Sound familiar?.
Could impact our MR supplies??
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/114/941-300921120833.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=114522)
It will; Dapol have announced production delays on their website this afternoon. Now, I'm not saying Dapol necessarily single-handedly caused the Chinese energy crisis, but it seems they will do anything to stop the Gaugemaster 73's from actually hitting the shelves ;)
Crossbeam gone askew on 't treadle, no doubt. I bet they weren't expecting the Spanish Inquisition this late in the game.
Quote from: Capri_sam on September 30, 2021, 03:48:45 PM
It will; Dapol have announced production delays on their website this afternoon. Now, I'm not saying Dapol necessarily single-handedly caused the Chinese energy crisis, but it seems they will do anything to stop the Gaugemaster 73's from actually hitting the shelves ;)
If Dapol's last comment from Joel on their 'Digest' site is to be believed the 73s should be on their way now but they've never needed a reason for delays anyway
I think we are probably in the early stages of a transition away from hyper-detailed Chinese assembled models, in a similar way that we moved away from the Western manufactured pancake motor plus bits bag approach in the 1990s.
It is possible to make models in high-cost economies, as Kato proves (okay - I know some of it is made in China but they still do a lot of manufacturing in Japan). That will mean more design-smart detailing as seen on the Kato IET and which Hornby tried in their OO gauge a few years back. The whingers who disliked that sensible approach will have to like it or lump it and go without because I also doubt people will be able to afford 2010s style models in future.
There was also a warning today from leaders of International transport leaders; due to Covid, plus other factors, means that shipping, lorry, and air workers are overstretched and understaffed. This could cause delays until 2023; and maritime shipping container haulage costs are still at, or near, record highs, with ships delayed globally.
Martyn