their act together, Marklin will go to the dogs. It is already showing signs of going down the tubes. A group as big as us, and as enthusiastic as us can surely making big changes. That's why I wrote that note. Thank you for welcoming back to the forum, Guus. Yes, I have been away for almost three years! My work, training and study has literally taken all of my time. I certainly remember you. I don't think that we are a small part of marklin's clientele. If we put together our investment it could be quite substantial. Seriously, I myself considered to be a small-time enthusiast must have spent over $15,000.00 on this hobby! You see, we all spend time talking about what Marklin should do, and how they should do it, but we never take these ideas forward. What is the use of simply talking about it when Marklin and Kingbridge Capital are doing something quite different? It is time for action, boys and girls! Together, we can make this work. Imagine! Cheers, Ranjit
		Modelling in HO Scale - Era III & IV. K+M Track, Analogue + Digital _____________________________________________________________________________ #Get Vaccinated -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need" - Marcus Tullius Cicero "Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come" - Victor Marie Hugo "If you can dream it, you can do it" - Walt Disney
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David Dewar		#47 Posted : 18 August 2008 23:59:28(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 01/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 7,343 Location: Scotland		Hi Ranjit. Nice idea but not sure it would work. I have a friend in Kingsbridge in London from my Banking days and he just laughs when i make a few suggestions. The owners bought a name which carried goodwill and although probably not on the balance sheet was undoubtedly the reason for buying. The name Marklin is known by a great many people even if they know nothing of toy trains and this in iteself is valuable. Unless the new management can however turn things round and start making a profit it does not look good. As a group here we are important in that we buy Marklin goods but not enough to make a huge difference to the bottom line. David
		Take care I like Marklin and will defend the worlds greatest model rail manufacturer.
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Ranjit		#48 Posted : 19 August 2008 00:01:36(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 18/06/2003(UTC) Posts: 3,009 Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA		Hi Lutz, If you do a search for 'high prices' and 'quality' you do come up with a ton of messages from members concerned about these issues. Marklin is still a high priced item. "Made in China' is just not the same as "Made in Germany". It is the concentration of sales and marketing in non-european markets that I was referring to, and not the manufacturing in non-european locations. When I examined a car 'Made in China' and some of the packaging at Charles Ro Supply Co. yesterday, and compared that to a car and the packaging that I purchased years ago, I was disappointed. No two ways about that. There is a difference. How many of you have felt the same? Lutz, if we are not going to consider "Buying Marklin' a chance from the onset, I am sure that this thread is going 'Nowhere'. But, if we all look at it more seriously, then I think atleast we have given it a good shot, and we may end up having a great party! Cheers, Ranjit
		Modelling in HO Scale - Era III & IV. K+M Track, Analogue + Digital _____________________________________________________________________________ #Get Vaccinated -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need" - Marcus Tullius Cicero "Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come" - Victor Marie Hugo "If you can dream it, you can do it" - Walt Disney
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mjrallare		#49 Posted : 19 August 2008 00:20:02(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 14/11/2007(UTC) Posts: 560		Well, my thoughts are more or less the same as Davids. But I admire your high spirits Ranjit. If anyone can turn Märklin around it's probably you. And, being a customer, I can only applaud your intension to raise quality and lower prices. If you fulfill those promises, I will in return increase my Märklin-spending to what it used to be. /Torbjörn
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Ranjit		#50 Posted : 19 August 2008 00:23:42(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 18/06/2003(UTC) Posts: 3,009 Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA		There you go, Lutz. Read Torbjörn's response in this thread. I rest my case. Cheers, Ranjit
		Modelling in HO Scale - Era III & IV. K+M Track, Analogue + Digital _____________________________________________________________________________ #Get Vaccinated -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need" - Marcus Tullius Cicero "Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come" - Victor Marie Hugo "If you can dream it, you can do it" - Walt Disney
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