Spokesmann
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STIA 2008 by SpokesmannJust to let members know Ill be back with a full report of STIA this week. Im in Brum at the moment in an internet cafe!
Watch this space, hope all that attended enjoyed the event - I certainly did!
Mike
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Spokesmann
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Well I have been back about an hour. Ill post images and videos tomorrow as well as a full report.
I would like to say it was very gratifying to meet Ian (of MF Steam Fame), Wilescoman, John Chapman, Mooseman, Steamyjim, Steamgirl, MC MC, Mnior 1 and so on!!
I should say I had a wonderful conversation with Colin Laker regarding Bowman boxes . . . . look forward to the signed book Colin!
I had a number of members of the other forum come up and say hello which was very nice indeed. Overall STIA 2008 was a great success (Aren't they all!). I tried to get as many videos and images covering as much as possible . . . Zahra (my partner) took a few good vids too - the long years of training are finally paying off!! 
Watch this space.
Mike
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John Chapman
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| Spokesmann wrote: | | I would like to say it was very gratifying to meet Ian (of MF Steam Fame), Wilescoman, John Chapman, Mooseman, Steamyjim, Steamgirl, MC MC, Mnior 1 and so on!! |
It was a great pleasure to meet up with you as well Mike.
| Spokesmann wrote: | | I had a number of members of the other forum come up and say hello which was very nice indeed. |
That's good to know good Mike. I honestly think that the majority of people over there are fine, the nastiness is confined to a small, but rather dominant, minority. It always seems to be the same two or three people who are involved in all the problems 
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Spokesmann
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I agree totally John!
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Spokesmann
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My report of the days events...
Steam Toys in Action, Abbey Pumping Station, Corporation Road Leicester
Well the weather forecast didn’t look good, but nothing was going to stop me attending the 18th Steam Toys in Action on Sunday 3 February! Snow, ice or rain! Setting off from Plymouth at 8am with the car fully loaded, I aimed to get to Leicester by 1pm. I planned my route this year with a little more precision, entering Leicester from the North via the M1 – this would ensure that I would have none of the shenanigans of last time, negotiating Leicester’s one way system.
I got to the outskirts of Leicester about 12.30pm and took the A6 into the City, eventually I spied the red-brick chimney of the pumping house – I was nearly there and a kind of boyish excitement took over ( a bit like when it was Christmas as a child) realising that tomorrow would be the big day in the big shed.
Saturday afternoon was spent shopping with Zahra and in the evening after a good meal at the hotel – a relaxing evening spent watching TV. The next day I was up early, the weather forecast was rain, but looking out of the hotel window things looked pretty clear. I went into town to get a paper and when I got back checked that I had all my gear ready – including making sure the camera was fully charged.
I ensured that my large flask was fully loaded with hot water – making light work of raising steam quickly!, checked the car was OK and its valuable load. By 10.25 it was time to leave, the sun had come out, the sky was blue and I was looking forward to meeting a few old acquaintances again and getting in a full day of steaming!
On arriving at the pumping station and couldn’t wait to get started. The big shed was already thronging with exhibitors and the buzz which this wonderful event exudes was starting to get me really excited! (What a kid!). I spied Fred flitting here and there attending to things and generally showing the kind of energy of a man 40 years younger. I commandeered a trolley (from Wilescoman) and carefully unloaded the car, making sure that nothing fell off on the short journey from car to big shed.
Once I had located my two tables I unloaded the trolley, I was next to John Chapman, Moose and Paul. With the car was parked around the back of the pumping house, I started to carefully unpack, whilst doing so Ian Grantham (MFsteam) came up and introduced himself as well as Wilescoman – really great to see them at last. Setting out the Freesteam display took longer than I expected – too much going on all the time, with exhibitors and their endless assortment of boxes and engines turning up all the time – wonderful distractions indeed.
Once I have my display up and ready I take the first of many videos and pictures to attempt the capture the special atmosphere that this very special event exudes. Mooseman and John Chapman come along a little later and again its wonderful to meet them, by now the whole big shed is buzzing and the first sound of steam whistles punctuates the late morning work of the many setting up.
