David enjoys complaining about prices........
Anyone with an SD7/9 on order should have received this, but I will pass it on any way:
Dear Valued Sunset Models Customer:
We have received your payment information for your order for the
SD-7s and SD-9s. Originally we were told these models would be
finished in May, but it's taking longer than expected. That's ok,
because they are going to be fantastic. I am traveling to China next
week to supervise the painting and lettering, decals, and a 2R and 3R
sample for proper operation and wiring.
Your order is very important to us. We expect these models to be
finished in late August and delivered in September. But if it takes
longer to do them right, so be it. We will keep you informed of any
changes to the schedule.
Otherwise, sit back, grab an ice tea, and enjoy the summer.
Thank you again so much for your support in these projects and your patronage.
Best Regards,
Scott Mann
sdmann@3rdrail.com
Your best choice for model trains.
http://www.3rdrail.com
This is exciting...I am getting a CB&Q SD9 that actually looks like a CB&Q SD9 !!!
YUP, I got that one, and this one about the El Capitan
Dear Valued GGD Customer. Please review this invoice for accuracy. Your order is very important to us. These models are will be in production shortly. We will update you on the actually delivery schedule. Now is the time to confirm you order with a Credit Card or send in a check. Credit Cards are not charged until the models arrive. Have a great summer. Know that we are hard at work making these models for you this fall.
Best Regards,
Scott Mann
Rob Leese posted:Anyone with an SD7/9 on order should have received this, but I will pass it on any way:
Dear Valued Sunset Models Customer:
We have received your payment information for your order for the
SD-7s and SD-9s. Originally we were told these models would be
finished in May, but it's taking longer than expected. That's ok,
because they are going to be fantastic. I am traveling to China next
week to supervise the painting and lettering, decals, and a 2R and 3R
sample for proper operation and wiring.
Your order is very important to us. We expect these models to be
finished in late August and delivered in September. But if it takes
longer to do them right, so be it. We will keep you informed of any
changes to the schedule.
Otherwise, sit back, grab an ice tea, and enjoy the summer.
Thank you again so much for your support in these projects and your patronage.
Best Regards,
Scott Mann
sdmann@3rdrail.com
Your best choice for model trains.
http://www.3rdrail.comThis is exciting...I am getting a CB&Q SD9 that actually looks like a CB&Q SD9 !!!
I'm in for a CB&Q as well, got my notice yesterday 
these models are always worth the wait. The details are incredible!
Geez, my typos are atrocious. Shouldn't try to do these emails so early in the morning.
David, I second that motion... I am sick and tired of the on/off production news. Actually, the story goes like this.
Factory A who made most of our stuff up to late last year finally finished their last project, the Cinci/Powhatan and Slumber Coaches in January of 2016. They were a Korean owned company in China that was taken over by a Chinese creditor in late 2014. Once in control they illegally voided any agreements we had including 3 projects in process and mostly prepaid for in 2015. After cancelling a shipment, returning the container and confiscating our 125 CP P2 locomotives, they gave me no choice but to pay them the extra $75,000 they demanded to finish the last 3 projects in the works. I ran back to Korea and secured the signature of the Korean owner on a binding contract, making them financially responsible in Korea if these projects weren't delivered from China. Once delivered I could now walk away from them. They were furious when they found that all their key people were leaving and forming a new factory down the street. They deserved everything they got.
Everytime I left China I got word that they were pressuring the subcontractors for my tools and designs. I hired a couple lawyers, created some ownership documents, moved the major tooling that I could and turned off my Chinese phone. I never experienced such blatant corporate thievery in my life.
But, to re-make the El Capitan cars we have to re-make $40,000 of new tools. Factory A refused to return any tools.
I could have just cancelled the project, but I don't like doing that to our good customers. I know you have been looking forward to these cars. And actually 1/2 of the orders are extra cars folks are adding to their existing first run sets. So eventhough we are going to take a bath on this project, I am determined to finish it.
I attempted to have the cars cutouts CNCed. I went to a Design 2 Parts show in June and talked to numerous vendors, one of which runs some factories not far from our new facility in China. The cost was about $100 / car just to CNC the cut outs, much more than the traditional stamped tooling way. Back to the drawing board. The factory (B) searched far and wide for a vendor to recreate the needed tools at a price that was compatible with the current retail price of the cars. Once the project met budget I gave them the green light, and I am now sending out notices to secure the orders needed to pay for the project. When I go to China we will sign the contract and the projects will be produced.
Since the same design is creating the new tools, and the same folks are assembling and painting the models, they will match the previous run exactly.
The new factory has now delivered 2 projects to us and we are on track for 2 more this summer. So Factory B is on-line. In the mean time I am spreading out projects to other factories we have worked with in the past. Don't put all your eggs in 1 basket is a good adage.
Some good news for once, the currency in China is going to go down, meaning, it should be easier to make good deals over there to keep costs down. So far it's dropped from 6.2 yuan / US$ to 6.65. We are all hoping for 8.25 which where we were 10 years ago.
