Another year and we are still here, we have weathered the Corona Virus safely and look forward to 2021. We have new models being prepared for release, but due to the virus and other orders we have shelved some these models till things ease off. We are fortunate and as we have already had both the first and second vaccinations, so if all works to plan we are imune.

Biggest problem we have at the moment is the cost of the base metals we use, they have increased by 60% in the last three months and this has resulted in a 10% increase on many of the models. Result is that it has put our running costs up 10% per month and this is taking us close to the VAT registration point, which would result in a further 20% cost increase. We will ease off if necessary to keep our yearly income below this VAT registration figure, which is set for the next 4 years.

Kits on order are 6 to 8 weeks and longer if it is a complicated and a demanding model or we are waiting resin or etched brass parts we have to sub contract. We are accepting kits orders for delivery when we can. We take no payment till kits are cast and ready to pack.

Delivery for built models could be in excess of 12 months and for some models in excess of 2 years. The models in question determines as to whether it is worked on immediately or goes onto extended delivery or we advise trying a recommended custom builder who may be able to offer better deliveries than we can offer. We have suspended any further orders for built models for the foreseeable future. We would advise contacting alternative building services if the model is required earlier or is for special event. Delivery and prices have to be agreed between you and your service builder and we will not be involved.

A Facebook site was set up in the name of "ASAM Model Trucks" and to date we have in excess of 2500 members. It is a site which was set up by Alan McGuiness with Alan Smith set up as the Administrator and it has been a good site to show many things that have been produced by us over the last 45 years for ourselves and for many different model companies. It is also used to display the models built by members using kits from ASAM or any other company we have been linked with. It also gets used by members who need assistance on how to build or what models are still available. Membership has now exceeded 2500 and still growing.

A problem we are having is with transfers (decals) as stocks run out of some of the more popular liveries. We can produce some ourself and this has filled a gap for some members, but they have their limitations. We have approached the original printer for our transfers, who uses the old silk screen printing process, using white base for some, matt or gloss finish for others and varnish seperation overall making application much easier. He has retired but is considering some re-runs for us and we wait to hear from him.

Problems which we thought might hinder supply into the EU have have happened but deliveries are going ahead with some delays or surcharges. Some deliveries go through with no delay or surcharges, whereas indentical items are delayed and surcharged, no logic other then deliberate. Deliveries to Australia and New Zealand are also clear of any problems and we hope to increase sales to this countries. Only problem here is the postal charges which seem to have jumped almost 50% thanks to our own postal services. It mystifies me that i can deliver models to the other end of Russia for the same price as a model going to Calais in France. The U.S.A. has also seen large increases in postal charges, where as Canada still remains reasonable.
We will use couriers for these countries if requested subject to caution on customs duty at receiving end country.

More update news when time permits.