Cheddar Valley Steam – is there a problem?

[not done it yetParticipant @notdoneityet]

From this thread, it would appear that his 'behind time' will be somewhat reduced due to his non-replies to paid-up ex-customers.

[Robert Thompson 11Participant @robertthompson11]

Yes you would think so but dont hold your breath.

I would really like to know when a boiler was last completed and how long it took??

[Phil CatchesidesParticipant @philcatchesides15448]

CVS is still booked in for the Bristol show as a trader – interesting to see if he turns up and if so to hear what he has to say for himself. The website shows no changes / problems. I am sticking with my order for now, certainly until after the show

[Robert Thompson 11Participant @robertthompson11]

REALLY? One would have thought he had more important things to do. After all what is he after more orders??

[David Standing 1Participant @davidstanding1]

Posted by Baz on 25/05/2017 19:06:50:

David, I agree entirely with you, but what is the answer?

Baz

There isn't an easy answer.

Have CVS ever failed to deliver, eventually?

Anyone caught up in the same delay basically has three options:

If you haven't ordered yet, don't want to wait, and take a chance that there might be a boiler at the end of it, walk away.

Two, pay your deposit if you can wait, and assume your boiler will turn up eventually.

Three, if you have already paid your deposit and you don't want to wait two years, fight to get it back, and walk.

[julian atkinsParticipant @julianatkins58923]

Hi Bob,

I have never had any dealing with Cheddar, and appreciate the lack of communication must be more than annoying.

However, it is very well known that there is a very long waiting list with most commercial miniature boiler makers.

Why don't you make the boiler for your Bantam Cock yourself? It is a nice easy boiler to build and should not take more than 6 weeks spare time and even less if you buy a boiler kit for it. I would leave out the combustion chamber though, and add a double flanged throatplate.

Would save you a great deal of time and money compared to a commercial one!

Cheers,

Julian

[Robert Thompson 11Participant @robertthompson11]

Hi Julian

Nice to hear from you again, It certainly is frustrating, i wouldnt mind if I had had a mail to say sorry Im way behind with an idea of timescale.

However i did consider a self build but having only build garden railway boilers in the past I doubt my skill level in that field and i certainly dont have the heating equipment to undertake such a task. I have therefore ordered from another supplier without the combustion chamber as you suggested, it is a bit of a wait but at least i know it will be forthcoming. All that remains now is to try and recover my deposit from CVS.Thanks for you input.

Regards

Bob

[Phil H1Participant @philh196021]

Julian,

I had exactly the same thought on this thread i.e., why not try to build or even get help from a local club to build the boiler. It must be horrendously expensive to buy a professional boiler. You only need a propane burner, a mallet and a bucket of acid solution.

I have had more than my fair share of fun trying to build a simple, small boiler for Rob Roy but I could never claim to have built a steam locomotive without building the boiler – it doesn't feel right somehow. And…. even though I have had fun, I would echo what Julian has said regarding the time required. I built my effort, including the flanged plates and formers in two weeks. My problem is that I built it to an out of date set of drawings.

Phil H

[Robert Thompson 11Participant @robertthompson11]

I applaud your enthusiasm Phil but realistically an "effort" as you called it with the wrong set of drawings isnt going to get past my Boiler Inspectors at Chelmsford.

Bob

[Phil CatchesidesParticipant @philcatchesides15448]

I posted earlier but it seems to be missing – Tim called me earlier to say boiler is tested and ready. His problems seem to have been order overload and, perhaps, optimism. The only drawing issue we have had related to understanding the drawing and we got there in the end but he said 'Locomotion' was a difficult boiler (first time for Tim) even though it is low pressure – 60psi working.

[Robert Thompson 11Participant @robertthompson11]

Well done Phil glad youre sorted

Bob

[Phil H1Participant @philh196021]

That's really strange Robert because two different boiler inspectors from two different clubs were very willing to give it a try. There are a couple of issues that I believe can be easily rectified and neither would be a problem if I had used up to date methods. I guess Im a lot better than I thought hey??

[Robert Thompson 11Participant @robertthompson11]

Certainly looks that way Phil Good luck

Bob

[Phil H1Participant @philh196021]

The snag appears to be the quality of the drawings and the drawing modification process. My boiler was built to a 1980s – ish set of drawings and the available book at the time. Unfortunately, it is now 2017 and my boiler has sat in storage. Even if you pick up a brand new set of drawings, they are still questionable – so care is needed before you start.

