[SEL] Canadian Fun

[Paul Evans]

People sometimes wonder why as a museum we are reluctant to help, so.

A couple of months ago a Canadian "gentleman" by the name of Rob 
Stephens asked for help with a Petter genset he was rebuilding. We have 
spare new pumps and injectors and offered to send him a set.

He sent us a money order for £50 to cover cost and postage and we sent a 
set off. A couple of weeks later we get an email saying nothing had 
arrived. We left it another couple of weeks to be on the safe side and 
sent him another set as he said he was desperate.

He had asked the package to be marked $20 for customs purposes, they 
opened it and returned it marked "Opened By Customs - Return To Sender", 
we assume because of low value declared - never had that happen before 
so unsure.

Now start getting grumpy emails - fair enough he wants his bits, so we 
send again.

His latest email is below:-
...........
stephensrw at stn.net

I'm going to give you just a few more days to do the honorable thing and
take care of this.  Your correct response will begin by replying immediately
to my unanswered emails.  If I hear nothing I intend to let the world know
what you did via the internet.  I don't think your buddies in the engine
collecting circles will be impressed.  Is your reputation worth fifty
pounds?  I now know that your conscience isn't.

Rob

..........

We had not cashed his money order, we would not have done until he 
received the parts, and have told him it will be returned. Total cost to 
the museum around 150 quid.

We currently respond to around 30 emails a day and a similar number a 
week looking for physical help. As a result of the cr*p over this one 
and others we have decided to pack it in and will not be offering a help 
service any more. 

If anyone out there fancies starting a museum take my advice and forget it!

:-)

Paul

Internal Fire Museum of Power
http://www.internalfire.com

(We enjoy it really)