Public response to a post critical of, Cox, us and Ex Model Engines

THANK YOU BERNIE AND MATT

I was going to respond to the member who published a negative tirade on “Cox”Items.  Bernie, your response was more inline  to the complaining being made. I looked at the OP profile and has only been a member of this group only 7 months or so, he may not have experienced the friendship, camaraderie and generosity of the members and your customers.  Hopefully, he will understand that your “Good News” posting was just one of a few good April Fools pranks that have been published over the years of our existence here on the Cox Engine Forum. As you indicated, your 2 person, and Matts 1 person operations have provided more fun and  enjoyment for those who chose to continue playing with the “Cox” brand and related hobbys, we couldn’t do it without you.
Thanks!

I remember the old Cox Hobby Distributors site when they were still owned by Estes. I remember watching each engine and part go out of stock and drop off the site, knowing it's probably the last time I'll see those engines and parts offered new. Before Matt, Bernie, and the other few stepped in, the old Cox site was down to selling just the SureStart and cast case engine for $6.99 each. It was great to get such a great deal, the glow head alone was worth more than the engine... but you knew that this was a clearance sale, when they're gone, they're gone.

I'm thankful for Cox International and Ex Model Engines. They continue to work to bring us new and exciting parts and accessories for our engines. You could only imagine what would've happened to the remaining stock of Cox parts if these guys didn't step in and save it all.

Thank you Bernie and Matt for friendly customer service.

Thank you Matt and Bernie you both have been a blessing to the hobby!!

 

Was the post made here or elsewhere? Admin may have pulled it, but I don’t see it anywhere.

Nevermind. I found it. Very strange. Looks like the poster Has left the building. Weird...

A lot goes on when I am at work apparently.

Thank you very much to both you Bernie, and Matt for all that you and your staff do for us in this little corner of the hobby. As well, I would also like to thank Jacb for hosting such a great site as well.

you who are in a hurry:
Why make so much trouble when it comes to a hobby ??? ...
Waiting a month, two or three and more, waiting for something nice, is not the same as being forced to wait.
If one day someone is unhealthy, then they will realize that many things were not so important and that they could wait.
One day God will teach you the lesson and you will want to wait again and again, not criticize and put your best will, in something that you put makes you happy, a hobby.
A hobby…. Do you know how many people just waited for crumbs to eat? Well, you don't know….
Enjoy, you are blessed in choosing what to do, in doing a hobby and in waiting.

Well this has been weird But anyway , i would like to see Gary's Thousands of dollars worth of Cox engines /stuff he says he has ?! I will go with Thanks Matt and Bernie Too !! Happy April Fools with a bunny this year

It's a shame that this had to happen. Sometimes people lash-out when they're in pain. I don't know if that's the case here.. but it could be.

roddie wrote:It's a shame that this had to happen. Sometimes people lash-out when they're in pain. I don't know if that's the case here.. but it could be.

That’s a very good point Roddie. Stress, lockdowns, other troubles... they tend to bring out the worst in people. Seen it happen over and over again at work, and not 100% immune to it myself either. I hope he’s all right.

KariFS wrote:

roddie wrote:It's a shame that this had to happen. Sometimes people lash-out when they're in pain. I don't know if that's the case here.. but it could be.

That’s a very good point Roddie. Stress, lockdowns, other troubles... they tend to bring out the worst in people. Seen it happen over and over again at work, and not 100% immune to it myself either. I hope he’s all right.

Very well could have been...and I hope that he might reconsider re-upping with us, as I can honestly say that this is one of THE most forum of friends on the internet.

Judging by the tenor of a multitude of emails between Gary and ourselves, his post was unfortunately not an April fool's joke.

Because this was a publicly visible post, we felt that we had to stand up for ourselves, for Matt from EXM and for the brand itself. It was challenging to write our response but, had we not responded, it may have been interpreted as a sign of acquiescence.

