[Horrido!]

You can see all that has been published regarding the "rules & conditions" of this offer by looking at the insert in every token bearing model and page 6 of the 2007 UK catalogue, there is no small print to use. If you dont have a 2007 UK catalogue the page is available here:http://www.corgi.biz/pdfs/2007catalo...giwebcat07.pdf

Horrido!

[Old Crow]

Yet another update, which holds out some promise.

I received a phone call this morning, in response to the message I left at Master Replicas (former owner of Corgi) last Friday, from Dina Bobacek, the Controller for the U.S. Division of PopCo, the new name after the Corgi sale.

Ms. Bobacek was very pleasant but seemed to have little or no knowledge about the redemption program. In fact, I had to explain to her exactly what model was involved in the WW2 range redemption as well as the other redemption ranges. I also advised her this is not a collector club model or issue. She indicated the practical problem from her end is that Hornby has all of the stock and product and thus Master Replicas/PopCo has nothing to send out to collectors to honor the program.

I explained that Hornby had apparently suggested the problem was Corgi's as Hornby had not purchased this particular part of the business. Ultimately, as I have suspected for some time, she confirmed that this redemption program was simply overlooked and forgotten in the negotiations. She also noted the fact that the Chicago office for Corgi-USA operations was closed down long before the sale and not operating effectively long before the closure.

I sent her by e-mail a copy of my prior letter to Michael Cookson, CEO of Master Replicas/PopCo. She said she will investigate the issue with Cookson and ultimately Hornby. She also pointed out that the smart thing for Hornby, which will be catering to us, the collectors, is to do something about this issue as the dollars involved, in the grand scheme, is not as important as the business goodwill.

She inquired if I have a master list of those who qualified but did not receive models. I told her I could compile a list of those who submitted tokens and received letter or e-mail confirmation from among the forum membership and submit to her. Therefore, if you sent in your tokens and received some written confirmation, I guess I need to get your name and a copy of your confirmation. Perhaps, to start with, you could just send me a pm with your name and contact information (address and/or e-mail). I hope this does not create a problem with my mailbox.

I also have been considering whether it may be in our collective best interest to consider a compromise, especially if there simply are no more silver Halifaxes to be had. I think we may want to suggest a compromise, at the appropriate time, of a different model, such as a conventionally painted Halifax. Frankly, I think most of us would have preferred this in any case, and perhaps Hornby could do up some sort of special box markings to denote the limited nature. What do you think?

[parsig9]

They forgot.... How convenient. You can bet that is was like one person's job (Matt) to see this through and when he/they smelled the end he just left and that was the end of that. It went in the trash like last year's exam. Why would Corgi mention that it had 100s of outstanding agreements with loyal customers, that would cost plenty to honor, at those final settlement meetings. Forgot? It's not like it was a $100 million company and there were dozens of people to talk to. Whatever!

Ok...

This does sound like it is a step of some kind in the right direction. A compromise model is a perfect suggestion. I'd even take one of the 1000s of green JU-88s that are sure to be dumped inthe next TM summer event. Those things are not sold out anywhere and are still $80+. The Mule is clearing the best one. That might be an option? Thanks for the update OC and I'll send a PM with my info.

One more thing. Can we forward this thread and the link to the DAF thread to Hornby?


I just sent this simple message off to Hornby:

Dear Sir or Madam,

I understand your company recently acquired Corgi. I was a member of both the Aviation Archive Clubs and am a current member of the 2 largest diecast aviation forums in the world. Collectors are concerned about the Corgi offer to send 100s of free models out to collectors who bought 6 models and sent in tokens. See link below:
http://www.corgi.biz/pdfs/2007catalo...giwebcat07.pdf

Please visit and read our thread here. Free Halifax Deal?

Can you please give us some information as collectors spent at least $200 to qualify for this offer which was not honored. Many collectors are worried and want to know what Hornby will do.

[trex0770]

Thanks again for the update OC. The problem for me personally, is that I didn't get a confirmation email or letter but did send out the tokens within plenty of time (early November IIRC) and Matt also confirmed by phone that Corgi (Chicago) had received my tokens. I originally lost my six tokens then ended up buying five from one of TMH's members plus adding one of my own to send out for the Halifax.

