As some of you may be aware, I have been having difficulties with the production of my vinyls recently, which has prompted me to the rather drastic step of not accepting any new orders until these are rectified.
The problems are two-fold but possibly related. The first seems to be a reluctance for the new cutting machine to perform as required with the cuts not lining up with the prints on a high number of sheets. I always get a few failures that end up in the bin but never this bad. As the vinyl and ink are not cheap, there is only so much attrition that I can take.
Another problem has been the supply of good quality A4 vinyl sheet. I have been using a thinner material recently but this seems to be causing a lot of the alignment problems - the cutter just doesn't like it very much. My previous supplier of the better and thicker material seems to only get the stuff in stock sporadically and currently doesn't have anything at all.
There are various suppliers I have tried but the vinyl is either too curly and won't flatten out or, in one case, not actually vinyl but stick-backed paper!
So there you go...rather than take orders that I cannot guarantee I have decided to knock things on the head until my vinyl stocks are replenished and I can get quality results again.
If you have an outstanding order with me, this is on the list and will be done as and when more vinyl arrives. I am expecting twenty sheets this week, which should help a little.
Please be patient otherwise. I am working hard to get things fixed and will still be doing development work on the 313 and other EMU projects in the background!
In the meantime, I have compiled a list of items already printed and in stock, which can be downloaded here:
http://www.warr.biz/erg/Electra%20N%20Gauge%20Stock%20011012.pdf (http://www.warr.biz/erg/Electra%20N%20Gauge%20Stock%20011012.pdf)
:NGaugersRule:
Sorry to hear about your problems Adam, hope it sorts itself out.
Quote from: Malc on September 30, 2012, 09:40:14 PM
Sorry to hear about your problems Adam, hope it sorts itself out.
here, here
I'm also sorry to hear about this, I've been meaning to order two sets from you since TINGS as you were sold out of the Vinyls that I was looking for. :(
I hope you can get it all sorted out soon Adam.
Sure it'll get sorted. Don't despair something will turn up. Then we'll all be after you for the great service and products you provide...
Good luck on a resolution.
You've got a good name and reputation in the model marketplace.
H.
Just as I was building up the courage for my first project and put and order in. :( Oh well - Good products are worth the wait.
Thanks for letting us know and here's hoping it won't be to long before you've sorted out your suppliers Adam.
Hi Adam
If your cutter is still under warranty perhaps you could send it back for repair or replacement,give the supplier a ring about the problem and see what they say.
I seem to remember I had a similar problem after doing an upgrade,it seemed to be when I tried to cut some files from before the upgrade.I think I redrew the cutting lines on the print,but it could have been a software glitch.
Can you draw some squares on plain paper and put them through on the cutting mat,that hopefully would show if the cutter is out or not,I do that to check the calibration rather than the calibration print out but only alter one adjustment at a time so I can see which way I'm going.
Just a guess because I've only ever cut card and paper on the cutting mat but could it be the new vinyl is stretching or not feeding through very well.
Having said all that, I know mine seems to not cut properly on the odd occasion,usually cured by switching everything off and rebooting.
Allan
I'd just like to say a big thank you to everybody for their support. I really hope to get up and running gain soon!
Hope you get everything resolved soon Adam. There's quite a hole in the market while you're not operating!
Hope you get the cutter and the supplies sorted soon :thumbsup:
Hope you get things sorted out soon Adam. I have seen some of your vinyls on exhibition layouts and they are class :thumbsup:
Marty
Happy to announce that I have secured some more vinyl and the new cutter is running reasonably well. I have made significant inroads into the backlog of orders, so everything is back up and running again!
Also I have some new bits coming out. The new Arriva WAG Express Mk3s and DVT and FGW HST overlays for the Dapol Mk3s.
The HST sides are designed to fit the standard 8-window TS/TF shell and incorporate the different window layouts for the TGS, TRFB and Disabled coaches. Some minor modification is required to the shell for these - generally removing the beading on the altered windows.
The Arriva set incorporates overlays for 2xTSO, 1xRFM and DVT - ideal for re-liverying the "Pretendolino" pack, which can be picked up fairly cheaply on-line.
Glad to hear you're back up and running again, Adam :thumbsup:
Good to see you back Adam..
Quote from: captainelectra on October 15, 2012, 08:03:57 AM
The Arriva set incorporates overlays for 2xTSO, 1xRFM and DVT - ideal for re-liverying the "Pretendolino" pack, which can be picked up fairly cheaply on-line.
Finally a use for the pretendoleanto. May have to ponder that.
Glad to see you are back up and running.
Welcome Back online Adam.
Spoke too soon.... :veryangry:
I have again run out of vinyl and cannot, at present, source any alternative supplies.
