Midwestern Model Works Latest?

[up148]

Yeah, just like KOH's BigBoy, updated news of these models is non-existent from the importer. Nothing but excuses. I can't believe reservation holders don't run them out of town on a rail.

Mark, like George Koh's, is a new style of importer, unlike OMI, Key, PSC or any other forerunners in the business. Those importers only required a minimal upfront deposit with your order.

George and Mark require a 1/3 deposit with your order, 1/3 when the model goes into production (if they don't lie) and the last 1/3 before the model ships from the builder. So basically, the customer pays for the building of the model and the importer has nothing invested, absolute rubbish.

[Pacific Limited]

Removed post.

[ScaleCraft]

so, what does that mean?
I see no news updates on their website.
That FB posting says nothing about cancellations.

[Pacific Limited]

so, what does that mean?
I see no news updates on their website.
That FB posting says nothing about cancellations.

This is a demonstration that this story is spreading into the mainstream hobby; no longer an isolated banter between a few guys on some forums.

[ScaleCraft]

good edit!

[Chris Webster]

An OGR post from 12/21/12, twelve years ago:

ANY NEW INFORMATION ON THE PRODUCTION OF THE MODELS BEING PRODUCED? MAYBE THE RESERVATION HOLDER WITH SKIN IN THE GAME CAN TELL US. AND PLEASE NO MORE TALK ABOUT BEING CONNECTED TO KOHS.

[up148]

Hard to believe either Mark or George has any proponents at this point. I know there are still some, but I'd be very upset if I had any money in the game with the results we've seen.

[hibar]

Over the years a number of people have posted of making deposits on Erics proposed models, i have never seen a post of anyone getting their deposit money back. Its been 9 months since the last post from MMW, it will be interesting to see if Eric is present at the O scale Chicago show in March and what the news will be. JMO

[Erik C Lindgren]

It was written in many places, OGR, etc that it’s the “Covid Pandemic Emergency” so when that’s over I think we will see them, it’s only been a few years 2020 to 2025. I completely understand that and wish him the best. As for deposit givers, they will get the models someday, but for them to give trouble; I would guess there was a contract in place, I mean it’s a deposit, not a guarantee. More than likely the depositors may get sued for attempting to get their money back or make trouble. I was threatened by one of the supporters on OGR so I have nothing to say but be positive and hopeful. I would walk away and never look back and hope for that invoice of shipment. It all takes time. I hope they get made, I think the pilot models I’ve seen online are amazing.

[bob turner]

Respectfully disagree. A deposit implies a contract. Break a contract, and the breaching party can be successfully sued, not the other way around.

The problem is, in the US, the prevailing party still pays his own costs and attorneys fees. Might be a lot more than the deposit. But there may be a violation of federal code - postal regulations? that could cause, say, a postal inspector to foot the bill.

I personally hope he produces, but from all indications that is now a pipe dream. Those sycophants on OGR are just enjoying the dream - they have no cause to be mad at you.

[up148]

Totally agree with you Bob. It's a contract, but the cost to pursue legal action would far exceed what a customer has invested. And any kind of group or class action lawsuit would not be beneficial either. Just good money thrown after bad. If I was either one of them, I'd be looking over my shoulder all the time for fear some disgruntled customer would want to inflict physical harm...............maybe that's why GK quit going to shows.

The Covid delay was legitimate for several years, but not now.

[Erik C Lindgren]

Thank you fellas, that’s exactly what I wanted to read, to settle my nerves; still unsettled for years after things written over on OGR and what was sent to me in private. Never mind the slander of my favorite toys, after all why do we need to hurt others to gain foothold? So much nastiness over this subject, so much. I’ve been fearful of participating on OGR since, if I were the OGR forum I would be considering legal action against these men for running off devoted content creators which ultimately is the life blood of the community,. I won’t share anymore, and what little I have since is a tenth of a percentage of what I used too. These men ruined the hobby for me on OGR and elsewhere with their miserable attitudes and attacks.

My thanks. This is a weight lifted from my shoulders.

IMG_1388.jpeg (1.21 MiB) Viewed 6504 times

[bob turner]

Anybody who thinks that poster is an astute legal mind need only check his spelling. Doesn’t make any difference; the post is 2 1/2 years old. The law has interesting twists around the term “reasonable.” Anyone who thinks these contracts are still anywhere close to reasonable in terms of delay should study more diligently in their Contracts 101 text.

Again, the problem is the expense of bringing suit. The first step should be to ask for a return of the deposit. No lawyers needed. Second step is to see if the postal service is in some way involved.

I hope he does produce. Good for the hobby. But prospects are getting dimmer - how many of those hoppers were delivered?

I believe that discussion of MMW is now forbidden on OGR.

[bob turner]

I don’t know if this is accurate, but it gives you the flavor:

16 CFR Part 435: Rule Summary

The Rule requires sellers who solicit buyers to order merchandise through the mail, via the Internet, or by phone to have a reasonable basis to expect that the sellers can ship within the advertised time frame, or, if no time frame is specified, within 30 days. The Rule also requires that, when a seller cannot ship within the promised time, the seller must obtain the buyer’s consent to a delay in shipping or refund payment for the unshipped merchandise.

So what does this mean?

If a company sells something online (or over the phone or through the mail) they must deliver within 30 business days OR the advertised time frame.

[86TA355SR]

…., it will be interesting to see if Eric is present at the O scale Chicago show in March and what the news will be. JMO

Yeah, it’ll be the same BS as last year…”models are coming…production delays…going to deliver the best…”.

Not one model delivered to date, as far as I am aware. Hope it changes for those involved.