I have always fancied making a model IC engine and after much deliberation decided on the 6cc Atom Minor MK3 from Hemingway kits for my first attempt. A simple (I hoped), attractive looking, not too small and fiddly engine for a beginner to build.

I opened an on line account with Hemingway Kits and placed my order for the full castings set , bar stock , drawings and instruction booklet. Within a couple of hours I received an email telling me my order was dispatched. Brilliant.

Ordered Friday , arrived Monday mid morning beautifully packaged in a really strong box. Everything looked really good, castings, booklet, nice clear drawings and material, but where is the central crankcase casting? Oh, that’s to follow in six to eight weeks. How long!!!?

The first piece needed to make a start on machining  was missing. Six to eight weeks is not an acceptable wait without prior notification, a few days or a couple of weeks, well okay.

I was not a happy bunny so I ‘phoned Hemingway and expressed my displeasure at the lack of courtesy and frankly common sense in not notifying me of the shortfall before dispatching my order. I was polite but communicated my disappointment and annoyance to Kate who merely said “send it back. If you’re not happy, send it back”. So I did.

I enclosed a letter explaining why I was returning it. My letter was also complimentary about other aspects of my experience, not just a letter of complaint.

My money was promptly refunded. I received a curt email from Kate to this effect. At no point have I received a meaningful apology either written or verbal.

It would appear Hemingway are more interested in making a sale regardless, than in fostering a rapport and good customer relations .

I am not given to complaining and like to thank and praise when warranted.

A needlessly disappointing  Hemingway experience for me.

Adrian.