Moebius future kit prototypes from November, 2017 NNL Motor City...

[Bucky]

A '71-'72 Riviera would be fantastic!!

[aurfalien]

Derived from this kinda rare kit...

Hi,

Wow this is sooo killer.

I doubt they will release this in a new tool or even re-release it.

Sure would be nice though.

[Snake45]

I'd be willing to bet US cash dollars that whatever the Mystery Goodie is, it'll be something I have no or virtually no interest in. 

But I'm willing to be pleasantly surprised and would love to be proven wrong. 

[iBorg]

If its not a 64-64 A F/Xer (which it will be), a 27 Ford would really be a tremendous offering. Make sense as a great follow up to the '31.

[djflyer]

Would this qualify as an all-new tool???  Cuz I'll take one regardless.

[mangodart]

One of my most wanted new tool kit would be the 1960 Chrysler 300, one of hte nicest design from this area and a very potent car !!! 

 

[MrObsessive]

Man, I'd LOVE to see an all new glue kit of this! My Dad wanted one of these badly (actually a '61) when these were new, but couldn't afford it as it was something like $5000 out the door, and that's what he made in an entire year back then. Not to mention my Mom was expecting me, so there's no way he could afford the price tag on that with a new baby on the way!

I've got a very clean '61 New Yorker that's a someday project of mine to turn into a 300G.................guess I'll have to be content with that as unfortunately, I don't see this coming to light anytime soon.

[Rocking Rodney Rat]

I'd be willing to bet US cash dollars that whatever the Mystery Goodie is, it'll be something I have no or virtually no interest in. 

But I'm willing to be pleasantly surprised and would love to be proven wrong. 

I'm in the same boat.... -RRR

[tim boyd]

A few of these posts are somewhat close.... but I think most of you will be surprised (I sure was).   They're gonna be cool kits (my prediction).

Further good news is that several of the other ideas posted in this thread are, to my understanding, on the future kit possibility lists of at least one of the kitmakers.  Even further, one of the most frequent suggestions in prior threads on kit tooling spinoffs/derivatives is having the metal cut right now ( I would expect it to hit the market middle of next year). 

It's always a good idea to send your kit suggestions directly to the manufacturers, and to enter them on kit suggestion lists (like Revell's at NNL East)  or  website surveys.   Believe me when I say "every vote counts" in these type of situations.   The reality is that the modeling staffs of Round 2, Revell, and Moebius are just too busy to actively monitor these forum threads on new kit ideas.  It also carries a lot more weight if they know someone went to the extra effort to contact the company directly on a new kit idea.   

Example?  As several of you suggested, I'd personally love to see a '70 Ranchero ( particularly a Squire with the Ram Air hood like the one in the current issue of Vintage Truck magazine).  While it would have to be new tooling, much of the kit could be based off the Revell '70 Torino Cobra/GT work, just as the new 1970 Charger kit was patterned off the old Pro-Modeler 1969 Charger tool.  A note to Revell, along with a copy of the magazine article ( or at least a reference to it), builds the credibility of the idea, and might at some future date be enough to push it close enough to the top of the list that the kitmaker would contact the owner of the featured truck, conduct a measuring session, and then do the analysis to see how much new engineering work would be required to actually create such a kit.   

As for that Lusso kit idea, like several of you it's at the top of my list as well....some of you with connections to the Asian kitmakers need to actively continue to actively communicate that idea.  Maybe to Revell Germany as well.  It seems like a hands-down commercial kit success to me.  

Also, more important than ever now, I am told, is the ability for an all-new kit tool to spawn at least 2-3 follow-up spinoff kits, and more if possible.  (Go back and review Luc's posts on this subject if you need more explanation).  So when you send those ideas, it will add considerable helpfulness/validity if you also list the other derivatives that could be developed from that kit tool.  

(I know many of you are already aware of much/all of the above, so I apologize for repeating it here for you guys....)  

Also, I'm visiting later today with John G. of Round 2 (it's been an annual tradition now for several years), I'll try to remember to ask about the Charger III tool.  I agree, that one would be a killer reissue if somehow the original tooling still exists.  

The 24 hour countdown starts in about 30 minutes.....TIM    

Edited November 11, 2017 by tim boyd

[Mike999]

Zoom Zoom: "Well...25/30 years ago I think I paid $20 bucks mint in box, so that's better than the $35 Round2 will likely go for."

The model companies probably don't want to hear this - but that's exactly what I often think on eBay these days.  I recently got a Jo-Han '60 Plymouth wagon for $42 and a Jo-Han '76 Eldorado for $25.  At a time when the umpteenth release of an old AMT or Revell-o-gram kit is selling for nearly $30+ retail, those seemed like flat-out bargains. 

[MrObsessive]

Tim! You're killing us!

Can you give a teeny weeny, itsy bitsy hint as to what this kit is NOT?? In other words, is it something mainstream that hasn't been done before (you mentioned all new tooling), or is it a variation that we've seen before in a particular genre (street rod)?