By 12.30 I’m ready to steam my first engine, I started with the Bowman M135 – always a good performer and a nice way of easing into the days steaming fun! The E158, M140, SE$ and Mamod workshop would all take their turn in steam during the day. Whilst steaming the Bowman, a gent comes up and starts to talk about some of my engines, he comments of the fine display and that at last he finally sees a Mamod ME2, and goes onto say that it has really made his day. We chat about various steam engines and the relative merits of safety valves and so on, he is the first of many friendly faces who just come up and love to chew over the fat about all things toy steam related! It was great to talk to a senior gent who was partly remaking his M122, which he first had as a small boy in the 1930s. The exchange of information and knowledge makes this event invaluable to all toy steamers alike. I take the first of my sweeps of the shed, photographing and videoing all that is of interest to me and also to Freesteam members. By now its near 2.00pm and the general public is streaming in and the shed starts to throng with interested dads and children eager to see at close hand a whole manner of toy steam engines, the rare and not so rare doing what they were designed to do – STEAM!
Various members of other forums come by and talk over things with me, this is a day of getting on with the job in hand and putting aside any differences. I have a good chat with Sandy and MM for the other forum, as well as Steely, Mike Sleigh, Minor JPG and Steamyjim. Some are conspicuous by their lack of communication but the important ones all take some time to say hello and talk about ‘things’.
By mid-afternoon the air is thick with the smell of burning meths, the noise of the crowds is only exceeded by the sound of many steam whistles enthusiastically sounding. My ‘other half’ Zahra appears in the afternoon and comments on the noise and smells – its strange how quickly we all get used to these wonderful experiences on the senses!! Now that Z is on my display, I am able to take a longer expedition to see the rest of the wonderful displays Mamods are everywhere, so are Wilescos and Bowmans. Mixed in with all these engines I spy Cyldons, Luton Bowmans, Marklins, Bings and many, many more – this is such a golden opportunity to gather in this visual feast of toy steam. Luckily my camera is sporting two large memory cards, so I’m able to shoot at anything, Ill do the sorting later – just get it on camera first!!
Later in the afternoon I have a visit from Colin Laker, who shares some of his vast Bowman knowledge with me! We have a wonderful talk about Bowman boxes and I genuinely find his enthusiasm for the subject a joy to listen to. I get some first hand information of the forthcoming Bowman book too. I make another sweep of the big shed and finally find something I have been looking for, for sometime – a ‘Luton’ Bowman PW202 overtype – unfortunately its not for sale, however the two gents on this stall – doing very brisk business indeed, have another. That will do nicely sir! This rare engine has now joined my collection, and a bargain to boot!
I go outside for a last look at things – the STIA boating pond is doing well with a wonderful assortment of Hobbies and Bowman steam boats elegantly cruising around. What a great idea – I must get in on this steam boat malarkey next year, that’s for sure. All too soon STIA 2008 is over and as the light fades and the crowds dwindle, the sound of engines taking their last breath for the day and the sounds of escaping steam from whistles is replaced by the rumble of trollies and the rattle of car engines as engines are put away and cars loaded up with their valuable cargoes.
I’m already planning my display for the nineteenth Steam Toys in Action next year, the feel and the atmosphere of this event is infectious, and as hands are shook and friends say cheerio for another year, everyone is fully pleased at this years event and all that it has brung, which all that leaves me to say is a big ‘thank you’ to Fred and his dedicated staff at the pumping station and bid the Abbey Pumping Station farewell for the time being!
Mike Jane
Freesteam
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Spokesmann
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A few of the many videos I shot on the day . . . .
Setting up, before the crowds:
MFs superb display:
My display, along with Moose, JC and Paul:
STIA in full swing:
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Spokesmann
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Mobiles:
a Wells:
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Spokesmann
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Beautiful boats, by Hobbies and Bowman and Luton Bowman...
Mooseman's Arrow:
John sets up his Luton Boat with precision, surrounded by all the essentials needed by a jobbing toy steamer!
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Spokesmann
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Some of the bigger exhibits outside...
The weather stayed dry!!
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Spokesmann
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STIA Mamods, note the ME2
Note the engine with the square chimney stack, is it a Cross?
A rare combination of flat base Lineshaft and mid 1950s decal...
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Spokesmann
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A rare Castle engine. Anyone have some info on it?
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Spokesmann
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Dont know what this is . . . .
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steamyjim
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Great pics and vids Mike!
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Spokesmann
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Other makes...
PW202
Burnac
A Bowman M140 with rare twin oilers
Cyldon 13/5
A very smooth running Careast
Mersey 54R
Wilesco D32 EL, huge!!!
