[placitassteam]

I mailed an order to Sulpher Springs about a month and a half ago and have had no response. A week ago I called them and only got a message that they are not answering the phone. I then sent them an E-mail which also has not been answered. I remember they were having some kind of health problem a while back but I thought that was resolved. Can anybody tell me what is happening?

 

[Scottychaos]

Looks like they might not be actually operating as a company right now..
(if so, if they are actually not currently operating, they should really say so on their webpage..or just take the page down completely, so people dont keep sending them orders)
yes, I think the owner has some serious health issues..(its a simple husband and wife operation..just the two of them)

there was a thing in the last Steam in the Garden magazine about the company being for sale..
no other news at the moment..

Winn,
hopefully things will turn around for them and you will eventually get your order..
but I wouldnt expect it anytime soon. /DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/mls/emoticons/sad.gif

Scot

 

[insanerocketkid]

SSS Models, last i heard, was up for sale, and out of business. Tom cannot do anymore work, from what I understand.

 

[msimpson]

I have exchanged some emails with Tom and Diana over the last year and spoken to Diana a couple of times. Tom had a severe episode (stroke, I think) about two years ago and nearly died. Plus Diana works full time for ?Boeing? Plus, they were helping a son with a roofing company. All of this means there just isn't enough of them to go around.

If you persist, you can get in touch with them and you may be able to get parts or materials. But you need to be patient.

There is a place in our hobby for someone who wants to invest a significant sum, to be able to supply the various bits and pieces our engines require, making a small profit, and putting up with a lot of hassels and complaints. Plus, must be able to do machining and be knowledgeable about all things steam. Makes you wonder why there isn't more competition, eh?

Regards, Mike

 

[Kovacjr]

Will,

What were you looking for? Since they are not operating anymore I found most stuff available from 2 other places. Bruce Engineering and Maidstone

 

[steveciambrone]

ColesPower Models is back in business, new location in Texas, one of my boating friends had a good experience with him, made a custom part for a reasonable price and quick delivery.

Steve

 

[Larry Green]

I just received another order of valves and scale hardware from Coles. With the new owners, the business is back to the good old days, thank goodness.

Larry

 

[steveciambrone]

Posted By Larry Green on 02/23/2009 1:38 PM
I just received another order of valves and scale hardware from Coles. With the new owners, the business is back to the good old days, thank goodness.

Larry


That is good to hear, came by my catalog the other day and set it aside. I hope he does well.

Thanks
Steve

 

[Eric M.]

The new owners of Coles are doing a great job. I just ordered some scale pipe fittings last week and I got courteous service and prompt delivery. I was also informed that they are working on an online catalog. We should definitely support them.

Regards,

 

[placitassteam]

Thanks everybody. I tried Coles but they don't carry the 1/8 nut and cone fittings I need. A friend volunteered to make what I need but I was able to make the part I needed most. I would like to have a source for nut and cone fittings for future use. Jason do you have E-mail or web address for Bruce engineering and Maidstone? Thanks

 

[David BaileyK27]

www.pollymodelengineering.co.uk
We obtain all our nust nuts and cones from them, very good service and prices.
David Bailey www.djbengineering.co.uk

 

[David BaileyK27]

correction, should be nuts not nust, my keyboard cannot spell.
David Bailey

 

[k5pat]

Posted By placitassteam on 02/24/2009 1:06 PM
Thanks everybody. I tried Coles but they don't carry the 1/8 nut and cone fittings I need. A friend volunteered to make what I need but I was able to make the part I needed most. I would like to have a source for nut and cone fittings for future use. Jason do you have E-mail or web address for Bruce engineering and Maidstone? Thanks


Winn,
The Pollymodel website: http://www.pollymodelengineering.co.uk/ also incorporates the Bruce Engineering catalog.


Maidstone can be found here: http://shop.maidstone-engineering.co.uk/





Unfortunately, both are in the UK and subject to big postal fees if ordering from the US. The advantage of having a business
like Sulphur Springs here in the US is that they ordered their UK and Japanese parts in large batches so the postage was reasonable and they

could sell to us at reasonable prices. I will miss Tom and Diana.

 

[Kovacjr]

So far I have never paid any more shipping then what I have paid here in the states from other companies.