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Guys,

Above is a new group of GF-430d images from the 3D CAD model. Last week good progress was made.

Any order made in late September or October is going out today. With very low sales volume while the web-site was down and a high legal bill for the corporate change last month we did not have enough cash on hand to ship any items and also pay for the tooling loan payments. Sorry, this is just an example of how your support is needed to keep things going.

We received an update on the Salem Filters yesterday and there are still some mistakes being corrected in the samples. It will be another week before anything is sent to us.

I am planning a restock on a number of photo-etch items that are out of stock. Please give us your sales support and we will get the back orders filled on a few items such as DP 6032, DP 6621 and some others. Otherwise we have pretty good stock levels. The ditch lights and bell kits are missing the plastic for the gong and light. Any orders above our operating costs this month are earmarked for their restock as well.

Again, all of this is dependent on sales support.

Thanks,

Christopher Howard
Railflyer Model Prototypes Inc.
www.railflyermodelprototypes.com

Guys,

We will be posting our new items by the end of the week. Our initial meeting with the lender for the new projects went well and it seems very likely we will have the funds required to complete our first locomotive kits and the assorted components such as stanchions, drive, trucks, and other detail parts that is required to make this work.

We will be having a sale with the listing of the new items and a general sale overall. This is to generate cash for a restock of some existing products and to also get a bit ahead for cash flow.

The issue with every new project is that it always costs more than thought when an unexpected item turns up and demands your money. We had this with the GMDD Wide cab and the releases required to complete the Walkway Module. We went a year before we had product to sell and when the money was sent for the new projects so there was no return on investment for a year which made it very tough.

Anyway, I don't want to repeat this as our loans will be significantly higher with the new tooling. This product line is not as cheap as it is to produce like a one off resin shell or a simplified plastic RTR locomotive.

Thanks for the support, it looks like 2010 is going to be the year for prototypically accurate modeling.

Christopher Howard
Railflyer Model Prototypes Inc.
www.railflyermodelprototypes.com

Guys,

Here are some of the new products and some revisions that will be made to the product line. After I take care of some financial statements tomorrow, I will start updating the web-site.

If you have pre-ordered anything listed we will work out the changes once I get some time when the design and funding is completed.

The products listed will have pre-order pricing of 15% discounts applied when posted until the product arrives. This will help us maintain a positive cash flow while the new tooling is being complete.

Thank you for the support, Evan and I have been very busy making this happen, please, please send your support now as its very much needed to make everything work.

All the best,

Christopher Howard
Railflyer Model Prototypes Inc.
www.railflyermodelprototypes.com

