Starting in P4 - Getting Supplies directory - Branchlines

Help and advice for those starting in, or converting to P4 standards. A place to share modelling as a beginner in P4.
Ade

Starting in P4 - Getting Supplies directory - Branchlines

Postby Ade » Fri Aug 15, 2014 6:06 am

http://www.scalefour.org/top4/top4-10.html

Is the information here up to date? For example, I see that the Branchlines web site linked to was last updated in 2008. :o

Thanks.

User avatar
Jol Wilkinson
Posts: 1113
Joined: Mon Jul 21, 2008 7:39 pm

Re: Starting in P4 - Getting Supplies directory - Branchline

Postby Jol Wilkinson » Fri Aug 15, 2014 7:34 am

Ade,

the owner of Branchlines eschews the internet as a sales "solution". That's a bit unusual these days and probably more of a problem/disincentive to newcomers to the hobby who don't have at least some idea of what products Branchlines supply.

However, he can be contacted by phone or email and I believe will readily send out his latest pricelist for those that can't pick one up at a show.

Jol

User avatar
John McAleely
Web Team
Posts: 1231
Joined: Wed Oct 01, 2008 5:08 pm

Re: Starting in P4 - Getting Supplies directory - Branchline

Postby John McAleely » Fri Aug 15, 2014 8:44 am

I note that it is the same info as listed here:

http://www.clag.org.uk/russ/supplier.html

And I believe Russ is keen to ensure that text is current. As such, I'd regard those details as worth contacting them through (although perhaps the phone, as Jol notes)

Someone should probably let them know that having a website last updated in 2008 is probably worse these days than no website at all :-/

Ade

Re: Starting in P4 - Getting Supplies directory - Branchline

Postby Ade » Fri Aug 15, 2014 8:49 am

Jol Wilkinson wrote:Ade,

the owner of Branchlines eschews the internet as a sales "solution". That's a bit unusual these days and probably more of a problem/disincentive to newcomers to the hobby who don't have at least some idea of what products Branchlines supply.

However, he can be contacted by phone or email and I believe will readily send out his latest pricelist for those that can't pick one up at a show.

Jol

Hi Jol,

Thanks for the info. I've sent him an email and I'll see what response I get. Cheers.

John McAleely wrote:Someone should probably let them know that having a website last updated in 2008 is probably worse these days than no website at all :-/

Yes, exactly.

Actually, not meaning to sound too much like a moaning minnie, but I'm finding that quite a few of these specialist suppliers haven't quite caught up with the online revolution. :|

User avatar
John McAleely
Web Team
Posts: 1231
Joined: Wed Oct 01, 2008 5:08 pm

Re: Starting in P4 - Getting Supplies directory - Branchline

Postby John McAleely » Fri Aug 15, 2014 8:58 am

Ade wrote:Actually, not meaning to sound too much like a moaning minnie, but I'm finding that quite a few of these specialist suppliers haven't quite caught up with the online revolution. :|


Speaking as someone who hosts several of these sites (traders.scalefour.org), and who has had a go at hosting my own business on the internet in recent years (now defunct), I am actually amazed at how well these small operations do. Doing this 'well' is still hard. It is surprisingly difficult to get a domain name to send email for example (hence the proliferation of @<big-free-provider>.com emails for apparently successful businesses), at the same time as hosting a website, without lots of geeky knowledge. This is particularly true if you're on a tight budget.

User avatar
grovenor-2685
Forum Team
Posts: 3918
Joined: Sun Jun 29, 2008 8:02 pm

Re: Starting in P4 - Getting Supplies directory - Branchline

Postby grovenor-2685 » Fri Aug 15, 2014 10:07 am

That page does need a check through, however, Bill Bedford has not been at that address for several years now.
In Bill's case the correct info is available on http://www.scalefour.org/links/traders.html
I would not give addresses etc if they do have a functioning website, just provide the link and let the owner update his own contact details, its hard enough keeping the links up to date as they rarely bother to tell when they change. And a link to Russ's page sorts out the rest without having to duplicate his efforts.
Regards
Keith
Regards
Keith
Grovenor Sidings

User avatar
John McAleely
Web Team
Posts: 1231
Joined: Wed Oct 01, 2008 5:08 pm

Re: Starting in P4 - Getting Supplies directory - Branchline

Postby John McAleely » Fri Aug 15, 2014 10:52 am

grovenor-2685 wrote:That page does need a check through


It does indeed. I've protested too long about not doing that kind of housekeeping, so I'll do it between now and Scaleforum (and lots of the other links pages on the site). Error reports, corrections, etc would be welcomed, probably best to webmaster@scalefour.org.

If it's in Russ' page, or on the first page of google hits for the company name, no need to let me know - I'll use those as my primary sources for correct information.

Ade

Re: Starting in P4 - Getting Supplies directory - Branchline

Postby Ade » Fri Aug 15, 2014 11:25 am

John McAleely wrote:Speaking as someone who hosts several of these sites (traders.scalefour.org), and who has had a go at hosting my own business on the internet in recent years (now defunct), I am actually amazed at how well these small operations do. Doing this 'well' is still hard. It is surprisingly difficult to get a domain name to send email for example (hence the proliferation of @<big-free-provider>.com emails for apparently successful businesses), at the same time as hosting a website, without lots of geeky knowledge. This is particularly true if you're on a tight budget.

I'm no stranger to web commerce either. Your comments are fair, though. :D

:idea:
Just a thought - It may be cheaper and easier to jump on Easyjet, come to Scaleforum, buy all the goodies I need and then scoot back pronto before anyone notices I'm missing... :-?

Oops! Just remembered I'm going to be somewhere in China in September. Oh well, back to internet surfing. :cry:

User avatar
Andy W
Posts: 884
Joined: Thu May 21, 2009 8:11 am

Re: Starting in P4 - Getting Supplies directory - Branchline

Postby Andy W » Fri Aug 15, 2014 11:47 am

I know Branchlines operate outside of the www, however Brian's products are well worth investigating - gearboxes; kits; etc. He's also a very helpful chap. Well worth browsing his stand at Expo EM; Epsom; Scaleforum etc.
Make Worcestershire great again.
Build a wall along the Herefordshire border and make them pay for it.

Ade

Re: Starting in P4 - Getting Supplies directory - Branchline

Postby Ade » Wed Aug 20, 2014 6:06 am

I've been in contact with Branchlines and Brian has sent me some of his catalogues to have a look at. He's also geared up for selling to overseas customers, which is great. :thumb

Barry Davis
Posts: 45
Joined: Thu Feb 02, 2012 11:49 pm

Re: Starting in P4 - Getting Supplies directory - Branchline

Postby Barry Davis » Sat Sep 27, 2014 2:01 am

I'm happy with the service from Branchlines. I sent them an E-mail a few days ago and received a reply back in 24 hours with their catalogue and price list dated September 2014. At least they take credit cards which is handy for any modelers who live on the other side of the world, and find it very difficult, if not impossible to send money by mail.

Well done Branchlines, other small traders could learn a lot from you.

Barry


Return to “Starting in P4”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: ClaudeBot and 0 guests