I have received some emails asking for projected ship dates for the kits and parts. At this time there is no way to estimate that because the last 2 machining processes are odd and they are still being worked out.
Here is the status of each phase -
Machined Flash Hiders / Scope Bracket Disks / Scope Bracket Spacers – Complete and binned (binned means the parts are in each members bin)
Machined Scope Brackets – in the queue at the machine shop. The code could not be written until they had the scopes and could verify that the real scope mounting hole spacing would work on the replicas.
I do not have a solid completion date but should have them before Christmas.
Brass Scopes and Pistons – The roughs are complete and the machine shop received them yesterday. They had a free machine so they are machining the back of the pistons today.
We need to work out the side counter bore dimensions before they do the rest but that does not impact any scheduling because it was always separate process.
It was just lucky that they were able to do the backs today.
Now that they have the scopes they can check the overall average size of the them and determine the best way to machine them. These were made in batches so variation could how they are machined and so we had to wait until we had all of them.
The scopes and the final process on the pistons will be the next item machined once the scope brackets are done.
I also noticed some talk about Black Oxidized Steel Scope Bolts. I am getting the cost of these and if it is the same I may go that route instead of brass.
Denix Mausers – These will be done last. Once the scope brackets are done I will use them to determine the placement of the parts mounting holes for each eversion – Bespin and Hoth.
Then I will send them to the shop for processing.
Plaques – They are done and binned
Glass Lenses for the Scopes / Resin Parts / Hardware kits – I have the glass lenses for the scopes. Vince is providing the resin parts and he normally has a pretty quick turnaround time. I will figure out the hardware once I have the scope brackets on hand to put the blasters together.
I will not ask anyone to pay for these parts until I do the final shipping invoice. On that invoice you will also be able to add optional finishing services from a menu that I will figure out once I have everything on hand.
These services will range from removing the front site post up to fully finished blasters. It is entirely up to you.
FINAL SHIPPING PROCESS - Most of you know how this works but I will cover it for the new members. Prior to shipping anything I will send you a list of parts that I think you ordered and I will ask you to confirm your order and your address.
Because I do this I normally work the easiest orders first, that way I can the most parts out. Then I handle orders that include labor services and I work those from the easiest to most involved. I do this so I can devote the most time to the most involved orders, I would not want to rush a full build up just to get it out quick
I know this is a lot to take in so if you have any questions please post them below
Thanks