DP 6150 Stanchion Kit $14.49
DP 6224 Curved Radiator Grab $4.49
DP 6225 Angled Radiator Grab $4.49
DP 6240 EMD/GMDD Snow Plow (1) $3.95
DP 6245 Exhaust Hatch - 40 D2 ND2 Standard Turbo $3.95
DP 6246 Exhaust Hatch - 40 D2 ND2 Low Profile Turbo $3.95
DP 6247 Exhaust Hatch - Q (1) $3.95
DP 6248 Exhaust Hatch - Non Turbo Round Low $3.95
DP 6249 Exhaust Hatch - Non Turbo Square Low $3.95
DP 6250 Exhaust Hatch - Non Turbo Round High $3.95
DP 6251 Exhaust Hatch - Non Turbo Square High $3.95
DP 6253 Paper Air Filter - Square $3.49
DP 6254 Paper Air Filter - Angled $3.49
DP 6255 Inertial Filter Hatch - GP15-1, GP15T, GP38-2 $2.95
DP 6256 Inertial Filter Hatch - GP39-2, GP40-2 $2.95
DP 6257 Inertial Filter Hatch - P2 GP/SD35, GP/SD39, GP/SD40, SD45, SD38-2, SD40-2, SD45-2 $2.95
DP 6258 Inertial Filter Hatch - Low Profile $2.95
DP 6259 Traction Motor Duct - GMDD D2 $3.49
DP 6260 Traction Motor Duct - Short D2 ND2 $3.49
DP 6261 Traction Motor Duct - EMD D2 $3.49
DP 6262 Traction Motor Duct - Angled $3.49
DP 6263 Inertial Filter Screens - GP D2 N2D $3.95
DP 6264 Inertial Filter Screens - SD D2 $3.95
DP 6265 Lift Rings - Standard $2.95
DP 6266 Lift Rings - Small $2.95
DP 6267 Brake Wheel $3.95
DP 6268 MU Deck Base $3.49
DP 6269 MU/Train-line Hoses $6.49
DP 6270 Toilet Drain $3.49
DP 6271 Air Line Valves $3.49
DP 6272 Fuel Tank Details $4.49
DP 6273 Fuel Tank Brackets EMD/GMDD (1) $6.49
DP 6274 Fuel Tank Brackets EMD/GMDD (2) $6.49
DP 6279 Rerail Frogs & Mounts $5.49
DP 6280 Radiator Screens - Mid GP38-2, SD38-2, SD45-2 $5.49
DP 6281 Radiator Screens - Late GP38-2, GP39-2, SD38-2, SD45-2 $5.49
DP 6282 Radiator Screens - GP40, SD40, GP40-2, SD40-2 $5.49
DP 6283 Radiator Screens - Late GP40-2, SD40-2 $5.49
DP 6287 Winterization Hatch - Low Profile $6.49
DP 6288 Winterization Hatch - High Profile $6.49
DP 6289 Power Recepticles $5.49
DP 6290 Radiator Fan - Standard Medium $4.49
DP 6291 Radiator Fan - Standard High $4.49
DP 6292 Radiator Fan - Low Profile $5.29
DP 6293 Dynamic Fan - Standard Medium $4.49
DP 6294 Dynamic Fan - Standard High $4.49
DP 6295 Dynamic Fan - Low Profile $5.29
DP 6296 48 " Q Fan $5.29
DP 6298 Drop Steps $6.49
DP 6299 Step Lights $3.49
DP 6300 Coupler Lift Bar - EMD/GMDD (1) Initial $4.49
DP 6301 Coupler Lift Bar - EMD/GMDD (2) Mid $4.49
DP 6302 Coupler Lift Bar - EMD/GMDD (3) Modified $4.49
DP 6303 Coupler Lift Bar - GMDD GP38-2W, GP40-2W, SD40-2W $6.49
DP 6304 Coupler Lift Bar - EMD (4) Late $4.49
DP 6310 CN EMD/GMDD Anti-climber (1) $6.49
DP 6311 Small Anti-climber $3.49
DP 6320 Air Horn (1) $5.49
DP 6633 EMD Rear Headlight $5.49
DP 6662 GMDD Rear Square Sand Hatch $5.49
DP 6663 GMDD Front Square Sand Hatch $5.49
MK 3000 GP38/SD38, GP/SD40 Hood Doors (1) $19.95
MK 3005 GP38-2, GP39-2, GP40-2 Hood Doors (1) - Common $19.95
MK 3006 GP38-2, GP40-2, Hood Doors (2) - GMDD Wide Cab $19.95
MK 3010 SD38-2, SD40-2, Hood Doors (1) - Common $19.95
MK 3011 SD40-2, Hood Doors (2) - GMDD Wide Cab $19.95
MK 3012 SD40-2, Hood Doors (3) - CPR $19.95
MK 5000 GP38 Clean Air Room (1) $14.49
MK 5005 GP40 Clean Air Room (1) $14.49
MK 5010 GP38-2, GP39-2, GP40-2 Clean Air Room (1) - Common $14.49
MK 5011 GP38-2, GP40-2 Clean Air Room (2) - Late $14.49
MK 5012 GP38-2, GP40-2 Clean Air Room (3) - GMDD Wide Cab $14.49
MK 5015 SD38-2, SD40-2, SD45-2 Clean Air Room (1) - Common $14.49
MK 5016 SD38-2, SD40-2, SD45-2, Clean Air Room (2) - Late $14.49
MK 5017 SD38-2, SD40-2, SD45-2, Clean Air Room (3) - GMDD Wide Cab $14.49
MK 5060 GP/SD38, GP38AC, GP/SD38-2 Hood Module $49.95
MK 5061 GP38-2, SD38-2 Hood Module $49.95
MK 5062 GP40, GP/SD40-2 Hood Module $49.95
MK 5070 38 D2 ND2 Non-Dynamic Brake Section (1) $9.49
MK 5071 38 D2 Dynamic Brake Section (2) $14.49
MK 5072 40 GP D2 Dynamic Brake Section (1) $14.49
MK 5073 40 D2 ND2 Non-Dynamic Brake Section (1) $9.49
MK 5074 40 SD D2 Dynamic Brake Section (1) $14.49
MK 5075 40 SD D2 Q Non-Dynamic Brake Section (2) $9.49
MK 5076 40 SD D2 Q Dynamic Brake Section (3) $14.49

