Thomas Super Wheel?

[kung...@sista.somrar]

Hi,

I'm considering buying a wheel from Thomas Super Wheel (TSW). Can those
of you who tried a TSW wheel tell me if they think it's worth the price?
Or do you have another wheel to recommend?

Thanks!

--
Eric Legault <jor...@iquebec.com> Team OS/2

NP: Discipline - "Unfolded like Staircase"

[Scott]

ECCI steering system
www.ecci.net

( Here we go with this discussion again =) )

<kung...@sista.somrar> wrote in message
news:379f9f40$1$wbeqebx$mr2...@nntp.hip.cam.org...

[Adam]

Definately take a look at the ECCI line of steering wheels.

[Scott]

I bought the TSW2 modified which comes with a clutch and 2 buttons on the
wheel. I am totally satisfied with my purchase. When I first bought the
wheel the setup was a little different than my previous wheel and just after
2 minutes on the phone with Mr Thomas I was set straight and ready for
action. Not in anyway their fault, I didnt read the dang manual =)

The pedals are heavy and provide a good stable base. The wheel turns so much
smoother than the TM wheel I had. Within 2 weeks of owning my TM wheel I had
to come up with a bungee cord method for securing the brake and gas pedal
due to the cheap springs breaking. I have had my TSW for 2 months and had no
problems at all.

Now if we can just get a NASCAR sim out there that supports a clutch

--
Scott Pittman
FssPro Administrator
spit...@fsspro.com
www.fsspro.com

[William Yowell]

kung...@sista.somrar wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> I'm considering buying a wheel from Thomas Super Wheel (TSW). Can those
> of you who tried a TSW wheel tell me if they think it's worth the price?
> Or do you have another wheel to recommend?
>

> Thanks!
>
> --
> Eric Legault <jor...@iquebec.com> Team OS/2
>
> NP: Discipline - "Unfolded like Staircase"

My Thomas Formula wheel is over a year old with no problems. An
advantage over some of the glitzy wheels (that cost more) is that it
won't be noticed if it is replacing a Thrustmaster wheel. The wheel
itself, of course, is a Momo wheel, just as in a real race car. Is it
worth the money? I don't know, but I had three wheels prior, the
combined price of which was almost the same, but they wore out. Do I
think it would be worth it to pay more? No.
Bill Yowell

[DTrager100]

>Hi,
>
>
>I'm considering buying a wheel from Thomas Super Wheel (TSW). Can those
>of you who tried a TSW wheel tell me if they think it's worth the price?
>Or do you have another wheel to recommend?
>
>Thanks!
>

Check out the SRC..............
http://www.mindspring.com/~srcwheel/

Dave Trager - DTrager
1998 NROS Pro Div. Finalist

Team Xtreme
http://members.aol.com/xtremechvy/Xtreme3.html

[Neil Raine]

kung...@sista.somrar wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> I'm considering buying a wheel from Thomas Super Wheel (TSW). Can those
> of you who tried a TSW wheel tell me if they think it's worth the price?
> Or do you have another wheel to recommend?

I bought a TSW2 Stock, and later upgraded it by adding split axis,
analogue clutch and nicer (aluminium) pedals.

Definitely worth it, even though I had to pay almost as much in postage
as I did for the wheel! (I live in the UK)

[John Bodin]

Check out my review at:

http://irlinsider.adnetweb.com/sims/

The TSW and TSW2 wheels are superb -- the TSW wheels have a lifetime
warranty on all mechanical parts (pots not included), and while they
may not look as nice as some of the more expensive wheels, they
certainly work just as well. Spend the extra money for a Momo upgrade
and it ranks right up there with those costing more, I think.

-- John Bodin
Publisher, The IRL Insider Magazine
http://irlinsider.adnetweb.com/

On Wed, 28 Jul 1999 20:15:38 -0400, kung...@sista.somrar wrote:

>Hi,
>
>
>I'm considering buying a wheel from Thomas Super Wheel (TSW). Can those
>of you who tried a TSW wheel tell me if they think it's worth the price?
>Or do you have another wheel to recommend?
>

[Bob Curtin]

kung...@sista.somrar wrote:

Hi,

I'm considering buying a wheel from Thomas Super Wheel (TSW).  Can those
of you who tried a TSW wheel tell me if they think it's worth the price?
Or do you have another wheel to recommend?
 
 

 

I bought a TSW three years ago, apparently right in the middle of a power struggle within the company.

Unaware of this, I ordered the wheel and sent them a big fat check ($360) up front.  Almost three months later, the wheel arrived.  It didn't work.  The pedals would not calibrate.  I immediately contacted them and got no answer.  I sent emails, snail mails and finally got permission to sent the thing back for repairs (at my own expense ($26.00)) two months after I received it!

It took another two months before they sent me a new unit.  In essence, it took seven months to get a workable TSW.  That's the bad news.

The good news is that the thing is mechanically indestructable.  It's smooth, solid and feels wonderful.  MECHANICAL repairs are a snap and adding custom springs, steering wheels and such is easy, especially if you're handy with machine tools.

Electronically, however, it's primitive.  Aside from the original electronic problems, I've also got a defective mini-plug (the plug from the pedal unit to the wheel) which keeps losing contact (which, in GPL, causes all kinds of disconcerting maladies) and requires some frantic manipulation of plug and wire to regain control.  I've toyed with the idea of sending it back for repairs, but I don't know if I want to wait another three months.The thing that irked me the most was the almost total indifference to me, their customer.  I got no apology, or no offer to pay for the shipping of the defective unit or even an acknowledgement of the problem -- at least for two months.  Granted, I'm just some aging machinist from Massachusetts, but I expected a bit more for $400.
 

--
Bob Curtin
Worcester Area Strategy & Tactics Exchange
http://www.tiac.net/users/ten10ths/
"If God had intended man to join the Army he would have given us green, baggy skin"
 

[Rick Carlson]

Not the prettiest, but it's an outstanding wheel.

<kung...@sista.somrar> wrote in message
news:379f9f40$1$wbeqebx$mr2...@nntp.hip.cam.org...

> Hi,
>
>
> I'm considering buying a wheel from Thomas Super Wheel (TSW). Can those
> of you who tried a TSW wheel tell me if they think it's worth the price?
> Or do you have another wheel to recommend?
>

[Adam]

I opened my TSW up when I had it, and you are correct.....it is very, very primative electronically.  Almost looks like something that was made in 6th grade shop class.  I've since been using my ECCI, and the quality of the electronics is like night and day compared to the TSW.....looks very profressionally done.

 

 

Bob Curtin <ten1...@tiac.net> wrote in message news:37A0E245...@tiac.net...

[Neil Raine]

Adam wrote:
>
> I opened my TSW up when I had it, and you are correct.....it is very,
> very primative electronically. Almost looks like something that was
> made in 6th grade shop class. I've since been using my ECCI, and the
> quality of the electronics is like night and day compared to the
> TSW.....looks very profressionally done.

Well there you go - this may be why the TSW FF is unlikely to appear!

I guess it's pretty unlucky to have a dodgy connection though - they're
standard plugs and there is no good reason why they should fail, as long
as you're not unplugging and replugging them several times a day.

Most wheels used by hardcore simracers seem to fail for mechanical
reasons, which is why I would go for a TSW.