Wormar Super C
Hobbies SE4
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Spokesmann
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Part of my display:
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Spokesmann
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Merseys and Jensen:
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Spokesmann
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Unusual stuff:
3-cylinder SE3
Jenny Wren and Lilliput engines
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Spokesmann
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Bowman:
M122
M140
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Spokesmann
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Other displays
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Spokesmann
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Wilesco engines, D32 and D22
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steamyjim
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| Spokesmann wrote: |
Burnac
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Is it me or does the one next to the Burnac look a bit like John Chapmans unknown engine? 
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Spokesmann
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There are similarities 
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Mamod Collector
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Very interesting STIA report Mike, its nice to see all the engines on display
Some rare and unusual stuff there
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wilescoman
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Great pics mate really like the action shot with the d22
Well done
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SillyBilly
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Great stuff Mike, I must got to this event soon!
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Spokesmann
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See you there next year SB! 
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newts
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Great pics Mike & good to know that you all had a great time
Well done to Fred C in ensuring a great day was had by all.
As a side point, it's good to know that there was some cross forum communication & long may it continue.
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John Chapman
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| steamyjim wrote: | | Spokesmann wrote: |
Burnac
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Is it me or does the one next to the Burnac look a bit like John Chapmans unknown engine? |
It does indeed look like my unknown engine. It's Peter Webster's one, the base is slightly different, other than that they are the same.
Great photos by the way Mike
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John Chapman
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| Spokesmann wrote: | Note the engine with the square chimney stack, is it a Cross?
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It's a Swan Mike. There were some photos on the old S.T.E.A.M. website.
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Spokesmann
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Thats it, thank you John - it caught my eye that one . . .
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Spokesmann
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A further video taken by my partner . . .
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Spokesmann
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A FEW OTHER SNIPPETS FROM STIA
Anyone notice the other ME2?
JCs
Meccano engine going well...
Peggy Launch. This one has a bit of a fire part way through the afternoon, lagging caught alight. It certainly smoked a lot!!
This years programme...
The weather stayed dry over the event!
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Spokesmann
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These items were worth a look too...
A nice 1953 SE2
This Minor's flywheel intreagued me . . .
This fella was driving a large ferris wheel. I feel an idea for next year coming on . . .
Sums up a bygone era. 
Plenty going on here! Is that soap in the header tank!!
Some impressive Wilescos
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steamyjim
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| Spokesmann wrote: | These items were worth a look too...
Plenty going on here! Is that soap in the header tank!!
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It does look like it doesn't it I think thats probally the grey paint with droplets of water on it
What do you think of my latest loco rebuild-they grey one?
Did you get a pic of my M130 in the end Mike?
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Spokesmann
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I like the locos Jim, I missed the M130 somehow. Do you have a pic of it? 
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steamyjim
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Thanks, i realy need a darker grey though
Ill have a look for a pic of it
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SillyBilly
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finally I can see it Jim! Looks pretty cool!
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steamyjim
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Thanks Will. She will be apart again soon
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fcrammond
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Spokesmann wrote | Quote: | | This years programme... |
I've got 18 of those now
Fred
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Mamod Collector
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Did FreeSteam have a add in the program Mike
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Spokesmann
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Yes Mike, Ill taker a pic of it . . .
It was on the other forum, the prog that is, they left out one page though . . . . 
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Trojanhorse2
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Superb reportage of a grand day Mike - good to have you as a neighbour
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Spokesmann
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| MooseMan wrote: | | Superb reportage of a grand day Mike - good to have you as a neighbour |
Thank you Moose!
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Mamod Collector
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| Spokesmann wrote: | Yes Mike, Ill taker a pic of it . . .
It was on the other forum, the prog that is, they left out one page though . . . . |
They censored a toy steam program  ..........Your joking right.......
Words escape me
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Spokesmann
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| Mamod Collector wrote: | | Spokesmann wrote: | Yes Mike, Ill taker a pic of it . . .
It was on the other forum, the prog that is, they left out one page though . . . . |
They censored a toy steam program ..........Your joking right.......
Words escape me |
Just my ad! I wouldn't show thiers, so you cant blame them really.
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fcrammond
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Perhaps I should offer to add the missing page?
Fred
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Mamod Collector
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| fcrammond wrote: | Perhaps I should offer to add the missing page?
