Baldwin Forge & Machine

@Cadillac Mike posted:

Has anyone heard from Joe lately? I have tried to email him a couple of times and have not received a reply.  In August I sent a few items to him for conversion and have not heard a peep, hope all is well?

Well, I'm not so sure that "all is well" with Joe, as he closed up his business some 2 years ago, or more.

You are kidding me?  I see he posted on this forum in August about the same time I sent my items to him.

@Cadillac Mike posted:

You are kidding me?  I see he posted on this forum in August about the same time I sent my items to him.

Did you contact him prior to sending him anything? I'm NOT kidding, as Joe really did announce, here, quite a long time ago, that he was "closing his business".

I did contact him prior, his ads still appear in O Scale Trains magazine so I thought everything was ok but since I cannot seem to get ahold of him I am wondering now what happened.  He confirmed his address when I asked where to send the items to and I know they arrived per the tracking number.

@Cadillac Mike posted:

I did contact him prior,

Well, that wasn't good.

his ads still appear in O Scale Trains magazine

I remember seen an explanation from the Editor, that Joe's ads were paid-up well in advance. Thus, the ads still appeared.

so I thought everything was ok but since I cannot seem to get ahold of him I am wondering now what happened.  He confirmed his address when I asked where to send the items to and I know they arrived per the tracking number.

How did he confirm his address, if you say that you did NOT contact him advance?

Everything Hot Water has stated is correct. Joe did go to the Strasburg show in October but did not have a table. He sat next to me. I suggest you contact Joe and get your equipment back.

Joe is a very good friend of mine, and I see him usually once per week. It may take some time for him to recognize your equipment.

Joe has definitely retired. When I called to see if he had changed his mind he said his adds were paid ahead, and he was definitely retired. Don't know why the mag couldn't kill them off. Probably some legal beagle stuff.

Simon

Joe is definitely retired. I had heard a rumor that he might have been doing a little work after closing the business and I emailed him. He replied to me said no he wasn’t doing any more  conversion work. I wish I had half his skills I would do the conversion work myself.

I am trying to contact him but am not getting a response that is my worry. I initially spoke with Joe in August and he gave me his shipping address. I have tried unsuccessfully to get in touch with him three times since. I never knew he retired, especially when he gave me his address and the green light to send the trains.

How are you attempting to contact him?

I tried email and left a phone message.

In the  20 +/- years I have known him, Joe has been the most professional vendor with whom I have ever worked.  He is of the highest integrity and a stand up guy.  Joe has supplied running gear for scores of us over the years with nary a miss.    His comments are based in years of experience, his recommendations are gold.

I agree. Joe is a great guy. I am sure he will return what you sent him once he realizes what happened.

I did speak to him in Strasburg. A phone call may be difficult as his hearing is not so good. But that said, he is a great guy and will take care of you.

I will try email one more time or may even have to resort to an old school letter. Hopefully I can get my trains back, I'm just very confused over the whole thing. He walked me through how he did conversions and even said he may have to buy tender trucks from nwsl. Oh well, here goes nothing. ...

Will do, thanks Jay.

I did business with joe several times. I also remember his notice that he was going to close shop. He was and is a stand up guy and once he does get your letter I'm certain he will be in contact with you.

Bob

I sent Joe an email again, if he does not respond in the next few days I will send a letter and go from there.  I am 700 miles away from him so I am really hoping for the best on this one. Thanks all for your words of encouragement.

All is well that ends well. This has ended well. Mike will have his trains returned soon.