jeffdeoranut Posted March 10, 2018 Posted March 10, 2018 i don't know bout parts packs but I have read that in order to break even a new tool for a complete kit has to sell 150,000 units. maybe they could produce limited runs of existing parts from existing tools and see which ones sell. even though the cry will always be "i wish they would produce this..." there is so much modelling stuff available that im sure many of us have kits, parts packs, etc that we will never use. for those of you who can afford it(not me) there is moreavailable via 3d printing than one could imagine and that industry is growing by leaps and bounds. as prices come down many of us will own our own 3d printers and im sure that there will be many, many more companies developing design software and selling it to modellers. imho what the model manufactures need to do is to recreate the excitement we all felt when we were beginners. at age 12 I would have built a model of ANYTHING. now the mfg's must compete against video games for the youngsters interest. its really a microcosm of the changes in our society as children are not taught the value of putting forth effort to accomplish something. we live in the age of instant gratification and the days of kids like me(from a poor family) of picking up soda bottles for 2 weeks to have money to buy models or mowing yards, raking leaves or weeding gardens for that matter are gone. in fact, since my stroke in 2014 I have attempted to hire people to assist with housecleaning and yardwork. I offer $10 per hour and not one young man ever showed up to work. I do have a neice who will clean for me some but only after 2pm cause she sleeps till noon. I live in a very rural area and the only entry level jobs are fast food or farmwork or retail sales. the local kids just will not do farmwork . my son, now 24 is THE ONLY MALE HIS AGE THAT I KNOW THAT HAS A JOB, PAID FOR HIS LATEST CAR AND PAYS HIS CAR INSURANCE. most of the local kids don't even look for a job-they live off their parents and the parents put up with it. man, was I proud of the models I bought with money I had earned especially since half of what I earned had to go towards buying school clothes and shoes. so how can model mfg's get youngsters involved in modelling? again, just mho: lower prices...more of the build one, take one programs but more organized. roughly 12? years ago my 12 year old son was very excited about revels make one, take one event. we lived near st Louis at the time and I called EVERY hobby shop in the pone book to see if they were going to participate-out of the entire metro st Louis area only 3 said there were...2 cancelled. the 3rd had the event a week earlier than date posted in the magazine in which we became aware of the event. my son was very disappointed upon learning this however the hobby shop did mail us 2 kits for free. one, the motorworks 85 Camaro kit my son built...the other-snapfast police car has been assembled numerous times by my son, my daughter and several nieces and nephews. the grandchildren are just about old enough for me to introduce them to modelling. if any of them show interest I will buy kits for them but $20 bucks is a lot to spend for something they aren't interested in.
regular guy Posted March 10, 2018 Author Posted March 10, 2018 ' we can't do anything about it so it's quite useless to bring them up here' It helps to discuss what is going on with AMT parts packs. It could somehow lead to a treasure trove of new parts packs. Think the major ones are the Advanced Customizing or Styline body parts. Then custom and racing frames, engines and rearends. Chrome quckchange ones would be good and Ford and Oldsmobile. Then plexiglass clear(clear plastic) canopies. Then custom chrome bumpers and grills Upholstery and carpet.Custom rims and tires. The '57 Fantasy Parts Pack may be the beginning of a bunch of them coming out.
regular guy Posted March 10, 2018 Author Posted March 10, 2018 Metallic and metal flake Naugahyde upholstery parts pack! Like in the Ala kart here. Made a minibike seat from red metal flake Naugahyde. Schwinn stingrays used to have sparkle seats.
Ace-Garageguy Posted March 11, 2018 Posted March 11, 2018 (edited) 4 hours ago, regular guy said: Metallic and metal flake Naugahyde upholstery parts pack! Like in the Ala kart here... That's actually the "Howli Kart" (Ala Kart clone), built by Howdy Ledbetter in 1996. The real Ala Kart has coil-over-airbag suspension, louvers in the aprons, exposed wheel centers and nuts, and a host of other subtle differences. Edited March 11, 2018 by Ace-Garageguy
Pete L. Posted March 11, 2018 Posted March 11, 2018 On 3/9/2018 at 2:43 PM, Ace-Garageguy said: A lot of this stuff was done long ago by Revell and AMT, and the packs are fairly readily available still. Just a few examples below. And tooling for injection molded parts is VASTLY more expensive than silicone molds for resin...which anyone can do in his bedroom.
Pete L. Posted March 11, 2018 Posted March 11, 2018 Fellas,y to e were ... I too have many of these Revell parts. Sadly they're very brittle and susceptible to breakage. Some of the chrome has also simply worn away making it necessary to redo the finish. I feel that some new parts pack will fill a void in the market that exists today. I just returned from the Philly NNL and you'd be surprised how many model car parts vendors there were...
niteowl7710 Posted March 11, 2018 Posted March 11, 2018 (edited) 4 hours ago, regular guy said: The '57 Fantasy Parts Pack may be the beginning of a bunch of them coming out. That "Parts Pack" is just a couple of chrome plated runners of parts recently tooled up for another kit, not something they just created specifically for release of the parts. Frankly considering the kit they were in calling them "1957 Fantasy" is a fantasy all on it's own. Edited March 11, 2018 by niteowl7710
Ace-Garageguy Posted March 11, 2018 Posted March 11, 2018 24 minutes ago, niteowl7710 said: That "Parts Pack" is just a couple of chrome plated runners of parts recently tooled up for another kit, not something they just created specifically for release of the parts. Frankly considering the kit they were in calling them "1957 Fantasy" is a fantasy all on it's own. Yeah, I don't think that one's going to be a big seller...unless Bob buys them all.
