The charge has hit my credit card.
I think Scott said shipping begins this week.
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
He said in the email I received they are shipping Wednesday and Friday.
Neal Jeter
Please post sure to post some nice photos when they Do show show up.
Thanks !!!
TrainBub
I received a UPS email last Monday that said it would be here tomorrow, and I would have to sign for them. So far nothing else from UPS so no idea when I need to be here.
I have a NP ABA set that should be arriving tomorrow! I’ll try and post some pics tomorrow night.
Here are some quick photos. Sorry for the mediocre quality, I didn’t have time to whip out the DSLR and instead took these with my iPhone....
In short summary, Another Home Run!
Two minor critiques...
1) the diaphragms lack any play (spring effect), while in some past models (the E8’s & 9’s come to mind) the diaphragms were multi part metal and had some minor flex to them. This allowed for ultra close coupling with short box/length Kadees to the extent that the diaphragms could be butted right up to each other for absolutely no gap between units.
2) I hate to be the one to point this out because it’s one of those “once you see it, you can’t unsee it” kinda things although ever so minor... The gal in charge of the “Main Street of the Northwest” forgot to dot her I’s; but it is the easiest of DIY fixes requiring only the smallest dot of white paint and a very steady hand.
Also, these are my first 3rd rail diesels since the 2nd run PA’s. I’m not sure if this is the first time Kadee mounting brackets have been included, but if so they are a welcome addition to the parts bag! Here we’ve got a bolt on 3RS setup out of the box. Thank you Scott!!!
Finally, to all who have some on the way; you will be absolutely blown away with satisfaction when you unwrap them! And to those who don’t, you’re gonna have a real sore butt from sitting on that fence.
Attachments
Can't wait for the video.
Fresh out of the box, have not installed the included hoses, the short couplers and the scale pilot. Not much of an expert on these, but they look good to me. Always put off getting the war bonnet f3s, so finally have a pair. thanks scott
Attachments
Images (5)
Why can't Lionel do fixed pilots\? Even with the massive hole for the lobster claw looks 100 times better than a swinging pilot.
@superwarp1 posted:Why can't Lionel do fixed pilots\? Even with the massive hole for the lobster claw looks 100 times better than a swinging pilot.
Could it be the O-31 curve requirement? What is the minimum curve for these? I'm thinking of putting in an order for a possible 2nd run.
@Oman posted:Could it be the O-31 curve requirement? What is the minimum curve for these? I'm thinking of putting in an order for a possible 2nd run.
Well your big scale vision line diesels won't run on 0-31 I would think anyway. These are 0-54 curves and O-72 turnouts which I think has more to do with the way the motor is connected to the trucks than anything to do with the couplers swing. I'll post a video sometime this weekend.
Scott did an amazing job on the F3. I was blown away by the metallic sheen....perfect!
Attachments
Why is there glass missing on some of the portholes?
@catnap posted:Why is there glass missing on some of the portholes?
I was just about to ask the same question. I noticed it on a lot of units. Thanks for all the pictures. They all look good, especially the Santa Fe and Northern Pacific.
Donald
@catnap posted:Why is there glass missing on some of the portholes?
I am not sure if this was directed to any of the specific units photographed above but I can say that all portholes on my NP’s have glass in them. In some of the photos I took, they may look like they don’t, but it is really just that the glass is near perfectly clear. Also, I took better photos today and will post them after I have a chance to transfer them off of the camera.
Thanks Big John for the clarification. They are indeed the clearest glass / acrylic I have ever seen in a model train. To me, it looked like the Santa Fe was missing.
Thanks again, looking forward to your new pictures.
Donald
Those are beautiful engines. Looks like they are sold out. In my fleet, I don't own any 3rd rail engines, I am guessing mostly because of the required radius or the fact they are sold out upon delivery. When Kirke was at Just Trains, I purchased one, but my 0-54 and the engines 0-54 did not work, and so I had to return it.
John
@BigJohn&theWork posted:I am not sure if this was directed to any of the specific units photographed above but I can say that all portholes on my NP’s have glass in them. In some of the photos I took, they may look like they don’t, but it is really just that the glass is near perfectly clear. Also, I took better photos today and will post them after I have a chance to transfer them off of the camera.
Thanks for setting the record straight. Taking another look I can see where the glass is so clear that it could give that illusion on all of the models pictured.
Anyhow, these are beautiful models. I especially like the NP's colors.
