UP vs Model Railroaders This Madness has to end. (Lawyers I want options)

[TomDiehl]

You'd think somebody trying to ba***he UP would make up "facts" that actually SUPPORT his point of view.

[feltonhill]

Somewhere along the line, I recall that the major problem with UP's licensing agreement was extremely broad wording that gave them the right to examine the model manufacturing company's books, and confiscate tooling paid for by the company. This was argued in several model publications. I found no link to the contract's wording in this thread, only the application for license found on UP's website, and referenced here. Does anyone have a copy or source for the entire contract? I recall seeing the first several pages of it, but not the last. That's where most of the argument was early-on, not necessarily with the up-front fee. Without seeing the entire contract, we're guessing at what UP is asking for in total.

[Anonymous]

UP hates Model Railroaders.

[Paul3]

Ok, I know it's from two weeks ago, but Tom Diehl made an interesting point about where the extra money that is being charged is going.

Well, remember that for every $1 in cost to a manufacturer, the retail price increases as well. Not by that $1, however, but instead by a factor approaching 3 if using typical retail and wholesale price structure.

For example, say you are a manufacturer that has an item that costs $100 MSRP. Now suddenly, you must tack on $3 in expenses at your end to pay for something that's always been free. The MSRP now goes up to $108.42.

Where does that extra $8.42 go? First, $3 goes to the manufacturer (or UP in this case), $2.06 goes to the wholesaler, and $3.37 to the retailer (rounding up). Therefore, the manufacturer sees nothing extra at all (in fact, it's a negative cost because now they have to keep track of it all), but the distribution chain gets a little boost.

Paul A. Cutler III
*****************
Weather Or No Go New Haven
*****************

[Anonymous]

They could argue that they were making models of american icons in ho scale. that would p!$$ them off for sure.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by BNSFrailfan

UP hates Model Railroaders.

Just like George Bush supposedly hates black people? Lies.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 4884bigboy

QUOTE: Originally posted by BNSFrailfan

UP hates Model Railroaders.

Just like George Bush supposedly hates black people? Lies.

I am not going to go there.........

[Anonymous]

Here are the Price range from Firsthobby on those new HO Athearn SD40-2's.
The BNSF ones are $53.99.
The UPRR ones are $57.39.
The UPRR ones cost $3.40 more than the BNSF's. But I have to admit! I realy like those UP's because of the UP Shield on the nose. The ONLY thing I don't like......Is that "We will Deliver" on them. That looks realy dumb. Allan.

[dinwitty]

ok, well, it seems to me anything produced with the UP logo isnt money lost.
Its money not made.

Handing over equipment and destroying it works against their goals.
But I suggest no one make UP stuff anymore now.
If the railroad wants to promote themselves, they will have to pay.

[Anonymous]

I could understand what UP is doing it is very bad for the RR when someone goffs up on the Logo for there use. But this madness won't stop for a while if ever.

[TomDiehl]

QUOTE: Originally posted by feltonhill

Somewhere along the line, I recall that the major problem with UP's licensing agreement was extremely broad wording that gave them the right to examine the model manufacturing company's books, and confiscate tooling paid for by the company. This was argued in several model publications. I found no link to the contract's wording in this thread, only the application for license found on UP's website, and referenced here. Does anyone have a copy or source for the entire contract? I recall seeing the first several pages of it, but not the last. That's where most of the argument was early-on, not necessarily with the up-front fee. Without seeing the entire contract, we're guessing at what UP is asking for in total.

Lotus098 posted a link to it on the first page of this thread.

[feltonhill]

Lotus098 posted a link to the application, which did not contain any terms and conditions that would be imposed upon approval. That's why I was interested in finding them because I've been led to believe they are very broad and intrusive. I'm just trying to find the raw material, so-to-speak, and form my own opinion.