Good things about code 3

I feel that previous C3 rigs are beautiful and well made, but with the recent economy and need to get back to releasing rigs, I feel that they have rushed the releases and not done the job as well as in previous years. I am one of the people who think C3 will fail if the items don't become more like the one's of previous years, Ford almost failed because of a very similar problem, going the cheap and fast route. Everyone knows the phrase, "You can't rush good art." This applies here also. Thanks and hope this makes my feelings/statements more clearly presented!

I for one don't expect perfect.

I do however expect to be treated fairly and treated like a valued member. This has not happened in the last year and its not just me. If you have been keeping up with this forum and a couple others its obvious that C3 does not really give a crap about its members, unless you include those members who are also C3 dealers who get preferential treatment. I'm not going to go into specifics on this thread because you can read about them in earlier posts on the forum.

Also, the quality has declined since my first C3 purchase in 1997. I have several TDA's that prove that. The mistakes they have been making even after telling us how careful and thorough they have been in making sure things are right on each model is ridiculous. Its starting to be a joke.

The mistakes are so obvious that it is like watching a movie were the scene is on a Japanese aircraft carrier in WWII were Jap Zero's are taking off and as they pass the superstructure were there is a sign painted on the bulkhead in ENGLISH that says "BEWARE OF JET BLASTS". Makes one wonder if C3 is using the same Technical advisers.

Y'all are gonna get put in Time-Out!!!

Personally, I have nothing bad to say about Code 3. As far as minor errors on some of the pieces, like the upside down license plates..no big deal. Fire Apparatus around here don't have license plates. If ya don't like the piece, don't buy it.

It is your right to defend C3 if you want and it is our right to call a spade a spade, and in this topic C3 makes it so easy

IMHO - 1997 - 1998 Building toward something special, new guy on the block, expect good things.. 
1999 - 2006 Amazing detail compared to any scale, awesome releases, good customer service, invlovement with collectors, excitement is the rule, my shelves are about to fall off the wall with models, my wife questions my sanity. 2007 - mid-2009, Falling off the radar, nothing with "WOW" factor, poor workmanship, lack of QC & errors, input from customer base appears unnecessary, new manufacturers competing for Diecast Fire Apparatus collectors $$. Mid-2009 - ? Hope for future hit releases (Seagrave Maurader II (non-FDNY & FDNY), better QC and attention to detail

MINOR Errors......
Black RotoRay
Black Side Panel behind suction Hose
Upside down Plate
NO black around nose of Chicago ALF
     And those are just a FEW of RECENT ones........

If you consider THESE Minor,then by all means, PLEASE ENJOY THE KOOL-AID!!

MINOR Errors......Black RotoRayBlack Side Panel behind suction HoseUpside down PlateNO black around nose of Chicago ALF     And those are just a FEW of RECENT ones........
If you consider THESE Minor,then by all means, PLEASE ENJOY THE KOOL-AID!!

-whatever

I believe the kool-aid would be refering to being a follower, like the Jim Jones followers who drank the kool-aid.  Just my guess.

I personally used to have a lot of good things to say about Code 3. I started collecting in 1998 and was very happy with the bare bones Seagraves they were turning out. Over time, Code 3 began developing more highly detailed and accurate models that really were able to stand out. This for me, lasted until about the end of 2005. Ever year I just kept thinking how awesome it was going to be since the only way this company is going is up.
 
Since that time period, I have seen a declining trend in Code 3. The releases have slowed down to almost nothing and those that have been released have had some major flaws in them. I know they might still be better than the original Seagraves, but they do not compare to the releases of 2004-2005. Not to mention the fact that you are paying more money for them now and the attention to detail has gone down. The customer service went from amazing, to terrible, but has come back to be sub par.
 
To sum it up: There were a ton of good things with Code 3 and someday I can hope to see some of those come back. I would be great and see this company do a 180 and return to it's roots. It is the loyal collectors that have helped lead to this company's rise and success.

I will have to agree with len90 on his post.  I also started collecting in 1998.  I remember buying the Code 3 trucks at places like Target, Toys R Us, K-Bee Toys, Penny's.  There were always new trucks on the market.  I DO realize that this company is/has gone through some re-structuring with a new warehouse move and new top people in charge.  NO, we the collectors here on this end of the internet don't know what is taking place on that end, but as all of us have learned in the fire service, the best way to eliminate rumors and false facts is to give current and true facts as often as possible... communication!  I think the weekly email we get from John is a great step in the right direction.  However, I think people want to see more new trucks in the for sale section and a little less talk about what might be coming out late this year or 2010.

I, and I assume many others here, can't figure out how the old Code 3 could put out so many trucks during a year and now we can hardly see 4 or 5.  We are all on your side Code 3!  We want new trucks, we want to buy new trucks!  You make them, we will buy them!  If you make what the collectors want, they will sell out... that has been proven in the past.  There are very few that have not.  I don't think people are bashing Code 3 to be mean or to start any trouble.  We all just want Facts of the products and as many new trucks as you can make year to year, starting now... we're ready!  These are great affordable trucks to collect.  I think people are getting tired of the same excuses that are being told.  Warehouse move, new faces in the top positions.  Like I said above, yes, those are real issues that were the problems, but we want you to move forward now.

The collectors are asking Code 3 to come together and let's all move forward for the good of your business and our collections.

Brian

I too have been a C3 fan since day 1.

Up until about a year ago I had never said anything bad about C3. But in the last twelve months that has made a 180 change.

Ken M and I have had several discussions about some of my comments. As I told him, all my comments are meant to urge C3 to move in a direction back to the great company they use to be.

I will say that I have had more luck with problems since Ken has come on board. Ken is trying to get the "service" back into customer service. Every issue I have brought to him has been resolved if at all possible. Things that should have been addressed by JD but were ignored and to a point are still being ignored by JD.

Maybe with Ken on board, C3 can come back.

I agree with some of what's been stated above.  I do believe they have come a ways with detailing the apparatus.  With that said, I believe they are making some mistakes that are shouldn't be tolerated.  I got my Iona piece which I believe is beautiful.  But, when you place the model next to a pic of the real deal, there are so many differences.  I'm sure some are "money" decisions from C3.  I think the biggest thing is pricing.  I had a difficult time paying what I did for the Iona piece and therefore have decided to sell some of my collection.  In all, I'm satisfied with C3.  Any issues I've had with customer service were taken care of.

Be safe all and wear those seatbelts!!!

I agree with some of what's been stated above.  I do believe they have come a ways with detailing the apparatus.  With that said, I believe they are making some mistakes that are shouldn't be tolerated.  I got my Iona piece which I believe is beautiful.  But, when you place the model next to a pic of the real deal, there are so many differences.  I'm sure some are "money" decisions from C3.  I think the biggest thing is pricing.  I had a difficult time paying what I did for the Iona piece and therefore have decided to sell some of my collection.  In all, I'm satisfied with C3.  Any issues I've had with customer service were taken care of.

Be safe all and wear those seatbelts!!!