Wendell:
Was this an ad or a product review / anouncement? The editorial deadline for either was probably something like 60 days ago, possibly more, so this doesn’t present anything new. Last time I checked, Kalmbach Publishing wasn’t listed as a principle in LGB’s bankruptcy proceedings, so their editorial pronouncements have zero meaning.
There has been no public announcement nor reference to the filing of any “litigation” regarding LGB. The company is simply in the equivalent of US bankruptcy protection. An appointed trustee is trying to maximize the value of ‘the company’. His duty is primarily to those who are owed money, such as trade creditors, banks and other financial entities. Employees, owners and customers are at the far end of the line, in about that order. In the US, bankruptcy trustees can and frequently do, divide the company, sell any parts (including trade marks, IP rights, property, tools and inventory) deemed necessary or desirable, sell or close the whole company, and generally do whatever is necessary to make the financial pie as whole as possible. Again, this is NOT “litigation”, and IF some part was sold (or even given away), it could be a perfectly normal outcome of a bankruptcy. I am not an expert on German BK law, but I’ll bet it’s very similar to the US. The major difference probably being the amount of non-financial influence applied by the German trade unions and local government entities.
As to the use of the LGB logo on ‘new’ products, these cars and locos you mention were designed a year or two ago. The dies were cut over 6 months ago. The actual items were manufactured several months ago. Whether the logo is used does not have a thing to do with what may or may not be at current issue, much less being decided in the current time frame. The only things that count are the actual contemporary announcements from the principles, especially the bankruptcy trustee. He runs the show. Since the last announced deal appears to have fallen short of expectations, I would imagine the trustee will be reticent to make another “. . . LGB is sold . . .” announcement until the color of money is seen.
We were recently treated to the ‘public release’ of a note from David Buffington to his employees. It said nothing except that he had a good trip to Germany. It did act to defuse any “. . . Buffington made a sneak trip to Germany . . .” conspiracy postings that were bound to show up. I thought David’s announcment was senior executive perfect, revealing absolutely nothing about his or LGB’s business, topics discussed, proposals made, nor outcomes projected. Just the positive “. . . I had a good trip to Germany . . .” That’s the way good business is conducted.
So since MR’s text brings no new or even current information, the German bankruptcy trustee seems to be continuing with his commission, and there are no new announced developments, what of “This saga is continually worthy of a report”?
As far as wanting “. . . Western-style locos and rolling stock”, there are several manufacturers with product on the shelf (including both LGB and LGBoA), a couple of new manufacturers who have announced product (including LGBoA) and more certain to come. This, regardless of LGB’s fate. Just buy from them.
Note that there has never been any ‘official’ response to the apparent public disconnect (via conflicting ads and written statements) over who owns the world wide LGB trademark rights. Perhaps there isn’t the great disconnect the crystal gazers and nay-sayers wish for? Perhaps any actual problem has been addressed and solved? Perhaps lots, but nothing that is worthy of a report, because there is nothing to report. All the imaginary dividing up of LGB, made up projections concerning the outcome of LGB’s financial problems, future ownershop, on-going operations, and other mind games people are playing are not going to have any influence on my enjoyment of the hobby.
Happy RRing,
Jerry Bowers
It’s either that or I should get a life and not read the Kalmbach publications so carefully!