Never Say Never about old kits. "New Era Modeling"

[Oldcarfan27]

It does appear Okey Spaulding is trying to take 3D printing to the next level. I do wish he'd start with his old line, rather than investing in obscure low volume projects like the truck he's doing now. Why a Powell? Might as well have picked a '27 Porter or a Crosley?

Many of Johan's now classic lineup would have triggered quite a few more "likes" than his current choice. A Javelin, 70 Rebel Machine, 65 Cadillac Deville or a 65 Fury perhaps?

Then again, it might boil down to his ability to negotiate a licensing agreement with the 1:1 lawyers. 

[niteowl7710]

1 hour ago, Oldcarfan27 said:

It does appear Okey Spaulding is trying to take 3D printing to the next level. I do wish he'd start with his old line, rather than investing in obscure low volume projects like the truck he's doing now. Why a Powell? Might as well have picked a '27 Porter or a Crosley?

Many of Johan's now classic lineup would have triggered quite a few more "likes" than his current choice. A Javelin, 70 Rebel Machine, 65 Cadillac Deville or a 65 Fury perhaps?

Then again, it might boil down to his ability to negotiate a licensing agreement with the 1:1 lawyers. 

Less to do with ability than wherewithal. Licensing for these things from scratch (he doesn't hold a current license with anyone) start in the mid-5 digits and go up from there (BMW from scratch licensing has been upwards of $250k € about half a decade ago). Then there's a long arduous approval process of the concept, test shots, concept box art and decal art, final prototype approval before production, approval of the final box art, decals, instructions, and kit itself. All the way through that the manufacturer has last right to refuse approval.

Then you have to carry millions of dollars in product liability insurance, plus pay a per unit royalty. That's why you see people here and elsewhere quote a $300-450k price tag on a new tool from R&D to Shelf. Established companies, like a Round2, are paying a little less on the licensing end if they already hold an established 3 year (max term) license with a GM, Ford, et al because you're not paying for an entire whole new license with every kit.

You might be able to do a quick song and dance around all of that if you attempted to 3D print an entire kit in some form or another, but then you're taking a flyer on getting a Cease & Desist - which has happened to resin casters on occasion. Powell doesn't have a company and the original two brothers have long since past. Getting permission from the heirs is a lot easier than going through all of the above with Stellantis.

Edited December 8, 2022 by niteowl7710

[Justin Porter]

1 hour ago, Oldcarfan27 said:

It does appear Okey Spaulding is trying to take 3D printing to the next level.

There are COUNTLESS kit manufacturers in 3D printing that are doing much more than Okey. Setting aside that military kit manufacturers like Special Hobby, Arma Hobby, Eduard, Rye Field Models, Minibase, and so on are already including high-fidelity 3D printed detail parts in their mass-produced kits on hobby shop shelves, we've already SEEN full and highly detailed 3D printed kits such as MiniRetro's excellent 1/24th scale Austin A35. The idea that Okey Spaulding is somehow moving the needle with his Powell compared to what's already available is laughable at one extreme and offensive at another.