Thursday 30 August 2012

Sometimes Its Too Weird Not To Share....

Today is... National Toasted Marshmellow Day... seriously... make your own at home!


 http://www.netplaces.com/quick-meals/desserts/microwave-smores.htm

On a different note....
Today, like so many of us, I was checking my emails. Usually I get the occasional spam, business newsletters, questions from customer and the occasional joke. Today I came across a real news story from England I just had to share. I posted it on our Facebook and Twitter pages and I am posting it here because I know some of you guys don't like or have either of those.

The Headline read: UK firemen called to rescue cow stuck up a tree.
LONDON | Wed Aug 29, 2012 11:51am EDT

LONDON (Reuters) - A cow had to be rescued by fire services in northern England after it tumbled down a 30 meter river embankment and got stuck in a tree.

Fire crews in Cumbria were surprised to receive a call to rescue the cow, which had toppled 10 meters down a slope of the river Leith before a tree broke its fall.

The bruised bovine was discovered after its farmer noticed one of his cows was missing.

The animal was sedated by a vet before being winched out of the tree by firemen using specialist equipment.

"(Fire crews) had to wear body armor in case a stray hoof lashed out at them," said a spokesman for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.

"The vet checked the cow over and it seemed reasonably happy and relatively unscathed," he said.

(Reporting by Alice Baghdjian) Link :http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/08/29/us-britain-cow-idUSBRE87S0T220120829

Do you have an interesting story to share? What are your thoughts on this article? Please share with us, we would love to hear from you.

Tuesday 21 August 2012

A Note From Valerie

Hi fellow hobby enthusiasts;

For those of you that don't know me, I'm one of the owners here at Chinook & Hobby West. I love being the Social Media go to for our company and hearing from, and talking to our guests.

It’s really cool to hear all the great comments about the changes we are making here at Chinook & Hobby West. You all seem to like the new format of our Newsletter and our website. The only not so great comments were to do with not having a better online store, and believe me its something we are working towards!

I have received some great testimonials from local customers as well as out of town and even out of continent customers! We had a couple in here from Germany and they said they come visit our store every time they come to Calgary. They were a little disappointed that we sold all the craft stuff and have temporarily closed the upstairs clearance centre but they love the new look to the store and logo and even checked out our North store.

With this year being our 40th Anniversary year, we would love to hear from you. Maybe you started coming to this store as a kid with your grandpa. Maybe you were driving by all these years and just decided to pop in out of curiosity. Whatever the reason that brought you to Chinook & Hobby West, we would love to have you share it with us. You can add a comment to this blog, comment on our Facebook page, go to our website and email us a comment.  We would love for you to share your story and/or experience with Chinook & Hobby West.

Thank you so much for helping to make our store your store. This is where the Fun begins.

Don't forget to check out our website: www.chinookandhobbywest.com
       "Like" our Facebook Page:  www.facebook.com/ChinookAndHobbyWest
       "Follow" us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/HobbyandToy                   

Sunday 12 August 2012

Toy Collectors Club Newsletter - August 2012

Hello Collectors Club Member;

It’s been about a month since our last email and we wanted to share some things with you.

What’s in this month’s email blast?

  • Restock arrivals 
  • What’s happening in and around Calgary?
  • Tip of the Month
  • Fun Video (building a life-size Airfix model kit)
  • News 
  
Restock Arrived:
-12" figure collection many different from Civil War, Knights, Vikings, Military and more
    check out www.facebook.com/ChinookAndHobbyWest for pictures
-12" figure accesories many new hands, bodies, and clothing.
-Balsa and foam gliders for all ages!
-3 3/4" Star Wars Vintage figures, playsets and vehicles from a collection; most complete (loose boxed)
-4WD Miniracer kits and accessories to customize a mini R/C racer
-Diecast collection with Mopar and Nascar in 1:18 and 1:24
-various sized display cases. For 1:87, 1:64, 1:24, 1:18 and more. Most are
stackable.
-items available at both stores in Calgary


What’s Happening?
We hear about clubs, events and other things that may interest you. As we can we post
them on the events page of our website.
-         Please let us know if you hear of any so we can post them!

Tip of the Month

-When aging clothing for 12" figures use fine grit sandpaper to rough up tears or
to create a 'worn' look (take the clothing off the figure first). Then put the clothing back on and
'dry brush' chalk or paint to create highlights (lighter colours where the light 'hits' the fabric)
and 'lowlights' (where the recesses of the fabric are). For blood stains use burgandy or
mahogany colours for added realism.