MK 1000 NDS GMDD SD40-2W (Multi-phase) Prototype Correct Model Kit - No DCC/Sound $239.49
MK 1000 DS GMDD SD40-2W (Multi-phase) Prototype Correct Model Kit - DCC/Sound $349.49
MK 1001 NDS GMDD GP38-2W (Multi-phase) Prototype Correct Model Kit - No DCC/Sound $239.49
MK 1001 DS GMDD GP38-2W (Multi-phase) Prototype Correct Model Kit - DCC/Sound $349.49
MK 1002 NDS GMDD GP40-2W (GF-430d) Prototype Correct Model Kit - No DCC/Sound $239.49
MK 1002 DS GMDD GP40-2W (GF-430d) Prototype Correct Model Kit - DCC/Sound $349.49
MK 1003 NDS GMDD GP40-2L (GF-430a, GF-430b, GF-430c) Prototype Correct Model Kit - No DCC/Sound $239.49
MK 1003 DS GMDD GP40-2L (GF-430a, GF-430b, GF-430c) Prototype Correct Model Kit - DCC/Sound $349.49

MK 2000 GEN Generic Undec EMD/GMDD GP38, GP38AC, GP38-2 (Initial Phase) $169.49
MK 2001 GEN Generic Undec EMD/GMDD GP38-2 $169.49
MK 2002 GEN Generic Undec EMD/GMDD GP40 $169.49
MK 2003 GEN Generic Undec EMD/GMDD GP40-2 $169.49
MK 2004 GEN Generic Undec EMD/GMDD SD38-2 $169.49
MK 2005 GEN Generic Undec EMD/GMDD SD40-2 $169.49

MK 9000 Blomberg B/M Scale Trucks $46.49
MK 9001 HTC Scale Trucks $46.49

MK 4014 EMD 38/39/40 ND2 Spartan Cab $15.49
MK 4015 EMD D2 Spartan Cab $15.49
MK 4016 GMDD 38/39/40 ND2 Spartan Cab $15.49
MK 4017 GMDD D2 Spartan Cab $15.49
MK 4020 EMD Spartan Cab Details - 81" $24.49
MK 4021 EMD Spartan Cab Details - 81" High Nose $24.49
MK 4022 EMD Spartan Cab Details - 88" $24.49
MK 4023 EMD Spartan Cab Details - 116" $24.49
MK 4024 EMD Spartan Cab Details - 123" $24.49
MK 4025 GMDD Spartan Cab Details - 81" $24.49
MK 4026 GMDD Spartan Cab Details - 88" $24.49
MK 4027 GMDD Spartan Cab Details - 102" $24.49

Guys,

The Salem Filter's second test samples showed up today and check out OK, will post images. Once we get some orders in this week and next we can start the production run and shipments.

Thanks for the patience and support, will post images when they are ready.

CJH

Guys,

I am working on a retool of our multi-layer kits listed below to bring in more back order friendly quantities with each restock. Please lend some support, they will come in with the Salem Filter photo-etch.

DP 6600
DP 6601
Air Tank Brackets
DP 8000
DP 6640
DP 6621
DP 6157

Also bringing in a new one, DP 6612 with this shipment. Cab Mirrors and Deflectors.

Guys,

Looks like there is some competition for the SD40-2W in addition to our GP40-2W.

