The elephant in the room

"Is This Really necessary"? It seems we are in danger of introducing a somewhat unnecessary dollop of negativity into the OOLive Steam Brand.

When we started the OOLSC, our various Events were often frequented by a large cohort of vociferous and opinionated visitors who were openly hostile to the Hornby Live Steam Brand. We are all aware that it was suffering the brunt from a totally unjustified label of unreliability which followed on from the initial, somewhat disastrous introduction of OOLive Steam into the market place. After 20 years, the OOLSC has largely negated that particular and highly destructive stigma attached to the brand whilst also putting it back on track toward becoming an important and sought after feature at Model Railway Events; and a "must have" element within the collections of a significant number of enthusiasts.

I would ask. Is it really necessary to introduce any elements of negativity into the existing and wider collectors market that might imply that there is a potential problem real or imagined, with respect to Hornby Live Steam There is nothing particularly unusual in a collector of any form of 12volt, OO gauge (or any other gauge Locos) discovering that their variously acquired trains should be treated with due care upon running an particular ,often high value item. At most we need to simply indicate were appropriate a significantly light touch approach which is merely an acknowledgement to common sense.

Charles.

Adrian - taking your points one by one

Our constitution begins "To Help Members Running Live Steam..."

but that ignores the elephant in the room, the many thousands of OOLS owners who are not members whose once precious masterpiece of model engineering is approaching something close to scrap. And they don't know it.

The key word here is ‘members’. The many thousands of ‘not members’ are just not our problem. Put OO live steam into any search engine and you will find the club, join for free and information is readily available. We are a virtual club so if you are not on the internet we are not in a position to help.

We appear to be concluding that locos not run for a very long time and especially the large number "never run" could be damaged if running is attempted and at the very least will be seized.

My experiences in dealing with new locos sold via the Engine Shed indicate that once the oil has degenerated it starts to act more like a glue. The club offer a three month guarantee so to protect our good name when we advertise a loco we tell people about the problem and offer a free service if required. Part of the process of service we provide “To Help Members Running Live Steam..."

Most "New" and "nearly new" models sell via eBay, salerooms, dealers etc. and bypass us.

True . . . but if they did some research the club and the information they need are both there and readily available.

We need to tell owners about this (it might even be a legal duty)

It isn't

and we need a plan to tackle practically the emergence of long unused models

1. Put a strong "IMPORTANT" message on our website home page and explain the issue.

Not a bad idea. I will put something together for committee approval

2. Research the extent of the problem by surveying the experience of recent new owners.

Completely impractical.

The only new owners that we know about are already club members and if they have problems they already have access to help.

Data protection rules mean that auction sites and eBay sellers are not legally allowed to pass on buyer information to third parties.

3. Write and advise 3rd party retailers and auction houses about the evolving issue.

Retailers and auction houses will not want to advertise or pass on information that might well put the buyer off making the purchase.

4. Send a message to sellers on eBay advising them of the issue

Sellers on eBay will not want to advertise or pass on information that might well put the buyer off making the purchase.

5. Appeal to members who own "brand new un-run" models to submit them for test.

If a member has a problem they already have access to information and if required the OOLS Service Scheme

6. Offer video advice to owners who feel competent to test/dismantle/free-up their own loco

Not a bad idea – I will look into putting something together that can be accessed by club members

7. Look into how we might expand our service work commercially.

If there was a commercial opportunity then someone would already be offering the service. We have neither the will nor the resources needed to even consider this.

8. Use the imminent 20th anniversary as an opportunity to generate publicity about the issue

⦁ Articles in model railway magazines (not just about this issue)

This would need time to put articles together and get committee approval. Given magazine lead times it’s probably already too late to hit the anniversary target.

⦁ A video on social media platforms

We already have a social media platform con Facebook where people having problems can access help.

⦁ Offer to mount presentations in the 'seated lecture theatres' at the big shows in the autumn

Live steam is very niche market. The number of people thinking of buying is even smaller. I don’t think there is actually a demand.

⦁ a practical demonstration on our 'help desk'

That is what we already do . . . but it is usually only to one or two people.

⦁ Pop-up banners that members could take to model railway shows and erect with permission.

If you advertise a problem you also need to suggest a solution . . . back to the resource issue.

Alternatively we can ignore the elephant in the room (presumably because we don’t have the resources to solve the problem) and let new owners having spent a lot of money find out the hard way.

Nailed it . . .

We do not have the resources.

One of the advantages of being in a club is access to information . . . as already mentioned any internet search will find the club (we are a virtual club - not on the internet then we can’t help).

If people can not, do not or will not put effort into researching OO Live Steam, finding and joining the club then to be fair . . . given the limited resources we have . . . they are not our problem.

Adrian,, I think you answered your proposal with your last paragraph!! We as a body are mostly retired or soon to be retired enthusiasts of live steam. We have no intention of proselytising for ever more about the ins and outs of the now obsolete Live Steam range.

We are trying to enjoy our hobby and encourage those that ask to dig their locos out and have a go. We have given them instruction. We can even help for a cost.

The locos are much like many of their owners, We cannot forever keep dragging up the fact that they are old and stiff and may not work. People have to learn a few things themselves for goodness sake. And that will always involve spending money,,,,, With us or someone else. Keeping up with what we do is more than enough work for those of us that contribute!

We need to stop trying to complicate everything by making it all into a live steam circus!!! Elephants are banned from circuses now!

Sometimes the Elephant will always be in the room and will be quite happy So long as he’s fed and watered!!!

You may wish to be the Messiah of Hornby live steam but your Apostles will be few and far!

Let’s just play trains in peace and enjoy it! Others ‘may’ follow!!!