Mr. Sartor,
To be honest, yes, but to be even more honest not for a good bit of time. The worldwide shortage of electronics parts is not helping us in any way. Please take into account the much larger fish in the pond; Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler (and literally just about every other manufacturer who is not making model trains!). Everyone is feeling the results of the 2020 / 2021 pandemic and factories being shut down for long periods (world wide). There is a backlog of orders for components that need to be fulfilled before we (MTH) start seeing the IC's needed to produce PS3 boards. Then add to that demand (internally). Production is clamoring for PCB's to make trains, warranty related orders that need to be fulfilled and us service parts guys are pretty much on the bottom of the list, in terms of any type of priority! (anyone who works in any type of parts business knows what I'm talking about). So, to answer your question, yes, we will be selling upgrade kits, but I honestly cannot give you any type of date as to when at this point. Once the global shortage of IC's is relieved (and it will relief itself over time (just think about 17/32" OSB selling for $75.00 for a 4 x 8 sheet a couple months ago) low supply coupled with high demand = even higher costs!) Obviously it makes no sense to pay way too much for IC's and sell them at a loss just to say "we did it"? (I also trust that everyone out there has enough "backup" trains to fuel your train addictions! If you don't, it would be a great time to build one of those cool TW Trainworx kits!
I know this is not what anyone wants to hear, but as everyone in this industry who knows me, I rarely hold any punches and I always tell you like it is (refer back to my not making EVERYONE happy comment).
Thank you,
Mike Reagan
MTH Parts & Sales LLC
