Thief at EM North

[High Level Kits]

I would appreciate it if you could keep your eyes open for my GER Coffee Pot 0-4-0  which was nicked from my stand at Expo EM North on Sunday 18^th Sept.

 

The model was built from one of my kits and to anyone who knows anything about models it would be fairly easily recognisable - it’s a fully etched kit with every conceivable detail. I’ve haven’t sold a lot of them and even fewer will have been built so it’ll be pretty rare. It was built to P4 gauge, numbered 227 and even the GER decals weren’t that easy to get hold of so, considering all the above, it might be the only one like that in existence.

 

If this was stolen to order, or by an enthusiast, then they’re going to have to keep this model out of sight of any other P4 or EM modellers. The thief also stole the identification card from the stand which, at first I thought this was some sort of sick way of twisting the knife, but now wonder if it might be because they were an opportunist, with no idea of what it actually was and so took the card so they could quote it when moving the model on. For this reason, I would think internet selling places like EBay might be where it‘ll end up.

 

On the same day a 'Flat Iron' loco in EM gauge was also stolen from a layout. Like my Y5, this had great sentimental value to its owner and was irreplaceable. If the two engines are offered together then it’ll be a dead giveaway...

 

So please, spread the word and keep your eyes peeled. The Police have been informed, but if you know anything contact me at chris@highlevelkits.co.uk.

[Mad McCann]

Interestingly, a mate of mine had a Cotswold kit for an L&Y saddle tank nicked from the Members' Sales stand as well. Obviously some thieving little scrote on the prowl there.

 

EDIT - MODEL HAS SINCE BEEN ACCOUNTED FOR. PLEASE DISREGARD. 

 

Dave. 

[Horsetan]

Can we have this thread bookmarked so that the alert stays fresh in everyone's minds?

 

I wonder if Scaleforum has ever had similar thefts?

[mark axlecounter]

Hi Chris,

 

I have told a few local model shops who deal in second hand locos and if they come across it they will let me or you know. I am going to print this pic off if you are ok with that to show our club members what to look out for. I know some go to toy and train fares so they will keep an eye out.  

 

hope it turns up

 

Mark

[MarkC]

Hi Chris. I've posted this on a FB modelling group too. Every little helps...

 

Cheers

Mark

[Andrew P]

I've informed my local Model Shop, Tutbury Models and he has a good camera system set up, so if they came in there, there would be some good images.

 

Hope they turn up and are not BINNED for fear of being found out.

[58herbie]

As Dave. Mad Mcmann says.

 

Some little stole a full built and running em gauge cotswold / sutherland 0-6-0 saddle tank in lms livery..

 

Jon

 

If I come across him his fingers will be shorter once I finish with him.

[Judge Dread]

Although just a coincidence I'm sure, a few years ago whilst packing up the layout at Expo North in Slaithwaite, the hall fire alarms sounded and we all had to leave. It was a false alarm and upon returning, I noticed my camera had gone. 

[High Level Kits]

Everyone, including Mark, was as supportive as they could be about this and I'm very grateful for this. After what had happened, it reassuring to know that our hobby, as a whole, is populated by thoroughly decent people.

 

Horsetan, please do whatever you can to circulate this thread.

 

Chris.

 

PS, in the time it's taken me to write this reply, more people have posted so thanks to them as well. Fingers crossed!...

[hayfield]

I would appreciate it if you could keep your eyes open for my GER Coffee Pot 0-4-0  which was nicked from my stand at Expo EM North on Sunday 18^th Sept.

 

The model was built from one of my kits and to anyone who knows anything about models it would be fairly easily recognisable - it’s a fully etched kit with every conceivable detail. I’ve haven’t sold a lot of them and even fewer will have been built so it’ll be pretty rare. It was built to P4 gauge, numbered 227 and even the GER decals weren’t that easy to get hold of so, considering all the above, it might be the only one like that in existence.

 

If this was stolen to order, or by an enthusiast, then they’re going to have to keep this model out of sight of any other P4 or EM modellers. The thief also stole the identification card from the stand which, at first I thought this was some sort of sick way of twisting the knife, but now wonder if it might be because were an opportunist, with no idea of what it actually was and so took the card so they could quote it when moving the model on. For this reason, I would think internet selling places like EBay might be where it‘ll end up.

 

On the same day a 'Flat Iron' loco in EM gauge was also stolen from a layout. Like my Y5, this had great sentimental value to its owner and was irreplaceable. If the two engines are offered together then it’ll be a dead giveaway...

 

So please, spread the word and keep your eyes peeled. The Police have been informed, but if you know anything contact me at chris@highlevelkits.co.uk.

 

 

Sorry to hear about this, lets hope that the items which were stolen are recovered

[chrisf]

What's the betting that the thieving b'stard never paid to get in?

 

Chris

[Horsetan]

I would appreciate it if you could keep your eyes open for my GER Coffee Pot 0-4-0  which was nicked from my stand at Expo EM North on Sunday 18^th Sept.

....., numbered 227 and even the GER decals weren’t that easy to get hold of so, considering all the above, it might be the only one like that in existence....

It occurs to me that if anyone is asked to do a repaint / respray of a shunting engine, then this should be an "alert" point as well.

