I've placed the order with the metal manufacturer, and the tooling-up contract is a go. I was told the drafting process will take another 4-6 weeks, at which time I will order the run. Another 2-4 weeks after that, the pieces will be available. 8-10 weeks total.
The plastic gears will come from a separate supplier, but the lead-time on that is only a week to 10 days.
I hope to be in production by late Febuary.