I got my plastic card today, it was mailed on 11/12/2004. My wife and my son got their cards 5 months back.
To summerize:
I did call NSC on September, got a letter saying that my application was in line to be scanned. So I suspect, this is the difference from those "12-18 months" cases. Namely, if you get a letter similar, hopefully you will get your card soon.
For local transfer cases, likely the card will be mailed within 2 weeks after approval.
Another pattern I observed: either you get it in less than 3 month, Or you will end up with getting it at least 9 months. I do know one of my friends didn't get his card for the first year, went for stamping again, and still waiting
Do ask your lawyer or call, but don't bother
Anyway, patience (waiting) is the key.
Good luck guys, sooner or later, that tiny card will come to you as well
Would someone help me update my info, thanks a lot.