Back from the big Amherst show and, as usual, Ring choosing not to exhibit. Such a missed opportunity to create buzz, make connections, and broaden the market for RailPro. Not just scale, but the garden railway segment is well-represented, too. Does Ring appear at any hobby events? I talk up RP and its great features, and get a lot of blank looks from people who want to know more but have never even heard of it. One well-known manufacturer of electrical components who should known better actually said, "My products won't work with Ring's electricity!" (Which isn't even true.)
Here's the thing: I was looking at the new BL2 loco at the Bachmann booth. I asked a rep, why bother with a fringey, postwar diesel that sold less than 60 units? "Because we need to create excitement and interest in the brand, and around the rest of our products!" he said.
Attendance on Saturday was 15,612, a record. Seems like a missed opportunity, especially with the new HC to demonstrate.