Just How GOOD is Model Expo's Part Guarantee?

[SWOHammer]

All,

Even though I'm embroiled in building Willie Bennett, my next build is the MS Phantom.  My friend purchased it a fair time ago, and it looks like he quit right after he started hacking away at the stern before giving the entire shebang to me.  I think he realized his talents lie elsewhere.  At any rate, if I wrote Model Expo and request they send a new hull for "my" Phantom, do you think they'd send one?  For a solid hull kit, it seems like a pretty important part, but I don't want to take advantage of them, considering how great they've been for me with the WLB.  Has anyone tried to get this particular part replaced under their part guarantee?

 

Thoughts?

 

Cheers,

Rob

[ccoyle]

Doesn't hurt to ask them. Worst case scenario is you have to buy another kit somewhere, either from ME or on eBay, and it's a pretty small outlay of additional capital.

[EJ_L]

I would ask them. They have always been responsive and helpful towards me in the past. I have never had to replace a hull though so not sure on that. Like Chris said though, worst case if you have to get a new kit, the extra parts and wood that you gain may be a benefit in the long haul of model ship building.

[John Allen]

Rob,

 

You say a fair time ago, if any company warranted a part with a time limit I would say the part would be replaced in that time frame. How long is a fair amount of time. Not to cause a hullabaloo but you may not be fair to Model Expo in requesting a new hull that is not defective but hacked by a previous modeler.

 

It is not a perfect solution but you may be able to use a filler, wood putty, and reshape the hull. and a repaint may not be perfect but this was an older freebie.

 

My thoughts, no disrespect intended.

 

John

[Don9of11]

I've had pretty good luck getting replacement parts from ME. I think if you explain the situation like you did above they'll send a replacement.

[Stevinne]

My experience with Model Expo has been great. I had an old version of their Harriet Lane and, when the new version with laser-cut sides for the wheel houses were added, I wrote and asked if I could purchase the part. They sent me the part for free.

I did have a friend who purchased an AL kit from them and requested parts within the year and was told to contact the company, as they no longer carried Latina kits - he was angry with me because I had recommended them very highly based on my very first build.

[reklein]

If you have the plans and the hull cross sections are on them It would almost be easier to get a block of Basswood and carve your own. Start with bandsawing out the profiles and then carve from there. Bill

[SWOHammer]

All,

Great advice all around.  I think my best course of action is to contact Model Expo and explain the situation to them and ask to purchase a replacement hull from them. 

 

Thanks!!

 

See you all in the fleet!

Rob

[edmay]

Hi , there's no harm in asking , ask for John Garcia,Edwin

[John Allen]

Rob,

 

Right decision, good luck.

 

John

[Papa]

Rob,

 

You say a fair time ago, if any company warranted a part with a time limit I would say the part would be replaced in that time frame. How long is a fair amount of time. Not to cause a hullabaloo but you may not be fair to Model Expo in requesting a new hull that is not defective but hacked by a previous modeler.

 

It is not a perfect solution but you may be able to use a filler, wood putty, and reshape the hull. and a repaint may not be perfect but this was an older freebie.

 

My thoughts, no disrespect intended.

 

John

I totally hacked up the dory towed by the Benjamin Latham.  ME sent me all the parts for a new dory and it had been more than 5 years since I purchased the kit.  I think they really want you to finish their kits because then you are likely to buy another one.

Ron Gove