Having said that, if you have the money for an ECCI, it may well be even
better!

[Chris]

> Hi,
>
> I'm considering buying a wheel from Thomas Super
> Wheel (TSW). Can those of you who tried a TSW wheel
> tell me if they think it's worth the price?
> Or do you have another wheel to recommend?
>

> Thanks!
>
> --
> Eric Legault <jor...@iquebec.com> Team OS/2

I bought a TSW Stock and added a single/dual switch. I'm
totally, completely, 100% satisfied with the wheel. It
does look a bit "high-school-shop", and maybe the wiring
isn't as sophisticated as an ECCI wheel, but mike works
like a charm and all the wiring components are easily
sourced at a local electronics shop.

My wheel was $465. Is the Base ECCI, at $1029, worth more
than double the price of the TSW? Not for my money it isn't,
when really all you're paying for is some under-the-cover
wiring sophistication and some aesthetic improvements. Granted,
I haven't tried an ECCI, but if you to try both blindfolded, I
doubt there would be any substantial difference in operational
feel. I believe that the TSW is mechanically the equal of any
other wheel out there. These, however, are only my opinions
and are not meant to slander or debunk any products. Use at
your own risk, your opinions might vary. :)

-Chris-

---Two wheels are better
---Proud owner of a 1998 ZX-9R

Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Share what you know. Learn what you don't.

[David Thomas Jr.]

ÿþ< ! D O C T Y P E H T M L P U B L I C " - / / W 3 C / / D T D H T M L 4 . 0 T r a n s i t i o n a l / / E N " > < H T M L > < H E A D > < M E T A c o n t e n t = " t e x t / h t m l ; c h a r s e t = u n i c o d e " h t t p - e q u i v = C o n t e n t - T y p e > < M E T A c o n t e n t = " M S H T M L 5 . 0 0 . 2 3 1 4 . 1 0 0 0 " n a m e = G E N E R A T O R > < S T Y L E > < / S T Y L E > < / H E A D > < B O D Y b g C o l o r = # e d e b e 9 > < D I V > < F O N T s i z e = 2 > N o r m a l l y , I t r y t o s t a y o u t o f t h e s e d i s c u s s i o n s a b o u t w h i c h w h e e l i s b e t t e r , b u t w h e n s o m e o n e p o s t s a m e s s a g e a b o u t o u r s e r v i c e b e i n g p o o r , I h a v e t o s t e p i n . & n b s p ; T h i s i s b l a t a n t l y u n t r u e . & n b s p ; W e h a v e t h e b e s t s e r v i c e i n t h e b u s i n e s s , p e r i o d . & n b s p ; W e b e n d o v e r b a c k w a r d s t o m a k e t h i n g s r i g h t . & n b s p ; I f y o u h a v e a p r o b l e m w i t h y o u r c o n t r o l l e r , i t ' s y o u r r e s p o n s i b i l i t y t o c o n t a c t u s , w e c a n ' t f i x i t i f w e d o n ' t k n o w a b o u t i t . & n b s p ; W e s e n d o u t r e p l a c e m e n t p a r t s a t n o c o s t , a n d i f y o u m u s t s e n d y o u r c o n t r o l l e r b a c k , w e h a v e i t f o r n o m o r e t h a n 1 w e e k . & n b s p ; Y o u a r e w a y o u t o f l i n e s a y i n g w e h a d y o u r c o n t r o l l e r f o r 2 m o n t h s . & n b s p ; I c h e c k e d o u r r e c o r d s . & n b s p ; W e h a d i t f o r n o m o r e t h a n 2 d a y s . & n b s p ; A n d w e b a s i c l y r e b u i l t i t f r o m t h e g r o u n d u p t o m a k e c e r t a i n t h a t y o u r p r o b l e m w a s f i x e d . & n b s p ; < / F O N T > < / D I V > < D I V > & n b s p ; < / D I V > < D I V > < F O N T s i z e = 2 > T h i s " p o w e r s t r u g g l e " y o u a r e r e f f e r r i n g t o i s B S a l s o . & n b s p ; 3 o r 4 y e a r s a g o , T r e v t r i e d r u n n i n g t h e c o m p a n y o n h i s o w n . & n b s p ; H e c o u l d n ' t m a k e a g o o f i t , a n d i n ' 9 7 w e r e - c o n s o l i d a t e d , a n d h a v e b e e n r u n n i n g s t r o n g e v e r s i n c e . & n b s p ; T h e r e w a s n o p o w e r s t r u g g l e . & n b s p ; J u s t g r o w i n g p a i n s o f a s m a l l b u s i n e s s . < / F O N T > < / D I V > < D I V > & n b s p ; < / D I V > < D I V > < F O N T s i z e = 2 > I f y o u ' v e g o t a p r o b l e m w i t h y o u r c o n t r o l l e r n o w , t h e n u s e t h e p r o p e r c h a n n e l s a n d g e t i n c o n t a c t w i t h u s . & n b s p ; I n f a c t , t h e m i n i - p l u g s w e u s e a r e s o c o m m o n , t h a t y o u c o u l d r u n d o w n t o R a d i o S h a c k a n d g e t t h e p r o b l e m f i x e d i n a b o u t a d a y , w i t h o u t h a v i n g t o e v e n c o n t a c t u s . & n b s p ; T h e r e ' s n o r e a s o n f o r a n y o n e t o h a v e a n o n - w o r k i n g T S W o r T S W 2 . < / F O N T > < / D I V > < D I V > & n b s p ; < / D I V > < D I V > < F O N T s i z e = 2 > - D a v i d T h o m a s J r . < / F O N T > < / D I V > < D I V > < F O N T s i z e = 2 > T h o m a s E n t e r p r i s e s < / F O N T > < / D I V > < / B O D Y > < / H T M L >

[drb...@ibm.net]

>> I opened my TSW up when I had it, and you are correct.....it is very,
>> very primative electronically. Almost looks like something that was
>> made in 6th grade shop class. I've since been using my ECCI, and the
>> quality of the electronics is like night and day compared to the
>> TSW.....looks very profressionally done.

I agree that my TSW2 looks homemade. It also works perfectly
and is totally simple to repair (not likely) or modify. I am
unconvinced that the better finish of the ECCI translates into better
function. But the functional finish of the TSW translates directly
into low price. So the choice to me is what you are willing to pay
for.

That said, I think both of them appeal to the high end market
and will be obsolete soon if they don't move into FF. The electronics
will be available off the shelf and the mechanical is well within both
their capabilities.

bob

[Randy Magruder]

I'd take a TSW over an ECCI any day, and yes I've tried both. I
didn't like the feel of the ECCI at all, and the TSW is liquid smooth
and very sturdy.

"Adam" <nos...@nospam.com> wrote:

Randy Magruder
http://members.home.com/rmagruder

[Bob Curtin]

Adam wrote:

  I opened my TSW up when I had it, and you are correct.....it is very, very primative electronically.  Almost looks like something that was made in 6th grade shop class.  I've since been using my ECCI, and the quality of the electronics is like night and day compared to the TSW.....looks very profressionally done.

Well now, let us not go overboard here.  Yes, the electronics are a bit primitive.  No, it's not something from a 6th grade shop class.  Bear in mind that except for the funky mini-plug, (something I could probably get repaired easily if I had any faith in Thomas Enterprises service, which I don't) the only problems I've had with my TSW is two worn-out pots, which I replaced myself easily in less than ten minutes..

