[frankym]

play nice boys, everyone here is just trying to help one another out, if some feelings come out on a more personal note, just shrug it off. A design flaw has nothing to do with the assemblers in SA, it has to do with the engineers. Similarly, if you use a cast spinner and expect it to absorb a crushing blow from a lead hammer and not break, don't shoot the foundry, shoot the guy that ordered it in the first place, wouldn't matter what country a cast spinner came from. I too understand Agro's position, when you expose something that is inherently flawed and then try to bring it to the attention of the founding fathers, only to be told that it's fine, it's a little troubling. And I think that's what Mulv is finding, and he's just a little upset, we all understand. Look, there are many poor features and inherently weak design flaws on all the manufacturers. If you spend some time under the chassis of any replica, you'll see many impressive things that are then diminished by a poor choice hardware, or spotty welding or inferior guage steel etc. Why do they do it? well, engineers fully believe, and there is lots of truth to it, that a superior design can outweigh the effects of weaker materials. Look at contemporary furniture today, they have machines that can punch out dovetail joints on a dresser drawer made of particle board and it will probably outlast the butt joined oak drawer at your grandma's. But the design is a one time thing, after you make the first 1500 units, the initial cost of the design and R&D has been fully amortized. That said, as you watch the move to cheaper parts, it's a little dishearening. On the differential support, it seems they have corrected the problem and are now making a better moustrap. I for one don't mind seeing a company make some minor changes along the way that lessen their expense and boost profits, but only so far as it doen't compromise safety and durability. I also applaud SPF for their improvements made to the brakes and shocks on the SPF cars and have no problem with a commensurate increase in the price of the roller. I have a laundry list of things that I would like the SPF to improve upon and for these things, I think most would agree that they would be willing to pay for. I won't go into it here because people tend to get a little bent out of shape. Overall, the SPF is a superbly executed replica, with a dealer network of dealers that are extremely helpful and supportive. Everyone and every thing in the world has room for improvement, so any suggestions or feedback should always be provided with the best intentions and without any unwarranted venom.