NBrass closing

[thebrighton]

Could have sworn I'd seen a thread here about Nick looking to retire and find a buyer for NBrass but the search box can't find it so a new thread it is.
Unfortunately it seems a buyer couldn't be found so Nick has announced that NBrass will be closing on 29th February with last orders on the 28th.
Another sad loss to N gauge following UM and Etched Pixels. I know some of EP's wares have been saved elsewhere but Nick's massive range of castings for the scratch/kit builder were a godsend and if they don't find a home elsewhere my modelling days could see the end of the line.

[martyn]

Very sad day for scratchbuilding and detailing. The range was so useful.

Where did EP's parts go, please? Any link?

Correction-I've just seen the links on the old EP website.

I don't need anything for now, but who knows.

Many thanks

Martyn

[Papyrus]

I agree - another small light has gone out in the world of N. I know it's something they would never contemplate but I can't help thinking this is the sort of business the NGS should be getting into, to encourage scratchbuilders and kit-bashers. But the question always remains, who would run it? They never have enough volunteers as it is.

I'd better get on the website and buy some stuff while I can.

Cheers,

Chris

[Roy L S]

Might not be so easy/attractive for a single individual to take on such a specialist range of products that has been Nick's "baby" for a very long time but I have also wondered if the 2MM Scale Association and/or the NGS might be in a position to take over the more "in demand" part of the range like handrail knobs, loco fittings etc?

Roy

[model-railway-magic]

There are/were some cracking products in Nick's range.


I don't think I'm breaking a confidence to reveal that I was very interested in taking on his business and continuing it. Unfortunately the solicitors etc couldn't reach an agreement on the legal details. Although he never said as much, I think that he found it quite difficult to imagine passing on the reigns to someone relatively unknown and perhaps seeing things change.


I would like to give him credit for advertising the business sale and looking for the possibility of continuation. I think it's really sad when folk just shut up shop without making an effort to pass things to the next generation. Having taken on TrainTrax in similar circumstances 2 years ago, I'm now looking for my next challenge.


I

[Paul J]

That is a real shame, his range of N scale catenary was very useful for my French projects.

[Dr Al]

A severe loss.

IMHO, the only way to save this may be to split the range up - the etches should be fairly easy to keep going (external manufacture, though I'd imagine the costs would need to rise) - a new owner really just needs their digital artworks as a bare minimum.

The cast parts are what could be lost - the implication that I read into the 'business for sale' details, was that these were actually made by Nick (maybe that's totally wrong), so it may need someone with the distinct knowledge of this process to be able to take this over.

I believe some parts are also supplied by Markits/Romford, so those should remain available (assuming they can be bought direct from Markits, who don't seem to have an up to date website) - e.g. wheelsets, many of the turned parts.

As @thebrighton says though - this could severely restrict the builder side of the hobby in N and 2mmFS, which for many will mean little; but for us few it's a real loss.

To Nick though - my public gratitude for what he's contributed to the community with N Brass over the last 30 years, and hope he enjoys a long fruitful retirement.

Not been a good year for change in this hobby so far!

Cheers,
Alan

[Dr Al]

NGS might be in a position to take over the more "in demand" part of the range like handrail knobs,

I believe these are actually Markits produced, so (fingers crossed) we should still be able to get these basics.

The NGS seems stretched - I did wonder if the 2mmFS association would be a better match - they seem very active already at supplying somewhat similar parts.

Cheers,
Alan

[Ensign Elliott]

A massive loss for N Gauge. I've purchased countless bit from N Brass over the years and as far as I know, they are the only place that produces specific details like handrail knobs, lamp irons, banner repeaters and container securing chains.

Best of luck in your retirement Nick.

 

[Hailstone]

 Almost all of the models I have built over the last 15 years have been possible due to parts from his range, so I will have to stock up soon. It is sad that Nick could not find a buyer for his business but I wish him a long and happy retirement.

Regards,

Alex