Dr. Cranky Posted May 13, 2011 Posted May 13, 2011 I would love to find out how the rest of you feel about this. I for one--since I am rather OCD (like most of you could not tell this about Doctor Cranky, right?)--cannot get kits that are "coming soon" out of my head. Once I hear (name your favorite kit you are salivatin' for: HUDSON HORNET, '50 CHEVY PICK UP, '48 FORD, etc . . . )that a particular kit is coming out, I get anxious and over anxious anticipating said kit's release. Maybe that's the whole idea behind the manufacturer's announcing a release date: it keeps a whole bunch of us running back to the LHS. Part of me would much rather walk into my LHS and suddenly be surprised that a kit is already out. God knows, I've burned my finger tips looking up the "Just Arrived!" selections at MODEL ROUND UP. But the waiting really does a number on me. ANNOUNCE or NOT ANNOUNCE? Or perhaps the manufacturers should pre-release a kit to a select few distributors (like MODEL ROUNDUP) early and let those of us, the most deranged and desperate, have access to a kit . . . I don't know but I hope I'm not the only one frustrated sitting on the edge of my seat.
Aaronw Posted May 13, 2011 Posted May 13, 2011 I like having a little lead time, it gives me time to think about what I want to do with a kit. For re-issues it lets me know to be very picky on any I find on ebay because it is coming back. I had been hunting Revell's 1941 Chevy and 1950 Ford trucks which were starting to get kind of up there. When those were announced for re-issue with new parts, I waited for the re-issues and bought a bunch. On the other hand, waiting can be annoying...
Dr. Cranky Posted May 13, 2011 Author Posted May 13, 2011 Mike, good point, and I try, try, try to ignore the fact that some of these kits are coming out, and when they don't come out on schedule, by then it's too late, they've already done a number on my imagination. I know the kit makers have to attend their national conventions and do "new product" reveals, but that only begins to whet the appetite . . . which I guess is the desired effect . . .
Dr. Cranky Posted May 13, 2011 Author Posted May 13, 2011 I've noticed too that delaying the release date on a kit adds to the traffic on EBAY. Case in point, all the AMT '50 Chevy trucks are still around, but they tend to be a bit more expensive, etc . . . I hope nobody thinks I'm complaining. Personally, I think it's all good for the hobby, etc . . . I'm just trying to figure out what kind of a choir our Good Doctor Cranky is preaching to here!
spad007 Posted May 13, 2011 Posted May 13, 2011 All delayed kits must be sold at a Huge discount. other wise What Wheelman said.
Rob Z Posted May 13, 2011 Posted May 13, 2011 I know, for me and my OCD, the anticipation of the Hudson is killing me but, I am glad that they gave us plenty of warning about the kit so I am able to save my pennies and get a whole case lot rather than just buying one or 2 at a time as I can afford it...
ra7c7er Posted May 13, 2011 Posted May 13, 2011 I think they should announce just about everything. What you have to remember is that just because they announce it it doesn't mean it is actually going to come out. How many times have we seen that in the past. Announcing early is a way for the companies to gauge interest if not enough interest is shown then it may not actually come out. What I think would be really cool is if they announced MOST things but left a few surprise releases that are just found on the shelves one day. The same way RC companies release special edition bodies in come kits, but not even the shops know if they are going to get the special editions.
Dr. Cranky Posted May 13, 2011 Author Posted May 13, 2011 Case in point, a new Henry J is out and could be gotten. They only did a limited run of 3000. I found one last year and put in the collection, nw I can build it in peace knowing I can get replacement parts if I need them.
Guest Posted May 13, 2011 Posted May 13, 2011 What really gets me is when they announce a new kit and get everyone hyped up,then cancel it. There was a lot of interest in the G body Cutlass and Regal,but for some reason,Revell pulled the plug on those two kits. Kit announcements should only be made if they are actually going to hit the shelves. If not,don't bother.
DRG Posted May 13, 2011 Posted May 13, 2011 I can agree with Mark Taylor statement completely I have found that if I don't pre-order at the localHobby Shop I simply miss out on that particular model.
