Mike Stannard: his legacy?

[Dave Boller]

My condolences to family, friends and fellow hobbists. I don't know what I can possibly add, that hasn't been said already, and more than once. Dittos from me. Mike was a pioneering giant in this hobby, without question. His products added great and unique detail and quality to almost everything within it. Who among us can say they never purchased anything from him? And, for the few who may not have, can you honestly feel your vehicles are not lacking for it? There's definately a huge void in this hobby right now. There are many products that simply can no longer be purchased anywhere, at all. I think we're all soon to realize that, if we haven't already. Yes, there are many excellent craftsmen out there now, but who has the vast product line Mike did? Who offered all the items he did? Now, I don't know to what extent his family members were involved in his enterprise, but what little I do know of Mike personally over the years from doing business with him, I suspect not many, and not much. Perhaps I'm wrong? Once all his assets go through the Probate Court system, his family will own "6th Scale Icons". This process could take many months, maybe even a year. Whoever does ends up with it, my guess is, will probably try to sell it; perhaps as a whole business, perhaps piecemeal(which would be a shame). But, I don't see the family member involved having the historical knowledge, technical skills, or even the desire to continue "Icons". How many people do? Someone with those qualities should reach out to the family and make an offer. The time (and price) has never been better to do so. And, before the "firesale" goes on. The heir will probably be quite flexable and eager for a quick liquidation. For years Mike had always talked about selling and retiring. So, it's not out of line with his wishes. A new and knowledgable owner, could also resolve a lot of the outstanding orders issue as well. Such, could also keep his product line and legacy alive. The other alternative is, they fade into oblivion.

[Dave Boller]

Congratulations to FOA on it's acqusition of "6th Scale Icons", to fellow hobbists, and for all those of you who wondered if you would ever see your outstanding orders thereof again. This is great news on so many different levels, and for everyone concerned. I understand they will even retain the name of Mike's product line in tribute to Mike's legacy. Fantastic. FOA has been around a long time, and Mike's metal products compliement their plastic product line nicely. This is a really good fit for FOA, who is already a proven and competent merchant for this hobby. But of course the best part, is the continuence of a product line, many items of which you simply can't find anywhere else for this hobby. Waiting for the other craftsmen to fill the void, could take years, with still some products un-replaced at all. As I mentioned a month ago (see above), this would be the best possible outcome for this hobby and all within. Glad to see the opposite didn't happen, which easily could have been the case. Personally, I'll be looking forward to crossing off some items on my wish-list again. Good luck to FOA moving forward with this. I'm sure Mike is pleased.

[Steven Day]

Hi Dave, that's fantastic news. I'm sure Mike would be pleased. I do not know FOA, is this Field of Armor Tanks or another supplier?

Do you think FOA will honor orders placed and paid for with Mike?

Steve

[Steven Day]

No need to reply, I've just found the info on a separate post. Thanks

[Simon Wyatt]

Being new here, I haven't heard of FOA either - care to share their link, please?

Mike

[Steve Stuart]

For FOA try; http://www.fieldofarmortanks.com/ and for Sixth Scale Icons within the site; http://www.fieldofarmortanks.com/6th-scale-icons/.
All the best
Steve