Why aren't model companies....

[Mike]

Reissuing the sought-after kits? Model King is having success putting out the likes of the Ford 4x4, Boondocker 72 blazer, and more. Why aren't Revell and/or AMT putting out kits that are going for gangbusters on Ebay? Like the Double Dragster kit for example? They've obviously got a market interest.

[Mr. Metallic]

This is strictly my opinion. Basically, if Wal Mart isn't interested, they aren't either. After the lackluster sales of the Pro-Modeller and Pro-Shop series of kits in the late 90's they have kind of pulled away from the "enthusiast" market. For now they are content to let the Model Kings and Stevens Internationals of the world do their limited runs. A couple of those limited runs have even prompted R/M and AMT to do their own runs of the kits, so there is a faint glimmer of hope.

Hopefully one day they will realize the enthusiast market is still viable and will tap into it

[Jairus]

Craig answered this question wonderfully. It is all about money and the biggest purchasers are Walmart, Kmart and the other big store chains. Hobby shops are, unfortunately just a blip on the marketing environment.

However, AMT is no longer in the business of making models. Point-of-fact the model section (which includes Polar Lights and MPC) is now up for sale. All products announced and in the pipeline will be produced and delivered but nothing new beyond that. Model King and Stevens International currently have free unlimited chance right now to produce anything they want from the AMT archives. NO LIMITS, until AMT is sold... if they are sold. If there is something you want to see produced… I would email Stevens as they are searching the warehouses right now!

Things are in kind of an insecure state of flux right now... but it will settle down in a year or so.

[Mike]

I knew about the AMT thing and the POSSIBILITY/RUMOR of Hobby Heaven and Model King picking them up. But..... let the waiting game begin.

I understand the Wal/Kmart thing, they do really turn over kits, but limit stock unfortunately. And, unfortunately, it is all about the all mighty dollar.

I guess we all can only hope that the independent guys (who know what's going on) can get it done. 8)

[ismaelg]

Hi,

Another factor although may not be as big, is the lack of proper care/maintenance/storage of the tools. Model companies have admitted they don't even know where some tools are. And if they find them, sometimes they are not complete. And if they are, they most likely need to be refurbished which is another cost involved.

Thanks,