Again, the TSW is holding up just fine.  It's the way I was treated by TE (i.e. with suspicion, indifference and a we'll-get-around-to-it-someday-Why-should-we-hurry-when-we've-already-got-your-money attitude.).  As you can see, three years later, I'm still pissed and leery enough of their service department's -- shall we say -- casual turnaround time, to endure the defective mini-plug rather than send it back and be without a controller for another three or four months.

[Adam]

>Chris <ccz...@my-deja.com> wrote

[Adam]

ÿþ< ! D O C T Y P E H T M L P U B L I C " - / / W 3 C / / D T D H T M L 4 . 0 T r a n s i t i o n a l / / E N " > < H T M L > < H E A D > < M E T A c o n t e n t = " t e x t / h t m l ; c h a r s e t = u n i c o d e " h t t p - e q u i v = C o n t e n t - T y p e > < M E T A c o n t e n t = " M S H T M L 5 . 0 0 . 2 3 1 4 . 1 0 0 0 " n a m e = G E N E R A T O R > < S T Y L E > < / S T Y L E > < / H E A D > < B O D Y b g C o l o r = # e d e b e 9 > < D I V > < F O N T s i z e = 2 > & n b s p ; & n b s p ; & n b s p ; D a v e , i t s b e t t e r o f y o u t o s e n d a p e r s o n a l e - m a i l t o h i m t o r e s o l v e t h e i s s u e . & n b s p ; B y c a l l i n g h i m a l i a r i n a p u b l i c f o r u m i s b e y o n d p r o f e s s i o n a l i s m . & n b s p ; I n f a c t , i t d r i v e s h o m e t h e p o i n t h e w a s t r y i n g t o m a k e a b o u t y o u r b u s i n e s s . & n b s p ; G o b a c k t o y o u r m o m - a n d - p o p o p e r a t i o n , a n d h o o k u p t h e F i s h e r P r i c e W o r k s h o p . & n b s p ; M a y b e i f y o u s p e n t m o r e t i m e b u i l d i n g t h e m w h e e l - t h i n g i e s , r a t h e r t h e n s e e i n g w h a t e v e r y o n e h a s t o s a y a b o u t y o u , y o u m i g h t b e a b l e t o c u t s o m e t i m e o f f o f y o u r F O U R M O N T H w a i t i n g p e r i o d f o r a w h e e l < / F O N T > < / D I V > < D I V > < F O N T s i z e = 2 > & n b s p ; & n b s p ; & n b s p ; & n b s p ; T h a t i s a v e r y , V E R Y & n b s p ; b a d t h i n g t o t e l l o n e o f y o u r c u s t o m e r s . . . . . t o t e l l & n b s p ; t h e m t o " r u n d o w n t o r a d i o s h a c k " t o f i x a p r o b l e m , i n s t e a d o f Y O U m a k i n g i t r i g h t i n t h e f i r s t p l a c e . < / F O N T > < / D I V > < D I V > & n b s p ; < / D I V > < D I V > & n b s p ; < / D I V > < B L O C K Q U O T E s t y l e = " B O R D E R - L E F T : # 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 p x s o l i d ; M A R G I N - L E F T : 5 p x ; M A R G I N - R I G H T : 0 p x ; P A D D I N G - L E F T : 5 p x ; P A D D I N G - R I G H T : 0 p x " > < D I V > D a v i d T h o m a s J r . & l t ; < A h r e f = " m a i l t o : d a v e j r @ t h o m a s - s u p e r w h e e l . c o m " > d a v e j r @ t h o m a s - s u p e r w h e e l . c o m < / A > & g t ; w r o t e & n b s p ; < / D I V > < D I V > & n b s p ; < / D I V > < D I V > & n b s p ; < F O N T s i z e = 2 > . . . . y o u c o u l d r u n d o w n t o R a d i o S h a c k a n d g e t t h e p r o b l e m f i x e d i n a b o u t a d a y , w i t h o u t h a v i n g t o e v e n c o n t a c t u s . < / F O N T > < / D I V > < / B L O C K Q U O T E > < / B O D Y > < / H T M L >

[Joel Willstein]

> That said, I think both of them appeal to the high end market
>and will be obsolete soon if they don't move into FF. The electronics
>will be available off the shelf and the mechanical is well within both
>their capabilities.
>
> bob

Bob,

Well said. As more and more sims come online with Force Feedback equal
to or better than what we now have in gpl,you will be hard pressed not to
have a decent FF wheel to be able to experience it,and the sim to the max.

I both emailed and read emails from Dave jr at TSW. And if you read
between the lines,they are slowly coming to that realization.
Certainly,within a few years,FF will be the norm not the exception. One has
to change with the times,or be buried by those very times.

Joel Willstein
jaw...@sprynet.com

[Peter Ampudia]

I think things have changed considerably in the last three years. Your
experience sounds like a nightmare. However, I recently sent my TSW to
them for repair of the shifter and a few upgrades ( GT wheel, split
axis, plug-in wiring, extra buttons and paddles) and had a wonderful
experience. Dave Sr. was very helpful on the phone getting things sorted
out. They changed the shifter, gave me a new ball-bearing steering shaft
and gave me a new covers for both parts of the unit, all under warranty.
And all the upgrades have been everything i had hoped. I love the suede
covered GT wheel. The time from shipping it to them and recieving it
back was under 2 weeks without express or overnight delivery. I am very
glad I sent it in for the repairs and upgrades and recommend that route
for anybody thinking about it. But I'd have to say that if I had to wait
3-4 months i'd still be pissed myself.
Peter

[The Black Cat =^..^=]

I would like to say at this point that I've known Trevor since he
first started building wheels in his garage and I have never known
anyone associated with Thomas Enterprises to behave in the manner you
suggest. I've always been treated politely and with respect and my
needs were promptly attended to.

Regarding the appearance of a TSW, I would suggest you look at the
interior of a Ferrari racing car -- there may be bare metal and the
finish may be rough but it's ideal in its function. The TSW is easy
to work on, even for someone with ten thumbs like me and lasts
forever. The only reason to spend more is for the supposed prestige
of the name, not the quality of the product.

[Randy Magruder]

Bob Curtin <ten1...@tiac.net> wrote:

>Again, the TSW is holding up just fine. It's the way I was treated by
>TE (i.e. with suspicion, indifference and a
>we'll-get-around-to-it-someday-Why-should-we-hurry-when-we've-already-got-your-money
>attitude.). As you can see, three years later, I'm still pissed and
>leery enough of their service department's -- shall we say -- casual
>turnaround time,

I'm sorry, are you saying that your actual first-hand experience with
TE's service is 3 years old?! Boy you DO hold a grudge, don't you?
I really hope that those reading this thread get other opinions before
rendering a decision. A small outfit like TE can definitely have
problems early in its life which it streamlines and corrects over
time. Have you any evidence that TE's current support for their
products is identical to what yours was THREE YEARS AGO?!

Randy
Randy Magruder
http://members.home.com/rmagruder

[Randy Magruder]

Sorry, but I don't think there is anything wrong at all with Dave
defending himself publicly when he is attacked publicly. I generally
agree that grievances like this should be addressed in private and not
in newsgroups, but surely you see that if Dave lets this stand without
challenging it, potential customers might interpret that as an tacit
admission of guilt. If Dave's got records that dispute this, or this
guy really is lying in order to publicly badmouth TE, and is doing so
PUBLICLY, then Dave has every right to set the record straight.
Remember, this is his livelihood.