Fun Video
James May wanted to get big and small kids imagination going by building a life size Lego house!
Check it out and share what you think! 



 News

 Classes
Our next Airbrushing for Beginners class will be in October 2012. Please check out the
 events calendar on our website for more information. You can either email or call Valerie
to pre-book your space.


Do You Want To Share Your Knowledge With Others?
We are looking for people that would like to share their model railroading tips with others.
It can be in written form or a short video. You would get full credit and if your contribution
gets positive response and you become a repeat blogger for us we would like to share the reward.


Why Does Our Stock Level Look Thin?
We are making changes to both of our stores. We have a new logo, new look and we are
changing how we do things. Those of you that know Rob have experienced how Rob tends
to take things in a new direction from time to time.
Over the summer we are renovating our upstairs of our South store to have something new and
different. So please check out our Facebook page and watch our website for updates.
Late August and Early September you can expect to see new and restock in our plastic and
diecast sections.
We have been purchasing various Action Figure and other collectibles collections. From Barbie, GI Joe to Star Wars. So come by and watch the shelves as they fill out with New to Us Product and the NEW stock arriving starting in September!


Help Us Improve
We would love for you to share your comments and ideas (even the not so nice ones).
What do you want to see in upcoming emails and newsletters? What would you like to see
on our website, blog and/or our Facebook page? If we’ve done something you love let us
know so we can keep it up.
We want to become the Hobby Store that you want to visit so please share with us!


Please email this to a friend; they can join our Collectors Club too!
http://www.chinookandhobbywest.com/collectors-club.html

Thanks so much and we hope to see you really soon.
From Rob, Val and all the guys at Chinook & Hobby West


North Store: 2604 – 4th St. NW    Ph# 403-984-3438
South Store: 5011 Macleod Tr. SW    Ph# 403-243-1997
 
 

Model Railroading Collectors Club Newsletter - August 2012

Hello Collectors Club Member;

It’s been about a month since our last email and we wanted to share some
things with you.

What’s in this month’s email blast?

  • Restock and NEW stock arrivals 
  • What’s happening in and around Calgary?
  • Tip of the Month
  • Fun Video (World's Largest Model Railroad)
  • News (includes Industry Update)
  
Restock Arrived:
-'HO' handmade, pre-built buildings and building kits by Campbell, Highway Miniatures,
Sylvan Scale Models, Timberline, Tichy and many more...
-Railway DVD's: Canadian Rails, Scarlet & Gray Memories, Great Shortlines West and
more titles available: Check out our Features of the week page for pictures.
-'O' scale only available at our North location
-Woodlands Scenics
-more items available at both stores in Calgary


NEW Arrived:
-KATO 'N' ES44AC, SD90/43MAC,  MIKADO
-'N' Proto 2000 USRA 2-8-8-2
-'N' Atlas, Micro-Trains, Lifelike and more...
-and a new scenery/diorama line DMS
-'HO' Rapido VIA FP9A locomotives
-'HO' Rapido passenger cars CP & CN
-'HO' Intermountain Sultran Cars
-Come check out Both stores for all the neat items arriving weekly!

What’s Happening?
We hear about clubs, events and other things that may interest you. As we can we post
them on the events page of our website.
-         Alberta FREE-MO 2012. Aug. 18 & Aug. 19 Big Valley Agriplex; Big Valley, AB. www.calgaryfreemo.ca for more info.
-    Great Edmonton Model Train Show. Sept. 15 & 16; Edmonton, AB. www.mmrf.ab.ca for more info.
-    have you checked out our redesigned website? www.chinookandhobbywest.com please let us know what you think.


Tip of the Month

  • When weathering railcars and locos always go from the top to the bottom, so the streaks taper off.
  • Seal your piece with matte finish so you can use chalks or acrylic and you can wipe off any 'mistakes' easily.
  • Use a 300 grit or finer sandpaper with a light touch to 'wear away' decals, do this a little bit at a time as its easier to take off more than to figure out how to put it back.
  • Make sure to seal your project once its done, with a matte finish so all your hard work doesn't get rubbed off.


Fun Video
James May has to be one of the most imaginative big kid I've seen in a while. As a model railroder he had to build the World's Largest HO train layout in the UK. Check out The Great Train Race today! We just love how all ages got involved with this project.
Check it out and share what you think! 



