Hi,
I just noted that Lytchett Manor Models (who were until now the only place to obtain old Skytrex/GEM whitemetal kits) are going to close and have already removed all the products from their website, and are taking no more orders.
This looks like the end for the old Skytrex Garratt, the L&Y 0-6-0T, and SR Z class amongst others :'(
Cheers,
Alan
and the SDJR 8f...
sad to hear!!
Quote from: fisherman on March 10, 2018, 04:15:41 PM
and the SDJR 8f...
sad to hear!!
luckily, there mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm over two of their kits still in my to do mountain.
I am not prepared to commit to the actual number as SWMBO may hack my account, and she does not realise the extent of these and my PG Models stock ;)
have dealt with them for many years, and have always been impressed by their service and approach-ability.
I'd like to wish them all the best for the future.
They were also one of the few reliable sources of wire-in-tube components.
Fear not, it is only their retail operation that is closing. The website also says:
You can still obtain Lytchett Manor Models/ Gem products from the following retailers Antics, Cheltenham Model Centre, Starlight Models, Wizard Models, Model Scenary Supplies and Dundas Models.
It also invites trade enquiries from other retailers.
Quote from: Ian Morton on March 10, 2018, 06:36:18 PM
Fear not, it is only their retail operation that is closing. The website also says:
You can still obtain Lytchett Manor Models/ Gem products from the following retailers Antics, Cheltenham Model Centre, Starlight Models, Wizard Models, Model Scenary Supplies and Dundas Models.
I don't think this includes the most interesting thing to the N gauger - the old GEM whitemetal kits (Garratt, L+Y 0-6-0, SR Z class, and LMS 7F 2-8-0). I can find none of these listed on any of the above. That's not surprising - I'm pretty sure they were done to order.
It does pose the question - should enquiries be made as to saving that tooling to keep those kits (well those viable ones) going?
Cheers,
Alan
That may depend upon the state of the tooling. There are people who will do custom casting such as P & D Marsh so if someone has the tooling they may be able to help.
I do wonder however if it would be a better time investment for someone to create a modern 3D cad model of those body shells for newer chassis perhaps and 3D print them. Time moves on, technology likewise.
The S&DJR 8F has been released as a Bachmann OO gauge model, hasn't it? That should mean a version in N in a few relatively short years.
I have one of the Class Z kits and it's a very nice one indeed. It would be a real shame if no one else could access the kit.
Quote from: EtchedPixels on March 11, 2018, 12:10:30 AM
I do wonder however if it would be a better time investment for someone to create a modern 3D cad model of those body shells for newer chassis perhaps and 3D print them. Time moves on, technology likewise.
Possibly.
Having said that, things like the Z, L+Y 0-6-0, and to a lesser extent the Garratt really really benefit from the weight of a whitemetal shell, so I think in some cases (small tank locos in particular) it's still the best option.
Cheers,
Alan
You can always print in brass
Quote from: EtchedPixels on March 13, 2018, 05:26:13 PM
You can always print in brass
Not at all cheap, last time I looked - nowhere near competing with whitemetal kit prices! But maybe in time that will change.
Cheers,
Alan
I have been thinking of buying one of the breakdown kits from Lytchett Manor and was horrified to see that the site had closed down.
Upon second reading of their notice, I did get a ray of hope. I missed the text in bold and red that said "temporarily".
So I hope that they are back soon. :)
Quote from: Kernna on April 21, 2018, 12:07:17 AM
Upon second reading of their notice, I did get a ray of hope. I missed the text in bold and red that said "temporarily".
You can also try contacting some of the retailers who will still be selling Lytchett Manor products, as pointed out above by Ian:
Quote from: Ian Morton on March 10, 2018, 06:36:18 PM
You can still obtain Lytchett Manor Models/ Gem products from the following retailers Antics, Cheltenham Model Centre, Starlight Models, Wizard Models, Model Scenary Supplies and Dundas Models.
We had the Starlight Models stand at our show the other week and there were certainly GEM and Lytchett Manor products on show.
I wasn't looking for the loco kits.
Les
I would now like to put everyone's minds at rest and hopefully stop the rumour mill.
I have not closed, I have had to scale back what is produced, due to various operations that I have had and have more to come. As with any one, health always comes first, I have also had to get over the loss of a family member which hit me hard. So with everything that is going on all I can do is APOLOGISE for the fact that everything was removed but I am trying to get things back in to a slow production. By all means email your order to us, I can not give an instant response if I am at one of my various appointments, but I will do my best to respond as soon as I can.
As you so rightly say Matthew, "health comes first" concentrate on getting fit, we can wait.
Thanks for putting paid to the rumour mill, Matthew, and all best wishes for better health.
Further to my last post, I can confirm that the following items will NOT be produced again, Garratt and S&D 7F, the garratt has just been announced by Hattons and the mould has just about now burnt out and the 7f mould is the same. The Z class and L&Y will be back in to production at some point, just watch the website.