Here are the N de M F3s
Attachments
Images (3)
@catnap posted:Thanks for setting the record straight. Taking another look I can see where the glass is so clear that it could give that illusion on all of the models pictured.
Anyhow, these are beautiful models. I especially like the NP's colors.
But you had to complain first. This is why Scott does not post any pictures of his stuff.
@boilermaker posted:Here are the N de M F3s
That is one of the ones I wanted to order. NdeM get so little love in this hobby and it was an amazing operation considering how creative the road had to be with the finances it had. So glad to see the final photos. Thanks for sharing!
“De nada”
@rdunniii posted:But you had to complain first. This is why Scott does not post any pictures of his stuff.
Ditto ....
On this project I know of two quality control issues one major and the other fairly minor. What they were isn't at all important. What is important is that they were fixed prior to shipping to the customer.
Keep the pictures coming.
@GG1 4877 posted:Ditto ....
On this project I know of two quality control issues one major and the other fairly minor. What they were isn't at all important. What is important is that they were fixed prior to shipping to the customer.
Keep the pictures coming.
Scott emailed me and said that the road number boards on the Erie models weren't right and that he was having the correct ones done and shipped over. He said that they would install them before shipping to me. Can't ask for much more than that. Issues are bound to come up when the models are built on the other side of the planet. Scott does a good job IMHO.
Jonathan,
I didn't realize he called the Erie buyers on that. Very cool. We discussed it when they arrived and luckily it was easily resolved. I hope the rest is done to your satisfaction when they arrive.
Of course I have an AB set of PRR ones coming sometime in 2R. Wish he had done CNJ, I really NEED those more than I need more PRR locomotives, but not the end of the world. 
-Other Jonathan
Erie - Yes, after checking with Jonathan, the number boards remain, it's the number on the sides has A, B, C, D next to them. Waiting on new decals...
Scott
Windows on our Diesels are CNCed from Poly Carbonate, scratch resistant. The same material that eye glass and some cell phone parts are made from. Very clear.
I'll give Jonathan a tip of my hat, for -- again -- getting the complex curvature of the Santa Fe warbonnet stripe perfect!
I sure do like Superwarp's Lightning Stripes, but I'm patiently waiting for my Amtrak rolling stock. 
Sorry GG1....Let me rephrase that Amtrak Viewliner's and Amfleet 
@clem k posted:I sure do like Superwarp's Lightning Stripes, but I'm patiently waiting for my Amtrak rolling stock.
Clem,
I don't think Amtrak F3s will make the second run, not likely for the 3rd run, and not looking good for the 4th!
I have the same dilemma at the moment with all the Amtrak offerings in trying to stay within a reasonable budget on Viewliners, Amfleet, phase III Slumbercoach, and E60s. The ultimate answer will likely not be a reasonable budget....
@GG1 4877 posted:That is one of the ones I wanted to order. NdeM get so little love in this hobby and it was an amazing operation considering how creative the road had to be with the finances it had. So glad to see the final photos. Thanks for sharing!
Well, I see Scott is floating a short F3 second run. We (may?)now will have a nice opportunity to Have a later purchase of what the Budget wouldn't allow for run one. I myself will be considering the NDM F3 for the south Continuation of the MP Eagle.
TrainBub
I sure like my New York Central AA F3 set.Im looking forward to the Alco FA units and the New York Central H10 Mikados
they all look fantastic! Would be nice to see all of them!!!
I want to thank Kevin Garcia for pushing his friends and others to order enough NdeM F3s to put it into production. THANK YOU Kevin.
Scott Mann
Sharp! Hope everyone enjoys them!
I just put this on the 2 rail forum so I thought I would here too. While I'm leaning towards 3RS, I'm not there yet. I do want to mention that 3rd Rail did the correct number boards for the Pennsylvania Railroad's F3s. This had not been done by other manufacturers other than high end brass. 3rd Rail's N de M's F3s also had the streamlined number boards. It looks like I should thank the N de M folks for pushing for their F3 since there may not have been enough PRR orders to do this unique feature.
Attachments
Images (1)
@CAPPilot posted:I just put this on the 2 rail forum so I thought I would here too. While I'm leaning towards 3RS, I'm not there yet. I do want to mention that 3rd Rail did the correct number boards for the Pennsylvania Railroad's F3s. This had not been done by other manufacturers other than high end brass. 3rd Rail's N de M's F3s also had the streamlined number boards. It looks like I should thank the N de M folks for pushing for their F3 since there may not have been enough PRR orders to do this unique feature.
