Vectorcade Finally Arrives

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Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

I ordered a Vectorcade on February 20, 2002. It finally arrived on
Thursday, March 7, 2005, roughly three years and two months later.
Honestly, I never thought I'd see it. Brett Walach, the seller,
eventually stopped responding to emails and then his inil.com account
started bouncing. I moved three times since placing the order and
changed my primary email account a number of times, so even if he did
finally send the unit it would have gone to the wrong location. I
pretty much wrote the $120.00 off as lost to an irreputable, or at
least irresponsible, seller.

But it still bugged me. I managed to find an alternate account for
Brett after posting here and sent him an email. Imagine my surprise
when he responded. Imagine my bigger surprise when he sent a UPS
tracking number and stated that the Vectorcade was on its way. The
package arrived as expected and I pulled a Vectorcade from the
well-packed box.

I don't have to mention that a waiting period of over three years is
ridiculous, and I don't believe I would be looking at the controller as
I type this if I hadn't took it upon myself to try to get in touch with
Brett yet one more time. There was no explanantion for the shipping
lag in the emails, although there was an apology.

Here's why I decided to write this post: the Vectorcade is an
outstanding product. It's beautiful, solidly-constructed and works
like a champ. Ease-of-use beats the original Vectrex controller hands
down, and it makes playing the games even more enjoyable (especially
for someone like me with big hands). I don't know why Brett would want
to damage his reputation by not delivering on time when he makes such a
great item and would have a market for this product and any others he
might design, given their quality.

Anyway, I'm going to go spend some quality time with my Vectrex,
something I haven't done in a while. I'll leave you with some pics of
the controller:

http://www.antiluddite.com/files/Vectorcade1.jpg
Forward shot. I love the engraved Vectrex logo.

http://www.antiluddite.com/files/Vectorcade2.jpg
Angled shot. Note the high gloss.

http://www.antiluddite.com/files/Vectorcade3.jpg
Size comparison with a Vectrex. The cart peeking from the side of the
Vectrex is a Sean Kelly 2.0 Multicart.

http://www.antiluddite.com/files/Vectorcade4.jpg
This is the customized plate. Here I've marked out Brett's signature.

Chad

 

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Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

Chad Noles wrote:
> I ordered a Vectorcade on February 20, 2002. It finally arrived on
> Thursday, March 7, 2005, roughly three years and two months later.
> Honestly, I never thought I'd see it. Brett Walach, the seller,
> eventually stopped responding to emails and then his inil.com account
> started bouncing. I moved three times since placing the order and
> changed my primary email account a number of times, so even if he did
> finally send the unit it would have gone to the wrong location. I
> pretty much wrote the $120.00 off as lost to an irreputable, or at
> least irresponsible, seller.
>
> But it still bugged me. I managed to find an alternate account for
> Brett after posting here and sent him an email. Imagine my surprise
> when he responded. Imagine my bigger surprise when he sent a UPS
> tracking number and stated that the Vectorcade was on its way. The
> package arrived as expected and I pulled a Vectorcade from the
> well-packed box.
>
> I don't have to mention that a waiting period of over three years is
> ridiculous, and I don't believe I would be looking at the controller as
> I type this if I hadn't took it upon myself to try to get in touch with
> Brett yet one more time. There was no explanantion for the shipping
> lag in the emails, although there was an apology.
>
> Here's why I decided to write this post: the Vectorcade is an
> outstanding product. It's beautiful, solidly-constructed and works
> like a champ. Ease-of-use beats the original Vectrex controller hands
> down, and it makes playing the games even more enjoyable (especially
> for someone like me with big hands). I don't know why Brett would want
> to damage his reputation by not delivering on time when he makes such a
> great item and would have a market for this product and any others he
> might design, given their quality.
>
> Anyway, I'm going to go spend some quality time with my Vectrex,
> something I haven't done in a while. I'll leave you with some pics of
> the controller:
>
> http://www.antiluddite.com/files/Vectorcade1.jpg
> Forward shot. I love the engraved Vectrex logo.
>
> http://www.antiluddite.com/files/Vectorcade2.jpg
> Angled shot. Note the high gloss.
>
> http://www.antiluddite.com/files/Vectorcade3.jpg
> Size comparison with a Vectrex. The cart peeking from the side of the
> Vectrex is a Sean Kelly 2.0 Multicart.
>
> http://www.antiluddite.com/files/Vectorcade4.jpg
> This is the customized plate. Here I've marked out Brett's signature.
>
> Chad
>
I don't feel tempted to order one from Brett 😉

He has some marketing to do.

Jeroen

 

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Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

"Chad Noles" <wots.taters@gmail.com> wrote in message news:
> http://www.antiluddite.com/files/Vectorcade4.jpg
> This is the customized plate. Here I've marked out Brett's signature.
>
> Chad

i guess i got in just under the wire...

mine is #20, made on February 9, 2003

black on black on black on black as well.

you have good taste Chad

 

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Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

and in Brett's defence...

he made an awesome piece of Vectrex paraphenalia/history

after initiating the project he probably realized that non-mass
production of the unit is very time consuming and i am sure he made
them at a loss when it comes to materials/person-hours, as most of the
hobbist producers of vex stuff do.

i am not saying that excuses not following up with or refunding
disgruntled buyers.

maybe some personal problems or being super busy. i know i owe people
photos they have asked me for copies of from years ago but i never
seem to get around to it. what's the saying "you can't scream at a
favour?'... i think taking on this project (and finally finishing off
the last six units) is a definate favour, even tho people "paid" $120
for this highly functional and priceless piece of Vectrex history

 

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Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

Thanks. Anything other than a Vectrex classic black just wouldn't seem
right. 😉

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

Hi all,

mine is on the way too... yay!

As you say, 3 years = too long... and going out of touch with emails was my
biggest worry along the way...

But... I think from exchanging a few emails with Brett he did always intend
to honour the orders, he just got overwhelmed with the work and realised the
product he was making took an incredible amount of time to make.

3 years and 2 months for me too... and I ordered for myself and a friend...
my friend just started laughing when I told him as he'd entirely forgotten
about it.

I'd welcome Brett back to the vectrex community, he was always a very
generous contributor... maybe if he attempts another project he will keep it
a bit simpler. ;¬)

cNp