Fire In Korea Update

Our builders have now spent a week recovering as much as possible from the burnt-out factory in Incheon. It seems that the Western Diesels have miraculously escaped with mainly smoke damage . One or two small parts awaiting fitting were lost, but they can be re-cast fairly easily and the models will be completed as soon as feasible. Next week the production will be transferred to a new factory in the Incheon area and work will restart.

The fire damage to the Ex-Kemilway LBSCR/GNR Atlantics was so severe there is nothing left except twisted, burnt metal. Realistically, if the Atlantics are to be built we will have to start again from the beginning, but we will first prioritise the Western Diesels.

We realise this is a big disappointment for all of you who have reservations with Kemilway Models and those who have more recently sent in expressions of interest. We have to be realistic and make a recovery from our existing situation before we embark on a new model programme. We ask you to be understanding of our position and be patient with us.

Shortly before the time of the fire we were considering taking over the Atlantic programme from Kemilway. The deal depended on three conditions being met: (1) a clear itemisation of the customer and supplier debt position at Kemilway on this programme; (2) modification of the production programme to accommodate the Brighton H1 and H2 models, also adding BR livery and configuration; (3) acceptance of a phased programme by the builder. None of these conditions had been met at the time of the fire and they have now all been overtaken by this event with the total destruction of the stock.

The fire has been a big setback for us but at least no one was injured. We will recover from this situation, even if it takes some time.

Bristol Show

We will be in the Scale7 Village part of the show and in addition to our usual stand we are planning to have two dioramas for you to examine and enjoy. We will have both O Gauge and Scale7 models on display, so please do come and see us on our stand. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible.

John Borkowski/24 January 2020.