Ron,
Originally the concept behind the project was to pick one of the 5 phases of F3 production and make it work for all roads. As is typical with 3rd Rail work, that went out the window fairly soon when we all realized that most of the advertised road names couldn't fall into a single phase. Then the decision was made to produce all but phase I F3s as they have the 3rd porthole in the center of the A units and would be a major tooling change. Finally the project developed into who has done what and when. Since a phase II (early) PRR F3 had not been done it seemed an obvious choice. The big spotting difference as you point out is the FT style number boards. While the PRR didn't own a lot of these early F3s, it was unique enough in the model world to make this choice. PRR would go on to buy lots of F3s in all phases up and through the model transition to the F7. For anyone who cares to know more, the late phase II F3 introduced the short roof fans that would continue through F9 production. These early ones share the same fan design as the FT as well.
Glad you are happy with them! This was a fun project.
Now it's into tooling for GP7/9s and there is a lot of variation on those as well especially anyone who wants a version of the flattened long hood of the GP7 which was common to CNJ, B&M, and CNW. You won't likely see those in O anytime again.
Speaking of phase 1 F3’s, I sure would be in for several in ACL should you decide to produce this model.It never hurts to hope, as Scott has fulfilled several of my wishes with the E6’s and E7’s recently released.
Leon
The problem I think for 3rd Rail is Atlas already made F3 Ph 1 units. Atlas actually called them F2/F3 Ph 1 engines. And as Jonathan said, they have different bodies than the rest of the F3 line.
Which phase F3’s wore the Santa Fe freight “Cat Whiskers” scheme? I’ve wanted a set of those for a while and am only interested in something at the quality and detail level of SS/3R.
@BigJohn&theWork posted:Which phase F3’s wore the Santa Fe freight “Cat Whiskers” scheme? I’ve wanted a set of those for a while and am only interested in something at the quality and detail level of SS/3R.
All freight assigned F units wore the cat whisker scheme up through delivery of F7s. The major change over the years was that the red stripe separating the "creamy yellow" paint from the blue was changed to just the nose area in 1946 and the red stripe disappeared completely when F3s were delivered.
Anyone with their D&RGW f3s that would share some pics?
I have 4 D&RGW coming soon. Just sent my last $$$ today to cover them. Will post when I get them.
@BigJohn&theWork posted:Which phase F3’s wore the Santa Fe freight “Cat Whiskers” scheme? I’ve wanted a set of those for a while and am only interested in something at the quality and detail level of SS/3R.
Santa Fe only had two freight F3 A-B-B-A locomotives: 200L-A-B-C and 201L-A-B-C. Built in October (200) and November (201), 1948, they were Phase IV F3's, commonly referred to as F5's, looking like early F7's, but with twin-slot dynamic brake fan openings instead of a fifth pan-top fan. They had stainless steel GE radiator grilles instead of chicken wire.
They were repainted from the blue with cream yellow and cat whisker nose stripes, into the blue with bright yellow and cigar band nose emblem, in 1953 or later.
I remember seeing the 201L-A-B-C make a pickup at Fullerton in the fall of 1958, and by then it had the cigar band scheme.
Does anyone have photos of the Chicago and Northwestern F3's? If so, please post them. I'm very interested in seeing how they came out.
@Ready-to-Run Mark posted:Does anyone have photos of the Chicago and Northwestern F3's? If so, please post them. I'm very interested in seeing how they came out.
I was on standby for them but was not lucky enough to get a set. Appreciative of the Burlington and SFWB sets. Would love to see them if anyone here was able to get them.
Did anyone pick up a Union Pacific set?
Received my PRR A-B in 2 rail last week. If it weren't 110 outside, I'd get some decent pictures of them to post in natural light. They turned out wonderfully.
I'd really be interested in seeing the paint schemes not yet posted here!
My B&O A&B are on their way. I’ll post soon as I get them. Love the pics so far.
Finally had time to shoot a few pictures. A true winner. I got the A-B-B-A set #5521-5522-5523-5524. These are the units that pulled the California Zephyr regularly. Now have something to pull my Atlas Zephyrs.
Attachments
Images (4)
Thanks for sharing. They look great!
I finally got a chance to run them thru lightroom. Here are the HQ photos. Enjoy!
