N Gauge model loss prevention

[OwL]

Hi Guys,

Im starting a new thread on N gauge security. The reason why im starting this thread is because N Gauge/Scale loco's and rolling stock and layout equipment is (as we all know) very exspensive. As a precaution it is wise to seperately insure your hobby.

Believe it or not alot of home insurance policies do not cover hobbies in detail like ours(read your small print). There are several things that we can do to protect our hobbies by insurance. I will say now that iam not an insurance seller or associated. Its just that I have looked at my 20 years+ collection of N Gauge/scale and want to make sure if something bad happens (theft/loose/damage) that at least i have insurance appropriate to my hobby.

I have insured my collection through an actual N Gauge insurance specialist. I wont advertise the agent on the forum for fear of promotion or being blamed of being in the trade, but if any member wants further details, please PM me and I will provide details of a reputable insurer. I have been insured for 2 years now, and i am satisfied that if something bad happens, I have security.

My eldest brother works with West midlands police. He has no interest in Model railways but he knows my interest and he told me that crooks are targeting households with known model railway connections/collections (all scales, 00, N, G ,Z, 0 etc).
He says the best way to protect is to get insurance and there is other measures we can take:
He gave me a UV Pen (ultraviolet). I have wrote my name and post code under all my engines, so that if the worst happens, at least i have a chance of getting back my property.

I will provide details of where to obtain UV pens soon. Also it is good practice to photograph your whole  N Scale collection, then upload to Photobucket or similar, at least then, if the worst happens, you can prove to insurance companies you had the items you are claiming on.

Railway model crime is unfortunately big businness now, just look after your investments.

If you need any advice or help on loss prevention, please PM me.

Kind Regards

[MJKERR]

Code Select Expand

[OwL]

He gave me a UV Pen (ultraviolet). I have wrote my name and post code under all my engines, so that if the worst happens, at least i have a chance of getting back my property.

I will provide details of where to obtain UV pens soon. Also it is good practice to photograph your whole  N Scale collection, then upload to Photobucket or similar, at least then, if the worst happens, you can prove to insurance companies you had the items you are claiming on.

A UV pen is now becoming pointless
The original details can simply be covered over / obliterated
Equally a model can be stripped of the part with the UV marking
As a result UV pens are only of use on larger household items

My preference is now the microdot
These can be applied in several locations on the same model, such as bogies, interior of the bodywork, interior of the glazing, etc

As above, the best permanent record is to photograph each item (take at least two of each so that its condition is clear)
For coaches and wagons, it is best to compile these as lots

This not only applies to model railways, but just about anything in your home that has replacement value

ManyThanks for your comments. However a UV Pen is still the first line of defence. It is still better to identtify your equipment/models before hand, afterall this is a mark that can help local police. The point of my thread is not say what is best, but to raise awareness of what to do as a precaution.

[Lawrence]

Not something I had ever thought about to be honest (and some of my Japanese stuff aint cheap!)  Certainly the UV pen would be useful on controllers, compressors etc and, dare I say it, larger scale stuff.  Would be interested to hear more about the microdot too.

Owl could you pm the address of the insurer please.

Good info from you both, thanks guys 

[Tank]

Thanks for the information, as I had no idea that I might not be insured.   

[OwL]

Would it be OK if i gave details of a reputable insurer on the forum without being blamed of any connections or commisions?

I assure you all that my only interset is loss prevention to memebers and our great hobby. If in doubt, Google N Gauge Model railway insurance, GO COMPARE!

[SymonC]

I'd like the name of the insurer as well please.

[OwL]

Hi Guys,

Reason for my thread is to make you aware of the potential danger not just from theft but also damage!. I have no interest in profiting from insurance or such. On a next thread I will provide details of whom i am insured by.

Its up to you guys. If you dont want insurance, read no further. If you do want insurance yet you dont want to be insured with my provider then go compare (thats what Google is for)

My only interest is to make sure that you guys are fully aware of WHAT could happen without cover and that you consider insurance.

Please note that i will provide details of my insurer on a next thread, but bear in mind that i have no connection with this company, profit wise or other (than being insured by.), My only interset is to help you guys being part of our N Gauge community to prevent you being victims of crime aimed at n Gauge.

The choice is yours, but consider all that has been said ladies and gentlemen................................

[OwL]

Insurer for model railways as follows:

Magnet insurance services LTD
Aura Business centre
Manners Road
Newark
Nottinghamshire
NG24 1BS

For Quote Tel: 01636 858249

E-Mail: info@magnetinsurance.co.uk

Please note this is a UK insurer, for our forum friends and members in Europe,Africa, Americas (North and South) Asia and Australasia please contact local insurer.

Also note that most UK home insurance policies do not cover hobbies including N Gauge (Check with you provider!!!!!)

Disclaimer: I HAVE NO CONNECTION WITH MAGNET INSURANCE SERVICES LTD, other than BEING INSURED DIRECTLY BY THEM FOR MY MODEL RAILWAY PROTECTION. MY ONLY INTEREST IN PROVIDING THEIR DETAILS IS TO HELP MY FELLOW N GAUGE COMMUNITY IN PROTECTING THEMSELVES AGAINST POSSIBLE LOSS, DAMAGE AND THEFT. IF YOU DONT WANT INSURANCE THEN READ NO FURTHER. TAKING OUT INSURANCE WITH THE ABOVE IS YOUR OWN CONCERN AND NOT MINE.

[Lawrence]

Good of you to post the info Owl. thanks

[cudders]

I have a specific £5k Model railway listed on my contents. Probably now not enough though for what I have..

Cudders

[EtchedPixels]

Most household insurance will cover some stuff but in general it's likely to cover item costs (off the shelf models) possibly allowing for wear/tear and not going to cover things like time taken to build kits or most layout stuff.

Your insurer should be able to tell you, but get it on paper because then they can't deny it later.

[MJKERR]

Code Select Expand

[OwL]

Thanks for all your comments. please bear in mind that many household insurance's in the UK do not cover hobbies or rare items (the same way they dont automatically cover lap-top computers) under the bog standard contents insurance(however always check your small print). Insurers tend to base their quotes on a standard household, i.e TV, microwave, radio, furnishings, fittings. They dont tend to include out building insurance (sheds) and rare or un-declared items: Model railways, collections of any type, antiques of any type, plus paintings etc.

All ways insure your collection seperate. This is not scare mongering, just common sense, afterall, you are not only insuring against theft but also damage(including self damage!!! we have all dropped stuff!!), fire, flood damage etc. Also most specialist model railway insuresrs include cover for transit (i.e moving your trains from A to B) and also limited exhibition insurance (however if you are a regular N Scale exhibitor then seek correct cover for this sort of activity)

I just want members to be safe and covered, I pay £60 a year (the price of x1 RtR loco) and that covers me for £12.500 of cover (not just locos but also all layouts, DVD's , rolling stock, magazines...any thing to do with my hobby.)


All the best guys

[EtchedPixels]

All ways insure your collection seperate. This is not scare mongering, just common sense, afterall, you are not only insuring against theft but also damage(including self damage!!! we have all dropped stuff!!), fire, flood damage etc.
I just want members to be safe and covered, I pay £60 a year (the price of x1 RtR loco) and that covers me for £12.500 of cover (not just locos but also all layouts, DVD's , rolling stock, magazines...any thing to do with my hobby.)

Why pay £60/year if your household insurance covers it as many do. Much cheaper to get them to confirm that in writing.