Randy

"Adam" <nos...@nospam.com> wrote:

> Dave, its better of you to send a personal e-mail to him to resolve the issue. By calling him a liar in a public forum is beyond professionalism. In fact, it drives home the point he was trying to make about your business. Go back to your mom-and-pop operation, and hook up the Fisher Price Workshop. Maybe if you spent more time building them wheel-thingies, rather then seeing what everyone has to say about you, you might be able to cut some time off of your FOUR MONTH waiting period for a wheel
> That is a very, VERY bad thing to tell one of your customers.....to tell them to "run down to radio shack" to fix a problem, instead of YOU making it right in the first place.
>
>
> David Thomas Jr. <dav...@thomas-superwheel.com> wrote
>
> ....you could run down to Radio Shack and get the problem fixed in about a day, without having to even contact us.

Randy Magruder
http://members.home.com/rmagruder

[EldredP]

In article <_gro3.5278$jB5.169710@viper>, "Adam" <nos...@nospam.com> writes:

>Maybe if you spent more time =
>building them wheel-thingies, rather then seeing what everyone has to =
>say about you, you might be able to cut some time off of your FOUR MONTH =

>waiting period for a wheel

FOUR MONTH?!? Damn, if I order NOW, I might not get it until Xmas???

__

Put your message in a modem, and throw it in the cyber-sea...
remove SPAM-OFF to reply.

[Sean Higgins]

Exactly the same reason I will NEVER do any sort of business with TE again. 

--
Sean Higgins

 

"HigPup"
http://home.sprintmail.com/~higgy/hsts2/  HSTS, Powered by ATI Rage 128
http://home.sprintmail.com/~higgy/ 
http://www.colormation.com   Colormation (sponsor of H.O. Motorsports)
http://www.atitech.ca   ATI Technologies

Bob Curtin wrote in message <37A22A78...@tiac.net>...

[Nathan Wong]

On Fri, 30 Jul 1999 20:25:41 -0400, "Adam" <nos...@nospam.com> wrote:

> Dave, its better of you to send a personal e-mail to him to resolve =
>the issue. By calling him a liar in a public forum is beyond =
>professionalism. In fact, it drives home the point he was trying to =

If he has documentation to prove the wheel was only in their workshop
for 2 days, who are you to say he is lying either? Obviously there is
a problem here, whether its the postal service (or whatever was used
to have it delivered), or something else needs to be determined.
Perhaps the memory and bitterness built up over 3 years has distorted
the true facts? Perhaps it hasnt. Perhaps it was something out of
control of either party, in which case, neither is to blame?

>make about your business. Go back to your mom-and-pop operation, and =
>hook up the Fisher Price Workshop. Maybe if you spent more time =

>building them wheel-thingies, rather then seeing what everyone has to =
>say about you, you might be able to cut some time off of your FOUR MONTH =
>waiting period for a wheel

Maybe you should try running a business sometime? Maybe you should try
and make a successful well-received product which gives a lot of
people a lot of fun? Maybe you should show some balls and post using a
real name and address? Gutless wonders like you are what everyone here
doesn't need.

> That is a very, VERY bad thing to tell one of your customers.....to =
>tell them to "run down to radio shack" to fix a problem, instead of YOU =

>making it right in the first place.
>

Dave is suggesting this as an alternative to having to send the wheel
away for repair. If the customer wants it done in 10 minutes, it woul
dbe easier to visit Radio Shack. If he wants it done by TSW, then he
sends it back to them, but it takes longer (naturally).

--
Nathan Wong http://www.nectar.com.au/~alfacors
Super Touring - Club Cars - Alfa Romeo
Alfa...@pobox.com V8Supercars - Formula One - CART

http://fullspeed.to/astc
Australian Super Touring News and Information

[Bob Curtin]

Randy Magruder wrote:

 

I'm sorry, are you saying that your actual first-hand experience with
TE's service is 3 years old?!  Boy you DO hold a grudge, don't you?
I really hope that those reading this thread get other opinions before
rendering a decision.  A small outfit like TE can definitely have
problems early in its life which it streamlines and corrects over
time.  Have you any evidence that TE's current support for their
products is identical to what yours was THREE YEARS AGO?!
 

 Mr. Magruder, this whole thing started with a request from somebody posting a message on RAS asking for opinions on the TSW, (since he was thinking of buying one).  Unlike most American consumers (who are sheep who have this irrational desire to be loved by those with whom they do business and will buy something for no other reason than their friends like it.) I have absolutely no "brand loyalty."  I ordered a TSW because it had a good reputation and a lifetime mechanical guarantee.  I was sick of replacing Thrustmaster wheels every year and wanted a unit which'd stand up to the amount of hours that I require.  I told the guy what my experience was.  If that offends some Thomas Enterprises fans out there, too bad.

I have nothing against the TSW.  Mechanically, my wheel has met all of my expectations.  It is smooth as Michael Jordan's pate, solid as the Matterhorn and easier to work on than than a '57 Chevy.  Electronically, it's not up to the same standards, BUT it still does the job.  Do I regret buying a TSW?  No.  Quite the contrary.  Did I advise the man not to buy a TSW?  No, I did not.  In fact, at the beginning of my message I explained that I had ordered the TSW apparently during some sort of company upheaval.  I couldn't care any less now than I did three years ago what Thomas Enterprises' problems are.  I did business with them for mutual benefit.  I expected them to make a profit selling me a WORKING unit that I'd be happy with.  That TE lost their profit from my sale because of their screwup is not my problem.

Yes, Mr. Magruder, you're right.  A small company can have problems.  But there is no excuse for any company, new or old, to treat their customers as combatants or adversaries, especially when the reason for the problem is because of a defective unit.  Everyone makes mistakes.  It's how you handle those mistakes that separate the professionals from the amateurs.  If I was running TE and had seen my posting, I would have done three things immediately.

First, I would have replied to the offended party PRIVATELY and offered to make the product right, not tell them publicly to take a hike to the nearest RadShack.  I would have had the customer send it back at company expense and I would have given it priority.  I would have fixed the problem, done any upgrades available and sent it back much better than received.

Second, I would have checked company procedures and lines of communications and made damned sure that nothing like this ever happened again.  Customers are not adversaries and should never be treated as such -- even when they're wrong.

Thirdly, I'd try to find out why the product was defective in the first place and alter the design, manufacturing process or materials to correct it.

Under no circumstances would I call a customer a liar just to save face, especially in a public forum.  If anyone in my company ever did a thing like that, (s)he'd be fired immediately.

[Randy Magruder]

Bob Curtin <ten1...@tiac.net> wrote:

> Mr. Magruder, this whole thing started with a request from somebody posting a message on
>RAS asking for opinions on the TSW, (since he was thinking of buying one). Unlike most
>American consumers (who are sheep who have this irrational desire to be loved by those
>with whom they do business and will buy something for no other reason than their friends
>like it.)

Baaaahhh Baaaaahhh <g>. Americans are sheep in many ways, but brand
loyalty isn't one of them, unless a brand has inspired such confidence
that it inspires repeat business.

