Just a quickie note re: progress on the roller bearing trucks and SAL B7 design production.
The HO B7 design was moving along until about a week ago but it'll be the end of Feb before that version is in production. Once those patterns are here and production starts, I'll make the necessary tweaks to the CAD files, upscale to S and order those patterns. As for the roller bearing trucks, thanks to all who have ordered (it's not too late for latecomers to order either). I have been making sideframe castings for about a week from 3 molds and all are looking good. I'll make a 4th mold tomorrow. 3 bolster and spring pad molds are now producing castings and those look equally good. Kadee springs are here. New axle/wheel pressing dies arrived last week and will be installed later this week. All that remains is to set up my injection mold and start running wheels but I don't know when I can start that because . . we have been dealing with a dying mother-in-law for the past 3+ weeks. She took a turn for the worse around noon today and, at the risk of sounding callous and uncaring, it's doubtful she'll survive to the weekend. Thankfully, her soul is "right with God" and we are at peace knowing that. If you are a Christian, you know the impact of that statement; if you're not a Christian, just bear with me. Our household is enduring "organized chaos" at best. We are all on-call for the inevitable; we cannot plan beyond each day, including scheduling my work. I have to do what I can, when I can, which means I may have to stop everything at a moment's notice for a few days as we handle funeral arrangements. In the meantime, I'm working thru production as time permits and will keep my customer updated periodically. Thanks for your patience as we work thru this situation. Jim King Smoky Mountain Model Works, Inc. Ph. (828) 777-5619 <www.smokymountainmodelworks.com>
