@raising4daughters posted:I don't pretend to know the supply chain and logistics challenges of the model train industry, but I have wondered if the manufacturers/importers could find a way to have components made overseas and shipped to the US and have assembly/distribution shops closer to customers who then final assemble, decorate, inspect/test, and ship the final product.
I think the costs, or maybe the perceived costs, are what stops this from happening.
I get boards from overseas, and I do what you say, I perform the final inspection and also test and program each board before they're packed for shipment. However, I can imagine that "decorating" them, implying doing the painting and lettering, is somewhat labor intensive. Also, for stuff like locomotives, the painting and lettering happens before the assembly.
