Cooper-Craft range now sold.

[Re6/6]

http://www.cooper-craft.co.uk/

[martin goodall]

Well, this is a bit of positive news.

The announcement on the website makes it clear that production of the Coopercraft wagon kits will depend on adapting the mould tools to Cambrian's moulding machines, which will take until at least February. So 'Patientez-vous', as the French say.

The acquisition by Cambrian does not include the Mail Coach or Ian Kirk plastic kits. They have acquired the intellectual property rights in the 'Coopercraft' name, but not the business assets and liabilities, which remain the responsibility of the previous owner.

There is no mention of the Blacksmith (originally Mallard) etched kits, and so it is not clear whether and, if so, from whom those kits might possibly become available in future.

I understand that the range of 4 mm scale Slater's plastic wagon kits had already been recovered by Slater's Plastikard Ltd and that those are already available again from them.

[steve howe]

This is good news, but it looks like Slaters have not taken the coach kits back under their wing. The GWR Toplights and Clerestories were excellent kits and not difficult to build.


Steve

[Horsetan]

Sounds like the Mk.1 coach kits won't be making a comeback, then.

[Jol Wilkinson]

If the Mallard/Blacksmith etch tools were at Photo Etch Consultants when they went into liquidation, it is possible that they weren't collected and may therefore be lost.

[Elventhumbs]

Could one not contact the liquidators? Or has that line of enquiry been exhausted?

[kelly]

Good that at least some of what Cooper-Craft had has been saved.

As Jol mentions, unless the previous owner had arranged to retrieve his etch tools they might be lost by now. But the artwork was I believe digital as when he did do shows he'd often be drawing the artwork on his laptop when noone was at the stand.

As Cambrian have taken on the plastic kits, it might at least mean that the previous owner is getting the rest of the assets moved on finally, so possibly hope for at least some to be saved (I don't think Cambrian would really have much interest in etched items though). Dart Castings might be a suitable destination if they were interested and things were appropriate for the blacksmith etches if they still exist as toolings or artwork [this is of course speculation on my part].

[steve howe]

Good that at least some of what Cooper-Craft had has been saved.

(I don't think Cambrian would really have much interest in etched items though). Dart Castings might be a suitable destination if they were interested and things were appropriate for the blacksmith etches if they still exist as toolings or artwork [this is of course speculation on my part].

Or Brassmasters?

Steve

[Jol Wilkinson]

The original Mallard/Blacksmith artwork was probably hand drawn and may not still exist. Any CAD artwork that Paul Dunn produced was probably for his own, later, projects.

[kelly]

The original Mallard/Blacksmith artwork was probably hand drawn and may not still exist. Any CAD artwork that Paul Dunn produced was probably for his own, later, projects.

I recall him saying at a show he attended that he'd redrawn the artwork digitally for the Blacksmith EMU kits, so he might have redone the others. Until someone takes over the ranges and figures it out we will never really know.

[Jol Wilkinson]

More news on the Coopercraft ranges, this time from Phoenix Precision Paints .

"Coopercraft - some Christmas cheer
Following years of despair from modellers up and down the country about the inability to get product from Paul Dunn, he has finally sold most of the ranges.

The Kirk and Mailcoach LNER coach ranges have been sold to Phoenix Precision Paints Ltd. See Kirk LNER Coaches (phoenix-paints.co.uk)

Coopercraft has been sold to Cambrian Model Rail Ltd. See http://www.cooper-craft.co.uk for more information.

Currently the Blacksmiths 4mm range is still owned by Paul Dunn.

Neither Phoenix Precision Paints Ltd or Cambrian Model Rail Ltd. have taken on any debts or liabilities relating to outstanding orders or monies paid to Paul Dunn trading as Coopercraft prior to the dates set out in either website and neither company can enter into discussions regarding such matters."

I was asked to post this by PPP, but don't have any further information.

[Phil O]

Hi Jol,

Any news on the GW Mailcoach kits?

Cheers Phil

[Horsetan]

...... See http://www.cooper-craft.co.uk for more information.....

This links to a supplier of classic Jaguar parts.....