Quote from: Newportnobby on December 01, 2018, 05:45:38 PM
Thanks for putting paid to the rumour mill, Matthew, and all best wishes for better health.
here, here
People complain about the faceless big companies and their poor customer service that simply doesn't exist when they are worldwide YET the same people complain when little companies struggle to keep up.
It's too easily forgotten how much 1 man in a very small business does and when illness, deaths, poor payment and issues with any part causes delays there's not 500 people in the background to pick up and carry it through.
It's a very cruel world with ever demanding customers and tragic loss. And it's exceptionally hard when 1 man has to deal with everything.
I, like so many wish you good health Matthew and hope that 2019 becomes healthy and prosperous for you and your family
Quote from: Lytchett Manor on December 01, 2018, 03:41:19 PM
I would now like to put everyone's minds at rest and hopefully stop the rumour mill.
I have not closed, I have had to scale back what is produced, due to various operations that I have had and have more to come. As with any one, health always comes first, I have also had to get over the loss of a family member which hit me hard. So with everything that is going on all I can do is APOLOGISE for the fact that everything was removed but I am trying to get things back in to a slow production. By all means email your order to us, I can not give an instant response if I am at one of my various appointments, but I will do my best to respond as soon as I can.
Hi Matthew,
Thank you for the update. I am sorry to hear about your loss and health problems.
It is good to know that you are still continuing the business, even if you are having to restrict yourself to a slower pace. You have some very interesting and unique kits to offer us, but it is not worth your health!
Cheers,
K
Further to my last post, I can confirm that the following items will NOT be produced again, Garratt and S&D 7F, the garratt has just been announced by Hattons and the mould has just about now burnt out and the 7f mould is the same.
Can understand the Garratt but shame about the 7F
A real pity about the Garratt as there is no way I can afford the Hattons version (and it is only powered at one end I think) and I already have two Black 5s, but fair enough.
The Garrat is ridiculously powerful with two Farish black 5 chassis, mine built this year I had pulling 101 wagons plus brake van, at the club we gave up adding members 16T wagons as it didnt have any effect on speed, it would still accelerate like a Scalextric racing car with that load. Bet Hattons wont pull like that.
I had one of the last kits, the castings needed lots of Milliput, P38 filler and cellulose stopper so i'm not surprised that the moulds are due for the scrap man. Next for me are the 7f and 4MT Fowler tank, ancient kits are in the post now to me, Farish Black 5 chassis rebuilt yesterday ready.
Just so that everyone does not start another panic, I now have my next surgery date confirmed, The only page that will be live during my recovery period will be the clearance and Nameplates. I will try to keep the down time to as short as possible but it all depends on how my body accepts what has been done etc.
The planned as it currently stands is that the pages will be removed at the end of Jan and will not be back up live until May, but as I said before it may be quicker. I am happy to send out price lists if you either email me or send in S.A.E and I will post them out.
I hope all goes well with your surgery and that the Lytchett Manor factory will soon be belching out smoke again!
All the best,
Chris
Hi Matthew,
All the best with the surgery! :thumbsup: I hope it all goes well and you have a speedily recovery.
You have done a good job on my first order and I am thoroughly impressed with your customer service. I would recommend Lytchett Manor to anyone.
Cheers,
K
Best of luck with the surgery, Matthew. My experience is the NHS is wonderful.
Hi Matthew,
Best wishes for your surgery - I hope the procedure is a success and you're back on your feet soon.
Cheers
Ben A.
Best wishes to you Matthew for a successful op and full recovery.
Hope all goes well mate.
Best regards,
Joe
Just an update, I am slowly recovering from the surgery. this one seems to be taking longer than last years operation. I am slowly putting the pages back on to the website, so please keep looking. Some of the very slow selling items are being removed, other that are being removed are because of moulds burnt out/ R-t-R items now available.
This does NOT mean in any way that I am giving up, it is infact the opposite, I am working on new items and new lines to bring in but this does take time, and with my health the way it is it is taking longer. Feel free to post this message on to any other Forums i.e rmweb etc.
All I ask is when you place an order as everything is now cast to order, please don't email after sometimes 3 days saying "where is my order?" I will get everyone's order done, but all I ask is you give me time. If you need something urgently then please email before hand, as it may be something that I can cast quickly. Email me and I will do my best to email you back the same day.
Happy Modelling
That's great to hear and I hope your recovery goes well. It's more important than our hobby!
"What he said" and thanks for the update.
As one who has been in hospital since Jan 23 and is facing a 5th lot of surgery this week, you have my full sympathies, but also my admiration that you're continuing on with the business. :thumbsup:
Thank you for excellent service in the past ,and looking forward to further transactions in future, but please look after yourself, health is definitely more important.