In the Correspondence section of the November CTT, Neil Besougloff noted that space did not allow them to publish all the letters they had received about the MTH-Lionel court case (including, presumably, Mr. Besougloff’s editorial about the matter in the September CTT). However, space is not an issue on the CTT Forum, so I thought I would post the letter I had written to the magazine. Perhaps others whose letters could not be published may wi***o do the same. Or perhaps Mr. Besougloff might post them all here. My letter follows below:
August 1, 2004
Attn: “From our Readers”
Classic Toy Trains
21027 Crossroads Circle
P.O. Box 1612
Waukesha, WI 53187
Dear Mr. Besougloff:
Your editorial on the MTH-Lionel lawsuit (CCT, September 2004) was both baffling and irresponsible.
First, why the haste to urge the Train Collector’s Association (TCA) to puni***hose individuals allegedly at fault? The legal process is far from over. At this writing, the judge is even yet to affirm the verdict; and, as you indicated, if the verdict is affirmed, Lionel intends to appeal.
What would you say to those individuals you want the TCA to single out, if, after appeal, the verdict is overturned?
Second, where has your ethical compass been the last 11 years?
Mike Wolf began the current incarnation of MTH in 1993, while still producing tinplate and diecast trains at Samhongsa as a subcontractor for Lionel. Mr. Wolf himself has admitted, “I was involved in all the sensitive areas [of Lionel] and I know what they were doing…” (O Gauge Railroading, April 2000).
Yet with this company secret information, Mr. Wolf began planning and developing competitive locomotives, unknown to Lionel. Legally wrongful—a court never decided. Unethical—certainly. Will you urge the TCA to revoke Mr. Wolf’s membership?
Finally, even if the MTH-Lionel verdict ultimately stands, how can you take this one case