To get back on my original point, I think there are probably many more members who did not receive either an email or letter confirmation eventhough they sent their tokens in early. There seems to be no recourse for this instance b/c Corgi, perhaps, burned their records?

BTW, I have photos of my six tokens and proof that I bought five from another member but I don't imagine that this will help my case!?!?

Anyway, I personally won't be buying ANYTHING from Hornsby/Corgi/PopCo/Whateverthehelltheyrecallingthemselves (after spending thousands of $$$$ on Corgi items over many years) if I don't get my Halifax......it's about the "goodwill" afterall!

HM, CW and others can have the thousands of $$$ that I'll spend in the future for my diecasts as long as they don't pull the kinda crap Hornsby/Corgi/PopCo/Whateverthehelltheyrecallingthemselves did. I only hope others join in to send a message to these bums!

-Trex

[parsig9]

Write to them guys. Contact Us - Hornby

[trex0770]

Originally Posted by parsig9

Write to them guys. Contact Us - Hornby

Thanks Pars, I'm "crafting" my letter right now!

[Old Crow]

I'm not exactly sure why, but for some reason the poem If by Rudyard Kipling come to mind:

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

I think it would probably be better if we let my contact at Master Replicas/PopCo have some time to look into this and that we not send off a lot of different e-mails, letters, etc. until we have more information. That is not to say I am any better equipped to deal with this. It is just a sound strategy, in my opinion.

Frankly, I can believe that this program was overlooked in the negotiations, but whether that is a line or not I still think we are better off staying cool and collected and waiting to see what happens. Remember also that our posts here probably should be a bit circumspect as it is a public forum so we are, in effect, putting our strategy, theories, etc. out there for the world to see, if you get my drift.

I also think that those who sent in the tokens early should send me their name/contact info, even if you did not get confirmation from Corgi-USA, as it appears Corgi-USA was hardly consistent or diligent in confirming submissions. This is especially the case if you sent in the tokens and have some evidence of mailing or even copies of the tokens. For now, let's just compile and submit a list of names.

[AVRO ARROW]

I think that the strategy that you are suggesting OC is perfect . Let's all step back and take a breath, while OC and his contact sort this out for us all. It just might help in resolving this whole thing easier and with less hard feeling's .

As for a different Halifax model I agree with you OC that a painted version would be just the ticket with a special box. let's say the Friday the 13th model for example I would love that add that one to the other two that I have.


AVRO ARROW

[trex0770]

Originally Posted by Old Crow

I'm not exactly sure why, but for some reason the poem If by Rudyard Kipling come to mind:



I think it would probably be better if we let my contact at Master Replicas/PopCo have some time to look into this and that we not send off a lot of different e-mails, letters, etc. until we have more information. That is not to say I am any better equipped to deal with this. It is just a sound strategy, in my opinion.

Frankly, I can believe that this program was overlooked in the negotiations, but whether that is a line or not I still think we are better off staying cool and collected and waiting to see what happens. Remember also that our posts here probably should be a bit circumspect as it is a public forum so we are, in effect, putting our strategy, theories, etc. out there for the world to see, if you get my drift.

I also think that those who sent in the tokens early should send me their name/contact info, even if you did not get confirmation from Corgi-USA, as it appears Corgi-USA was hardly consistent or diligent in confirming submissions. This is especially the case if you sent in the tokens and have some evidence of mailing or even copies of the tokens. For now, let's just compile and submit a list of names.

OC, you take all the fun out of it! You do have a great point in staying cool until we find out more. Alright, I'll hold off on the letter out of respect for you and your efforts. BTW, my wife tells me (metaphorically speaking) when I take up a fight, if someone comes at me with a knife, I tend to come back with a nuclear bomb. Just let me know when to fire off the first salvo!!!

[Old Crow]

BTW, my wife tells me (metaphorically speaking) when I take up a fight, if someone comes at me with a knife, I tend to come back with a nuclear bomb.

That's okay, Trex. I am the same way, especially when I get going in litigation. I usually have to write a letter, step back and reflect, and then often revise the letter so it is less confrontational. Just hold the nuke in reserve, for now.