bump to the top to help sell some more... still hopeful to ship at the end of the month?
That is still the plan
A little combo of good/bad/good for update as of today.
I have purchased all sheet metal/hardware, which has been sitting in fab shop since last Wednesday. My parts are more of a favor to get made from employer, so has to kind of be on standby until can fit between other higher priority production schedules. I asked the production manager today when does he anticipate being able to squeeze my parts in. He said currently received some 'top level priority' stuff, so would probably be 3-4 weeks to get to my parts

- but I asked the guys in fab shop would mind building the parts off-hours or on weekend. So now with manager approval, we'll hopefully get parts done soon! If goes as planned, I will get parts finished by end of next week. Then should only be a few days later I'll get powder coated. The place we use is only about 5 minute drive away, so very convenient.
I have reached out to Rich @ TOG in regards to CPO. Artwork is ready to print, but I want to have them pre-trimmed to fit the repro panels. The plan is the joystick holes and perimeter of CPO trimmed to size to fit direct to repro CPs. Then should only need to cut button holes after attach CPO to CP. Those other holes covered by buttons so even if you trim a little jagged, it won't be seen after button installed. I'll send a production model repro CP out to him ASAP after I get back from powder. Most likely, will be 2-3 weeks after powder I plan to get CPOs in my hands....
....with the above said, here is my updated estimate of when I should have finished parts in my hands:
Repro CP back from powder coat: 01/31/18
Repro CPO ready to ship w/combo orders: 02/22/18
Again - these are estimated dates and NO PREPAYMENTS. I'm shooting to get done ASAP, and confident everyone will be pleased with final product
Actually, just this afternoon before the guys left fab - they started shearing the blanks to size in prep for CNC punch - woot!
Lights were shut off in the warehouse, but I snapped a quick sneak peek photo:
Woot!
-GackAttack