...made any announcement about resuming manufacture of their wheelsets? Their web site showing status is blank. I has been well over three years now and I keep wondering.
I talked to Matt, he is planning on resuming when all these COVID nightmares are over. So the blame for the delay is due to the folks who didn't get vaccinated. Idiots ruin everything every time.
He just said that when it was possible to start production again, it would be for all products. I even put in a suggestion for a 1,000 count wheel package so we could make up for lost time on the wheels.
David, I must be missing something here as thought they were made in China so what does getting the shot here have to do with anything? I for one am not getting it as my Liver transplant team called and said not to as could have a bad reaction to it. Only two drugs I know that cause a reaction to me and both stick me in the hospital with uncontrollable shakes. So just I'm one of the Idiots ruining it for you. rich
Rich....I am sure David is not talking about people who for medical reasons cant get the shot. We are starting to the edge of political discussion...so I will leave it at that.
I'd be in for a 1,000 pack of wheels! Hope it won't be too long. FVM is one of my favorite manufacturers and I really want to see them succeed.
"We are starting to the edge of political discussion..." We are far past it. Please adhere to the initial question. Thank you. Administration
Mine have been on back order since long before the present. Going back to when the problems with overseas manufacturing began. We are talking five plus, in number of years. The truck frames, (via Shapeways), which I was using have suddenly been discontinued. Out of stock and gone forever. So unless there is a miracle, my need for the FVM wheels is now done. My only alternative is an expensive route. Oh well.
Just clearing out my layout design notes folder and found the post-it. Mine went to back order July 12, 2016.
Metal wheels in general appear to be close to unobtainable. I have a few FVM wheels left, plus a package of Exactrail that I ordered direct earlier this year. I found a 12 pack of Micro-Trains metal wheels in the corner of a hobby shop on my last trip to New Jersey but other than eBay they've gone missing as well. ESM wheels are stocked here and there from a certain seller affectionately known around here as "woo woo woo."
Even if you could get the manufacturing done (may take an extended period of time due to backlogs and worldwide employee shortages due to the COVID situation); it is extremely difficult to get all products shipped via ocean vessels. There are shortages of containers and no space on the steamship lines. As most know; prices have increased and this is just the beginning. In my business; the cost for a 40' container from India was about $4000.00 in early 2020. The current cost is $14,100.00 and we have containers sitting in the India ports for almost 60 days because of no space on the vessels. Costs from the far east are even higher! No manufacturer or distributor can absorb those costs and delays. This will last through 2021 so it will be an interesting Christmas season for the retail sector. Buckle up! Brian
Prior to the present shortages, what were all of the companies which were offering metal wheels? I had some notes and I recall them being talked about in a topic, possibly last year, but presently cannot find either...
Measuring an FVM wheelset, what is need is this: Axle length: .535" Tread diameter: .225" Flange diameter: .265" Note: I can go an axle length of .540", and carefully knock off a little on each end, to attain my .535" need. The other sizes are a must. What diameter wheel is .225" in prototype size? I believe it converts to 36 inches? Which is what I seek.....
This is my impression of the list of metal wheel offerers as spares: Micro-Trains, Eastern Seaboard, Exactrail, Fox Valley, Athearn and Bachmann. Of those, Eastern Seaboard and Exactrail appear to be the only ones with any in stock. I checked the MTL site (Parts->N Scale Metal Wheels) and both of their packs are shown with the "Contact Dealer" banner which usually means none in stock. My guess is that they're using all they can make on their very popular TBOX three packs.
Thank you, George. Have ordered a couple of packages, ESM 36". Hopefully they will be just what I need!