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Post by hovehicle on Feb 14, 2011 4:07:54 GMT 1
After looking at all of the new items coming or announced for 2011, I am deeply disappointed in Ricko. They were the stars of HO just a couple of years ago and I changed my modeling era based on the Dodge Caliber from them. Correct me if I'm wrong, I don't believe there is a single newly tooled item that was announced at Toy Fair.
Do I love what Ricko has done over the past few years? Yes, with absolute certainty. The quality of their models and the very decent price per unit is why I have purchased more Ricko models than any other in my collection. I'm hoping everything is ok with them and I certainly wish them the best.
Vito L.
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Post by Christian on Feb 18, 2011 19:06:30 GMT 1
I am under the impression that the 1/87 scale models were always more or less a hobby of the company's owner. As such (and I don't even doubt the line's viability) they compete with other perhaps more profitable Ricko products for production resources. I also believe that a shift has happened from a focus on scale models to commissioned work from the early 2000's to today.
Is this the end of it? I don't think so, but I suspect that we won't see Ricko models of modern vehicles anymore.
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Post by cheryl on Feb 19, 2011 6:37:04 GMT 1
Hi guys,
For what it's worth, Trip and I agree that Ricko has had some of the best 1:87 vehicle offerings in recent years. That's one of the reasons we agreed to step-up and become their first USA distributor back when they started in 1:87 scale. The level of detail and attention to accuracy made the models a real value compared to most anything else at the time. Don't know if the rumors of their demise are true, but we've pretty well given-up on them. We were hoping they would surprise us all with some announcement at Nurnberg. Disappointing to hear nothing from them.
Cheryl @ TSM
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Post by Sylvain on Feb 19, 2011 12:59:49 GMT 1
Perhaps they've just decided to focus on doing models for other maunfacturers, like Brekina, or under another brand, Starmada? Lsst year, we did not see many new Ricko models, but many unexpecetd Starmada models, and many models done by Ricko for Brekina (if I'm not wrong, I may be).
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Post by tbird428cid on Feb 21, 2011 15:22:37 GMT 1
I don't know where their focus went. From our perspective, the situation at Ricko is very puzzling. I can only relay our current experience with them.
As most of you know, Ricko made our fine River Point Station Expedition EL models for us. The models were made from our tooling; which was paid for in full by RPS. Due to changes at Ricko, during late 2009 and early 2010, we subsequently amicably parted company. As had previously been agreed in writing between RPS and Ricko, and reiterated in subsequent communications, Ricko was to deliver the molds to us so we could transfer them.
We waited and waited for our tools to be delivered to us, but then Ricko started with a series of unjustifiable delaying tactics. According to the last message I received from Ricko, the transfer was to have been completed last autumn. Since then, despite our many additional emails and phone calls, we still do not have our property. During these last few months, they have not even had the courtesy to respond to our communications.
The situation is quite disturbing for 2-reasons: A) They have not returned our rightful property to us (we even gave them the option to buy the tooling from us), and B) Because they are denying us the use of our property, the Expedition SSP project will have to be canceled. It would be far too expensive to make another set of molds.
I have been in business for many years, much longer than RPS’s modest 5-years, and in that time I have never encountered such a ghastly situation. I hope it can be rectified soon, because the current situation is not warranted.
Ron at RPS
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Post by ponyman on Feb 21, 2011 16:56:16 GMT 1
Looks like Ricko has struck again. They don't even comment on this board anymore. I hadn't bought any of thier Lexus or Cuda's because of them not selling them with RPS and was rethinking my descion but with Ron's comments I don't believe I need these or any of Rickos offerings. This is similar to thier BS with Bill C, and Masterpiece.
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Post by Christian on Feb 21, 2011 22:28:28 GMT 1
Uh-oh. I hope Brekina knows what they are doing.
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Post by hovehicle on Feb 22, 2011 7:52:19 GMT 1
Once again, we have another great model that will possibly be canceled due to a lack of cooperation from Ricko. Simply amazing. I have never spoken to anyone from Ricko, except for this forum and I thought they were very energetic and helpful to their customers.
