This is an extra email from my normal fortnightly updates. There's some important deadlines coming up, and I thought it was worth a reminder:

Due to the uncertainty caused by the Royal Mail strikes we encourage customers to order as soon as possible to ensure delivery before Christmas. All couriers are dealing with much higher volumes than normal, and there will almost certainly be delays. Your patience is appreciated.

Current RM/CWU strike action is scheduled to take place Friday 9th December, Sunday 11th December, Wednesday 14th December and Thursday 15th December.

Royal Mail currently state on their website that the last recommended date for Royal Mail 48 parcels is Monday 12th December and for Special Delivery parcels is Wednesday 21st December. My cut-off for despatch on those days will be 1pm.

Please contact me if you'd like a quote for an alternative courier service.

I intend to continue to despatch parcels until 23rd December, then take a few days off and resume despatch on the 28th December.
The other piece of news I needed to share with you is the latest announcements from KATO Japan (beyond the Big Boy I mentioned in my last email ) 

There are some useful 'DioTown' reruns of buildings and accessories available early next year. In addition there are the 'Blue Train' loco and coach packs, and a DE10 loco available in April. All now available to pre-order at Train Trax.

https://traintrax.co.uk/preorders-reserve-them-here-c-51-html

I think Train Trax UK might have hit a new sales record over the last weekend! Don't worry though - stock levels in general remain good, with more of everything arriving later in the week.

It's very rare that anyone is disappointed with a KATO train, but just in case they are, I'm offering free returns for any items bought from now until January 1st. I aim to make this as hassle free as possible - just let us know before Jan 15th by emailing sales@traintrax.co.uk and I'll sort it out!

Keep well and keep modelling.

Ian