However, one does not know what preceded his post and what is going on in his life. Perhaps himself, a loved one or a friend of his is facing great challenges. Moving forward, we urge everyone to show kindness and empathy to Gary and not judge a person from a single post.

Thanks to all for the kind words in many of the replies in this thread. I'd like to offer a few words in addition to what has been noted about daily operations. shipping, and the future of parts and availability for Cox engines and parts.

We are a small shop, the smallest that one can have with a single employee (myself). Occasionally, when it it very busy I enlist the help of family and friends to fulfill orders and assist with assembly. All of the technical assembly, rebuilds, troubleshooting, etc. is done by me.

Shipping rates continue to be a thorn for both sellers and buyers. 95% of items are shipped via USPS first class (or priority upgrade depending upon weight) domestically and USPS first class international for international shipments. With the recent addition of fuel sales these are shipped via UPS ground due to hazmat requirements and only available for domestic shipment.

In general (excluding fuel) parcel rates have remained at $3.95 for USA and $13.95 internationally, both as a 'flat' rate. These are in the process of being adjusted slightly due to yet another increase in rates which we have been subsidizing. The 'flat' rate style will continue.

Transit times, usually 3 to 5 business days for USA and 6 to 10 business days internationally have dragged out as a result of COVID most impacted internationally. Some international shipments have taken up to 60 business days to reach their location depending upon volumes and worker availability. We have been seeing some improvements but longer-times remain. Shipping upgrades are always available upon request and actual costs for their journeys are charged.

There are currently no plans to discontinue sale of engines or related parts in the foreseeable future. Additionally, we have worked to expand our line of offerings and most recently a 'test-run' of fuel for sale. I have a few thoughts on some additional products that are currently in development which I hope to share soon. These will be performance focused and aimed at limited numbers where we can control it.

As Bernie noted, and I share the sentiment, this is somewhat of a niche market and capital is extremely limited. Oftentimes parts are produced 'on-spec' and there is a certain 'leap of faith' even if it is a much requested item. Also, a lot of these parts in their heyday were manufactured in runs of hundreds of thousands of pieces, whereas the market is only able to support manufacturing of new parts in the thousand (and less range) which results in a greater capital outlay on a per-part basis.

Matt

Cox International wrote:

Some parts we manufactured 10 years ago, we still have over half of the stock because they are poor sellers; so we just cannot manufacture indiscriminately and prefer to concentrate on manufacturing what we think (hope) will sell.

Happy Easter!

Cool!  I guess that means Cox International will be open until at least 2031!

I was always amazed at the initial investment that Bernie must have made in acquiring so much stock for what it really a very small hobby segment.  I don't know how many years he had to work CI for the initial investment to pay for itself, but I'm certainly glad he did.  I have spent wayyyyy too much with Bernie and Matt on Cox stuff.  But it's better than spending the money on cigarettes or alcohol.  Spending it on women would have been a good investment, but I don't think my wife would agree...

Although, of all the April Fool's pranks pulled on me, I'd have to say Bernie's was the cruellest.  I was all set to PayPal him $100.00 to help with storage costs for all the new stuff.

So, I guess I'm doubly stupid. Not only have I accumulated Cox car parts for years but also have two old Buicks that needed parts. I always thought I was having fun. Try finding a nos horn bar for a 63-65 Riviera wood steering wheel. But I digress.

Without Bernie's help, my pile of Cox would still be a pile of parts instead of an incessant noise irritant to the neighbors whether on a tether or on the track. All that collecting finally came together last year. Thank you Bernie.

thanks, len.

Me too without you would be almost impossible to recondition engines to give them a second life I have since found several ways to modify these little mechanical wonders Am I ready to share my invention so that others can also build better cars plane boat we need a good system to reduce noise emissions, not just silencing but also giving power more cooling i have parts Idea of shares som of m'y desing wit you I am even ready to make parts for those interested in new color