 News

 Classes
Our next Airbrushing for Beginners class will be in October 2012. Please check out the
 events calendar on our website for more information. You can either email or call Valerie
to pre-book your space.


Help Wanted!
We are looking for a part time person knowledgeable in Model Railroading. Please go to
our website and check out our Job Opportunity page.

Do You Want To Share Your Knowledge With Others?
We are looking for people that would like to share their model railroading tips with others.
It can be in written form or a short video. You would get full credit and if your contribution
gets positive response and you become a repeat blogger for us we would like to share the reward.


Industry Update- So you don't get upset with your Hobby Store
The hobby is in a manufacturing turmoil, due to a lack of production capacity now.
There is no question; you have seen the delays from virtually all manufacturers. Pick any manufacturer’s
name and their products are delayed. Why you ask? There are several reasons.
The primary one is that the largest factory which produced models for a wide variety of manufacturers
 has shut its doors to those manufacturers. After it had been bought and sold several times, it was
bought out by the Bachmann group and now produces models solely for Bachmann.  This was a huge
 production facility, about 10 times the normal size of a typical Chinese factory.  Or think of it as 10
factories operating under one name.

There is no other "big" factory, equivalent in size.  As a result, many manufacturers have been forced
to scramble and find another factory that can produce their models. However, there is no other "A"
size factory, the next size is "B" size, 1/10th of the "A" size. 
If you can imagine the size of China’s manufacturing sector, you might well say to yourself there should
be lots of factories. There is, they produce lots of electronics, such as games, toys, appliances,
telecommunications, etc. However, model trains are way down at the bottom of the list, as it is
such a small market.
Believe it or not, there are very few companies capable of model train production. There are about
three "B" size main factories and some smaller "C" size factories. 

Then you have the issue of complexity.  Our hobby products involve tool and die making,
electronics, motors, plastic extrusion, assembly, and painting. All of this has to be done with fine
tolerances. All of these areas require dedicated areas and skilled employees. Compare all of that
to an example, a “Barbie doll”, with much greater tolerance for error.

The result to you the modeler is that your promised future models have been delayed.

As dealers (your local hobby shop), we and all other dealers are the recipient of modelers’
frustrations, as we are their direct contact. I can certainly understand and empathize with
modelers’ frustrations. We have the same frustration, except it is multiplied a hundred times
or more. We, as dealers and distributors, plan on models delivered in future months for our
cash flow planning, staffing and other commitments. Every store, distributor and manufacturer
is experiencing the same problems. There is no immediate fix or date when “normalcy” will
return to the hobby.

Another issue affecting production is working capital, or more specifically, the lack of working capital,
both in North America and in Asia.  The financial crisis of 2008 has hammered businesses around the
globe. Working capital has dried up for many manufacturers. In foreign countries, a number of
manufacturers may be taking funds from one customer and applying them to another, they are “robbing
Peter to pay Paul” to stay in business.
I know of a number of our North American importers, with manufacturers overseas, who are in this
position of waiting, and waiting, and waiting. They have supplied funds to their overseas manufacturers
for research and development, tooling, raw materials and production costs, and are waiting on receiving
a pre-production sample. They may even have approved the sample and are waiting for production to
occur, but they are still waiting. It is out of their control.

Now is not the time to berate manufacturers for not delivering products to you. It is a global issue.
The only thing we can say to you is to be patient.  Take care.

From Tom Tomblin, President,Canadian Model Trains Inc.

Help Us Improve
We would love for you to share your comments and ideas (even the not so nice ones).
What do you want to see in upcoming emails and newsletters? What would you like to see
on our website, blog and/or our Facebook page? If we’ve done something you love let us
know so we can keep it up.
We want to become the Hobby Store that you want to visit so please share with us!


Please email this to a friend; they can join our Collectors Club too!
http://www.chinookandhobbywest.com/collectors-club.html

Thanks so much and we hope to see you really soon.
From Rob, Val and all the guys at Chinook & Hobby West


North Store: 2604 – 4th St. NW    Ph# 403-984-3438
South Store: 5011 Macleod Tr. SW    Ph# 403-243-1997
 
 

Model Collectors Club Newsletter - August 2012

Hello Collectors Club Member;

It’s been about a month since our last email and we wanted to share some things with you.

What’s in this month’s email blast?