 

What's the betting that the thieving b'stard never paid to get in?

 

Is that another way of suggesting it was an "inside" job?

[chrisf]

 

Is that another way of suggesting it was an "inside" job?

 

ABSOLUTELY NOT! [forgive me for shouting]

 

Chris

[Horsetan]

ABSOLUTELY NOT! [forgive me for shouting]

 

When you say "never paid to get in", my mind turns to the possibility of "guests" of exhibitors, or the regular leisure centre staff, any of whom might pass unnoticed - and not just an outsider trying to slip past the admissions desk.

[hayfield]

When you say "never paid to get in", my mind turns to the possibility of "guests" of exhibitors, or the regular leisure centre staff, any of whom might pass unnoticed - and not just an outsider trying to slip past the admissions desk.

I have worked in retail at both ends of my working life. I still remember when at 15 years old seeing the first member of staff being arrested for stealing. A lady who was a lot older than me at the time, who was very friendly and was kind to all. I just could not believe it, since then I have seen many caught stealing, very few of them seemed the type who would do it, I sometimes think the dodgy looking ones are the honest ones. I am not trying to make light of this matter, its just quite often those you would think least likely to steal are those who actually do it.

[Coach bogie]

When you say "never paid to get in", my mind turns to the possibility of "guests" of exhibitors, or the regular leisure centre staff, any of whom might pass unnoticed - and not just an outsider trying to slip past the admissions desk.

My son and I were guests of an exhibitor. If you wish to come an search my house, feel free, but you will only find OO and G scale. Never been a suspect before. Be careful with these finger pointing.

 

Mike Wiltshire

[High Level Kits]

I've also posted a pic of a non-painted version in my own thread:

 

I know my chances of seeing this model again are slim, but I live in hope...  Please, let's not cloud this by having an on-line scrap about who's the most likely suspect!...

 

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/85210-high-level-kits/page-8&do=findComment&comment=2437540

[Edwardian]

Not that I want to put words into his mouth, but I assume Chrisf meant that, being a thief, the individual responsible probably sneaked in without paying.

 

Be that as it may, I am very sorry to hear of this, and I wish you luck in recovering the model.  Needless to say, my various searches of Ebay today failed to find it, but, of course, you will have tried all this already.

 

PS, as this was an EM show and other, EM gauge locos were stolen, it might be that the individual did not intend to steal a P4 model? 

 

It is hard to imagine a dedicated modeller stealing for his layout, but, then, if you were trying to sell on, you'd be mad to pick unique kit or scratch-built items. 

[dinorwic]

Chris,

 

I have put the word out amongst members of the NE & Borders EMGS Area Group - I'm sure they will keep their eyes peeled for you.

 

 

Regards

 

 

Martyn Harrison

NE & Borders Area Group Co-Ordinator

[Worsdell forever]

What's annoying me more about this is the fact that this model disappeared under our noses as well as Chris's as we were opposite. News is spreading though, social media will get it out there in no time, whether it will make any difference in finding them, I don't know. We can hope.

[Reorte]

PS, as this was an EM show and other, EM gauge locos were stolen, it might be that the individual did not intend to steal a P4 model?

Or just an opportunist in the area at the time who saw a model railway show, realised they might be expensive, and stole something. They might be surprised to find that it doesn't even run on 00 track (or more likely whoever they sold it to might be). Hopefully that'll increase the chances of them appearing on eBay and being recovered.

[Porcy Mane]

So that's fairly big pockets or a decent size coat he'll have been wearing to conceal three locos. (Yes I know he might of slipped then in a bag!)

 

I assume the leisure centre has good internal CCT  coverage and the police have the manpower to go through the recordings? I also hope the police realise we are not talking toy trains here but bespoke models of relatively high value.

 

This leaves are sour taste in ones mouth whenever it happens but it hits home even more when it happens at a society event, that is just as much a social gathering as a model railway show.

 

Some may see it as an invasion of privacy but maybe its time for traders and layout owners to start clipping these cheapo mini cameras to their stands.

 

P

[Barry O]

Can't see it on Ebay .. yet.

 

This does look like someone who does know what to take from a stand.

 

Baz

[mark axlecounter]

There was another loco taken from a layout (Chris's and Charles) , a midland flat iorn in mr red with the number 2020 according to Derek

[Phil Parker]

So that's fairly big pockets or a decent size coat he'll have been wearing to conceal three locos. (Yes I know he might of slipped then in a bag!)

 

I assume the leisure centre has good internal CCT  coverage and the police have the manpower to go through the recordings? I also hope the police realise we are not talking toy trains here but bespoke models of relatively high value.

 

Sadly, if you want to realise reasonable money, bog standard OO in a box is probably better. The market for finescale stuff is tiny and unbuilt kits will sell for higher prices than built models.

 

Back to the point in hand. Having had a stock box stolen from a van years ago, I know the chances of recovering the models is tiny, BUT it helps the Police if you can provice photos of them. Your average copper won't know what a "Flatiron" is, but a picture gives him half a chance. If you haven't photographed your models, do so now. Then store the pictures somewhere you hope you never have to retrieve them from.