If you are awaiting an outstanding order, please be patient, as I cannot guarantee any delivery dates. Obviously, as soon as I can get fresh vinyl then things will start moving again. I am checking the supply situation daily and have tried alternative sources (without success) and will keep you updated.
Please note that to cheques will be banked and no money requests sent unless your order ready or has been sent.
This is a dire situation for me and, unless rectified, means that Electra will no longer be able to trade.
Please accept my most sincere apologies. :help:
Very sad to hear. :(
Is there a specific type of vinyl that you need? ??? Or is it secret?! I'm sure you've looked everywhere yourself, but somebody may know.
Sorry to hear the bad news, and hope you can source some vinyl soon :(
I hope you can sort out a regular supplier soon Adam. I have seen your vinyls both on here and at shows and think they are superb.
Marty
Being a small self employed trader I feel for you. :( It become hard and frustrating when good supply chains break down through no fault of your own :scowl:.
I hope you can sort things out soon Adam.
Many thanks for all the kind comments and offers of help. I have located a hitherto untried vinyl supplier, so have ordered a small pack for testing.
It shouldn't be that difficult - there seem to be a lot of companies offering vinyl but having tried a few, I've had some real stinkers, such as...
1) Curls up as soon as it comes out the pack and won't print properly
2) The inkjet fixative layer de-laminates when you try to peel the sticker off the backing
3) Actually glossy sticky paper and goes horrible...
The eBay trader who supplies the good stuff isn't showing any vinyl in stock and won't reply to any of my messages! :veryangry:
Anyway, we shall overcome. Qap'la, as the Klingons say! :bounce:
Quote from: captainelectra on November 26, 2012, 07:34:33 PM
It shouldn't be that difficult - there seem to be a lot of companies offering vinyl but having tried a few, I've had some real stinkers, such as...
I too am sorry to hear about whats been happening. I have been plotting and scheming for years to build a Southern Electric Layout based on your products, and now that Ive got to a stage where I can just about start building it, that was when your supply struggles started. I wished I had ordered from you earlier now :(
You are right though, it shouldn't be that difficult. If cutters are still on the market, naturally you would have thought it would flowed on that there would be vinyl available to stick in said cutters! A crazy situation really, one not of yor own creation, and I hope all the work you have put in to your business is not wasted!
Hope it all sorts itself out!
Hi adam
Do you still have a royal train available?
If you do i wouldnt mind that then all i need is the west highland line
Cheers
Paul
Adam,
Best of luck in sourcing a new supplier that has the vinyl you need. Iam very pleased with both my re-vinyl'd class 90 into SNCB livery and my 'Dutch' Liveried class 47.
I hope you get it sorted soon,
Best Wishes :thumbsup:
Thanks again, folks!
Sorry - no Royal Trains in stock. (I do have one but it has not cut properly, so is going in the bin!)
Are any of the coaches cut right? Cos i dont mind taking some and getting the reat later
Now most of my order backlog has been cleared and a supply of vinyl has been secured (for now), I can turn my attendtion once more to the more fun business of developing new stuff.
Having done some sides for the Lornby Class 121 in OO, it only seemed right to pick up a Dapol dummy unit and have a go in N. What does the panel think?
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8081/8289297890_7cd1987e09_c.jpg)
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8503/8288238729_f11ca4fb8c_c.jpg)
So far, I've drawn up or am planning the 121/122 in BR Refurbished White, Midline, Early NSE, SWT, Arriva (pictured), Railtrack Brown and Railtrack Blue/Green, Network Rail and of course Loadhaul!
The vinyls will go straight over the Dapol model without any modification but you will get a much better fit if you pare off all the raised detail (*sob*).
Adam that looks brilliant, well done :thumbsup:
Marty
Hey capitan, could you possibly do a4 support coach for the side of a new mk1? Not full side just yellow lettering?
Well done on sourcing another supply of vinyl, Adam :claphappy:
I'm really pleased you are back in action :thumbsup:
QuoteHey capitan, could you possibly do a4 support coach for the side of a new mk1? Not full side just yellow lettering?
Note sure that I could just do the lettering on a vinyl panel that would properly match the GF finish. My speciality is total replacement sides for the older Mk1s, etc.
You might want to have a word with the custom decal guys, such as Railtec or Precision Labels.
Excellent news Adam. :) Looking forward to my goodies! :P
If you don't mind them coming without instructions, I'll pop em in the post tomorrow. Can you PM your address to me please?
Quote from: captainelectra on December 19, 2012, 10:44:21 PM
If you don't mind them coming without instructions, I'll pop em in the post tomorrow. Can you PM your address to me please?
Whos that aimed for?
Sorry - that was for Tank...