Folks, I am in China working on the SD7/9 inspection. This factory treats these projects like brass projects. Each road has a detail specific list of requirements and application of brass details. Each paint scheme and lettering scheme is hand applied. It's an expensive but necessary process to give you the road specific model details you seek.
I will be meeting with my production manager and tooling manager in the coming days. I am well aware of the need for some modifications of the hood to give all roads a chance for production, with accuracy. That said, I will try my best to incorporate these designs in the SD40-2 project from the beginning so that we can have a project we can make now and in the future as demand dictates. It's a numbers game. There's a lot of up front costs and financial compromises to keep everyone happy. Factory, Customers, and ultimately you. We have a lot of fixed expenses that need to be met, and we try to balance everyone's needs to make this work.
Over the years, we have released many different models that other importers have been producing. We don't see an affect on one another, at least I am not aware of it. Brass models costing 3 X more still sell in their niche.
So we don't feel we are treading on other's project announcements. We just do what we are asked to do by our customers. So don't conjecture that we are out to get anyone. We just do what we do best.
In the 2 Rail sound arena, we have been working behind the scenes with QSI personnel and Josh of QSI solutions to produce a truly outstanding sound set for 2 Rail. The E8/E9 sounds will feature stereo sound and possibly 2 separate prime mover sounds as the E8s had these. To do this Q3 level of sound we needed a fast loader to ensure we could make last minute changes if needed during production. This has now happened. So 2 Rail E8/E9 customers will get this level of sound, as will future runs.
We have implemented in all journal bearings, ball bearing inserts in the truck side frames. 3 Axle trucks are sprung, 2 axle trucks are fixed in our diesels. This is now standard equipment for SD79 and future diesel productions. The results are outstanding. Very smooth, friction free starts. Quiet and smooth operation. I am really pleased with what I have seen so far.
So thanks again for your support and enthusiasm. Keep the suggestions coming, and we will do our best to support you in your hobby now and in the future.
Scott Mann - China
