Traction Engine Disappointment
by John
I had inspected a 20 year old traction engine, 3″ scale so about 1.5m long, never been fired, just run on compressed air, and appeared to be in excellent condition.
The seller did not have a price, so after discussing with SWMBO who was surprisingly supportive of my passion, I rang the seller with an offer. I did not really know what it was worth, but I made what I thought was a reasonable offer.
The seller immediately accepted the offer.
Had I offered too much?
Oh well. I would press ahead. I made an arrangement to pay and pick up the engine 4 days later. I needed some time to get the cash and there was an unavoidable baby sitting day in between.
So 4 days later I hitched up the trailer and set off. Just as I was driving out the gate, the phone rang once, then a message came through.
The seller had woken up with a bad feeling, and decided to not sell after all. Asked for a return call.
I was feeling very disappointed and a bit cross, so I did not ring him, but acknowledged the call with a message.
Had I offered too little, and the seller had second thoughts?
Did he really intend to sell in the first place?
A susbsequent email from me has not been answered.
I did consider consulting a lawyer about breach of verbal contract, but there was nothing in writing. So I am moving on. Just pissed off.
Now I am looking for another traction engine, preferably requiring completion or repairs.
Re The Traction Engine John……….He maybe suffering Separation Anxiety, If one has spent thousands of hours building something selling it for any amount of money wouldn’t be easy , I enjoy reading your blog Cheers Bernie N
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He inherited it, and it has been gathering dust in his garage for years. No interest from his children. A pity. I would have run it at our Model Engineering Exhibitions. Thanks for the feedback. John.
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