I got the same email, too. Apparently 2 craftsmen on the SD40-2 project have quit and Erik has not been able to travel to South Korea in 2 years because of COVID. He hasn't updated his website because he's been too busy with his day job.
I don't take any of this as encouraging news. He can produce fantastic preproduction samples and I'm not questioning his ability to design a museum piece but it seems like he's taking on too much at once. How about delivering the SD45's then focus on the SD40-2 project before building BetGon's. I know he's already checking to see if there is interest in 73' centerbeam flat cars.