Modelworks Administration

[alanstepney]

Steam61, if you have paid for parts that you didnt receive, then, yes, claim for them.
Write to the Administrator explaining the situation, and give him an estimate of the value of what is missing.

You have one chance only of putting forward any claims, and in the event, however unlikely it may be, that he was able to sell the company for more than its (preferential) debts, you could get repaid or paid for remedial work to finish the model.

[the_viffer]

Jun 6, 2008 19:37:54 GMT jasper said:

I have complete kit 6 of I think 12 for the Modelworks type 57XX, I understand that about 25 of this latest batch of type 57XX have been sold. I have paid by Nat West Gold Card...

You need to quote section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 at the Nat West then. There is some more info here www.bbc.co.uk/consumer/guides_to/credit_liability.shtml

[qwerty01]

Did they ever sell a Likamobile and did anyone get near to completing it? I guess they were mega-bucks.

[the_viffer]

Jun 6, 2008 22:57:33 GMT qwerty01 said:

Did they ever sell a Likamobile and did anyone get near to completing it? I guess they were mega-bucks.

Yes they did www.memoriesdreams.com/locomobile.htm

[tbsteam]

All 50 of the likamobile's were sold and yes, there are a few running.

[steamfittings]

Guys,

Some of the cranks for the Foden have been completed but not all (about 10 had been finished). Obviously should Steve and I take over the vehicle side of the business then all the cranks will be finished machined and supplied. We have writtten to all road going vehicle customers with incomplete models explaining what we are hoping to do and have registered a company name and website that will keep everyone informed of our progress. I know this is a worrying time for everyone involved (staff and customers) but please be assured that Steve and I are doing everything we can with our limited funds available to ressurect something. Should anyone be interested in our progress the website is www.steamtractionworld.com.

Regards

Dean

[stantheman]

Reading this last message from Dean, and reading between the lines maybe, does that mean the rail model buyers will still be left out in the cold. He says 'should Steve and I take over the vehicle side of the business'. Just a thought. Stan.

[steamfittings]

Stan,

I do know of a number of interested parties who have expressed an interest in the loco side of the business (completing models, designs, stock etc) so it does not necessarily mean that they will be left out in the cold. I am also aware of one individual who has visited with the view to taking over everything. Only time will tell whether this happens.

I am also aware that some of locos that have been previously manufactured (57xx, 14xx etc) there are lots of stock parts from the later kits which would go a long way to completing some of the outstanding items customers require.

Regards

Dean

[pcplod]

Hi Dean

As a complete outsider and newish member of this forum, but having read a lot, I do think the kit-loco folk may well have room for anxiety.

Your own remarks in previous posts do make a casual observer question the veracity of your latest statements - and of course, the chances of your predictions being realised.

All in all, a very sad scenario - and very glad I'm not a kit-bulider.

Plod

[steamfittings]

Hi Plod,

Please explain your latest statement. From my understanding veracity means the following:
1. Adherence to the truth; truthfulness.
2. Conformity to fact or truth; accuracy or precision: a report of doubtful veracity.
3. Something that is true.

How can you be questioning what is true and what is not with no background in to what is happening? i have made a statement of fact trying to give those with part finished models a glimmer of hope in a time that is anxious for ALL involved, whether that is regarding spare parts, complete kits ot the possibility of a take over. I'm currently still a key holder at MW's and have during the course of the last week been asked to show individuals around the premises and explain the business concept. FACT! Steve and I have registered a business at companies house and set up a website and are seeking investment in an attempt to complete some of the models. FACT!! Also we have written to some 300 MW's customers explaining what we are trying to do. Once again FACT!!! All this while not being paid or earning a wage and still having to find my mortgage payment at the end of the month. I could have walked in to a job on day one but chose not to as we want to finish off what models we can and strongly believe the kit business can work. Maybe it would be better from your point of view if i made no comment on this site and then all MW's customers would be none the wiser to what is happening!

Regards

Dean

[paultomlinson]

I'm still laughing at the last post!!!!
So why don't you treat your Duchess customers the same as the "road" side of the business? Nothing to do with potential profit is it??
Funny the Duchess modellers are not included in your correspondence Dean, wonder why not? Nothing to do with the expense of the boilers etc??
So the Duchess builders have been left out to dry so why should other builders trust the next Winson/MW/
Paul.

[alanstepney]

Guys, I hoped that this thread would enable those involvd with Modelworks to obtain and exchange information.

