Mega Announcement

[Keep It Rusty]

I've been quiet, but for a good reason — I've been working on something exciting. And we've been packing the house to move back to the UK.

So, what's exciting? Well, I've been buying... investing, I should say... drum roll please...

I'm officially making craftsman kits!

Starting this summer (all being well), I will be producing two HO scale craftsman kits a year. They will be large, they will be fun and they will almost always be limited to runs of 100. I've already designed the first one — featuring a large, a medium and two small structures. An entire industry!

Now, I know I'm still a fresh face round these parts — heck, you might have even stumbled across this and be thinking "Keep It WHO?, what is this blabbering buffoon waffling about?"... well, here's what I can promise you: I will be making sure these limited kits are worth every penny! That means top quality lumber, metal and 3D printed castings, exhaustive instruction manuals. You name it.

Speaking of pennies, though, there's a particular reason I'm going into production and I'd like to share it. The only time I get at the workbench is in my free time – after work, in the evening. Which, coincidentally, is also the free time for the rest of the family (my wife, my toddler). As a result, I often I feel guilty for shutting the workshop door and having some fun. Those that know me know I'm a big family guy. I've always wanted MY hobby to give THEM the gratification it gives to me — a time free of stress, anxiety and worry. So I came up with this two birds, one stone scenario:

100% of the profit from selling these kits is going towards my daughter's education fund & my wife's astronomical PhD bills.

They may never understand why I (and millions of others) take time from the real world to squirrel away into the wee hours working on a miniature one... but at least they can benefit from it.

So that's what I'm going to do, starting with two kits a year.

Now, things will go a little quiet again over the next number of weeks because a) I'm still working everything out and b) we're moving back to the UK. Don't worry though, I'm figuring out all the logistics to make sure shipping charges remain sensible for US/Canadian customers. Right now I'm projecting $30 USD, all in. Covering customs, taxes etc... That's UPS, tracked and within 4 business days delivery time (from pickup). Air freight, baby! Not a bad deal, right?

I'll be making regular updates in the meantime, including the set up process over the next number of weeks. There will be no hiding from the moment the first kit hits, too. And when it does you'll be able to purchase it right on my site, www.keepitrusty.com, via a secure Shopify checkout you can use any debit or credit card with.

Until then... send me any questions or queries. Even if it's for a kit you'd like to see.

And remember, keep it quality... Keep it Rusty!

[Opa George]

Fantastic news, Craig!  Knowing your extraordinary work, I am very eager to see your first kit offering. 
Following along--I'm sure you'll keep us in the know.
And best of luck in this new venture!

--Opa George

[tct855]

C~,
        I agree with Opa G.  Congrats brother! Look forward to seeing all the cool future kits.
                                                                                                                                    Thanx Thom...

[Mark Dalrymple]

Looking forward to your future offerings, Craig.

I assume it is HO scale?  How will sales go in the UK?  Are there plenty of HO scale modellers there, or are they mainly 1:76?

Cheers, Mark.

[EricQuebec]

Looking forward to your future offerings, Craig.

I assume it is HO scale?  How will sales go in the UK?  Are there plenty of HO scale modellers there, or are they mainly 1:76?

Cheers, Mark.

I don't Know for the UK, but on the other side of the channel there's a lot of HO modelers, and a large American trains fanatic comunity. they have a forum called «Le forum US».

Eric

[Bruce Oberleitner]

Wow!  That's great news.  Good luck with your kits.  I can't wait to see what you come up with.

[Janbouli]

Keep us informed Craig , there's quite an American modelers following in Germany and the Netherlands.

[Oldguy]

Good for you.  I hope it all works out for you and family.

[Keep It Rusty]

Thank you, everyone. Your support and kind words mean everything!

I'm very excited to get up and running, although I'll have to be patient.

I'm not entirely sure how the sales will go in the UK, but working with UPS means I can get the kits out worldwide without too much of a hit. I've noted that most larger kits ship for $15 or so here in the US, so it should be just an extra $15 for it coming from the UK. I'm hoping most folks won't balk at that

[PRR Modeler]

Best wishes in your future endeavors.

[S&S RR]

Craig


Best of luck with this, I can't wait to see what you come up with.

[Jim Donovan]

Craig;

I wondered where you have been. So you are moving back to where they really know rust. Not sure where in England you are headed but it should be an adventure indeed. I look forward to your first kit. From what I've seen of your work I am sure it will be top grade in quality. All the best and look forward to seeing what you come up with.

I'm D

[Dennis Bourey]

Congratulations my friend. I look forward to your 2nd kit. I got your official 1st kit. Be safe and take care of your family. Enjoy it while we can. Dennis

[MartyO]

It is much better than standing still.  Where in the UK are you moving to?  And if it is not too much, what is your spouses PhD in?

[madharry]

Good luck with the move. Property prices in the UK have increased during the pandemic. Where are you planning to move to?
Mike