Attachments
Has anyone received the ACL or Chicago Northwestern?
vash44,
the ACL did not meet the reservations # for the first run. Hoping to get it made when and if a second run is offered.
I have no info. on the CNW units.
Leon
@Purplepapa posted:vash44,
the ACL did not meet the reservations # for the first run. Hoping to get it made when and if a second run is offered.
I have no info. on the CNW units.
Leon
I appreciate the info! Hopefully they get made in round 2! Have UP on order but haven’t seen them. Wasn’t sure if the CNW made it either.
Does anyone have a photo of the Northern Pacific B unit? Please post if you do.
Thanks.
@BigJohn&theWork posted:Which phase F3’s wore the Santa Fe freight “Cat Whiskers” scheme? I’ve wanted a set of those for a while and am only interested in something at the quality and detail level of SS/3R.
Quite Nice !!! And how cool that the passenger set will soon be shipping !!!!👍That will be one sharp consist !!!
@vash44 posted:I appreciate the info! Hopefully they get made in round 2! Have UP on order but haven’t seen them. Wasn’t sure if the CNW made it either.
It would be helpful if we knew what roads were produced and what offered roads missed the cut. It’s a shame if say a road missed the cut by one unit and someone could have stepped up for a second unit. Just saying..... too bad not some way of flagging before road offering “flushed”
@BigJohn&theWork posted:
@BigJohn&theWork, you delivered the goods with those photos--THANK YOU!!!
I was delighted to see "Northern Pacific" spelled out with individual letters per the prototype--I don't remember any B units with this feature.
One last request: how tall are the letters? I am guessing 3/16".
Thanks, again. Those are beauties.
@BigJohn&theWork posted:Here are some quick photos. Sorry for the mediocre quality, I didn’t have time to whip out the DSLR and instead took these with my iPhone....
In short summary, Another Home Run!
Two minor critiques...
1) the diaphragms lack any play (spring effect), while in some past models (the E8’s & 9’s come to mind) the diaphragms were multi part metal and had some minor flex to them. This allowed for ultra close coupling with short box/length Kadees to the extent that the diaphragms could be butted right up to each other for absolutely no gap between units.
2) I hate to be the one to point this out because it’s one of those “once you see it, you can’t unsee it” kinda things although ever so minor... The gal in charge of the “Main Street of the Northwest” forgot to dot her I’s; but it is the easiest of DIY fixes requiring only the smallest dot of white paint and a very steady hand.
Also, these are my first 3rd rail diesels since the 2nd run PA’s. I’m not sure if this is the first time Kadee mounting brackets have been included, but if so they are a welcome addition to the parts bag! Here we’ve got a bolt on 3RS setup out of the box. Thank you Scott!!!
Finally, to all who have some on the way; you will be absolutely blown away with satisfaction when you unwrap them! And to those who don’t, you’re gonna have a real sore butt from sitting on that fence.
WOW these are spectacular!!!!
@BigJohn&theWork posted:I finally got a chance to run them thru lightroom. Here are the HQ photos. Enjoy!
Did the NP’s F3s have dynamic brakes?
@CentralFan1976 posted:Did the NP’s F3s have dynamic brakes?
NP's FT's, F7's, FP7's and F9's all had D/B's. I see no reason why the F3's wouldn't. Overhead views are hard to come by, but in this shot of the 1947 NCL the D/B vents are (barely) visible.
Rusty
@Rusty Traque posted:NP's FT's, F7's, FP7's and F9's all had D/B's. I see no reason why the F3's wouldn't. Overhead views are hard to come by, but in this shot of the 1947 NCL the D/B vents are (barely) visible.
Rusty
Then why would the models of them, and the NYC F3s not have them? It seems like a huge oversight for such an expensive model.
https://youtu.be/_IzkwGCdhlo
This was confirmed at the club after a long discussion between members, comparing the Lionel, MTH and 3rd Rail F3s.
@Rusty Traque posted:NP's FT's, F7's, FP7's and F9's all had D/B's. I see no reason why the F3's wouldn't. Overhead views are hard to come by, but in this shot of the 1947 NCL the D/B vents are (barely) visible.
Rusty
It took some docu-diving to find info that Actually! showed what you were talking about - where !!! barely!!! Visible !!!! The db vents are!!! Barely visible - just behind the cab / left from the horns.