I do know that Dean is trying to find a way to produce the remaining parts for some of the MW models. Whether he will be able to or not, remains to be seen.
However, it is unfair to attack what he has said, or blame him for the demise of MW, where he was an employee.

I understand that several parties have and are, examining the MW situation and one or more of them may buy all or part of the company.

Right now, it is too soon to say what will happen, so, as I said before, sit tight and wait and see what happens over the next few weeks.

[vapor]

Dean,
Will you and Steve be looking at continuing with the 2" Burrell kits or just the larger scale models as I have not received one of the letters from Steve & yourself I am assuming the smaller Burrell may not be on your list??
Ian

[steamfittings]

Paul,

For your information both Burrell models that we intend to continue (Ian that is 2" & 4") are also due their boilers and the 4" Burrell boiler costs substantially more than the Duchess boilers. Also there are still 20 Foden boilers outstanding at a cost of over £1500 each, again a much bigger outlay than the Duchess!

As a new business that intends to only have 4 employees a decision needed to be made as what we could manage without stretching our limited resources especially as 100 boilers in total are due almost immediately. Steve's background is in traction engines and not loco's therfore the decision was not difficult.

From my memory you were one of the customers unhappy with his model and threatening to return it for a full refund, just prior to going into administration you cancelled your order. This just does not happen with the traction engines and the level of support needed is far less. The traction engines are far less complex, so instead of concentrating on customer support of loco's we'll be able to focus fully on manufacturing. You talk about profit, who doesn't go into business to make a profit? however, to even get close to setting up Steve and I need to raise between 100 & 200K, that's a massive risk to two working class guys with NO savings. We don't have a building or machinary and will be starting from scratch, which means i will probably have to put my modest home on the line. If we can make it work and i've risked my home, why shouldn't we make a profit! We could just walk away but choose not too as we both do a job we love and are passionate about.

Like i explained earlier, there are individuals who are looking at the business as a whole, and others who are looking at just loco's, just vehicles or just clocks. Ultimately though the decision is not mine, i was an employee, it will be down to the administrator who gets what. Only time will tell.

The only advice i can really give is to wait and see what happens. Should someone take over either the whole business or just the loco side i'm sure they would appreciate a bit of positive support in their new venture instead of threats to cancel or law suits.

Regarding the last kit manufactured, the majority of the next kit had been produced and was about a week away from being despatched. I would have no problem, if permission is given to me by the administrator, to issue a list of parts already made so the Duchess builders can see what else they are able to receive. Someone would need to request this from them though as it's not down to me.


Regards

Dean

[vapor]

Dean,

Thanks for the reply, at least there's some hope for us kit builders, I was building both the 2" Burrell and the Duchess so the demise of MW was a double tragedy for me.

Ian

[jvas]

Hi All,


Reading this thread with interest with concern and sadness.

Unfortunately I am still waiting for two Bagnall kits and was about to show interest for the Hunslet.

Unsure what to do? Still require the valve gear kit (including smokebox saddle) and the backhead fittings kit. Can easily do without the backhead fittings, but the the other kitis of real importance.

Not sure how many Bagnalls were built or if any components are in store? Any ideas Dean?

Thanks

J.

[steamfittings]

Hi J.

I know for certain that all the Bagnall kits are in stock (except the boilers which were made to order) so completing that shouldn't be a problem for you. Of the top of my head i think it was 12 sold in total but 50 produced so a large quantity are in stock. I'm not sure what you should do next either. Maybe a call to the administrator to start with and see what they say.

I'll be happy to help any way i can if they give me permission.

Good Luck

Dean

[spamcanman]

Hi Dean,
I was talking to guy at my club today who has had the last kits for his Britannia so only needs to fit everything together we were wondering will Steam Fittings keep going as you guys offer an excellent service.

Tony

[dscott]

It is so sad when a company goes into administration especially when they produce something dear to my heart, Yes I have had several wonderful drives of one of the kit built 1400's.
The hardest part was giving it back to the owner later in the day.

I once did hours and hours in the workshop and built 2 lovely engines, Gemma lives under the stairs, OPEN PLAN OF COURSE!!! AND Boxhill just needs putting together as does Hunslet once the boiler has stopped leaking, but now with a new baby, having a kit of parts to assemble between nappy changes and feeding looks so very attractive.

Keep the hope alive Dean and Steve.

David.

[steamfittings]

Hi Tony,

SteamFittings are unaffected by what has happened. (Apart from MW's owed us around £2k before going under!) It's business as usual as far as the fittings are concerned.

Regards

Dean