In the week I had an email from our previous contact, Sam Coventon at Hornby Hersden Distribution Centre to inform me that they are moving out and re-locating (to somwhere up north i believe..!)
To that end they have been packing up stock and in the process have discovered 750 packs of Live Stem A3 Oil Seals (probably some of the stock available to us after the demise of John Humphrey,) and asked if we would like them..to which I quickly said yes.
Today i had a package arrive will said seals inside.
The retail value to us is £4,500!!!
I will add these to our stock list and make them available imediately.
Thank you Hornby!!
I think we do that very well, and I am always in contact with Phil and Carl on the design team and George who is in charge of product technical development. I know what they have in china and its not going anywhere.. Live steam is a distant memory for them now and as TT120 gathers pace with more manufacturers joining in the supply stream recently it can only be good for them. Oxford Rail/Diecast has gone back to the Davis family freeing up time and money. I can see more culling of non productive hornby sub companies as time rolls on. Trimming the company to shed flab seems the way there going. The Hersden distribution site is to shut and move up north, probably to save rental money outlay and staff wages so its all very dynamic at the moment. At least Live steam wont come back as it is so we dont need to worry, our niche is all ours.
We need to maintain friendly contact with Hornby at all levels. Who knows what they might yet unearth especially in China. Always pay a friendly visit where we exhibit together.
I suggest we say thank you to a senior level too and maybe even a short flag wave from our Chairman to Mike Ashley.