>I have absolutely no "brand loyalty."

Nor do I.

>I ordered a TSW because it had a good reputation and a lifetime mechanical guarantee. I was sick of replacing Thrustmaster
>wheels every year and wanted a unit which'd stand up to the amount of hours that I
>require.

Sounds like me.

>Yes, Mr. Magruder, you're right. A small company can have problems. But there is no
>excuse for any company, new or old, to treat their customers as combatants or
>adversaries, especially when the reason for the problem is because of a defective unit.
>Everyone makes mistakes. It's how you handle those mistakes that separate the
>professionals from the amateurs. If I was running TE and had seen my posting, I would
>have done three things immediately.

I accept that. I'm not excusing anything that happened to you now or
three years ago. What AM saying is that if TE has cleaned up their
act since, or that your experience was not indicative of what others
experience, they have a right to set that straight. My experience
with them has been very good, for example. Of course, if they tell me
how I can fix some problem myself or send it back in, it's my choice.
How many people send their broken-springed Thrustmasters back to TSW
versus just getting new springs and replacing them by themselves?
It's a choice each company gives you: You fix it, or we'll fix it.
Most people don't want to be without a wheel so they fix it
themselves.

>First, I would have replied to the offended party PRIVATELY and offered to make the
>product right, not tell them publicly to take a hike to the nearest RadShack.

Let me ask you this. Did they refuse to fix it? Or were they
offering you a way to deal with the problem that would be quicker and
cheaper than shipping the unit to them?

>Second, I would have checked company procedures and lines of communications and made
>damned sure that nothing like this ever happened again. Customers are not adversaries
>and should never be treated as such -- even when they're wrong.

But customers who trash a company publicly CAN be corrected by someone
in the company if they are wrong. Bigger companies hire PR people to
make "statements", a company like TE is too small for that so they
have to defend themselves and they are obviously not professional PR
people. I would not defend them trashing a customer here, but I do
support their right to defend themselves, particularly if someone is
trying to infer that everyone is unhappy with their service, when in
reality it might be only a small % (and if you are being truthful
you'd admit that there isn't a single company out there that doesn't
have some % of dissatisfied or angry customers).

>Under no circumstances would I call a customer a liar just to save face, especially in a
>public forum. If anyone in my company ever did a thing like that, (s)he'd be fired
>immediately.

If it were just "saving face" I'd agree with you, but since people
here tend to be the biggest potential customers of their product, and
this IS their livelihood, if a customer tells a lie, and the company
has evidence to demonstrate that its a lie, I am GLAD they spoke up
and pointed it out. This IS the Internet, after all, and people say
LOTS of things they can't back up. Let's say, for example, that I
grew up with Dave Thomas and he stole and married my girlfriend. Now
as an adult I might have an axe to grind, so I go on the Internet and
begin trashing his new company, calling his product garbage and his
customer support terrible. Customers are reading this and turning to
alternative products, meaning my slam tactics are working. Is that
right? The above is just an example (I don't know anyone in that
company personally). The point is, if someone tries to drive off your
customers by telling a lie, there's NOTHING wrong with disputing it.
If the customer does so publicly, then the company has the right to
defend itself publicly. TE is not a huge company where an internet
malcontent doesn't matter. It DOES matter because their market is a
niche market and every unrefuted bad report on them has the ability to
impact their livelihood.

I will also add that if it were a matter of opinion, the company
should keep it's mouth shut. If I own a TSW and tell everyone I'm
unhappy with the way it was built and don't like the feel of it, the
TSW reps have no business telling me I'm "wrong". It's a matter of
opinion. But if TSW has records demonstrating that someone is trying
to slander them publicly, I believe they have the right to demonstrate
that, so as not to allow potential customers (again, in this NICHE
market) to be frightened off by something untrue.

Finally, I don't know the truth on this and don't claim to. The
customer could be right and TSW could be lying for all I know. I'm
only arguing that IF TE is telling the truth they have the right to
investigate it and supply the evidence. If that means telling
everyone that customer is fibbing, then fine.

[EldredP]

In article <37A2F598...@tiac.net>, Bob Curtin <ten1...@tiac.net> writes:

>Yes, Mr. Magruder, you're right. A small company can have problems. But
>there is no
>excuse for any company, new or old, to treat their customers as combatants or
>adversaries, especially when the reason for the problem is because of a
>defective unit.
>Everyone makes mistakes. It's how you handle those mistakes that separate
>the
>professionals from the amateurs. If I was running TE and had seen my
>posting, I would
>have done three things immediately.
>
>First, I would have replied to the offended party PRIVATELY and offered to
>make the
>product right, not tell them publicly to take a hike to the nearest RadShack.
>I would
>have had the customer send it back at company expense and I would have given
>it
>priority. I would have fixed the problem, done any upgrades available and
>sent it back
>much better than received.

The problem is that on the internet/newsgroup, one bad comment from an irate
customer can be read by THOUSANDS. What's the potential for customer loss
here? Too much. Therefore, you(meaning the companies) really DO need to
respond publicly, and make sure the customer is COMPLETELY satisfied. It would
have been better if the satisfaction was finished BEFORE the customer got
pissed enough to post in a public newsgroup, but that's another story.
You also hear stories about someone who wasn't happy with their purchase, but
the company bent over backwards to rectify the situation. If the company has
good service AFTER the sale, I'd still consider doing business with them...as
long as the service wasn't needed OFTEN.

Eldred

[EldredP]

In article <37a33ff9.76799421@news>, randym@_deletespam_digitalsports.com
(Randy Magruder) writes:

>Baaaahhh Baaaaahhh <g>. Americans are sheep in many ways, but brand
>loyalty isn't one of them, unless a brand has inspired such confidence
>that it inspires repeat business.
>

I dunno. Ever listen to the Nascar fans...?<g>
They like Chevy, so they like Driver X. My question is, if the driver changes
rides, do they HATE him now that he driver a Ford?

[Bob Curtin]

Mr. Magruder,

I tell you what. Just keep believing that Thomas Enterprises can do no wrong and that I'm some whacko freak. I don't care. it
doesn't change the facts.

[Randy Magruder]

I think you've proved my point. If you think Jeff Gordon's fans would
desert him if Hendrick switched to Ford, I think you'd be mistaken!

eld...@aol.comSPAM-OFF (EldredP) wrote:

>In article <37a33ff9.76799421@news>, randym@_deletespam_digitalsports.com
>(Randy Magruder) writes:
>

>>Baaaahhh Baaaaahhh <g>. Americans are sheep in many ways, but brand
>>loyalty isn't one of them, unless a brand has inspired such confidence
>>that it inspires repeat business.
>>
>

>I dunno. Ever listen to the Nascar fans...?<g>
>They like Chevy, so they like Driver X. My question is, if the driver changes
>rides, do they HATE him now that he driver a Ford?
>
>Eldred
>
>
>__
>
>Put your message in a modem, and throw it in the cyber-sea...
>remove SPAM-OFF to reply.

Randy Magruder
http://members.home.com/rmagruder

[Randy Magruder]

Tell you what, you just keep believing that I said or implied things I
did not. It doesn't change the facts. Besides, anyone reading the
thread will come to that conclusion.

