It has been quite a while since I have visited the SAG but it certainly looks as though a lot has been happening. First and foremost Hans, you are out of line with regard to your supposition and comments with regard to Toyrific's recent posting. You need to speak to me directly if you have any concerns to share before dropping a potentially damaging or libelous comment on an open forum. If there is any disagreement between Toyrific and Steel Dragons, it will be handled between our two parties without your help. Enough said.
I am disappointed to say the least with regard to Jack's comments as it does not provide a complete picture of what has taken place from the time we placed our track orders with him over a year ago and the present date. Incidentally, we never received our track link sets nor the money that was paid. In truth, when I contacted Jack approximately 6-9 months ago demanding a refund for my order, it was clear that he was not in a position to complete these, or other orders nor provide any refund whatsoever. In our desire to assist this talented craftsman, we offered to help with production and get things moving forward. We felt this move would benefit everyone involved as opposed to initiating a legal collection effort. In addition, four months ago we donated parts, an M5 stuart and covered the entire shipping cost (180.00) to assist Jack and his partner in the production of a film. I have not heard one thing since the last batch of donated machined barrels were shipped. A donation of $3-400.00 in this economy certainly means something.
The molds we received were in less than ideal shape and several had to be replaced. I have personally invested over 750.00 in casting materials to try to accommodate Jack's original project but we have discovered that the amount of time and effort to produce one set is simply not economically feasible. The first complete set arrived last week after two casters have attempted to complete this project. One became seriously ill and we have reason to believe due to handling the aluminum powder used in the casting process. The quality of the casting is not up to our standards (air bubbles etc) and we are terminating the project immediately. The molds are being shipped back to you along with a request for a refund from our original order. I hope that some of the individuals who had placed orders with Jack will read this thread and have a better understanding of what has taken place since last fall. We are a customer like anyone else with Jack's unconditional permission to sell these parts. We stepped in in an effort to help and I must say I regret having made this decision. If he is willing to take on this project again and do so on a timely basis we are anxious to accommodate his request.
On a separate note, I understand that some members of the forum have been trying to reach me. We continue to have problems with one of our email addresses but you can reach me at 'Rttsparky@aol.com". We have posted this notice on our site for the last few months. Many of you all do not realize that I have a full time job that I am trying desperately to hold onto whereby filling orders, performing customer service etc is done at 4 in the morning or late at night. Like a number of our fellow suppliers, the economy has hit everyone hard and several have failed or have stopped shipping us product. Within the last 12 mos. we have even loaned money (over 12,500.00) to several of these entities with the hope of keeping them solvent. Some of these individuals are members of this forum or are well known in the hobby/industry. We started this business to support the hobby and to keep it moving forward. We are scaling back our product line, discontinuing a few, and focusing more on our core product line which is the Battle Ready Armor series. We have been working on several interesting projects that will be introduced in a week or two.
I deeply regret that some of our members continue to have trouble reaching us and I must admit that this remains an area where we need the most improvement. We have always paid our suppliers promptly and often compensate our customers for orders that were late in getting filled. We will not participate in back stabbing or bad mouthing fellow tankers on this or any forum and would ask that you contact me directly if you have any concerns.
Thank you.