Force Posted March 11, 2018 Posted March 11, 2018 9 hours ago, regular guy said: ' we can't do anything about it so it's quite useless to bring them up here' It helps to discuss what is going on with AMT parts packs. It could somehow lead to a treasure trove of new parts packs. Think the major ones are the Advanced Customizing or Styline body parts. Then custom and racing frames, engines and rearends. Chrome quckchange ones would be good and Ford and Oldsmobile. Then plexiglass clear(clear plastic) canopies. Then custom chrome bumpers and grills Upholstery and carpet.Custom rims and tires. The '57 Fantasy Parts Pack may be the beginning of a bunch of them coming out. I still think your suggestions regarding this are more suitable with the Round2/AMT crew. We can wish for all we want here on the forum but if the manufacturers never see or hear about it it will never be even considered. I'm sorry but that's the fact.
jeffdeoranut Posted March 11, 2018 Posted March 11, 2018 sooooo...why doesn't someone type up a letter with requests on it and mail it to another modeler who signs it and mails it to another modeler and so on, eventually mailing it to round2. or maybe someone post an email address for them and we could all send emails. if I were a mfg I would look into the financial feasibility of producing/reissuing kits with stock parts only AND at the same time releasing a custom parts pack for that kit.
regular guy Posted March 11, 2018 Author Posted March 11, 2018 ' if I were a mfg I would look into the financial feasibility of producing/reissuing kits with stock parts only AND at the same time releasing a custom parts pack for that kit. ' THAT is why it is worthwhile to discuss it here.A brainstorming session. Emails about this can just go the email address on Round2 website. If they are interested in feedback they have them forwarded to right department. That's a good idea about an 'optional' parts pack for kit. AMT just brought out a Model T pie wagon AND a delivery truck. Delivery truck body parts only could have been a Jimmy Flintstone like small add on kit. Like the one suggestion here to get the price down on a basic kit. That way you can buy a $15 kit for a kid as a gift if you are not sure if it even going to get built. Junior modeler $10-12 ones would be even better. Just a body and interior shell plus wheels and tires. it would get the AMT name out there. Put some ads on it for real version of kit. Back to parts packs proper in next post.
Ace-Garageguy Posted March 11, 2018 Posted March 11, 2018 8 minutes ago, regular guy said: ...Back to parts packs proper in next post. I can hardly wait.
SfanGoch Posted March 11, 2018 Posted March 11, 2018 Parts packs never were big sellers even during the golden era of modeling in the early-mid 1960s. That's why, for the most part, kit manufacturers discontinued them. The only reason these older parts packs are bought on Ebay, or from vintage model sites, is for their nostalgia value to the purchaser/collector. Not to mention that they can be turned over for a tidy profit at the aforementioned eBay at a later time. The only sets that were reasonably popular enough to possibly generate revenue for, let's say, AMT and Revellogram were the engine packs. But, considering Revellogram discontinued its engine Parts Paks in '98-'99, that might actually be the case. Producing items to cater to a minority within a minority niche in the hobby isn't is not a good or logical business practice.
LDO Posted March 11, 2018 Posted March 11, 2018 But I REALLY WANT a Lycoming 420ci flathead straight-8 and a Franklin air-cooled flat-12. AMT are making a HUGE MISTAKE by not offering these in a Parts Pack. I mean come on, these engines could power anything (if you stretch the front end a bit). How hard can it be? Of course the doubting Thomases will say it won't sell, but how do they know? No one has ever offered these engines in a Parts Pack. They have to make them to find out. Did I cover all the usual arguments?
regular guy Posted March 11, 2018 Author Posted March 11, 2018 (edited) Here's a side panel from a Thunderbird Styline kit. Those are parts for a parts pack. Custom front and rear caps. Have to include custom roofs and plexiglass canopies, full and dual, also the little windshields for convertible. Upholstery parts packs should have leopard , tiger and zebra stripe patterns. Look at all that's going on on that side panel. AMT needs to put some excitement back into there kits. 'If you aren't making mistakes then you are not making decisions'. They should go full tilt in one specific area like Styline kits. '57 Fantasy parts pack is a step in the right direction. Now they need a big leap forward. I say with a couple Advanced Customizing and Styline kits. Then say half a dozen parts packs. Edited March 11, 2018 by regular guy
Ace-Garageguy Posted March 11, 2018 Posted March 11, 2018 4 minutes ago, regular guy said: ...'57 Fantasy parts pack is a step in the right direction... How many have YOU bought?
regular guy Posted March 11, 2018 Author Posted March 11, 2018 ' How many have YOU bought?' Thank you for reminding me.My shopping list looks like this. AMT '53 Ford Pickup 3in1.Get before it goes bye-bye. '62 Buick Electra.Can't say no to Styline parts in kit. These are good examples of mid late 50's early 60's custom car show kits. '65 Grand Prix is a little iffy because it is toward end of Golden Era of custom car shows. The Bill Cushenberry Slhouette is a must have.Big time custom car show model. That and the Ala Kart and Lil Coffin are the big guns of the Golden Age car shows. You can throw in George Barris Surf Rod. Then the '34 Ford Jimmy Flintstone body. Finally the AMT '57 Fantasy Parts Pack.