The video above does a great job going over the SS/3R NP F3’s!
The F3, Run #2 is finished and will be shipping from the factory June 20th. There is chaos on the oceans regarding shipping, so I will send an email to those that reserved them once I get notice of the ETA to Oakland Port.
As for DB panels on the NP F3s, they are interchangeable. We have NON DB, DUAL VENT DB, FAN DB. Just have to paint to match.
Scott,
Thanks for the shipping update. It makes some time in August appear to be a likely delivery target for us buyers.
The non DB, dual vent DB, and Fan DB comment is welcomed. The variations are a detail my eyes see by honestly my brain never registered the differences. Perhaps seeing only one at a time can be my culprit. I’ve gone back and inspected my Fs and lo and behold - all three variations are represented. The variations are Also there when expanded to FTs and F7s. I also see some variations with the fan DB. I see a “tall” fan, a flush fan, and two in-line slightly smaller fans. All in the correct place just behind the cab.
I guess all these variations are just a function of how many and how long all these Fs were produced.
Cheers !!! 🙂
Quick cell phone snaps, but this is one of the A units from my B & O F3 A-B-A set from the 1st run. Sorry these pictures do not do it justice (need better light than what my too-warm desk lamp provides). The level of detail is astounding. I grew up with an ubiquitous pair of Lionel 2343 Santa Fe F3s (real screen for the roof vents was as detailed as they got), and as cool as they are, this is a whole different ball game. These will go nicely with my 3rd Rail B & O GP7 and the EA/B set and Capitol Limited I have reserved!
Attachments
Images (3)
STILL need to get some photos of my Pennsy 2R units. Luckily they are at the top of the pile of my 3rd Rail diesels!
Those B&O units look fabulous.
Any word on the SD40's?
@illinoiscentral posted:Any word on the SD40's?
You folks on the 2 Rail and 3 Rail Scale forums got nice looking F3 AA/AB/ABA consists. These are absolutely great engines for looks (especially), power and sound.
I was greatly disappointed when I first put my 3 rail engines on the track and saw how far apart the units were. These are electrocouplers and I don't need them between the units.
That is 6 scale feet. I need to see how hard it is to put kadees on them.
Attachments
Images (1)
The Kadee coupler conversion is fairly simple. There is typically a set of parts in the box that has the correct bolsters to mount Kadee couplers along with a 2R front pilot with a smaller opening for the coupler. I don't know about the F3s only because I only have 2r rail versions of that. My PAs which I got in both 2 and 3 rail had the extra parts in the 3 rail box.
My F7's were also equipped with long electrocouplers between the units, but there was a short shank dummy coupler (two with each B unit) in the box, and swapping is very simple.
Did your F3 units not have those parts in the box?
Hi Folks,
The F3s and Amtrak cars are in a container waiting for the vessel to pick them up, on or about July 17th. We've been ready since June, but you can't get a schedule even when you agree to pay an extra $6000 for the container. That's right, $6000 more, on top of the regular $3500 costs. For us, this hits in my pocket, because when there are unexpected expenses they come out of the bottom line, ME. I want to thank those of you that already sent in your payments. It really helps since we are having to wait longer than usual to receive these even after we've paid for them all in June. In fact the whole process of making these projects is slower because I am not able to be there to make the decisions, to catch the errors early which saves time.
Then we are pumping money into the Krauss Maffei, HO SP AC9, C&O Hudsons, all in production right now. And next is the SP Daylights for the Aluminum car factory. So delays in receiving product is very frustrating and challenging when your trying to juggle all these oranges.
Here's a news article describing the current situation with containers:
https://www.joc.com/maritime-n...g-woes_20210608.html
This situation is due to shortages of container and ships, record levels of importing due to the shift in buying patterns in the US, slow downs at the ports due to COVID. Greed, posturing by bigger corporations buying futures in containers, leaving less for the smaller shipper to fight over. It's market forces that will eventually work themselves out. I am reading about more ship lines coming to the business, more vessels being brought back to service. The moment there is oversupply in capacity the prices will come down. I dream of taking my 60ft schooner (I wish) and picking up the shipment and sailing it home. Dream on...
The Korean guy in the middle runs the small factory that makes all the Aluminum cars. "Hi Mr. Kim. You need to eat more. You look thinner than when I saw you in December of 2019." He's normally a very thin guy. Very kind, compassionate, soft spoken which is very important when negotiating, solving problems and making corrections. We both give a little along the process. He's married to a Chinese woman and has 2 kids in their teens living in China. In China a foreigner cannot easly own and run a company in China, so their wife usually owns the business.