This is great, proves the viability of the product line!

Christopher Howard, Railflyer Model Prototypes Inc.

Intermountain sucks! they wont get the SD40-2W's right, sorry but it's true! look at all the sub classes, they just wont be able to do one correct to be right?

Hello Chris and all.

The CAD looks great. Wish I had the money to buy the plastic version, but for now I'll have to enjoy the drawings.

I saw the test shots of the new Intermountain SD40-2w...it looks passable, but I didn't care much for the cab. The front windows don't look right...and I'm comparing it to the old Detail Associates cab I happen to have next to my computer at the moment. Number boards and the nose don't look right, either. Not trying to stir the pot...you have your product and they have theirs.

But hey, if they don't address the problems with the cab, look at it this way. You can market your cab as an aftermarket fix for what they didn't do right in the first place!

Timothy

Timothy,

The reality is that our two formats for kits (DC)(DCC/Sound) come in at only $70 higher than the intermountain tooling.

I have to say that the test shots from them prove that this hobby is in serious decline when it comes to quality and accuracy. Both of the new "Wide Cab" releases from major suppliers have issues however because its a ready to run version guys have jumped on the band wagon before really seeing the end results of their research and design.

I am just about finished the SD40-2W and then I'll finish up the GP38-2W and GP40-2W 3D CAD. You guys should see a big difference. Keep in mind that the price point for the Atlas product is higher than the Intermountain product and therefore you are only $30 - 40 higher with our release.

To bring the two RTR releasees up to the same quality of us, you would definitly have to purchase more than $70 of detail parts for the IMRC kit and $30 for the Atlas model. Think about it, what is accuracy worth to you?

CJH

Hello Chris and all.

I agree with you about the bandwagon jumping. Someone releases some photos of a model and everyone seems to jump up and clap their hands like a trained seal. I'm staying away from both the SD40-2W and GP40-2LW that are being released. I didn't like some of the detailing on the GP, and the cab doesn't look right on the SD. I know it's not fair to judge test shots, but they put them out there. I know that the Atlas one will run well, but IM's track record on running is spotty.

With money being tight right now, I will also unfortunately have to put a hold on any of your locomotives. Parts, maybe. But things are going to have to improve on the money front.

I did notice that your prices for a full kit are not too much higher than some of the RTR stuff. That's good. It might get some people off the fence.

Any plans for a Kadee compatible coupler? That might help some of us who use Kadees on our equipment.

Hope all is well

Timothy

Timothy,

I think you and a few others are starting to catch on, we're offering a much better package for your money, there is a price to quality and research but the end result is worth the bit extra.

Yes, we will release a complete line of scale and kadee compatable couplers for the kits after the next phase of tooling is completed.

I tried to post some new screen shots but the files are just too large to work. Will break it up into deck down and deck up shots with 2D line drawings next week.

CJH

Hello again.

Well, the steps and pilots I've already built are incredible, and yesterday the anticlimbers (old DP1012) I bought on the Diesel Detailer forum arrived. I was looking at all the parts and nearly tore my hair out trying to figure them out. I found the instructions this morning here on the site, and now I'm not going to end up bald. I'll probably need more anticlimbers once I can get my GMD1 and SD40u kitbashes started. Again, time and money are both necessary for this...and they will both come with time.

The MK2000 to 2005 you have listed above...are these full units (everything you need) or are they partial kits? If they're full locos, that's a great price considering what you get. And after seeing some of the prices on RTR stuff going up, you'll get a few more people on board.

Timothy

Chris, with the new RTR Intermountain SD40-2W test shots being circulated I am seeing responses of the majority of not being pleased and expressions of how well your releases are accurate and detailed, and no way they would purchase the Intermountain unit, so I hope this helps increase sales to RFMP.
Stan

Tim,

They are the base kits, you purchase additional details to complete them. The end result though is a unit from the rails up matched to your specific locomotive unit or class.

Stan,

Here's hoping, its been really slow the past three months.

CJH

Guys,

Later today I have to make a trip to the ATM to put $100 into our business account to cover a loan payment.

