as another year ends...

[62rebel]

I reflect on the several amazing new kits on the shelves, and the rebound of reissues from days gone by, and the difference in content between the two respective eras....

this hobby flourished in the late '60's into the mid '70's and suffered some pretty serious setbacks in the interval years; I often wondered if it would EVER recover as I walked through our local hobby shop in the early '90's.... de-contented kits; many simply BAD kits issued over and over; serious issues of "we don't care as long as SOMEBODY buys it" from every corner...

and then something happened. model builders started having their voices heard; manufacturers began to issue corrected kits; accurized decals; all-new tools of existing models..... sure; there were miss-steps from all of them at one time or another; but the bottom line was that WE were getting what we wanted.

so, whenever there's an urge to blast a kit or manufacturer, try to remember that they are a business and have to create a profit. remember that, once upon a time, two-piece plastic tires and just enough parts to do a stock-only model were all they put in the box.... and if we were lucky, there was a crude CB radio and antenna included, as well as a little glossary card of 10-codes.

and at least they're not a block of balsa wood and a three-view instruction sheet.

[High octane]

Very well said Curt.

[disabled modeler]

That is true...I am just glad there listening to us all..its good business to do so. We want certain kits re-issued and sometimes they appear for us all...with inflation everywhere a little incentive to buy goes a long way with the buyers of a product. If its wanted it will sell...if everyone has 10 in their stockpiles they might not need or want another?...all new kits of never before items are good too. Market research is golden here...if its wanted it will sell....happy they are listening to us all...hopefully they will continue to. Imagine what this year may hold?

Edited December 29, 2013 by disabled modeler

[Austin T]

I agree, very well said.

[Greg Cullinan]

Yes. Just had this conversation with my dad last night.

I think as technology advances we will see even more forward movement.

[Agent G]

Another year closer to gaining the ability to rapid prototype parts and/or whole kits at home at a price that won't cause bankruptcy.

G

[Danno]

Good observations, Curt.

While the best is yet to come, it's important to remember how much better things are than they once were.

[rmvw guy]

Great topic, I love what everyone is saying here so far. In full scale who would have thought so many old cars would be reproduced in medal and fiberglass? It just goes to show the popularity of old cars today, and I think it bleeds over into our hobby with reissues and new kits of old cars. Also some new cars and exotics. I just hope the manufactures keep listening.

[Nxr]

To be honest i kind of like the promo style kits with a shut hood, no engine and only about 12-14 pieces total, i wish they would release a cheaper line of all the promotional models as simple kits so we could build more regular cars, i don't even buy kits anymore and only look for a cheap or rare promo i can afford, which often result in the same looking model as a kit and with a much bigger brand and model variety, i still love kits but i got so tired of constantly dealing with 90+ parts, i enjoy the simplicity of older kits/promos.

[Greg Cullinan]

To be honest i kind of like the promo style kits with a shut hood, no engine and only about 12-14 pieces total, i wish they would release a cheaper line of all the promotional models as simple kits so we could build more regular cars, i don't even buy kits anymore and only look for a cheap or rare promo i can afford, which often result in the same looking model as a kit and with a much bigger brand and model variety, i still love kits but i got so tired of constantly dealing with 90+ parts, i enjoy the simplicity of older kits/promos.

I've been thinking the same. Curbsides or promos. Shelf models so to speak. Cause once they are on the shelf all that detail doesn't do you one bit of good. I think they would sell like hot cakes.

[jaydar]

It may sound funny, but I build models to build models. Once they are on the shelf I dont spend too much time looking at them. Much of the detail cant be seen but I know it is there. I would not be interested in simple kits, simply because I know how much would be missing.

Joe.

[Greg Cullinan]

It may sound funny, but I build models to build models. Once they are on the shelf I dont spend too much time looking at them. Much of the detail cant be seen but I know it is there. I would not be interested in simple kits, simply because I know how much would be missing.

Joe.

My thinking is if they could cut cost of new model production leaving details out we would have a larger selection. Then you would be able to cut the doors,hoods and add as you pleased. Basically like the resin companies offer. Even bodies of unique subjects I think would sell.

[FordRodnKustom]

Well put Curt. I've been around long enough to remember and I agree. Let's not forget those multi-piece bodies!