Now, lets get back to the Business of having fun. Making trains is actually fun when you have a good partnership with the factory. Now we do.
To All have a great 4th of July weekend.
Scott Mann
FWIW, I am choosing to purchase one "set" of cars over a 2-3 year period. I'm ok if it pushes to the right, as it allows more time to save up. Either the GGD SF El Capital (Run #2) or Atlas CZ. My preference, by far, is the SF. However, based on all the drama from GGD, I almost backed out and shifted to CZ. However, I will hand it to Scott - his communication in this has been outstanding. I wish all manufacturer's spent the time with honest communication to their customers like Scott has been doing. For this reason alone, I am keeping my cash with GGD and Scott. It will be my first set of GGD cars and I'm sure worth the wait.
VADarthDad posted:... However, I will hand it to Scott - his communication in this has been outstanding. I wish all manufacturer's spent the time with honest communication to their customers like Scott has been doing. ...
Scott has clearly set the standard for communicating information to his clients. He "gets it". 
Based on his latest updates, the factory dealings overseas nowadays make the days of the wild, Wild West seem like a walk in the park! 
With this kind of riveting content, Scott could write a book about toy train manufacturing in our modern era that would hold all our attention from the first sentence. Now THAT's a book I'd buy. 
David
Thanks for the update Scott, clearly me and the rest of the guys in here during the summer have nothing better to do than worry about our trains
VADarthDad posted:FWIW, I am choosing to purchase one "set" of cars over a 2-3 year period. I'm ok if it pushes to the right, as it allows more time to save up. Either the GGD SF El Capital (Run #2) or Atlas CZ. My preference, by far, is the SF. However, based on all the drama from GGD, I almost backed out and shifted to CZ. However, I will hand it to Scott - his communication in this has been outstanding. I wish all manufacturer's spent the time with honest communication to their customers like Scott has been doing. For this reason alone, I am keeping my cash with GGD and Scott. It will be my first set of GGD cars and I'm sure worth the wait.
You will not be dissapointed! I have 6 complete GGD aluminum sets, and the Silver Meteor will be my 7th. They are all beautifully detailed, and the most accurate 3R passenger cars out there. And yes Scott is by far the best at communicating with us, his customers.
sdmann posted:Now, lets get back to the Business of having fun. Making trains is actually fun when you have a good partnership with the factory. Now we do.
Scott Mann
My hat is off to you, Scott.
I'm looking forward to the SD9's (I wish there had been more reservations for the CNW SD7, but that's how it goes sometimes). With the SD9's being virtually identical to the SD24's in their basic structure, the SD18 and SD24 would be a nice follow-on, especially if the cabs are separate pieces which would cover ATSF (GP20 low-nose cabs), and UP (SD24 B-units). I'm sure some "torpedo tubes" for the roof could be scrounged up.
Or the upgraded ATSF SD26
UP SD24 B-unit
CNW SD18 I don't know if these were SD24's with the turbocharger removed or if they started out as SD9's or what but they're pretty unique. Judging by the paint on this one it might have been re-painted in Zito yellow.
Much to my surprise, it looks like Santa Fe's weren't the only ones that got bobbed noses. This was likely a rebuild or a late order.
Matt, did the Cnw sd7 get cancelled?
Just for kicks and opinions....... Would anybody like to see a scale metroliner produced by 3rd rail? I think the in truck motor design would carry over well in these. There were 3 car types. Parlor, cafe, and coaches. And 4 paint scemes. Pennsy, PC, Amtrak phase I and Amtrak phase II. Just wondering if this would drum up interest.....
Matt Makens posted:Matt, did the Cnw sd7 get cancelled?
Yep. Changed the SD7 to another SD9. Briefly thought about modifying one of them into an SD18, but I think I'll do that to an MTH Rail King SD9 I have.
I got both sd9s, if id known I woulda been willing to change them to SD7's, I dont care which ones, they're pretty much the same to me. I want that CNW SD18 in the operation lifesaver scheme
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Rocky Mountaineer posted:...... Scott could write a book about toy train manufacturing in our modern era that would hold all our attention from the first sentence. Now THAT's a book I'd buy.
I'd buy and read that book, too! I have to admit, I don't understand why toy trains couldn't be produced in another Asian country, etc.
Anyway, I eagerly await seeing a video, etc of 3rd Rail's SDs ... how well they run, in addition to the details. I'm interested in future old road switchers offered by them
EBT Jim posted:I have to admit, I don't understand why toy trains couldn't be produced in another Asian country, etc.
Learning curve. The thieves you must deal with can at least build acceptable product. A new mfgr. will bring headaches and likely inferior product at first, no matter how they try.
Back in the day, GEM started production in Korea with, I think, Samhongsa. The first couple of models were not very good.
