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Point 1 Purchasing Cost, That is what I am trying to get an answer to. Allen has on more than 1 occasion put me off "Till later" Point 2 Time to run Operation, Depends how many orders come in. Point 3 Viability i.e. Other Component availability, Lack of wheels is becoming a big factor here, Without which what's the point of a Loco kit. This is the main sticking factor Neville at NDrive has with the old Backwoods Kits. I know I have helped him out in sorting the mess that was the castings to go with each. Point 4  As Angus said Artwork is for a sheet and knowing what is on with what is a problem here. (Back to my initial post on this thread and the "Accessing" remark) if only to find out. The last kit I received was 2 full sheets directly from Grainge and Hodder for a West Clare Walker Bogie Diesel in 15mm, all the bits I want are there, but also some I do not (And have no idea what they are). Point 5  The rise of "The Machines", 3D printing, Laser Cutters and Silhouette Cutters are gaining traction, lowering costs and may end Brass kits for good "If it is classed as good". There is no easy way to take "artwork for an Etch" and turn it into "Artwork" for a different format, Each is unique, In it's form and nature. Basically for each style you start again from known measurements and design to suit your machine.    What other posters to this thread seem to be missing is that I am serious in wanting to do this. At present I have reasonable funding to do it. (Depending on Point 1) and still feel willing to give it a go. The actual "Getting a Price" is the sticking point here.    

I had quite a few emails conversations with Allen before he shut up shop. I had a large outstanding order with him that he was struggling to fill due to issues with the photo tool (it wasn't any of the Irish stock that was affected). I finished up doing a deal with him to secure his remaining 2mm fine scale LMS kits and sides in lieu of what I actually ordered. The email exchange was a bit hit and miss so I came to the conclusion his health wasn't great. This was just speculation on my part though One thing people miss when talking about etching is the quantity required to make an order viable. The whole sheet needs to be produced which can contain several items. This means if you want an individual coach you have to order the whole sheet (which could be duplicates, something appropriate that may be of use or something else entirely) So the purchaser either needs to stump up for multiple items they don't necessarily want or the supplier has to carry stock that might not get sold. Not a simple as it first appears.

The Big question appears to be: How Much? How much would it cost to buy the rights to use the art work How much time would be required to manage the art work - liaising with potential customers, the etchers, running a website and so on How much time would be required to manage sales  Always had the impression that Allen was a one man band, while you don't have to be a genius to work out nobody gets rich from running niche operations like this.  Am guessing that with WW already starting to fragment, the best we can hope for is someone to take on the Irish elements - if only to ensure the artwork isn't simply lost. Trouble is who? Maybe if the cost of acquisition was known, it might tempt a group or individuals to put their hands up?  I think there are other factors to consider as well. In particular, going forwards, how popular will etched kits be compared to  the ever increasing use of 3D printing? From what I see on this forum, I think the latter could well be overtaking the former and as home printers get ever more affordable and the files themselves ever more accessible, will etched kits simply start to disappear for lack of interest? There is cost too - the new Finny7 kit for an 0 gauge LNER B1 looks superb (and the cab detail is jaw dropping), but it will set you back £1000 and is by no means the only one that has crossed this rubicon. Remember, this is a kit, not a finished model.  Ideally, whoever takes on WW - and indeed other cherished brands as their owners give up, need to be young enough to ensure their survival going forwards - otherwise I can see scratch and kit building disappearing, simply for want of the components to do so.  Incidentally, how easy might it be to convert 2D drawings for etches into 3D ones for printing? Is it an AI thing???

Yes that is the story the finder came to as well

I guess seaside excursion goers would have been supplied with hampers and cases of beer and the empty bottles got thrown out of the windows. The one time I wouldn't be mad at people littering if I found one!