Greg Myers Posted May 13, 2011 Posted May 13, 2011 An interesting point my good Doctor.From an earlier thread someone asked the question: "Why would one worry so, with so many unbuilt kits in the closet?" I think this is where human nature takes hold, looking forward to the future, anticipation, something entierly new,something you have thought about, even before you heard of it's release, something you have dreamed of. I must say I have learned, there is nothing one can do about it except to stay current on what the hold up may be, and then realize it may still only be speculation from others.
Greg Myers Posted May 13, 2011 Posted May 13, 2011 Say, anyone hear what the status is on the Daytona Cobra is?
Dr. Cranky Posted May 13, 2011 Author Posted May 13, 2011 Well said, Greg, and even EYEGORE agrees with you on that. A closet full of kits is never as exciting as what's COMING OUT, and that usually get the creative juices really flowing. Which is why I've devised a new plan for the Lab-RAT-ory. For every new kit that comes in, one has to either go out or be built!
Aaronw Posted May 13, 2011 Posted May 13, 2011 On 5/13/2011 at 5:18 PM, mark taylor said: The runs on kits are so small anymore if you miss it, you're not likely to just run into a popular kit on the shelf in a lot of cases. Especially with non-Revell USA kits. Even Revell Germany releases come and go in an instant these days. There were a couple of the Model King limited run issues that seemed like they sold out before they were even issued. Sure, there are kits that linger on the store shelves, but since most stuff is run off the pre-sell numbers once the LHS gets one kit and sells it, there's no guarantee they can replace it. Knowing that a kit is coming is pretty important to be sure you don't miss it and have to pay "collector" prices later, in my opinion. No kidding, I got two each of the 1970s Ford F350 and Blazer when Model King re-issued them a few years ago, thinking I could get more after I built them. Those two just don't show up much even on ebay, and when they do the asking price is high and they usually sell. I'm not sure what kind of arrangement was made between Model King and RC2, but I hope Round 2 will eventually bring them back, I could use a few more.
Casey Posted May 13, 2011 Posted May 13, 2011 I think it would be a huge mistake for a model company to not announce future releases. Not only does it let their customers know what's coming and what they can expect, but it may also prevent a customer from buying a competitor's product, knowing a new and or better kit will be on store shelves soon. I don't have a problem with kits being announced and later delayed or canceled, as there may be many good reasons for such delays. We almost never hear why an announced kit never made it to production, but look at Revell's recently released Midget kits. They were started a decade ago, put on the shelf, and eventually were finished and produced. We tend to remember the '49 Oldsmobiles and '87 Cutlasses, and we have every right to be disappointed when they don't materialize as kits, but we should also remember the "Hey, what a surprise! I didn't know they were going to release a kit of that!" moments. I'd rather know what might be coming in the next year from Revell, Round2, etc. than to have to wait around, guessing at what might be coming.
Nate Posted May 13, 2011 Posted May 13, 2011 I feel your pain, especially with the 50 Chevy and Hornet. What's been killing me is waiting for the various issues of the 1/25 1966 Batmobile. There are going to be possibly 3 versions of this kit released over the course of the next year. The wait is KILLING ME! But I have been waiting for 1/25 issue of this kit since I started building models, and soon will have 3 options to choose from! I like the announcing of upcoming models and all the analysis that the model building community has about what they heard from "sources close to the model company" and such. It's kinda fun.
Danno Posted May 13, 2011 Posted May 13, 2011 On 5/13/2011 at 4:42 PM, Rob Z said: I am glad that they gave us plenty of warning about the kit so I am able to save my pennies and get a whole case lot rather than just buying one or 2 at a time as I can afford it... Bingo!
Danno Posted May 13, 2011 Posted May 13, 2011 On 5/13/2011 at 6:11 PM, Nate said: What's been killing me is waiting for the various issues of the 1/25 1966 Batmobile. There are going to be possibly 3 versions of this kit released over the course of the next year. The wait is KILLING ME! But I have been waiting for 1/25 issue of this kit since I started building models, and soon will have 3 options to choose from! I hear ya. But, I've been waiting for a 1/25 Batmobile for 45 years now. I can wait another 6 months. It's no sweat any more.