Fred |
If you dont mind Fred, Im sure a lot of Freesteam members would like to see it
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newts
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Geddon Fred, i'd like to see it too
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SillyBilly
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That's rather sad to censor out someone's advert, shows that perhaps they don't fancy being competed with. Shouldn't it be compolsury to show all the ads?
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Spokesmann
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Ill take a pic of it, havn't had a chance really today!
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Trojanhorse2
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I think the reasoning was that Mike doesn't want his artwork on the other forum (correct me if I'm wrong Mike).
Whichever way, it's caused yet another sh*tstorm.
I thought I could see the beginnings of a reconciliation between the two forums at STiA, but I'm beginning to think that there are members on both sides who do not want to see this happen, for whatever reason.
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fcrammond
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I asked whether it had been deliberately omitted in which case i would rescind permission for copying or inadvertently omitted in which case I would like it reinstated. It was claimed that the omission was made by the original poster but before I could contact him the whole thread was withdrawn "as requested by Fred Crammond".I assume this means that the omission was deliberate and there does seem to be some feeling that all Mike Jane artwork is banned from the forum under any conditions.
a classic storm in a teacup but I fear some damage has been done.
F.
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Trojanhorse2
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Yep. Usual nonsense. What a pity that these things can't be resolved in a slightly more grownup way.
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Mamod Collector
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It might be an idea to scan the whole STIA program on to this forum
(With Freds permission)
For the benefit of Freesteam users and visitors
(I for one would actually like to read the program)
Maybe then the other side will see sense
And scan the whole STIA program on to there forum
For the benefit of there members and visitors.
Sounds fair to me
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John Chapman
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| MooseMan wrote: | | Yep. Usual nonsense. What a pity that these things can't be resolved in a slightly more grownup way. |
Agreed Odilon, it's sad, so very sad
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Spokesmann
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Sorry chaps I have just come into this . . . Not feeling too good so Ill keep it brief.
As Moose says I dont like my artwork reproduced without permission, I have had enough emails requesting me to remove other logos etc in the past. . ..
In this case a polite email requesting its use would have been all that was necessary, I would have given permission so as the members here and on the other forum would see the complete STIA programme.
A little communication is all that is needed.
Sorry if I have caused any confusion.
Mike
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Spokesmann
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I will attend to uploading a whole set of pics from the STIA 2008 programme.
Ill attend to it later today. I hope this is the end to this matter then. As I have said I can see why the offending page was left out on the other forum, but a simple request is all that is required. I was hoping my talks with other members of the forum would sort this type of misunderstanding out.
I apologise again for any misunderstandings . . .
Mike
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Spokesmann
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Here is the Freesteam ad, as it appeared in the STiA 2008 programme. For members who wanted to see it.
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8_10 Brass Cleaner
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| Spokesmann wrote: | Here is the Freesteam ad, as it appeared in the STiA 2008 programme. For members who wanted to see it.
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On a point of order, probably of most interest to Fred, having not been to STIA, I looked with interest to all the STIA threads over there.
When I looked a the programme scans, your advert page as above was included in the thread as originally posted. I cannot say when it was removed.
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Spokesmann
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Whats done is done now.
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Mamod Collector
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Excelent addvertisment Mike, thx for scaning it
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Spokesmann
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Thanks Mike, Ill try and picture the rest of it laters in its entirety.
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SillyBilly
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| Spokesmann wrote: | Sorry chaps I have just come into this . . . Not feeling too good so Ill keep it brief.
As Moose says I dont like my artwork reproduced without permission, I have had enough emails requesting me to remove other logos etc in the past. . ..
In this case a polite email requesting its use would have been all that was necessary, I would have given permission so as the members here and on the other forum would see the complete STIA programme.
A little communication is all that is needed.
Sorry if I have caused any confusion.
Mike |
I'm not trying to start an argument, but if you say that, then surely the rule should apply to all adverts, you'd have to ask every single advertiser to post the guide. Equality I think it's called.
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Spokesmann
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You are right in some ways, although I think in my case the rule was used for entirely different reasons . . . .
Communication is the key.
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Spokesmann
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Here is a full compilation of all my videos from this years event.
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Mamod Collector
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Excellent video compilation Mike
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wilescoman
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First rate mate well done shame my band fell off !
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Spokesmann
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Always use the best Mamod ones!!
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steamyjim
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Great vid Mike!
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