Bob Curtin <ten1...@tiac.net> wrote:

>Mr. Magruder,
>

>I tell you what. Just keep believing that Thomas Enterprises can do no wrong and that I'm some whacko freak. I don't care. it
>doesn't change the facts.
>

>Bob Curtin
>Worcester Area Strategy & Tactics Exchange
>http://www.tiac.net/users/ten10ths/
>"If God had intended man to join the Army he would have given us green, baggy skin"
>

Randy Magruder
http://members.home.com/rmagruder

[mark jeangerard]

My TSW Sport will obviously last me forever. As mentioned, it is easy to add
springs and stuff. Pot replacement is a snap and after 4 months with my
"Spec Pots" and a lot of GPL I can't tell them from day one. Solid. First
day I had it I let it fall off the desk. My Steering wheel snapped off under
it's own weight. I was crushed. I looked at it for a minute and realized
they used shear bolts. Went to the hardware store and was back up and
running in minutes flat.

A friend pointed out that the geometric angle of the linkage to the pedal
pots was not thought out. I reversed them and now the gas and brake are much
more sensitive. I believe the goal was a smaller base unit but the cost was
less accuracy. Easy to fix. The other thing is that the electric's are very
poor. They should have used a 9 pin connector from the base but tried to
save some dough by using a 3 pin. The result is a common ground that admits
a lot of crosstalk. (When I step on the gas the wheel turns right.) The Spec
pots amplified the problem. When my friend gets back from vacation I will
talk to him about proper wiring. Once I am convinced that I won't ruin the
wheel, I will do it. After I rewire I will post a web page explaining the
details of how to modify the wheel to make it top rate. I will post a link
here. I'm slow and the total modification will probably take me ten hours of
work.

So add that to the price.

--
Mark Jeangerard
www.soundchaserweb.com
New Mexico USA

<kung...@sista.somrar> wrote in message
news:379f9f40$1$wbeqebx$mr2...@nntp.hip.cam.org...

> Hi,
>
>
> I'm considering buying a wheel from Thomas Super Wheel (TSW). Can those
> of you who tried a TSW wheel tell me if they think it's worth the price?
> Or do you have another wheel to recommend?
>

> Thanks!
>
> --
> Eric Legault <jor...@iquebec.com> Team OS/2
>
>

[Joel Willstein]

EldredP wrote in message <19990730230804...@ngol01.aol.com>...

>In article <_gro3.5278$jB5.169710@viper>, "Adam" <nos...@nospam.com>
writes:
>

>>Maybe if you spent more time =
>>building them wheel-thingies, rather then seeing what everyone has to =
>>say about you, you might be able to cut some time off of your FOUR MONTH =
>>waiting period for a wheel
>

>FOUR MONTH?!? Damn, if I order NOW, I might not get it until Xmas???

I had ordered a TSW2 wheel just before the patch for gpl came out. I had
a 3 week wait,not a 4 month wait. But time of year does have something to do
with it.

In the mean time I purchased a MSFF wheel to test the FF issue. I was
never impressed with FF before,but gpl had indeed raised it to a new
level,and I felt that it added to the racing experience. I emailed Dave jr
about canceling my order for that reason. No only did I receive a prompt
reply,buy the refund check was received within 10 days.

I have since emailed Dave and read several email from them on the FF
issue. All I can say is that when they finally come out with a TSW FF
wheel,I've be one of the 1st to purchase one.

Joel Willstein
jaw...@sprynet.com

[EldredP]

In article <37a393a5.98222227@news>, randym@_deletespam_digitalsports.com
(Randy Magruder) writes:

>I think you've proved my point. If you think Jeff Gordon's fans would
>desert him if Hendrick switched to Ford, I think you'd be mistaken!
>

But that's the point I meant. I've asked serious Nascar fans if they would
hate their current fave driver if he switched rides, and they never give me a
straight answer. I happen to like a driver because of the DRIVER. Usually, I
don't even CARE what kind of car he drives...

Eldred
p.s. No, I *don't* think Jeff's fans would desert him...

[Thomas Enterprises]

Randy Magruder wrote in message <37a3c758.111459722@news>...

>Tell you what, you just keep believing that I said or implied things I
>did not. It doesn't change the facts. Besides, anyone reading the
>thread will come to that conclusion.
>

Randy,

First of all let me thank you for coming to our defense publicly, we
apreciate it very much :).

I'm not really sure what Bob is reffering to as his bad experience, Dave Sr,
Jr and myself looked up all records we have on this subject and everything
shows that we turned the repair around in less than a week which I dont
think is too bad.

Unfortunately we dont have sales records going back 3 years so I cant
comment on the circumstances of the actual sale or delivery time, I just
dont remember. I CAN say with absolute certainty that nothing like that
could possibly occur today.

As for certain other people who shall remain nameless we see these same guys
constantly run down the TSW and TE every time they get an opportunity, we
dont apreciate it but unfortunately there isnt much that can be done to stop
public attacks.

Anyone who really knows our company and products, repair policies etc, knows
that all are the best in the industry and there are literally thousands of
TSW and TSW2 owners who couldnt be happier with thier purchase and we get
many emails and phone calls stating this.

I doubt that there are many companies who have been in business for 6 years
who do not have a small percentage of dissatisfied customers, I think this
could be said of any industry or product type. You cannot please all of the
people all of the time no matter how hard you try.

One thing I do know for absolutly certain is that there is NO other company
that will go any further than we regularly do to assure customer
satisfaction.

Our products are built the way they are for 2 main reasons, one that they be
simple in design so that should anything ever break, it can be replaced from
a local source, thus eliminating the need for return and downtime.

No2, we are a small operation and we lack the fancy machinery to produce the
so called "polish" of other products. Frankly we dont see a need in any
case, our products are built to take serious everyday punishment and they do
not fail.

We have many TSW units that are over 5 years old and still in everyday use,
I doubt that this can be said of many other brands of racing sim wheel and
pedal units.

Trev

[Woodie 83]

In article <7o1ksg$q1q$1...@juliana.sprynet.com>,
"Joel Willstein" <jaw...@sprynet.com> writes:

> I have since emailed Dave and read several email from them on the FF
>issue. All I can say is that when they finally come out with a TSW FF
>wheel,I've be one of the 1st to purchase one.
>

I just e-mailed ECCI with the same question. They replied that the CDS4000 was
designed with FF in mind from the beginning (as far as leaving room and
mounting holes and such). FF implementation heavy duty enough for ECCI would
be quite expensive, and I was only the fourth person to ask! Those of us crazy
(or lucky) enough to own an ECCI should start waving money at them, sounded to
me as if they would implement it as soon as they thought demand was sufficient.

Don McCorkle
Libertarian Motorsports

[AndrewS]

I don't think I can shell out $1K+ for a wheel, but I'm glad to see that some of
the high end manufactures are taking this FF thing seriously. Hopefully either
ECCI or Ball Racing will finish what they've started and bring something to
market. Thomas has stated that FF is only for games and not for sims, but I
believe anything that adds realism to the experience is a plus. At this point in
time most games use FF only for contact with curbs and other cars, but (a) it's
better than not feeling anything and (b) GPL shows more is possible. If you're
only concerned about lap times and not the entire automotive experience than a non
FF wheel is for you, but I want to be immersed in the experience and that means FF.

If anyone from ECCI is reading this..... Build the wheel and they will come!