Dr. Cranky Posted May 13, 2011 Author Posted May 13, 2011 (edited) Bob, for a minute I thought that was the Lab-RAT-ory's own EYEGORE, until I remembered that EYEGORE is a bit crazier around the eyes! Edited May 13, 2011 by Dr. Cranky
mikemodeler Posted May 13, 2011 Posted May 13, 2011 I am sure that the pre-production announcements also help determine if a company should really spend the money on a tool and pour plastic into it. What is the reaction and forum talk say about a particular kit's potential? In the past the manufacturers relied on the LHS and distributors pre-orders as well as big box retailers. Now that there are fewer distribution points, the forums and chat rooms might be a better barometer. While we have all seen plenty of 32 Fords and 57 Chevies,and many of us have a lot in our stash, did that prevent some of us from buying more of the new variations that have come out? How many people bought the '72 Cutlass when it came out last year only to buy the new version this year????? The price of developing a new kit for a shrinking market is a huge factor in what we eventually see on the shelves at the store. How much would it cost to tool up a brand new '73 Chevy Vega kit versus modifying an existing '69 Camaro mold to create a COPO version of car many of us would love to build? Simple economics. The recent list of coming releases from Revell and Round 2 have me a little excited but then again I tend to start more than I finish so the last thing I need is another dozen kits-just ask my wife! I feel we need to have the announcements continue or else we run the risk of folks losing interest in the hobby. While I hate waiting like most, it should serve as a motivation to get my WIP done so I can build the new kits coming.
Dr. Cranky Posted May 13, 2011 Author Posted May 13, 2011 Well said, Mike. Another area for possible development is re-doing some of the 1/16th Stutz Bearcat, Bugatti, et al kits in 1/24th scale and adding perhaps a STEAMPUNK feel to them. I think the industry would grow by leaps and bounds if they capitalized on the Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Steampunk/Goth-Punk craze that's going around. Shoot, I just ordered four new books that are coming out on the subject of Steampunk alone.
bandit1 Posted May 13, 2011 Posted May 13, 2011 On 5/13/2011 at 4:11 PM, Aaronw said: I had been hunting Revell's 1941 Chevy i had wanted that kit when i came up with a build idea for it so i ordered it instead from revell directly online and you know what they "actually" sent me??? not a single 41 chevy but a custom 99 silverado trucks edition kit and get this i had one already in my stash so i called them up and they said something i dont remember cause that was years ago! but did i ever get one NO! i didnt i still have that 99 silverado and i think even the original reciept that you recieve in your email! whats up with that revell??????????
mikemodeler Posted May 13, 2011 Posted May 13, 2011 On 5/13/2011 at 9:51 PM, mark taylor said: I have to say, the long lead times...coupled with well-timed showing of test shots or issuing information about what "extras" might be in a kit this time around have gotten me to buy things I normally wouldn't just because all the buzz they generate on the forums gets me interested. I can't be the only one. You are not alone in your thinking Mark as I am in the same boat. I am not a builder of big trucks but all the forum buzz about the new Lonestar kit and the various test shots and what not have me thinking about buying one. Same might be true for some other kits on the horizon. Hell, I bought the new Lindberg Charger police car kit for the dang lightbars! I am sure I will build the Charger or trade it but it was the thought of 8 lightbars for other projects that got me to part with $20 for it!
Tony T Posted May 13, 2011 Posted May 13, 2011 On 5/13/2011 at 6:50 PM, Danno said: I hear ya. But, I've been waiting for a 1/25 Batmobile for 45 years now. I can wait another 6 months. It's no sweat any more. I'm with you both on this one!! The 1966 Batmobile has been a big want forever!! When they announced the kits, I just about had a Doc Cranky moment!! I find I have to rock myself to sleep some nights...Maybe I need to get some meds or something... I am hoping that each issue is popular enough to justify the next...In this case I think they will. Others don't reach a certain pre-order level, and they get dropped. The Hudson is another one I'm glad to see coming out. I'm more excited about the race version, but I'd be up for a stock build. Okay, Doc...what's out first choir number we're singing?? I'll do the Bass parts...
Lunajammer Posted May 13, 2011 Posted May 13, 2011 "It's not the having, it's the wanting." So let us want gentlemen. Announce.
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