N Gauge Forum

General Category => N Gauge Discussion => Topic started by: Adam1701D on June 29, 2020, 11:17:12 AM

Title: Electra Rail News - Major Investment
Post by: Adam1701D on June 29, 2020, 11:17:12 AM
After seven years of having my vinyls printed externally, I have taken the plunge and ordered my own printer, a Roland VS-300. This is a big investment for us and it will revolutionise the delivery of Electra vinyls, giving us full control and much faster delivery of the finished product.

The printer is being installed next Monday, July 6th and I can't wait. There is going to be a lot to learn but I should have my own home-produced vinyls in production really soon.

Our biggest worry now is will it fit through the door. Here's a picture of the printer being stripped down prior to refurbishment with a new print head.

(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/106206847_3498304793536121_5050860858056937318_o.jpg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_eui2=AeFSeBiGoQ7xY7eRuR5REXmyKXl7UGf3UpcpeXtQZ_dSl_CQjQFTwXaSl9qYyDgVjxA&_nc_ohc=KH_nxaHgnWkAX940PdC&_nc_ht=scontent-lht6-1.xx&oh=3b79fe1c628ffe714651fb51539355e7&oe=5F1E1F52)
Title: Re: Electra Rail News - Major Investment
Post by: Newportnobby on June 29, 2020, 11:20:44 AM
I wish you well with your new investment, Adam.
Title: Re: Electra Rail News - Major Investment
Post by: crewearpley40 on June 29, 2020, 11:23:12 AM
Likewise. I hope it helps in producing your excellent range
Title: Re: Electra Rail News - Major Investment
Post by: njee20 on June 29, 2020, 11:42:50 AM
Cool! Presumably the move to Spain is no longer on the cards for now?
Title: Re: Electra Rail News - Major Investment
Post by: Adam1701D on June 29, 2020, 11:57:26 AM
Quote from: njee20 on June 29, 2020, 11:42:50 AM
Cool! Presumably the move to Spain is no longer on the cards for now?
Afraid not - with Covid and political uncertainties, we've decided to build the business and look again in a year or two.
Title: Re: Electra Rail News - Major Investment
Post by: Graham on June 29, 2020, 12:55:55 PM
congratulations on the investment Adam.
Title: Re: Electra Rail News - Major Investment
Post by: jpendle on June 29, 2020, 02:47:41 PM
Congratulations.

Will this slow down any existing orders, or are you still sourcing from your existing supplier for the time being?

Thanks,

John P
Title: Re: Electra Rail News - Major Investment
Post by: GrahamB on June 29, 2020, 06:53:55 PM
That's really good news.

Good luck.
Title: Re: Electra Rail News - Major Investment
Post by: Adam1701D on June 30, 2020, 10:30:17 AM
Quote from: jpendle on June 29, 2020, 02:47:41 PM
Congratulations.

Will this slow down any existing orders, or are you still sourcing from your existing supplier for the time being?

Thanks,

John P

Hi John

I am in that rather odd limbo phase where it is going to be quicker to wait for me to print the orders, rather than send them off. I do have one more batch to arrive and then it;'s all down to me.
Title: Re: Electra Rail News - Major Investment
Post by: Hiawatha on June 30, 2020, 10:35:17 AM
Can you print white, silver, gold, chrome too?
Title: Re: Electra Rail News - Major Investment
Post by: Adam1701D on June 30, 2020, 10:48:01 AM
Quote from: Hiawatha on June 30, 2020, 10:35:17 AM
Can you print white, silver, gold, chrome too?
I can print white but not metallics. I will be investigating if it is worth getting metallic vinyl and printing over the top but this would require the windows to be cut out rather than clear film.
Title: Re: Electra Rail News - Major Investment
Post by: Dancess on June 30, 2020, 11:17:32 AM
Hi,

Is there any chance that you'll be printing BR sides that are not available as ready to run items? Sorry but not into this multi-coloured thing.
Title: Re: Electra Rail News - Major Investment
Post by: Jimmy77 on July 01, 2020, 08:27:17 AM
That's an impressive piece of machinery! Having control of your own production line should be so much better for you. Good luck!

Title: Re: Electra Rail News - Major Investment
Post by: Mr Sprue on July 02, 2020, 08:12:30 AM
Great move Adam, owning your own machinery gives you the luxury with experimenting on other lines even commercial vinyls for business's in your area.

Don't worry about it not fitting through the door as that can soon be removed and put back in place!  In the past I have had to remove brickwork to get a machine into a workshop.  :)

Best of luck for the future m8 and hope you do well. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Electra Rail News - Major Investment
Post by: OwL on July 02, 2020, 10:04:09 AM
Best wishes to you Captain. I'm sure everything will be fine and you'll be printing graphics in no time at all.
Hope everything goes well with the printer.
Title: Re: Electra Rail News - Major Investment
Post by: Adam1701D on July 02, 2020, 11:42:29 AM
Thanks for all the kind words. I will certainly be exploring other uses for this machine, such as banners, railway signage, totems, house signs, etc...
Title: Re: Electra Rail News - Major Investment
Post by: crewearpley40 on July 02, 2020, 11:52:56 AM
Hope it brings plenty of success and maybe add happy birthday banner you know the type found in shops that sell cards etc , but look forward to hearing more in due course. Stay safe
Title: Re: Electra Rail News - Major Investment
Post by: Adam1701D on July 03, 2020, 09:45:39 AM
Quote from: Dancess on June 30, 2020, 11:17:32 AM
Hi,

Is there any chance that you'll be printing BR sides that are not available as ready to run items? Sorry but not into this multi-coloured thing.

Yes - I can potentially do anything that there is a base model for them to sit on (or as a scratchbuilding aid). There are a few"Pre-Blue" items in the range that I need to add to the website, such as the Cravens Mk1 Prototype vehicles.

As an aside, I had a lengthy e-mail conversation yesterday with the chap who is coming to do the set-up on Monday, which involved sending a lot of pictures of the entrances to the house and doorway dimensions. Just hope it is going to fit!
Title: Re: Electra Rail News - Major Investment
Post by: Bealman on July 03, 2020, 09:50:13 AM
Hope it does! Good luck with it all.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Electra Rail News - Major Investment
Post by: emjaybee on July 03, 2020, 10:08:36 AM
@captainelectra (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=9) Just remember, doors and doorframes aren't that expensive to replace, keep your hammer and wood chisels handy when they deliver.
Title: Re: Electra Rail News - Major Investment
Post by: Bealman on July 03, 2020, 10:12:11 AM
I just had a new fridge delivered earlier this year, and had to remove doors to get it in. Total butt pain.

It will certainly make life easier if this machine does fit through!