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Sorry it's written in Japanese and held in Yokohama Jappan.

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#21 ·
The end of a lease is the end of a lease - no more access for the previous tenant and if the terms say the buildings must be cleared and restored to the condition they were at the begining of the tenancy to avoid further charges - then so be it.

From the number of people who've expressed an interest in the remaining stock - my guess is that some entrepaneurial soul(s) in Tokio will buy the lot well before the deadline. Why would Aster need to go further afield and risk over-running the deadline to achieve the same result? - especially after implying that there is no reserve pricing.
 
#22 ·
Again interesting to read the note coming from Aster. Because, just for my 50 cents: sorting of parts may cost some money, but then selling parts will flush money back in. May be this is just what you read.
Reading between the lines may reveal something different: in the past „we“ all bought expensive Aster models, because firstly they look and secondly perform well. AND you will get spare parts and dedicated service. So the complete package was good, better than others..
Now, at least the dedication has gone away. David wrote: why is Aster spreading the info doing the garage sale. I also thought about that, but came to a different solution: May be money or additional work, nobody wants to do is not the point, but making it very clear, Aster is gone and you all Aster fans accept that and never come back and ask for anything concerning the old models?
Somebody, who wants to make business in future and derive its living from that, would not approach future customers is this way. At least I would not, because I do not think, this will be a succsessful move….so I say message understood….
 
#23 ·
Folks, thank you for all the trust you put in me. I just landed in Tokyo today morning, back from a trip to Europe. And what I see is here is a full scale disaster.... These parts should have been bought or acquired by all the three distributors of Aster (US, UK & CH) I would be more than happy to help and thank you for all the confidence you put in me. But I have only two hands and no car, plus I did not have time to prepare any storage for this volume of parts. .. Storing (for decades) and providing parts to Aster users has been a hallmark of Aster's quality and customer service. I understand that the new small office will not permit storage and distribution of parts. But a better solution than the landfill should have been devised. Look at LGB. All the Aster/LGB parts which LGB obtained from Aster went to a dealer who sells them online - well documented, neatly listed and reasonably priced. I just cannot believe that all these precious parts will be destroyed, This is beyond me. This will damage Aster legacy. Saddened Zubi.
 
#27 ·
At some time this happens to just about all small family businesses. You get to about the third generation and family members are burnt out, or no longer have interest and want to move on. Now throw in the devastating earth quake that rocked Aster and I can see why they want to downsize and run things much easier.

Am I happy about this, NO..........but I do understand. We look at these parts as pieces of art that we know we will need some day. Aster looks at them as a pain in the rear. There are folks on this site that have the means to contact Aster and buy the whole lot. They realize what a pain in the rear it would be to sort and figure what is what and then to later sell these parts.

Aster is doing about all they can. Give them a break. We are not in there shoes.
 
#29 ·
Here is a thought . . .

Is it possible we are reading a poor translation into English of the term "disposal site."

Among the synonyms for disposal are the words:

sale, disposition, clearing, relinquishment and transfer.

We've already seen how poorly Google translates Japanese into English. Its clear from the wording of the most recent message that the author is upset that we may be misinterpreting what has been said in the suggestion of "wobbly rumors."

People in the business must be communicating with Aster out of public view.
 
#33 ·
I think many just do not, "Get It". For somebody to sort through all these parts, figure out what Loco they go to, bag them for those Loco's, and then sit on them for years while folks slowly bought them as they are needed is a loosing proposition.

Then, folks would probably complain about the high prices that they would have to sell for. They would think that the person is getting rich while taking advantage because he would be the only place to get said parts.
 
#34 ·
It is was advertised, as to purpose:
"The first and last scratch builder paradise sale!"

Could it be that there is enough scratch builders out there wanting parts for a project that they cannot make parts for but would pay for in order to make their "dream steam machine?"
 
#35 · (Edited)
Charles said:
It is was advertised, as to purpose:
"The first and last scratch builder paradise sale!"

Could it be that there is enough scratch builders out there wanting parts for a project that they cannot make parts for but would pay for in order to make their "dream steam machine?"
Click to expand...
As may be gleaned from my earlier comments, I am trying to stay positive. ;)

It's not easy.

There is ambiguity and lack of clarity in the statements coming out of Japan . . . at least to my mind . . . but I may well be mistaken.

Steve is right of course . . . and the photographs in the PDF document tell the tale of parts that are a mishmash and in need of sorting and bagging.

The collection of machined cylinders and loose wheels come to mind as well as finely painted parts that are now unwrapped and just begging to be scratched and bruised.

My thought (hope) would be that local hobbyists would get first crack at some items, but that the bulk would be picked up by Accucraft or a small consortium of folks in the business.

If the Aster spares end up showing up a few at a time on Ebay over the space of the next few years - or worse, thrown into the local dump, it will not bode well for the hobby or the hobbyist.

Best to start thinking about adding hinges to hatches and cab roofs. ;)

I'm still waiting for a bilingual person to clear things up for us. ;)
 
#36 ·
Zubi;
You're their only hope. Could you add some clarity by translating all or the key parts of the Aster msg to add the syntax needed for a coherent Japanese to English translation.


Aster kit builders:;
Just curious, what would b the range of the number of parts to an average Aster kit? 200-400, 400-600, etc.?
 
#39 · (Edited)
Tomahawk & Western RR said:
Steve, I understand completely. all thos little part will be next to if not impossibble to sort.either way,


WE NEED TO SAVE ALL THESE PARTS, ZUBI YOU ARE OUR ONLY HOPE! IF YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO HAS THE SPACE TO STORE THESE PARTS OR THE ABILITY TO TRANSOPORT THEN< PLEASE GET THEM TO HELP!
Click to expand...







Getting a little carried away. Please, the (all caps, huge font) yelling and screaming hurts.


Font size does not equal message success. It's how you use words to persuade.
 
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