Ethical Model Trains

[Skarloey]

Recently and gradually I am returning to the world of railway modelling. To my consternation, I find that most ready to run locos and rolling stock is now made in China. I have doubts about the ethics of importing from China, due to the appalling human rights abuses. Does anyone know of any OO scale model loco maker that does not out-source its manufacturing to China?

[Maz066]

I agree with you entirely. The Australian economy has become very tied up with China, so that when China Sneezes we go into recession. There have been many attempts in Australia to buy Australian made all to no avail. People are wooed by price and then watch as our manufacturing industry disappears.
I can appreciate Great Britain once the center of the world's manufacturing (although it was fueled by the poverty of the majority of workers) must seem pretty depressing to the average Britain.
How much extra would you pay to have RTRs made in the UK?

[Walkingthedog]

Cost at least a third more I reckon.


I’m an average Britain and don’t get depressed about it at all. Just the way of the modern world. Doesn’t just affect the UK.

Not just model railway products.

Most thoroughly German engineered Bosch goods are made in Turkey.

I think Dapol is made in Wales.

[Steve M]

Cost at least a third more I reckon.

Most thoroughly German engineered Bosch goods are made in Turkey.

I think Dapol is made in Wales.

When Hornby first moved Scalextric production to China, the cars halved on price.

Turkey’s record on human rights is nothing to shout about either - but can any nation honestly say they are completely whiter than white? (Sorry forum rules breach - politics)

Dapol are certainly repaired on the Welsh Borders.

[RogerB]

No point getting depressed. My De Walt drill was made in Czech Republic, the De Walt work light was made in the PRC and both batteries in Korea. R-

[yelrow]

Gosh fancy admitting to owning Dewalt. That’s how I started. Still have 2 14.4. Rechargeable saws, but can’t afford new batteries. Most of my stuff now is AEG. No idea where it’s made, but batteries go on for ever. Ethics are commendable, subject to your budget. MTH, Fleischmann, Trix, Rocco, Dapol, would all probably be acceptable, if you want to avoid China.

[RogerB]

Ha-ha, it's OK John. CCTV and intruder alarm are operational, Dobermans are on permanent patrol and contents insurance is paid up.

Seriously though, I got fed-up buying cheapo Argos type cordless drills every few years. Now always head to De Walt first, when they are on offer of course. After all I'm not a bank manager you know. R-

[yelrow]

Yup, you can’t go far wrong, You won’t need dogs or security though, as you don’t have AEG.

[RogerB]

As I said - "I'm not a bank manager". R-

[Walkingthedog]

My favourites are Makita because I have been given 3 drills, a multi tool and two screwdrivers, all cordless, by my sons mate. Most unused when I was given them.