We had 1 successful project from the Philippines. When I went there, I was suprised how well educated the factory workers were. They spoke perfect English and knew exactly what to do. But something in their culture didn't mix well with their Korean managers and they soon ran into a lot of problems. Our 2nd project had to be transported to China at great expense after waiting over 1.5 years. In 3 weeks the Chinese factory was done, with all the parts corrected and finished properly. There is a huge learning curve changing even from one factory to another.
I see a listing for reserving the E8 Amtrak. It does not allow to pick 2 rail? Are there any left? Should I email Mr Dunn?
http://www.3rdrail.com/reservation.htm
(I know, why did I wait so long? I see the reservations are extended though)
Canon and other companies have been building optics for cameras, rifle scopes and what not in the Philippines for quite some time. It's not nearly the same as small batch model trains but they managed to get thru the growing pains and be successful. It's too bad it didn't work out. My company sells to companies that manufacture over there and they seem to be quite happy across the board. Being a us territory are they still subject to the same import taxes?
joe, do you mean Mr. Mann? He's right above you
The Phillipines are an independent country, not a US Territory. Not sure when they got their independence, but they did become a territory as a result of the Spanish American war at the end of the 19 century.
Thanks Matt, I think the Amtrak version was all bought by Mr. Dunn. I see it listed, but no choice between 2 rail or 3.
I always start at the source
Engineer-Joe posted:I see a listing for reserving the E8 Amtrak. It does not allow to pick 2 rail? Are there any left? Should I email Mr Dunn?
...
Always best to call and talk with Shani just to be sure... but I think you indicate 2-rail vs. 3-rail at the top of the order form. The separate price and line-item detail for 2/3-rail B-units accounts for 2-rail being powered and 3-rail being non-powered. The A-units are all powered... whether 2-rail or 3-rail... and your selection at the top of the order form would indicate 2-rail or 3-rail.
David
Iif memory serves me right the Philippines gained their independence from the US in 1947.
The Paris Treaty at the end of the Spanish American war ceded control of the Philipines, Puerto Rico, and Guam to the United States. Given the geographic location of these islands, one can easily see the value of having military bases on these islands, especially at the start of the 20th century. Shortly after the end of WWII, as noted above, the Philipines were granted independence.
When having stuff manufactured (especially overseas) there is a huge difference between owning a factory and contracting work to a factory. When contracting, one has a lot less control on production. I tip my hat to Scott, as I don't know how he puts up with some on the shanigans that occur.
Jim
David is correct, the 2 rail/3 rail selection is a drop down at the top of the page and Amtrak E8's are selectable
Im super rusty on my world history. I don't know why I assumed they were still an American Territory. They gained independence in 1946
With this kind of riveting content, Scott could write a book about toy train manufacturing in our modern era
that would hold all our attention from the first sentence. Now THAT's a book I'd buy.
David
And if Scott teams up with John Smith of Pecos River Brass, That would probably be a "must have" read for collectors in the modern Toy train world too!
SDMann, Any chance of getting the USRA 2-10-2 heavy in Production? there were some good roads that got them including the PRR!
Not sure if I'm robbing the thread, or not....
But since others are putting their requests in...
Scott,.....As I said before.....I'm relentless!
And now Kalmbach has released a new special edition Classic Trains magazine featuring the great trains of the West, with the cover photo featuring (drum roll with trumpet voluntary, please!) the Santa Fe E-1 in all its 'Warbonnet' glory....
...which had sisterhood with B&O's EA. Two glorious, begging-to-be-done-in-O2,3R iconic leaders into the glamorous diesel era.
I want them BOTH.............pleeeeeeeeeease?!?!?!?!? (Have kneepads, will grovel!)
Coupled with Broadway Limited's recently announced production of the ATSF E-1 in HO.......It's a sign!!
finis
KD
I'm with KD above. I would reserve a Santa Fe E-1 in Warbonnet paint. I don't have the proper cars to go with it, but they are out there.
Charlie
My future wish list for sunset models projects...
early E units. Particularly ACL, seaboard & B&O
metroliners
and a correct Virginian triplex
My wish is that Scott not make anything I want for the next 3 to 5 years.
Matt Makens posted:My wish is that Scott not make anything I want for the next 3 to 5 years.
I agree. With SD7s, SD9s, E8s, PAs, 0-6-0 Switchers, and Harrison cars in the works, I already have plenty to keep my finances quite busy.
Ive got a nice car on pre-order with Scott. SD-9s, El Capitan, PA's, Empire Builder.
That worked.
I thought that upper heading was just for corrections of previous pre-orders.
I cant wait for my SD-9s Im super excited about these. One of my favorite locomotives
I'm with Brandy. I would buy a C&O K-2/K-3 Mike. I'd also like to see a C&O H-6 2-6-6-2.
Zchildress posted:I'm with Brandy. I would buy a C&O K-2/K-3 Mike. I'd also like to see a C&O H-6 2-6-6-2.
You can go to the Sunset / 3rdRail website and reserve an H-6 now.
