I echo Pieter's sentiments and, like him, I'm not in a position to take
charge.
That said, it appears that in cases like this - as with other things -
it's ultimately money that talks. Individuals are looking for ways to get
their favorite cars and are willing to spend money to get them. Manufacturers
are looking for a way to determine whether there will be enough money in it to
make manufacturing the car worthwhile.
Assuming that the market is the best way to bring together these buyers
and sellers, I propose that NASG act, in effect, as the market as follows.
A person who wanted a particular car would nominate that car and provide
the NASG treasurer with a set sum of money per car to be ordered (a certain
percentage of the ultimate purchase price) - in this instance, let's say
$25/car. Perhaps it could be called "The Car Trust", a reference to the
historical method of railroad finance (although it was, I understand,
structured a bit
differently).
The NASG Treaurer would hold the sums so received for a set length of
time - say 60 days - and would periodically announce how much had been
received
for a car(s). During that time, other potential buyers could vote for that
car by sending in their $25. Manufactures could see how much money was being
associated with a particular car. At any point during the 60 days, a
manufacturer could announce a decision to manufacture and could then claim the
monies being held. If no manufacturer stepped forward, NASG would return the
monies.
It's just an idea and even if otherwise acceptable, would need some
refinement (to include some commitments on the manufacturer's part if they
were
to receive the $'s). It might also need some support to the NASG Treasurer
office. Nonetheless, it seems a possible way forward, bringing the force of
the
market to bear on what seems to be a a difficult problem. It might also be a
way of increasing the protypicality of S scale offerings.
Welcome comments (and I'd still be in for three B&O Wagontops!).
Paul S.
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