  • Restock arrivals 
  • What’s happening in and around Calgary?
  • Tip of the Month
  • Fun Video (building a life-size Airfix model kit)
  • News 
  
Restock Arrived:
-4WD Miniracer kits and accessories to customize a mini R/C racer
-Diecast collection with Mopar and Nascar in 1:18 and 1:24
-Model Technologies Detail sets for aircraft
-Indoor Spray Booth: includes a baffle to contain fumes & fold up easily
-various sized display cases. For 1:87, 1:64, 1:24, 1:18 and more. Most are
stackable.



What’s Happening?
We hear about clubs, events and other things that may interest you. As we can we post
them on the events page of our website.
-         Every Tuesday night (weather permitting) Oakridge A & W has a mini show and shine, bring
        by your car/truck or just visit. 
-    2012 Alberta Military Modellers Show: Sept. 15/12 at the Military Museum of Calgary
        http://www.albertamilmodshow.ca for more info on how to enter, time & cost


Tip of the Month

Scales

The term 'scale' refers to the proportion of actual size the replica or model represents. Scale is usually expressed as a ratio (e.g. '1:35') or as a fraction (e.g. '1/35'). In either case it conveys the notion that the replica or model is accurately scaled in all visible proportions from a full-size prototype object. Thus a 1:35th scale model tank is 1' to 35' the size of the actual vehicle upon which the model is based. Models generally make no attempt to replicate scale weight, only size.
Scales for commercially produced kits include 1:9, 1:16, 1:24, 1:35, 1:48, 1:72, 1:87 (railroad HO scale), 1:144, 1:250, 1:285 and 1:300. However, 1:35 and 1:72 are by far the most popular. A relatively new trend led by Tamiya is military vehicle kits in 1:48 scale — a popular scale for military aircraft models. The scale was formerly introduced by companies such as Aurora, and Bandai in the 1970's. However, the scale did not gain popularity mostly because of the accuracy and detail of the scale. Scratch built models may be in any scale, but tend to follow the most popular kit scales due to the ease of finding kit components which may be used in the scratch built model.
Larger-scale models tend to incorporate higher levels of detail, but even smaller-scale models may be quite intricate.

Subjects

Military vehicle modellers build a wide variety of models. Tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles are the most popular subjects at model contests. Modellers also build ordnance, military trucks and half-tracks, and lighter vehicles such as jeeps and motorcycles. Models may be displayed in stand-alone mode, that is, with no base, or on a decorative base, often with a label of some kind. More elaborate bases may include scale scenery, intended to depict the setting in which the vehicle served. This trends towards the closely related hobby of diorama building.
Taken from http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alberta-Military-Modellers-Show/121278451295545#!/pages/Model-military-vehicle/111020152253485?rf=115006585177613

Fun Video
James May wanted to get kids interested in model building by having them put together, paint and
display a 1:1 Airfix model Spitfire airplane kit.




 News

 Classes
Our next Airbrushing for Beginners class will be in October 2012. Please check out the
 events calendar on our website for more information. You can either email or call Valerie
to pre-book your space.


Do You Want To Share Your Knowledge With Others?
We are looking for people that would like to share their model railroading tips with others.
It can be in written form or a short video. You would get full credit and if your contribution
gets positive response and you become a repeat blogger for us we would like to share the reward.


Why Does Our Stock Level Look Thin?
We are making changes to both of our stores. We have a new logo, new look and we are
changing how we do things. Those of you that know Rob have experienced how Rob tends
to take things in a new direction from time to time.
Over the summer we are renovating our upstairs of our South store to have something new and
different. So please check out our Facebook page and watch our website for updates.
Late August and Early September you can expect to see new and restock in our plastic and
diecast sections.


Help Us Improve
We would love for you to share your comments and ideas (even the not so nice ones).
What do you want to see in upcoming emails and newsletters? What would you like to see
on our website, blog and/or our Facebook page? If we’ve done something you love let us
know so we can keep it up.
We want to become the Hobby Store that you want to visit so please share with us!


Please email this to a friend; they can join our Collectors Club too!
http://www.chinookandhobbywest.com/collectors-club.html

Thanks so much and we hope to see you really soon.
From Rob, Val and all the guys at Chinook & Hobby West


North Store: 2604 – 4th St. NW    Ph# 403-984-3438
South Store: 5011 Macleod Tr. SW    Ph# 403-243-1997