-Andrew

[Bob Curtin]

Thomas Enterprises wrote:

> Randy Magruder wrote in message <37a3c758.111459722@news>...
> >Tell you what, you just keep believing that I said or implied things I
> >did not. It doesn't change the facts. Besides, anyone reading the
> >thread will come to that conclusion.
> >
>
> Randy,
>
> First of all let me thank you for coming to our defense publicly, we
> apreciate it very much :)

Yes, I'm sure you do (kiss, kiss) It always helps to have a guy who has made up
his mind ahead of time on your side. Facts just don't seem to get in the way of
his argument.

> I'm not really sure what Bob is reffering to as his bad experience, Dave Sr,
> Jr and myself looked up all records we have on this subject and everything
> shows that we turned the repair around in less than a week which I dont
> think is too bad.

Either you people are lying through your teeth or your database is something out
of the stone age. For the last time. YOU NEVER REPAIRED THE ORIGINAL TSW. YOU
REPLACED IT ALMOST FOUR MONTHS AFTER I REPORTED THE DEFECT.

> Unfortunately we dont have sales records going back 3 years so I cant
> comment on the circumstances of the actual sale or delivery time, I just
> dont remember. I CAN say with absolute certainty that nothing like that
> could possibly occur today.

Ain't that convenient. The fact is that their sales records, documentation and
apparenty their guarantees were written in crayon at that time.

> As for certain other people who shall remain nameless we see these same guys
> constantly run down the TSW and TE every time they get an opportunity, we
> dont apreciate it but unfortunately there isnt much that can be done to stop
> public attacks.

I'll name him. It's ME! BOB CURTIN. And as a matter of fact, I've never run
down the TSW. It's a good wheel, well worth the price, and the fact that I have
some problems with TE has nothing to do with the quality of the unit.

> Anyone who really knows our company and products, repair policies etc, knows
> that all are the best in the industry and there are literally thousands of
> TSW and TSW2 owners who couldnt be happier with thier purchase and we get
> many emails and phone calls stating this.

> I doubt that there are many companies who have been in business for 6 years
> who do not have a small percentage of dissatisfied customers, I think this
> could be said of any industry or product type. You cannot please all of the
> people all of the time no matter how hard you try.

Well, Bunkie, you haven't tried at all. I've never received any contact from
TE, period. You're idea of smoothing over cistomer complaints is calling them
liars on RAS. Fine. I'm sure spinning will work as well for you as it did for
Bill Clinton, especially when you have Randy as your spin doctor.

> One thing I do know for absolutly certain is that there is NO other company
> that will go any further than we regularly do to assure customer
> satisfaction.

Unless their name is Bob Curtin.

> Our products are built the way they are for 2 main reasons, one that they be
> simple in design so that should anything ever break, it can be replaced from
> a local source, thus eliminating the need for return and downtime.

(Translation: Take a hike to the local RadShack--We aiin't got the time.)

> No2, we are a small operation and we lack the fancy machinery to produce the
> so called "polish" of other products. Frankly we dont see a need in any
> case, our products are built to take serious everyday punishment and they do
> not fail.

I will back this statement up. They are bulletproof. Unfortunately I just
happened to get two $400. units in a row with original defects. TE doesn't want
to know about this, of course, and has Randy to back them up.

> We have many TSW units that are over 5 years old and still in everyday use,
> I doubt that this can be said of many other brands of racing sim wheel and
> pedal units.
>
> Trev

--

[Rick Carlson]

On Mon, 02 Aug 1999 18:52:12 -0400, Bob Curtin <ten1...@tiac.net>
wrote:

Methinks me smell a snivelling crybaby. Your bitterness shines through
and makes your arguement, bitch, or whatever you call it pretty empty.

I never had any problems with my TSW2 or TE that were anything that
wasn't correctly quickly and painlessly.

Regards,

Rick Carlson

[EldredP]

In article <37A6211C...@tiac.net>, Bob Curtin <ten1...@tiac.net> writes:

>> As for certain other people who shall remain nameless we see these same
>guys
>> constantly run down the TSW and TE every time they get an opportunity, we
>> dont apreciate it but unfortunately there isnt much that can be done to
>stop
>> public attacks.
>
>I'll name him. It's ME! BOB CURTIN. And as a matter of fact, I've never
>run
>down the TSW. It's a good wheel, well worth the price, and the fact that I
>have
>some problems with TE has nothing to do with the quality of the unit.

Uh, Bob? Trev didn't say YOU were running down the TSW. He said certain OTHER
people, which means he was no longer talking about YOU...
The message I got from his post was that they had problems in the past, but
those problems have been solved. That's a good thing - to learn from your
mistakes.

Eldred

[Randy Magruder]

Bob Curtin <ten1...@tiac.net> wrote:

> Facts just don't seem to get in the way of his argument.

Facts? Okay, you want to stick to facts...in other words you don't
want me saying anything I can't prove. Fine. That cuts both ways.
Let's take a look at some of your "facts".

>Ain't that convenient. The fact is that their sales records, documentation and
>apparenty their guarantees were written in crayon at that time.

Are you willing to stand by this? Is that a FACT? You know this?
You can prove this? It's very interesting you that you have been
blasting me for somehow not knowing or ignoring facts and then you
have the audacity to write the above as a "fact". Who's inventing
stuff here?

>Well, Bunkie, you haven't tried at all. I've never received any contact from
>TE, period. You're idea of smoothing over cistomer complaints is calling them
>liars on RAS. Fine. I'm sure spinning will work as well for you as it did for
>Bill Clinton, especially when you have Randy as your spin doctor.

If that's your best try at a cheap shot, you should find another
profession. Personal attacks do more to harm you than they do me.
Anyone reading this thread will see the level of vitriol in your
posts. I'm quite content to let you keep ranting because you are
doing a better job hurting your cause than anyone else could do. Just
keep writing posts the way you are.

But in case there is any common sense left at all, let me again
re-state that I did not take sides on the issue of whether or not TE
did or did not do the things you said. ALL I have been saying in this
thread is that TE does have the right to defend themselves if they
feel they are being publicly, unfairly attacked, particularly in a
niche market where many potential buyers are reading the messages.
Your continued attempt to interpret this as anything more than that is
looking lamer and lamer.

>I will back this statement up. They are bulletproof. Unfortunately I just
>happened to get two $400. units in a row with original defects. TE doesn't want
>to know about this, of course, and has Randy to back them up.

More blathering and attempting to put words in my mouth. It's obvious
you don't actually read what I write. Why do I bother?

[Thomas Enterprises]

>Uh, Bob? Trev didn't say YOU were running down the TSW. He said certain
OTHER
>people, which means he was no longer talking about YOU...
>The message I got from his post was that they had problems in the past, but
>those problems have been solved. That's a good thing - to learn from your
>mistakes.
>
>Eldred
>

Eldred,

Thanks for clearing this up, it is exactly what I meant. In NO way was I
reffering to Bob. We still cant figure out exactly what he was talking about
and what records we do have show a different story but thats neither here or
there.

What we find objectionable is the cheap shots taken at TE and our products
by a couple of people who frequent this group who happen to own a different
product (naturally) :).

We have a lot of pride in our tiny little company and our product line and
we feel that the TSW and TSW2 are as good as anything on the market and far
better than most. Our sales this year so far would seem to indicate that
this is true :)!