Not that this is a lot of money but its a trend that is developing since September which is supposed to be when things pick up. We were blessed with some large dealer orders in the summer where we usually have a hard time making ends meet. We paid for some large restocks on photo-etch, paid off some supplier balances and retooled the Salem Filters with this income.

So things were looking very good to start our fourth year of business, however in September things things have started to take a downward slide when we just broke even that month.

I do not recieve any compensation for the time that I put into Railfyer. There is not enough revenue to do so and I believe that after we get the locomotive kits out, things will improve because I believe in the product. So I will gladly work for nothing. This is my baby for lack of better words.

I do have a job flying however since 9/11 the industry has gone to a business model where pilots bear the brunt of cost cutting. As a result I make in the 37th percentile for my area considering my qualifications, experience and the type of flying. We are just getting by ourselves and cannot come up with the thousands of dollars required to operate Railflyer at a major company level in the model railway replica business. We need funding to do this. Funding requires a hit on your personal credit and repayment in the form of loans. Also keep in mind I have two children to support and my wife works full time at home and on our company bookwork.

Last month we had a shortfall of around $600 that was taken from our personal account to cover our loans for the tooling we did on the Walkway Module and Wide Cab projects. I didn’t think that was too bad as we did pretty good after the web-site went back up but the real kick in the teeth was a legal bill to file paperwork that we could have done ourselves but because of regulation needed an attourney’s signature and stamp.

I could continue to fund the company somewhat but for the first two years of operation, I worked 100% only on Raiflyer so we had no offset on personal finances other than sales. The banks in Canada will not lend to a new business or give credit in the form of credit cards or lines of credit. This means that the business owner must fund this on his or her personal credit. So we did and now with high balances on our available credit, our credit score and rating has continually plummited. With around $60,000 of Railflyer debt in our name we will likely never see repayment or a house for our growing family.

We have finished the required design work for most of the locomotive kits. I have talked to a lender. Things look good for us to recieve the required funding because we have managed the company very well in difficult times. The main thing though is we must be able to support the doubling of our debt load with increased sales. When I have to tramp to the ATM for $100 I can do this. I cannot do this when its going to be a $2000 loan payment due.

1/3 of the potential client base will not buy our products because we exist for whatever reason, they will not support us. 1/3 of our client base supports us tooth and nail. The other 1/3 will not purchase anything because they are waiting to see what we can do and when we will do it.

We do have a growing back order list on our current product line. I had hoped to clear all of this up a few months ago but we need sales in addition to our operating costs to do this. Remember even though we’ve been in business for four years, we have no sources of credit available to Railflyer for purchasing other than what our suppliers will enable us to carry. See the caviot of modern banking is that small business is not to be lent money. If it can survive more than two years they will think about it however you had better not used your personal credit to make ends meet for those two years. I do not know any start up that can do this. Hence, banks make money on charging you fees, not small business loans.

I have put a sale on the web-site for a 15% discount until December 1st. We have another loan due in a week that is $1100. If we can cover that I am happy to pursue additional lending for our full kits. If we can do more than $1100 I will restock our back ordered photo-etch.

We need to come up with $14,000 to pay off our tooling balance for our last phase of injection mold tooling. This is factored into our new funding however our Ditch Lights (all except DP 6640), Salem Filters, and Bell Gongs, will be back ordered until we can pay this balance off. So the additional sales will be used to smooth this situation over with the supplier and hopefully release a small production run.

I will have more of our locomotive kit images posted by the end of the week along with the new detail products. The large file sizes of the assemblies is preventing a quick and easy task of this. If all goes well over the next month we are aiming to have the running prototype done and test shots for the hoods, trucks and other components in hand by the end of January.

So I am not saying that I am done with this, I just need the confidence that if I proceed, we can cover our loans and maybe make a bit of money to clear up Railflyer debts.

We have state of the art locomotives ready to go for the upcoming year. I am good at a few things, just never found a way to grow money – as any business, its customer support that will carry us.

Sincerly,

Christopher Howard, President
Railflyer Model Prototypes Inc.
www.railflyermodelprototypes.com