Letters to the Editor --cont.

[KeithL]

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 Perhaps others whose letters could not be published may wi***o do the same.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 out of any kind of context to say that “MTH’s crystal ball…bears some undeserved tarnish” because Mike Wolf “did what any business owner would do by fighting tenaciously for his company?”

The MTH-Lionel case is only one of a number of legal actions that MTH is or has been involved in throughout its relatively brief history. Regardless of merit, some businesses litigate or threaten to litigate knowing that with a jury any result is possible and that the mere threat to litigate may deter a competitor. The term “lawfare” has even entered our vocabulary.

Wired magazine (July 2004) stated that Darl McBride, chief executive of SCO Group, wants to make everybody pay his company for using the free, open operating system, Linux. His tactic: “Sue, sue, sue.” According to Wired, McBride has “turned litigation into the business model of the new millennium.”

Many industry observers would say the same about Mr. Wolf in the model train industry.

Sincerely,

Keith Levine

[3railguy]

My letter wasn't published either.

August 5, 2004

Classic Toy Trains
21027 Crossroads Circle
P.O. Box 1612
Waukesha, WI 53187
Attn: “From our Readers”

Dear Mr. Besougloff:

Lionel did nothing wrong. They were framed by the Korean Maffia.

LIONEL INNOCENT!

Regards,
John Long

[prewardude]

Here we go again! [;)]

[Anonymous]

After great deliberation and serious soul-searching, it is apparent to me that we are all guilty. Therefore, I am going to my local police station and turning myself in.