Terry,
I do empathise with you. If I was financially capable and able to purchase a Merchant Navy class locomotive in gauge 1, I would definately like it to be made by Aster for my peace of mind knowing the locomotive was built to the highest standards.
However, one manufacturer telling another what he can and cannot build is a little ‘elitist’ as stated. I feel that an Aster devotee will purchase an Aster locomotive. If the market is split as Mr. Pullen believes, then whose fault is that. Free enterprise marketting is a fact of life. If Aster believe insufficient fans will purchase a production run then that is Aster’s problem and not due to G1MC. They have a right to produce any locomotive they want. How would Mr. Pullen react if this upstart Mr. Taylor bitterly complained that Aster were encroaching on his territory? I can imagine Aster’s response.
I feel that Aster believes it ‘owns’ the British steam outline market and does not appreciate some upstart encroaching on their territory. Unfortunately, for Aster, that is not how markets work. Consumers have freedom of choice when there is a choice to be made. When Aster was the only kid in town then there was no choice and no doubt market prices (particularly in the resale market) reflected the lack of choice due the limited production numbers available.
If Mr.Pullen feels that a competitor will kill off and jeapordise future Aster sales and production then I suggest he look to his market and his loyal consumers and encourage their brand loyalty with unbeatable quality locomotives.
Aster only produce in very limited numbers so the potential market must be minusculely small so I appreciate that a competitor will have an impact. Like Aster, I believe at this stage G1MC only have a prototype running. Have G1MC commenced production?
I have always considered Aster to be the prima donna in the steam locomotive world and the best that money could buy, but alas never saw myself as a potential customer no matter how many locomotives I could sell to cover the purchase price. For the price of an Aster locomotive downunder one could almost buy a new automobile. From memory the Aster G1 Garratt, NSWGR AD60 sold years ago for around $15,000.00 and the run was sold out immediately. Other Aster models typically sell for $8000.00 upwards and one generally has to preorder several years in advance to secure a locomotive. It certainly seems an elitist market to me.
It suprises me that people with this much money to burn are not investing in blue chip stock on the stock market.