I have spoken to Ron on numerous occasions at RPS, and I find him to be as engaging and approachable as any owner of a HO scale company that I have known. You call RPS, and Ron picks up the phone, every time. You have to love that!
Much of the good will that has been attached to Ricko will be gone if they don't do something with the tooling from the Expedition because I, along with many other HO consumers, want to see the SSP Expedition in HO. Please return the tooling or buy it from RPS, and let this end on a positive note.
Vito L.
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Post by Sylvain on Feb 22, 2011 9:29:04 GMT 1
Ron, you have all my sympathy here.
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stanhas87
87thScale addict
1978 Dodge Monaco CHP
Posts: 4,906
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Post by stanhas87 on Feb 23, 2011 4:47:52 GMT 1
Ron, you have all my sympathy here. Dear Ron: I second that. RickoRicko was known as an 1/18th scale maker before they ventured in HO, and up to now it seemed that they were doing fine in all sections of the Hobby Business. I can not figure what went on, since they are still active, but holding tooling, an expensive asset? Hm, hm I never imagined that was possible to happen and coming for a well known Manufacturer. Hope this is resolved on a positive note. Nick K |
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Post by Cor_DutchArt on Feb 23, 2011 15:54:12 GMT 1
At the risk of offending to some people ....
How much sympathy we may have for one manufacturer or another...
Of course it is not appropriate to a business dispute public.
We should not judge who is right.
We are lacking evidence.
Both RPS with Masterpiece and Ricko makes great models.
Why there is a boycott is declared in one of the two brands I do not quite understand.
Let Ron and Mr. Ricko the good fight together.
We are not party to this, only consumers.
I understand the frustration of RPS, but until we hear nothing of Ricko remains speculation.
Sorry, the translation is done by Google...
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Post by Christian on Feb 23, 2011 17:24:39 GMT 1
On the contrary, Cor. I don't see much speculation here. This is an open forum and Ricko are of course welcome to clarify their position. As long as this doesn't degenerate into mudslinging I don't have a problem with the discussion of business matters.
And I think that it does concern us as customers. Remember how much flak RPS got from all sides for certain delays and cancellations? Now we have a better idea of how these things work.
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Post by Sylvain on Feb 23, 2011 18:49:48 GMT 1
…And I think that it does concern us as customers. I certainly agree with that! Saying that, I'm not especially talking about the problem between Ricko and RPS. I'm only talking for myself here, but I believe we customers, or consumers, should be concerned by the conditions in which what we buy is produced. |
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Post by Cor_DutchArt on Feb 23, 2011 23:57:31 GMT 1
OK, it's good to know cause of the delays.
We have the natural right to be informed about that.
Of course we should be concerned by the conditions in which what we buy is produced.
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Post by tbird428cid on Feb 24, 2011 21:32:28 GMT 1
Greetings, All!
I would like to make a few salient rebuttal points:
A) I don’t recall that anyone called for a boycott of anything or anyone.
B) The matter between Ricko and RPS can hardly be called a dispute; they just don’t respond.
C) As far as the facts are concerned: Please consider that, before most foreign manufacturers ship anything, and this includes the Chinese, the merchandise and tooling has to be paid in full or guaranteed by the bank with a letter of credit. Without acceptable payment arrangements, it is unlikely that anything will even be made, never mind shipped.
Since we shipped the first run of civilian Expeditions, the tools were obviously on hand. Similarly, money cannot be an issue because Ricko would not have released the models to us. So, as I stated in my previous post: I’m puzzled, because what else is there? Perhaps they lost or damaged the tools; in that case they should replace the tooling or refund our money? In any event, shouldn’t they respond to our legitimate inquiries? We haven't alleged anything; we simply asked to have our tools, and in first class condition. Is it wrong to ask for one's property?
D) That said: I would be the first in line to welcome a response from whoever is now in charge at Ricko.
Problems, such as this one encountered by RPS, cannot be ignored. I brought the matter into public because the consumers should have an increased awareness of the issues and complications. We are ready to produce the SSP models, but can't. In the end, if you want to have choices, regardless of your interest in the SSP models, it is in everyone’s best interest to make your voice heard and counted.
Regards,
Ron at RPS
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