Deltic Update - January 2020
It's been a few months since our first pre-production prototype of the Deltic broke cover and arrived for assessment from China. While we were very happy with the shape and overall look of these fine beasts, we felt there were several areas to improve. These included:
- Shoulder grills
- Bogie adjustments
- Roof fans
- Roof fan grills
- Handrail adjustments on the front
- Glazing
- Buffer cowling and shank
After a period of testing we felt some improvements in running were needed too. This was nothing major of note, just some fine tuning was required. We were also mindful that the sample did not include all the ESU techno goodness we had specified such as a power-pack and circuit board. However, we felt some small tweaks would really benefit the model.
We were perhaps a tad naive when it came to planning out production and delivery for the Deltic. We originally thought that these changes would be done in a very short period of time. After a series of discussions with the factory it has become apparent that these changes will take longer than we had envisaged to be implemented. Therefore, we must now inform you of a revised delivery date for the Class 55.
The changes we have requested above are well under way, though Chinese New Year delays work for almost 6 weeks. Our factory has a revised delivery date of late May is now slated for decorated samples which will include mechanism improvements and the cosmetic improvements we have requested on the above list. Our high demands meant that some retooling was required and this is currently occurring in China.
Once we are happy with decoration samples production can commence. This will give us a delivery date of models to customers of late November 2020. We apologise sincerely for this further delay. We want these models to do the mighty Deltic justice, and they have to be right and as best as we can make them. As good as the first sample is, they can be even better and we owe it to you to make them better.
Interested in purchasing one of these beasts? Secure your order with a £30 deposit today! Order here.