Our service is every bit as good as the products, we have the shortest turn
around time of anyone in the industry on repairs and upgrades and that we
can prove!

There may have been a time in the past when this may have not been true but
we were a 2 person outfit working part time out of a basement then and
suffering the usual growing pains of any startup operation.

Now that we have 6 years experience and 5 employees, we are as good as
anyone and proud of it :)!

Trev

[David L. Cook]

My experience with TE was outstanding. I ordered my TSW2 on a Friday and
had it on the following Wednesday. Two weeks later they went on sale.
TE gave me a credit in the amount of the difference towards the purchase
of accessories.

Periodically I'll have questions - like how to wire my pedals differently
or with regards to differences in pot's, etc. TE has always taken the
time to answer my questions in detail, and has shown superb customer
service IMO.

David L. Cook

In article <7o6gal$85c$1...@composer.inav.net>, tho...@inav.net wrote...

[The Black Cat =^..^=]

On Tue, 3 Aug 1999 05:28:27 -0500, "Thomas Enterprises"
<tho...@inav.net> wrote:

>Now that we have 6 years experience and 5 employees, we are as good as
>anyone and proud of it :)!

Hi Trev! I can certainly testify to that. I think most of the whiny
notes are from jealous Thrustmaster owners... (Just kidding)

[Thomas Enterprises]

Randy Magruder wrote in message <37a69d79.18762320@news>...

>More blathering and attempting to put words in my mouth. It's obvious
>you don't actually read what I write. Why do I bother?
>

>Randy
>Randy Magruder
>http://members.home.com/rmagruder

Randy,

Thanks very much for attempting to show that there are two sides to every
story, we apreciate it :) every time we try to defend ourselves in public it
results in a lot of stupid flaming comments so we mostly dont even bother
anymore.

The best thing about all this controversy is that our sales always increase
as a result so actually its good for us even though we dont like to see it
:)!

This stuff is why you never see manufacturers posting public messages in
RAS, they get tired of the "lets flame the big bad manufacturer" attitude
that is displayed over and over again by certain individuals who just cant
seem to resist. Its always the same guys every time too so we expect to see
it.

So far we've seen three confirmed sales that can be directly attributed to
this latest series of attacks so we're laughing all the way to the bank<g>!

Trev

[Thomas Enterprises]

David L. Cook wrote in message ...

>My experience with TE was outstanding. I ordered my TSW2 on a Friday and
>had it on the following Wednesday. Two weeks later they went on sale.
>TE gave me a credit in the amount of the difference towards the purchase
>of accessories.
>
>Periodically I'll have questions - like how to wire my pedals differently
>or with regards to differences in pot's, etc. TE has always taken the
>time to answer my questions in detail, and has shown superb customer
>service IMO.
>
>David L. Cook
>

Thanks Dave :)

Good thing to know that some people can recognize quality and service when
they see it :)!

Trev

[Thomas Enterprises]

The Black Cat =^..^= wrote in message
<37a75d3b...@news.ind.ameritech.net>...

Hi Paul :),

I wouldnt go that far<g> actually we're laughing about the whole thing,
sales are always slower in summer and this latest round of BS has picked
them up quite a bit :)!

We have two new models coming out soon also that that doesnt hurt either.

Trev

[Remco Moedt]

Hmmmm Trev, I warn you at forehand, I like kidding.....

You would almost believe that Thomas Enterprise treat some customers
bad on purpose....... <g>

On a serious note, statements like this are bad for business in the
long run....even when they are totally true.

Remco

[Thomas Enterprises]

Remco Moedt wrote in message <37a76d30....@newsreader.euronet.nl>...

>
>Hmmmm Trev, I warn you at forehand, I like kidding.....
>
>
>You would almost believe that Thomas Enterprise treat some customers
>bad on purpose....... <g>
>
>On a serious note, statements like this are bad for business in the
>long run....even when they are totally true.
>
>Remco

Remco,

We know but once in awhile we just cant resist winding someone up<g>!

I've just about had all the fun out of this anyhow, we're about to do what
all the other manufacturers and sim makers do, read, laugh and say
nothing<g>!

Trev

[Thomas Enterprises]

Rick Carlson wrote in message <7o68o8$m...@newsops.execpc.com>...

>On Mon, 02 Aug 1999 18:52:12 -0400, Bob Curtin <ten1...@tiac.net>
>wrote:
>
>Methinks me smell a snivelling crybaby. Your bitterness shines through
>and makes your arguement, bitch, or whatever you call it pretty empty.
>
>I never had any problems with my TSW2 or TE that were anything that
>wasn't correctly quickly and painlessly.
>
>Regards,
>
>Rick Carlson
>

Rick,

Thanks a lot, we apreciate loyalty :)!

Trev

[Don Burnette]

Ditto,
I got one of the first production TSW2 units, pre-ordered it the day it was
posted on their website, which I believe was early March 98, and received it
if memory serves sometime in mid April 98. I had a glitch with the pots they
were putting in early on, and TE bent over backwards sending me different
pots to try - at no charge to myself. I eventually ended up running the
Digikey pots I ordered direct from them, and haven't looked back since. This
thing is as solid and smooth as the day I received it - and I do a lot of
racing, both online and offline.
I just changed my Digikey pots out for a new set, and other than oiling the
wheel springs one time early on to get rid of the squeak, haven't had a need
to do anything else to it.
Now, if I could just come up with the money to add the modular wiring,
buttons, and clutch pedal, I'll be set :)

- Don Burnette

Dburn on Ten
http://members.home.net/d.burnette/Sportsman%204.htm

David L. Cook <dlc...@mediaone.net> wrote in message
news:MPG.1210a2106...@news.pompano.net...

[Crashx4]

Ditto!!!

I have the 99th TSW that was manufactured. It is one of the old style--first
run type.(not a TSW2)

It's still working great and my nieces cannot even destroy it!!!

Crash
Steve

[pss....@gmail.com]

I have had a WAY different experience from you my friend....first off it's a family run business so not sure what power struggle you refer to. I purchased my TSW 2 in 2005, I had my first issue this week end a steering spring mount broke, I called Mr. Thomas on Saturday and all new springs and mounts are being mailed out to me today (Monday) FREE of charge, under warranty after over 10 years of use. I have made upgrades and modifications over the years and Mr Thomas has always helped me with instruction and quick responses and service to keep me racing. I would give the TSW 10 out of 10 in all categories. The only thing that you will not get is forced feed back. TSW wheels are sprung self centering wheels.

[mrfixi...@gmail.com]

On Wednesday, July 28, 1999 at 3:00:00 AM UTC-4, kung...@sista.somrar wrote:
> Hi,
>
>
> I'm considering buying a wheel from Thomas Super Wheel (TSW). Can those
> of you who tried a TSW wheel tell me if they think it's worth the price?
> Or do you have another wheel to recommend?
>
> Thanks!
>
> --
>
>
>

> NP: Discipline - "Unfolded like Staircase"

I have had a tsw everysince they started making them I have always gotten the best customer service than any where else on anything he even sends me parts when I tell him i have a problem and they come fast.He has always been there and will even call back when i leave message so either you are doing something wrong trying to get in touch with him or just flat out lying for some reason .My wheel has been flawless won over 100 races with it and wouldnt have nothing else.