I think his kids attend a Korean school in the area. Really nice folks. I feel bad when I see something wrong and have to ask for a big correction. His wife is always there by his side working with him, pad printing, doing decals, managing their unskilled staff. And when I ask for a correction, I usually get a slap in the shoulder and bulging eyes telling me of her disapproval. But they do the corrections anyway, because they know it's for you, the customer.
And I pay them extra for it. Below is the factory working on the Rock Island Rocket cars. Mrs. Kim is standing next to our Production Manager. Many of the unskilled workers move from one Model train factory to another as needed. They've all known each other for many years as Mr. Kim used to be an engineer for one of the major model train manufactures before he struck out on his own.
Once I have an ETA schedule from our freight forwarder, I'll send out final notices for these projects.
To All: Have a great summer.
Attachments
Images (2)
Excellent “newsy” post Scott. A good snapshot of what going on in the train business. I can appreciate the importance of you being there to help keep things smooth - and the detriment of you not being able to travel there. Today’s operations just requires more patience on our part.
Market forces will eventually re-balance and shipping cost will return to “reasonable”.
I prefer to pay ahead - before product arrives. It helps you and it’s a way I can manage my cash flow. If the sum gets large say from three diesels, I send in multiple payments monthly to reach the sum due. That way I don’t take a big budget hit all at once. 😬🙂
Scott,
Most model railroaders probably don't think much about what it takes to produce your products. Thanks for enlightening me. You, and the people who do this work for you, are very dedicated...
MELGAR
@sdmann posted:Hi Folks,
The F3s and Amtrak cars are in a container waiting for the vessel to pick them up, on or about July 17th. We've been ready since June, but you can't get a schedule even when you agree to pay an extra $6000 for the container. That's right, $6000 more, on top of the regular $3500 costs. For us, this hits in my pocket, because when there are unexpected expenses they come out of the bottom line, ME. I want to thank those of you that already sent in your payments. It really helps since we are having to wait longer than usual to receive these even after we've paid for them all in June. In fact the whole process of making these projects is slower because I am not able to be there to make the decisions, to catch the errors early which saves time.
Then we are pumping money into the Krauss Maffei, HO SP AC9, C&O Hudsons, all in production right now. And next is the SP Daylights for the Aluminum car factory. So delays in receiving product is very frustrating and challenging when your trying to juggle all these oranges.
Here's a news article describing the current situation with containers:
https://www.joc.com/maritime-n...g-woes_20210608.html
This situation is due to shortages of container and ships, record levels of importing due to the shift in buying patterns in the US, slow downs at the ports due to COVID. Greed, posturing by bigger corporations buying futures in containers, leaving less for the smaller shipper to fight over. It's market forces that will eventually work themselves out. I am reading about more ship lines coming to the business, more vessels being brought back to service. The moment there is oversupply in capacity the prices will come down. I dream of taking my 60ft schooner (I wish) and picking up the shipment and sailing it home. Dream on...
The Korean guy in the middle runs the small factory that makes all the Aluminum cars. "Hi Mr. Kim. You need to eat more. You look thinner than when I saw you in December of 2019." He's normally a very thin guy. Very kind, compassionate, soft spoken which is very important when negotiating, solving problems and making corrections. We both give a little along the process. He's married to a Chinese woman and has 2 kids in their teens living in China. In China a foreigner cannot easly own and run a company in China, so their wife usually owns the business.
I think his kids attend a Korean school in the area. Really nice folks. I feel bad when I see something wrong and have to ask for a big correction. His wife is always there by his side working with him, pad printing, doing decals, managing their unskilled staff. And when I ask for a correction, I usually get a slap in the shoulder and bulging eyes telling me of her disapproval. But they do the corrections anyway, because they know it's for you, the customer.And I pay them extra for it. Below is the factory working on the Rock Island Rocket cars. Mrs. Kim is standing next to our Production Manager. Many of the unskilled workers move from one Model train factory to another as needed. They've all known each other for many years as Mr. Kim used to be an engineer for one of the major model train manufactures before he struck out on his own.
Once I have an ETA schedule from our freight forwarder, I'll send out final notices for these projects.To All: Have a great summer.
