New soon to be launched Eastman Rough Wear 1401

[Persimmon]

Hi Guys,
Just visited the Legends show at Duxford and managed to take a few photo's of the prototype of Gary's latest jacket when I visited their trade booth.

Its a Rough Wear 1401
Taking its cue from its sister jacket the recently relaunched Rough Wear 27752 it will be made using the Warhorse hide from those prime (I think that means expensive !!) sources in Italy.

I have to say I liked it visually.

Gary said its a Autumn launch.
For some on this site, I say the sickness continues in the Fall

IMG]http://i1018.photobucket.com/albums/af307/alandaly/RW%201401/FlyingLegends044.jpg[/IMG]

IMG]http://i1018.photobucket.com/albums/af307/alandaly/RW%201401/FlyingLegends043.jpg[/IMG]

 

[Roughwear]

Alan, I like the grain, but OD thread was used on the 27752, not usually on the 1401-P. I will check out the jacket tomorrow, but it will be hard to beat the GW version IMO.

 

[bseal]

Andrew, good point, but clearly we as the customer benefit as the top tier manufacturers vie for our patronage. Once again, I applaud Eastman for notably improving their product.

 

[Roughwear]

I think Gary has raised his game in the light of the excellent current range of GW A2s. It' would be interesting if ELC made another original maker A2, rather than just up-graded existing ones IMO. Surely they should take a leaf out of JC's book and offer a wide range of original maker jackets.

 

[Persimmon]

Re other original makers Bronco's instead of just upgrading were asked for today but Gary's answer was NO

 

[Tim P]

oh shit

 

[Roughwear]

Re other original makers Bronco's instead of just upgrading were asked for today but Gary's answer was NO

Typical reply. A positive or at the very least flexible response would be appreciated by us hardcore jacket heads. JC's Bronco is so accurate that even if ELC were to offer one they could not improve on John's repro IMO. This is certainly the case with their original maker jackets which GW also offer, ie.. the Star, RW 1401-P and the latest RW 27752.

 

[Persimmon]

One more picture for all the fans of collars.
Good or Bad ?

 

[Roughwear]

Hmmm. The collar points are too pointed compared with my original which are slightly curved at the very tips and dark brown thread is used. The stitching should be closer to the edge of the collar on the 1401-P. On the 27752 the stitching is further away very much like Gary has done on his 1401. The shade of brown is not quite correct, although there was variation within the original contract. Here's the 2009 thread with pics of my original 1401-P: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=5057

 

[Persimmon]

Talking of Bronco's. Here's my Good Wear in the Duxford sunshine.
Swopped jackets as I went back to the car.
Now if only this were my own real Hurricane to play with !!

 

[Jason]

Think I'd be in the minority with my thoughts here, but to my eyes theres something 'artificial' looking about new leather that has a grain like this, especially when its as relatively evenly distributed like this. I hope, like a good wine, it'll improve with age.

I'm the owner of a late 1990s (I think) ELC 1401P with smooth leather, but it is definitely producing some very pleasing bubbling and graining in parts, the end result of which I think is preferable to this new 'as new' 1401P. Hopefully she'll age as gracefully as my earlier version has?

Kudos to Gary for continuing to offer new products though, more choice to the market is never a bad thing.

 

[havocpaul]

Alan, I like the grain, but OD thread was used on the 27752, not usually on the 1401-P. I will check out the jacket tomorrow, but it will be hard to beat the GW version IMO.

Make sure you pass on your feedback when you visit their stand at Duxford, it is only a 'prototype' and shouldn't be dismissed too quickly!

 

[Roughwear]

I agree with you Jason. All the originals I have seen/owned of this contract had some grainy areas along with smoother ones rather than grain all over like the new ELC test jacket. Your 1401 looks great and the colour and appearance of the leather is very close to originals.

Paul I will pass on my comments, but Gary is not always receptive to constructive criticism.

 

[havocpaul]

I've always found him open to feedback, good or bad so long as it is fair and sensible, he's no Stu from LW!!

 

[442RCT]

oh sh*t

Ya know what I luv about all these mfrs. bringing out a new line of A-2s...the guys on VLJ 'upgrade' and sell off their 'old' jackets to fund their new acquisitions. . This allows guys like me to upgrade to GWs, ELCs, and Aeros, from our Coopers and Avirexs... :lol:

Two of my all time favorite A-2s were from VLJ members.

 

[Steve27752]

Funny you should say that :lol: that's what i've just done to my RW 1401P and my RW 27752

oh sh*t

Ya know what I luv about all these mfrs. bringing out a new line of A-2s...the guys on VLJ 'upgrade' and sell off their 'old' jackets to fund their new acquisitions. . This allows guys like me to upgrade to GWs, ELCs, and Aeros, from our Coopers and Avirexs... :lol:

Two of my all time favorite A-2s were from VLJ members.

 

[Persimmon]

Now Steve about these trade in's.
Are you really sure you want my Werber !!!

Happy days in the Duxford Sun.

 

[Cliff]

Now that was the pictures I had been waiting for !!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

cheers

Cliff

 

[PADDY_M]

FEEDBACK TO ELC.

I'm sure Gary (and any other jacket makers like Will, JC or Paddy) would welcome constructive 'feedback' on the jackets, as these are small areas that can easily be corrected at this stage (ie: the RW collar tips and the thread used). Why not email him via the ELC Website? (Unless Gary reads the feedback here already).

Regards, PADDY.

 

[havocpaul]

I agree Paddy, they all need (sensible) feedback. If it was only a 'prototype' then there will be some small changes to be considered and now's the time to hear about them rather than just dismissing it outright. I think Gary does tap into here from time to time, it must sometimes seem it is a never-win situation with some of the comments made. I also think it is worth considering, especially when one sees just how busy their stall is at the shows, that many buyers are not so intent on counting each stitch, measuring thickness of hide, checking pointed collars etc but just want a jacket that looks right to them...it takes all sorts and thankfully not everyone is an 'expert'!