The situation is of course particularly tragic for the folks in Linn Creek, MO, as I'll elaborate on in a moment, but I think few fully yet appreciate the magnitude of the event. Woodland Scenics is a really large manufacturer by model railroad industry standards, with 100-150 local employees. Likewise, the cross section of the company's products is quite large, larger than many think and in some respect almost unique. In particular, beyond their wide range of scenicking materials, they own DPM structures, the hobby's last remaining source of really nice, yet modestly-priced, plastic period buildings. If their moulds for these were lost in the fire the impact would be devastating...who doesn't employ at least a few of these buildings on their layout? And short of perhaps Scenic Express in PA, I can't think of any other fairly large scenicking supply outfit in the States. Most others are essentially mom and pop concerns.
I'm not sure many hobbyists are aware of what Woodland Scenics physical circumstances were and how this will affect any potential recovery. WS is situated in Linn Creek, MO, a place I would consider no more than a wide spot in the road, population ~300. Undoubtedly, its employees nearly all come from the little village and its immediate regional surroundings. The economic impact on the area is likely to be enormous and virtually all these folks are going to have to start an immediate search for other employment. How many could still be retained to do business as usual during reconstruction is certainly questionable. Undoubtedly, this situation will move many of them far away to a point from which they will not return. One can pretty much imagine the impact on a company if they lose most of their former experienced employees in a rural area.
My biggest concern actually centers on WS's insurance situation. As I pointed out previously, WS was situated in a small rural village. Local fire protection was minimal, likely making the insurance rate significant and perhaps its coverage less than complete. From the pictures on-line and my background in the Fire Service, I would say that between fire and water damage the involved structures were a total loss, structures and contents. Insurance coverage often does not exceed 80% of the loss in a business.
WS has been around for quite a while and it would not surprise me much if, under unfavourable circumstances that they might simply call it quits and retire with the insurance money. I anticipate a WS rep will post something regarding the company's plans for the future by next Monday and I certainly await any such information, but no matter what, any recovery will take a long time. I wish them luck.
P.S. As of 10AM Friday morning here is the latest I could find regarding fire details and WS immediate plans:
http://www.lakenewsonline.com/photos/x1 ... ics?foto=0
CNJ999
