Friends,
I had a good week. I didn’t get everything finished that I had hoped to finish, but that is mostly because of how good the week actually was. Confused? HA! Good. Hit the ‘READ MORE’ button and I’ll explain.
THE WEEK IN REVIEW
Without going into too much detail: this has probably been the best two weeks I have had since the whole COVID mess started. But that is a double-edged sword, as the business success these past two weeks has overwhelmed this aging old man’s ability to keep up with things. Still, I can honestly report that TMD and I are both back to where we were when the COVID hit. Sales are going very well. I am excited and looking forward to the future again. Heck, I’m even managing to get enough done around the house that BB has been happy with me. The only thing keep this from being ‘perfect’ is knowing that, whenever things start going this well, Murphy (as in, Murphy’s Law) shows up and spoils it all. So, here’s to hoping Murphy is busy with some other poor fellow. 🙂
OUTSTANDING ORDERS
This week, I struggled to keep up with all the orders that have been coming in since I posted that surprise sale. I believe all the sale orders have shipped, but the orders for the new M-18 products have overwhelmed me. If you have not received an email from Stamps.com notifying you that your order has shipped, then it is sitting on the sorting bench waiting to get filled. I apologize for the slow service, but you guys have blessed me with a lot of business the past two weeks and I am grateful. Now, just be patient a few more days. I poured extra molds and they should let me clear the orders by Tuesday.
NEW RELEASE
I had a few smaller items ready to go this week, but, given how hard it was just to keep up with the orders, I decided to push them until next week.
ON THE BENCH
The following are all still on my bench and making progress.
— A set of light guards made closer to scale (re-working these so they assemble easier)
— Medium size footman loops (finished — 3-5 new styles and sizes!)
— Tools with cast-in straps and footman loops (Re-working these so they are easier to remove from the casting gates)
— 1-piece canvas mantle cover (working)
-– Foul weather hoods, erected and collapsed (working)
As soon as all of these are on the market, I am going to pivot to the M-18 interior and return to the IBG 7TP.
ON KARL’S BENCH
I spoke to Karl today. He is doing well and was working on a small remodel when I caught him. He reports a lot of progress on his new masters, but he has no idea when any of them will be ready. The way Karl likes to do things keeps him working on many projects at the same time. So, when the flood gates do open, look for a bunch of CCKW stuff, as well as some new upper hulls for the Sherman line. He asures me that these new hulls are needed to fill in some holes in our current line, and that one of them will make M32 fans very happy. 🙂
THE SHOP
The shop is holding its own. It still needs work, but I have managed to keep it from getting more messed up in spite of how bust I have been shipping orders. This is a good thing, but I have some pressing issues that are going to require me to pick a day or two and clean the thing up properly — and soon!
THE OFFICE
The office got a little love last weekend. I moved my master bench back upstairs, and cleaned up the den section of the office. Now, all I have to do is tidy up the master area a bit and fix the disaster that is still my desk and library.
ME AND MY WORLD
I would like to thank all of you who have emailed with kind and supportive words of encouragement. Trust me, your concern is appreciated. However, I am worried that I may have given some of you the impression that I am doing worse than I am. If so, I apologize. That was not my intention. I admit, I am weary, but it’s the sort of weary that comes from having been in the ‘slog’ for too long without a break. The spirit is still good and willing to continue, but the nerves are a bit frayed and my temper shorter than it should be, that’s all. Anyone who has ever been on a forced march will understand. 🙂
THAT IS ALL
Well, that’s all I have for everyone this week. Until next time, you stay safe and try to build something (preferably something using TMD resin).
–Joe
Can’t wait to see the M32 surprise
LOL, I thought that would bring a few Shermaholics out of the defilade
Please remind Karl that the MiniArt and ICM G7107s and the Tamiya and Peerless CCKWs all lack the Master Brake Cylinder – the Heller CCKW has something in the general area that’s doesn’t look quite right. Interesting that the MiniArt has the double piston Hydrovac booster system and the ICM the single piston Hydrovac, but neither can work without the master brake cylinder!
Will do, ty