However, my point is that if you make sure the design is up to date – or modified accordingly – the process isn't that daunting and the response that I have had from clubs is very positive i.e., if you ask them to help, I am sure they would.

Phil H

[Robert Thompson 11Participant @robertthompson11]

Indeed Phil you are quite right we have several accomplished boiler makers within the club who are always willing to advise and help if asked and maybe next time i will try that route.However on this occasion having already placed an order with another supplier i will wait patiently till it arrives.

Bob

[Robert Thompson 11Participant @robertthompson11]

Hi all,

Just thought I would update you as far as my situation is concerned with CVS.

I have sent a copy of my termination letter and request for a deposit refund on each Monday during June, headed "Polite reminder no 1,2,3,etc." This being a copy of the letter originally sent by recorded delivery received and signed for at the CVS address.

Response has been a total zero from CVS.

I can only conclude from this that the man has either lost the plot totally or is prepared to display a total disregard for his customer, downright arrogance and complete ignorance.

I really believed that our hobby was devoid of such companies, clearly my costly mistake.

Bob

[Tony Pratt 1Participant @tonypratt1]

Hi Bob,

Small claims court it is then?

Tony

[Robert Thompson 11Participant @robertthompson11]

Hi Tony,

I dont really have the appetite for it now. By the time its sorted it will have cost me that in time and money.

I will just make sure that every body that i know is well aware of the way they perform – or not. They obviously need the £220 desperately I just hope what goes round comes round , as they say.

Bob

[Antony PowellParticipant @antonypowell28169]

I Use small claims for work via money claim online costs about £35 done on line in around 20 minutes if that

would recommend to give it a go bob after all if he ignores the court paperwork you win by default.

Tony

[peak4Participant @peak4]

Posted by Robert Thompson 8 on 04/07/2017 14:50:26:

Hi all,

Just thought I would update you as far as my situation is concerned with CVS.

I have sent a copy of my termination letter and request for a deposit refund on each Monday during June, headed "Polite reminder no 1,2,3,etc." This being a copy of the letter originally sent by recorded delivery received and signed for at the CVS address.

Response has been a total zero from CVS.

I can only conclude from this that the man has either lost the plot totally or is prepared to display a total disregard for his customer, downright arrogance and complete ignorance.

I really believed that our hobby was devoid of such companies, clearly my costly mistake.

Bob

In no way am I defending the delay or lack of communication, but it's always possible that they have never seen your recent emails. e.g. if they have been diverted to a spam folder on their mail server.
Yes I know businesses should be checking that folder as well, but who knows if they do so.

Have you received read or delivery receipts for any of the emails?

Good Luck

Bill

[Robert Thompson 11Participant @robertthompson11]

Hi Bil

The emails i have been sending are a copy of the letter i sent by recorded delivery for which i have a copy of the signature received.

Theres no excuse the man is a total low life!

Bob

[Steven VineParticipant @stevenvine79904]

Hi Bob

As Tony says, £35 and 20 minutes work. It's a no brainer really. Give the guy some stress and maybe he will wake up and deal with you. He's giving you enough grief, give him some back. These low lifes get my goat.

Steve

[Robert Thompson 11Participant @robertthompson11]

Thanks Steve thats makes a lot of sense cheers

Bob

[Jim NicParticipant @jimnic]

The Small Claims division of the County Court is indeed easy to bring a case in. However getting judgement in your favour, whether by default or by the weight of your case, doesn't mean a thing if the defendant doesn't settle. You still have to fight for your money and the costs you have incurred on top, the only difference being you have a County Court Judgement on your side.

I would suggest that if you are considering the legal route you warn CVS what you intend before you actually spend the £35.00 in the hope that he will understand the potential implications and engage with you.

Jim

[peak4Participant @peak4]

Posted by Jim Nic on 04/07/2017 20:20:33:

I would suggest that if you are considering the legal route you warn CVS what you intend before you actually spend the £35.00 in the hope that he will understand the potential implications and engage with you.

Jim

Indeed, I believe you are obliged to do so, with a formal letter before action.

A free certificate of posting (1st Class) from the post office will suffice, rather than special delivery, as the interpretations act will apply and it is up to the recipient top rebutt delivery. It may even be advantagious to do it this way, as the recipient then doesn't get the option of refusing delivery.

Must be by post though; as it stands at the moment, you still don't know if CVS have even received your emails as a reminder about the recorded delivery item.

Bill

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