Come on.........I know they're watching your house, but this will kill me before tomorrow!

[MrObsessive]

I want to add that yes, going to the NNL East and either voicing your opinion directly to Ed Sexton, or making your desires known on the "Most Wanted" list that's been there, does yield results.

There's certain kits that are about to come out, or have already been released that are now reality that were on that list.

Ed does listen BTW........some of the suggestions that I mentioned to him he wrote down on his personal note pad.

[gtx6970]

I'd love to see Revell backdate the '67 Dodge Coronet to a 1966 Coronet 500 convertible, albeit for selfish reasons. I owned the real thing from 1984 up 'til 1994. Plus, I don't think there was ever a '66 kitted. It's sort of a missing link in the "B" body Coronet kit lineup, unless you come up to the '71 thru '76. 

Not a bad idea. Although I personally would prefer them backdate the 67 GTX into a 1966 Satellite

[gtx6970]

One of my most wanted new tool kit would be the 1960 Chrysler 300, one of hte nicest design from this area and a very potent car !!! 

 

This ( or preferably a 1961 ) Would sure get my heart beating pretty good.

I love the late 50s and early 60s Mopar fin cars

[michaelbaskett]

This one should start a fire here.....Borrowed the pic from another forum....

Edited November 11, 2017 by michaelbaskett
added text..

[aurfalien]

Hi,

This is a very interesting thread.

I wonder how the kit makers research demographics and potential sales.

I don't think they target baby boomers as that group is least likely to spend money.  The younger generations are more likely to spend and I wonder if they are able to find out what excites them/us/me?

As far as cost cost, AAA video game titles run ~$50 and online subscriptions can run well over a hundy a year.

So a $35 kit is not that big a deal as these costs are nothing to say genX and younger.

[Luc Janssens]

 

Luc, ye'r a kool sort.....

Thanks Chuck

Anyway like I previously said, I was merely trying defuze, no more no less...if I by doing that, I unintentionally ruffled someones feathers, I do apologize.

I (and I assume many) come here, to un-stress, relax and enjoy posts made by Model cars hobby friends (all of you who participate this forum) , be it by discussing a new kit, pipeline dreaming, sharing a work in progress, and finally the finished model, I love it all and keeps me sane, therefore also my intervention.

About the US model kit maker's their strong's and faults...well to cut it short....I think/assume, there are ones which seem to have growing pains, others could have downsizing pains, and under-funding "looks" to be a issue too.

But I strongly believe all the (skeleton crews) teams there, do their utmost best, to deliver new and exiting product for their particular audience.

Maybe Tim Boyd (or Dave Metzner, Art Anderson, Dave Van and others who are in the know and stop by here) can kick in here with some more Industry insight, cuz most of the guys who I know, or knew from the industry, are sadly downsized, retired or made it to the next level of being.....

On the subject of the model kit industry in the orient, I too wish to hear more, on what "seems" to make's them superior,to their American counterparts, is it...because they are/were not infected by greedy investors/holding company's, who percentage wise wanted way too much return, on their investment?

Is it that, what harmed lot of US business, keeping them from making the necessary investments, in the latest R&D technology and could that still be a problem today?

What is the business model in Japan? do they believe that a good product sells itself and generates a very healthy return, do they invest more then take (profit) from the company?

Questions questions.....

Anyway....looking forward to Sundays news, and if it doesn't bring what you hoped for, I'd say do what Tim preaches and play a more active role in the hobby you love, by not cluttering boards like this one, with way to many suggestions, but research just one proposal and send it in, to the company of your choice. and if my 250k question format can help you with this, please by all means use it.....

 

;^)

 

 

 

 

Edited November 11, 2017 by Luc Janssens
grammar etc...

[niteowl7710]

Hi,

This is a very interesting thread.

I wonder how the kit makers research demographics and potential sales.

I don't think they target baby boomers as that group is least likely to spend money.  The younger generations are more likely to spend and I wonder if they are able to find out what excites them/us/me?

As far as cost cost, AAA video game titles run ~$50 and online subscriptions can run well over a hundy a year.

So a $35 kit is not that big a deal as these costs are nothing to say genX and younger.

If you don't think they see Baby Boomers as effectively their only customers, you haven't paid any attention to Revell/Moebius/Round2's marketing and developing schemes for the past 15 years and the next 15 years into the future.

[niteowl7710]

 

What is the business model in Japan? do they believe that a good product sells itself and generates a very healthy return?

 

 

I'd also venture to say they have the concept of tooling engineering down pat, and believe in developing strong bonds with aftermarket (1:1) companies.  They can whip out version after version of kits with tooling inserts and decal changes because of the way they design the body to be constructed.  You see a lot of whining in places like this about kits with separate hoods, but no engines, but that separate hood allows them to quickly reconfigure the tooling to make another trim level, or year of manufacture by changing out the hood and front fascia for instance.  If you look at the new Toyota ProBox/Succeed that is coming out in December for example there's just a form for the front end, and all of the front clip is separate.  This will allow them to backdate the tooling to the previous generation of the vehicle by just tooling up the new front clip pieces since the rest of the body remains the same.

