A few things were asked in this thread. I'll add my perspective. I also ordered this plane, and cannot sit still thinking of being able to use it! Should be soon as BCTW is waiting on the final pieces before shipping this plane out.
In the time since this pre-order, I ordered two other BCTW planes. The HP-10 and the HP-6FX.
The HP-10 is a seriously nice hand plane. It was my introduction to the company. The fit and finish is beyond perfection. I simply love the plane. Every time I use it, I smile. It's the way a hand plane should be. The mechanisms move as they should, with no hesitation. The adjustments are simple and intuitive.
The HP-6FX is a small multi-plane. I picked this one up last week, and just got my first profile for it. I chose the surface cove to try out first. Out of the box, the blade cut a flawless profile in a piece of walnut. I could not be happier, and will be purchasing other profiles as they become available.
A few people here have addressed issues of availability with the planes. I want to tackle this head on. I am not a very patient person. I much prefer to order things as I need them, or as they strike me. The two planes I have spoken about above were in stock, so there was no waiting. I had them in my hands within a few days of ordering. Given the high quality of the planes, I am more than willing to wait for the HP-9 to become available because I know it will be perfect when I get it. And lets be honest, most of us have block planes...
BCTW planes are not likely to be the first planes a new user purchases. As such, the lack of immediate availability doesn't bother me.
I plan on doing a full review on the planes I own, as well as the HP-9 when I get it in my hands. If anyone wants more detail on these planes, feel free to shoot me a PM.
