Why The Lack Of New Drag Racing Models??

[chris coffey]

I have noticed the last few years the incredible decrease of new tooling for the late model drag cars. What gives?? is it a licensing issue? is it the diecast companies trying to choke us plastic builders out?? I wouldn't mind seeing some new late model kits, especially the F/C's and the pro stocks!! Chris Coffey, Spokane, WA

[RyanSilva]

I agree totally, i wouldnt mind to see reissues of the funny car,dragster and prostocks, even if they didnt come with the trademark decals.

Id also love to see the reissue of the Prostreet kits from the 80's like the lincoln lsc, pontiac 2000? (i forget the name) Beretta etc..

[vettecote]

I would like to see current Funny Cars in 1/16 scale, but then I would like to hit the lottery too....interceptor001

[Harry P.]

These days plastic kits aren't selling like they did 20-30 years ago. Manufacturers are careful only to release kits that they believe will sell in large enough numbers to make a profit, and apparently they don't see the huge demand for the kits you guys want. Remember...just because you yourself want to see a new "XXXXX" kit released, doesn't mean that everyone else has an interest in that sort of kit. The manufacturers will only release kits with the widest possible appeal...in order to sell the most kits.

Your best chance of seeing new niche-market kits like funny cars is from the aftermarket (resin) or from re-releases by people like Model King.

[Billy Kingsley]

Just like all other race car kits, it's a combination of what Harry said, and the almighty dollar. As far as I have been able to determine, EACH indivigual contingency has to be liscened seperatly...Meaning tons and tons of money. Money that the kit companys just can't afford to spend.

[Biscuitbuilder]

Just like all other race car kits, it's a combination of what Harry said, and the almighty dollar. As far as I have been able to determine, EACH indivigual contingency has to be liscened seperatly...Meaning tons and tons of money. Money that the kit companys just can't afford to spend.

Billy, you have hit one of the nails on the head, as has Harry Pri.

With virtually any model or toy of a car, there will be at least licensing of some sort (anywhere from "go ahead and do it" to full approval process followed by a "guarrantee" and royalty payments).

With any race car, there will be a lot more licensing involved. Not only will the car need to be licensed in all likelihood, but perhaps even the engine as well, then the wheels, the tires, perhaps even the chassis builder will have his fingers in the till as well.

THEN......We get to the sponsor of the car--who's name is on the sides of the body--add to this all the accessory contingency decals (and those can get sticky!--sometimes Company A will tell the model or toy mfr "If Company B's decal is on there, we won't approve you using outs!). Even the driver is likely to want some compensation. In short, this can all add up quickly.

But, perhaps the biggest reason that kits or diecasts of modern drag cars seem not to sell at the mass-market numbers needed is that they are often simply too obscure to the general public. Beyond a Force, a Pendragon, etc., the visibility of just about any drag car drops way off, not to the enthusiast, but the general public.

Lotta factors at work,

Biscuitbuilder

[chris coffey]

your guy's responses make perfect sense. I really didn't take the royalites and licensing junk into consiteration, (duh). i guess were not living in the "80's" anymore, where all this was reletivly small potatos then. Too bad for the manufacturers, but is good for the resin industry!! Chris Coffey, Spokane, WA