Mr Mann, thank you and thank Mr Kim for me and his lovely wife. You guys are miracle workers and bring great joy to my life. I am forever in your debt and the factory and all its workers for building me some things I've always wanted ane without you guys I dare say I would likely never have them, these models are worth so much more than we pay for them; yet you still manage to keep the prices so reasonable which all the same makes it possible for me to buy them. Again... my sincere thanks and admiration to you all. I tip my hat and a standing ovation.
Yesterday I got notice that the container got "Rolled" on to later vessel, departing July 16th, just a 3 day delay. The good news is the port congestion is clearing up a bit and port delays are lighting up. We now have a port arrival at (8/8 + 1 week port delays) = mid August, 10 days later it should arrive at our warehouse in late August. That is what we are planning for. It's like watching grass grow.
@sdmann posted:Yesterday I got notice that the container got "Rolled" on to later vessel, departing July 16th, just a 3 day delay. The good news is the port congestion is clearing up a bit and port delays are lighting up. We now have a port arrival at (8/8 + 1 week port delays) = mid August, 10 days later it should arrive at our warehouse in late August. That is what we are planning for. It's like watching grass grow.
Gee. Looking at earlier posts about run 1, if we get run 2 delivery to our house by say early September, it looks like that will be Only fifteen months or so between run 1 and run 2 delivery. That’s Really Pretty Good Product Delivery IMO !!!
@sdmann posted:Hi Folks,
The F3s and Amtrak cars are in a container waiting for the vessel to pick them up, on or about July 17th. We've been ready since June, but you can't get a schedule even when you agree to pay an extra $6000 for the container. That's right, $6000 more, on top of the regular $3500 costs. For us, this hits in my pocket, because when there are unexpected expenses they come out of the bottom line, ME. . . This situation is due to shortages of container and ships, record levels of importing due to the shift in buying patterns in the US, slow downs at the ports due to COVID. Greed, posturing by bigger corporations buying futures in containers, leaving less for the smaller shipper to fight over. It's market forces that will eventually work themselves out.
Thanks, Scott. You have always been willing to take an occasional beating for your customers, and that is one of the reasons that you are held in such high regard by many of us. If anyone asked me to give an example of an honest, customer-driven businessman, your name would be the first to come to mind.
Thank you for your years of excellent product offerings, as well as for your efforts to keep the products better with each succeeding offering, and for your dedication to doing the right thing for the right reason. Few others have been so willing to focus on satisfying their customers.
@TrainBub posted:Gee. Looking at earlier posts about run 1, if we get run 2 delivery to our house by say early September, it looks like that will be Only fifteen months or so between run 1 and run 2 delivery. That’s Really Pretty Good Product Delivery IMO !!!
Lets just cross our fingers the container isn't "lost at sea"!
Looks like the container is scheduled to dock about 8/18. End of August we should have them.
Scott
@sdmann posted:Looks like the container is scheduled to dock about 8/18. End of August we should have them.
Scott
Great news !!!!
Thanks Scott
I read an article about container losses and can't find it now. It was sparked by a loss of 1,700 containers last fall. There are about 6 million containers in existence. Around 2 million are on the water at any given time. They lose about 1,000 a year into the ocean. That number has been falling from a high of about 3,000 per year.
They must not be waterproof or they could find them floating where the went in.
Boston and Maine F3 run 2 arrived. Great precision model. Smooth runner.
Attachments
Images (1)
I got my SF freight and UP F3 ABBA set no pictures yet but I did open one of each and I all I can say is wow so glad I got in on the 2nd run beautiful units.
@Shawn_Chronister posted:I got my SF freight and UP F3 ABBA set no pictures yet but I did open one of each and I all I can say is wow so glad I got in on the 2nd run beautiful units.
I did WB and UP! Excited to get them opened up and running. They just arrived. Picked up some from run one. Anyone getting in on run two get ready to be wowed!
I received by Southern F3 Friday. I am going to tried it out Tuesday at the Club.
Vaca Sagrada !!! Holy Cow !!! My NDM is Gorgeous !!! 😛And goodness - check out the interior equipment. 😮😲🙃.
I’ve only my phone to capture. 😑 
The NDM joins my MP and T&P diesels to be the part of the TEXAS EAGLES. The NDM will head the Aztec EAGLE !!!!
(As usual-photos didn’t go into the box in the right order 😖. Mind of its own)
Attachments
Images (5)
