Speaking of getting it right, I had every confidence that the next Executive Line release, the Norfolk Southern’s West Virginia, would have no problem being on time. I have been watching ‘closely’ the production over the months and keeping ‘tuned in’ to confirm delivery at the end of April. The inserts were ready, and the cars were being boxed the last week of April, and were right on time. And then it happened – the entire production got all the way to packing into the clear boxes, when a small flaw was noticed in the body molding. Are you kidding me? It is almost not visible to the eye, but the dark-red paint amplifies the dimple and all were rejected! When the CEO of Micro-Trains said to me, “We want to deliver a quality product to you”, there was nothing more to be said – right? I have so much respect for this company. A lot of detail and effort is put into these little train cars, and quality and accuracy doesn’t just happen, but is made every day with each person doing their job and keeping close to the pulse of the task at hand. Needless to say, this was a very costly error.

The West Virginia will be beautiful! I have seen the paint samples, as I said, and even though it did not make the April time plan, it will be coming soon. They are presently being expedited through the factory and are planned for Memorial Day.