Rob Hall Posted March 11, 2018 Posted March 11, 2018 As as AMT parts packs go, I've bought quite a few of the recent AMT tire sets--multiple each of the redline tire sets, whitewall and white letter tire sets. The tire sets always get my interest, wheel sets also would be interesting, esp. w/ '60s-70s style aftermarket wheels.
Ace-Garageguy Posted March 11, 2018 Posted March 11, 2018 (edited) 1 hour ago, regular guy said: '62 Buick Electra.Can't say no to Styline parts in kit. You do realize the Styline parts are designed to fit SPECIFIC car bodies...the kits they come in...not just generic stuff, right? It takes significant skill to make them fit what they're MADE for and look good. WAY BEYOND THE AVERAGE MODELER. The seams have to be body-worked...a lot. It takes a hell of a lot MORE skill to use them effectively on anything else. Edited March 11, 2018 by Ace-Garageguy
Richard Bartrop Posted March 11, 2018 Posted March 11, 2018 As for "There is no try, only do", don't forget in the movie, Yoda backed up his claim by pulling a spaceship out of a swamp with his mind. Now, I'm not saying you have to do anything so spectacular, but feel free to put your money where your mouth is, and show everyone why they're wrong. It's easy to talk about taking risks when it's someone else's money. That said, a decent Lycoming straight eight would be nice, even in resin.
niteowl7710 Posted March 11, 2018 Posted March 11, 2018 What is this obsession with Jimmy Flintstone? He's a nice enough guy in person, and some of his pieces are unique - to say the least. But it's not like his resin is setting any sort of quality or buildability standards with that slush cast stuff.
Ace-Garageguy Posted March 11, 2018 Posted March 11, 2018 I know one thing a lot of us probably WOULD buy: a single sprue of nothing but beautifully engraved clear generic 5" and 7" sealed-beam headlight lenses, plus some flat ones in various diameters appropriate for older vintage cars. Or maybe half a sprue of that, and the other half generic taillights (easily tinted red) appropriate to hot-rods and customs. Flats, several kinds of bullets, etc. I get tired of having to rob kits for this stuff, and then find or make repops if the kit ever comes up to get built. Anybody doing restos or upgrades need these things...judging from the number of threads started about dealing with chrome headlights, or making clear lenses. They also tend to get lost easily, glue spotted, whatever, and none of the kits give you spares.
Ace-Garageguy Posted March 11, 2018 Posted March 11, 2018 (edited) 22 minutes ago, niteowl7710 said: What is this obsession with Jimmy Flintstone? He's a nice enough guy in person, and some of his pieces are unique - to say the least. But it's not like his resin is setting any sort of quality or buildability standards with that slush cast stuff. Bob refuses to acknowledge (or possibly even understand...though it's been explained) that Flintstone can make silicone molds for a copy of something for an investment in the HUNDREDS of dollars, but that it takes TENS OF THOUSANDS of dollars to make steel tooling for injection molding. Throw in the CAD design cost for something that's never been done before, and you're probably into 100 grand. The simplistic way Bob sees it is "if Flintstone can do it, the real companies can too". Okayyyyyy..... Possibly throw in there a lack of understanding of how business even works, risk, the cost of capital, etc. etc., or that when you're running a company that has slender margins, borrowing heavily for tooling and design can drive you into the toilet if the cost of servicing the debt incurred on a BAD GUESS is too high. Hobbico's top heavy debt on loans just to keep going...not additional heavy tooling expenditures...is apparently what killed them. Edited March 11, 2018 by Ace-Garageguy
Psychographic Posted March 11, 2018 Posted March 11, 2018 34 minutes ago, Ace-Garageguy said: I know one thing a lot of us probably WOULD buy: a single sprue of nothing but beautifully engraved clear generic 5" and 7" sealed-beam headlight lenses, plus some flat ones in various diameters appropriate for older vintage cars. Or maybe half a sprue of that, and the other half generic taillights (easily tinted red) appropriate to hot-rods and customs. Flats, several kinds of bullets, etc. I get tired of having to rob kits for this stuff, and then find or make repops if the kit ever comes up to get built. Anybody doing restos or upgrades need these things...judging from the number of threads started about dealing with chrome headlights, or making clear lenses. They also tend to get lost easily, glue spotted, whatever, and none of the kits give you spares. We have a winner!!! It's something I could sure use and would buy. I was watching an ebay auction of various headlight lenses. It was only a few bucks and I was pretty mad at myself when I forgot to do a last minute bid. I looked in my saved list and it sold for $15 and change.
Recommended Posts