Agreed, wouldn't it be nice just to have it sent back and a new one show up at no cost.

I guess I look at the whole Mail order scene a little different. I am paying a lower price then standard retail, and I don't expect as much from a wholesale Dealer then I do a retail brick and mortor store. The size of these tanks and the distances involved create a problem when a problem does occur. In my opinion some understanding of these facts should play into this when looking for resolution. Fact is this is probably a shipping problem, and the truth is if another tank was sent out there are no guarentees it won't get damaged in transit as well.

Did this go through customs?. Remember that T-55 I bought from ETO. Every single parts bag had been cut open and all the parts dumped into the box. Some strange things can happen at customs. So it is fair to say this tank May have left Mato warehouse in perfect condition. May have fallen out of the hands of a customs inspector and hit the floor.

So with the realization that this problem maybe the result of an action that is completely out of Mato's control, I would put my "reasonable" hat on, and look for some type of resolution that was win-win for both parties.

MAto is a large dealer, and they have now become a manufacturer continually bringing out new stuff to market. They have a history of standing behind what they sell, and almost every story about them has ended on a positive note at the end.

In my opinion expecting the low cost wholesaler to ship you a new tank on his dime is a pretty high expectation. If I spend $1100 on a Tamiya from the brick and mortor shop, you bet I am going to want complete resolution on my issues. If I mail order a $140/tank from halfway across the country, then my expectations come down a bit. I take some responsiblility for

1. Buying something cheap
2. Shipping it halfway across the country

Accepting this responsibility and understanding that when I start looking for resolution from a supplier, tends to make me a reasonable person to deal with, and it is amazing how far reasonable can go.

This is my life experience and opinion on matters such as this. Some of you will agree others will not.

And yes I am a firm supporter of Mato, as they have always treated me fairly.