Also with the various Tuner/VIP series that are done, anyone else notice those are BRANDED by the companies they're featuring? Vertex, Rojam, Mode Parfume, etc, etc, etc.  Meanwhile the next version of the Revell Bronco isn't a BAJA Bronco because they can't either afford or be bothered to secure all the licensing to make an actual replica of the vehicle.  I will give them props for the Foose branding, but then again aside from the two new kits - it just meant adding a few wheels and decals into existing product lines - which makes financial sense, but wasn't particularly inspiring either.

It's not like the hobby market in Japan is getting any younger either...

But when comparing the facts, in the past 12 months we've gotten 3 new tool kits out of Europe, 7 (and I think I'm being nice and giving them credit for the glue NASCAR kits, when they are at least based on the earlier SnapTite kits for the body shell) new tools out of the U.S., and 13 out of Japan.  Those are strictly new tooling, if you start adding in modified reissues the U.S. goes to like 11 and Japan goes to over 20.

[Ace-Garageguy]

 

...I don't think they target baby boomers as that group is least likely to spend money.  The younger generations are more likely to spend and I wonder if they are able to find out what excites them/us/me?

As far as cost cost, AAA video game titles run ~$50 and online subscriptions can run well over a hundy a year.

So a $35 kit is not that big a deal as these costs are nothing to say genX and younger.

I think you may want to check your premises here.

The tail-end of the boomers who are still earning (like me) and retirees who were strong earners while working (and are comfortable financially in retirement) are probably the biggest spenders in this hobby, and probably will be for some time to come.

While there are admittedly high-earning "genX and younger" folks (probably like you if you're in IT), a LOT of them just aren't. Many used-to-be highly skilled trades that paid very well (in the $100,000 annually range)...like mechanic...have been dumbed down by a combination of dealership greed, rocketing expenses, and almost exclusively "computer diagnostics" having taken over the role of actual physical competence. $25,000 a year is what a typical dealership mechanic can expect to make these days, and that doesn't go far in the real world. Neither does the financial remuneration one gets from serving coffee at Starbucks, or shifting Chinese-made crapp at WalMart.

And the manual skills that take significant effort to develop, and exposure to "dangerous" sharp tools and smelly, messy chemicals are not high on the lists of "things that appeal to young people".

[Daddyfink]

I am not going to worry about who is or is not buying anymore. As long as they make it I will buy it. If it ends, so be it. 

 

[aurfalien]

I am not going to worry about who is or is not buying anymore. As long as they make it I will buy it. If it ends, so be it. 

 

Hi,

I think this is a good approach to have.  And yep, I am going to buy that Round2 Cobra race team kit when available.

I like what Round2 is doing.

Edited November 11, 2017 by aurfalien

[aurfalien]

I think you may want to check your premises here.

The tail-end of the boomers who are still earning (like me) and retirees who were strong earners while working (and are comfortable financially in retirement) are probably the biggest spenders in this hobby, and probably will be for some time to come.

While there are admittedly high-earning "genX and younger" folks (probably like you if you're in IT), a LOT of them just aren't. Many used-to-be highly skilled trades that paid very well (in the $100,000 annually range)...like mechanic...have been dumbed down by a combination of dealership greed, rocketing expenses, and almost exclusively "computer diagnostics" having taken over the role of actual physical competence. $25,000 a year is what a typical dealership mechanic can expect to make these days, and that doesn't go far in the real world. Neither does the financial remuneration one gets from serving coffee at Starbucks, or shifting Chinese-made crapp at WalMart.

And the manual skills that take significant effort to develop, and exposure to "dangerous" sharp tools and smelly, messy chemicals are not high on the lists of "things that appeal to young people".

Hi,

Hmm, I see your points.

Seems like specialization may be key here so companies like Round2 attract the rather large nostagia/classic/older car generation.

Hell, all the more reason to bring back;

- Astro 1

- Flying Dutcman

- Charger III

So sexy, so sexy.

[Snake45]

I think you may want to check your premises here.

The tail-end of the boomers who are still earning (like me) and retirees who were strong earners while working (and are comfortable financially in retirement) are probably the biggest spenders in this hobby, and probably will be for some time to come.

 

Agree with you completely. And this is even more true in Model Airplane World, where they no longer bat an eye at Tamiya's prices, no matter how outrageous they get. 

[Snake45]

Hi,

Hmm, I see your points.

Seems like specialization may be key here so companies like Round2 attract the rather large nostagia/classic/older car generation.

Hell, all the more reason to bring back;

- Astro 1

- Flying Dutcman

- Charger III

So sexy, so sexy.

I'd buy an Astro I, but I thought the Charger III was ugly back in 196X and I still do. 

Edited November 11, 2017 by Snake45