Seeking new modellers ?

[Krazy Rick]

I was wondering if it has occured to any of the model companies, that perhaps trying to reach out to the younger generation via multi-media may yield new customers. Is there an active program in place to try a new/fresh & different angle of marketing ? Maybe including something in kits, doing ads on TV, Facebook, Youtube, etc. I can't help but think that there has been a huge chance missed here. All we continue to say & hear is, that WE are the last of the modellers & that electronics have taken over; instead of accepting this; why not merge the two in order to keep the flame alive & bring the hobby to the next level....... Justin Beiber's Ferrari, etc; may be something that would make "US" sick, but if that type of thing sells; it would help the hobby overall, and that would a good thing.

[Tom Geiger]

Revell is reaching out to the next generation with the easy snap kits, they are doing Make and Takes with these at major events. And they will sell Make and Take packs to any organization that asks, low cost, probably at costs. Michaels was doing these too.

TV is way too expensive for the model companies today on their limited budgets. I don't remember any TV ads for kits when I was a kid, they reached out to us through comic book ads. I don't think kids read comics anymore.

[Relic_Models]

Italeri have a 'World of Tanks' branded series. Just a bunch of re-pops, but still.

Most advertising would be to expensive for pretty much everyone but Tamiya. They have enough carry-over with RC's to actually gain some exposure with non-modellers; but still pretty limited.

Then you have to look at prices for kits. Sixty dollars on average for any of the new armor models from DML, Tamiya or Trumpeter. Or Eduard's recent F14 Tomcat; I think that retails for around a hundred dollars. It might have most of the after-market goodies in the box already but that's still quite a lot of money for a 1/48th HobbyBoss kit.

As for cars? Revell/RoG, Tamiya and Aoshima are the only companies that I'm aware of that are releasing cars consistently. Round2 is doing some pretty crude re-pops but nothing of a modern standard as far as I know (just started building semi-trucks with most of my experience with armor kits). An even bigger issue is what cars and trucks are available are generally pretty old vehicles. How many people my age, 23 on Tuseday, or younger have even heard of some of the models avalible? Ford Galaxy? Murcury? Plymoth? Oldsmobile? The AMC Gremlin? Studebaker?

These are just some of the names on the first page of Scalehobbyist's car category; and all of them are now defunct.

Two other, major, issues: peoples perception of the hobby, or knowledge of the hobby.

I'm sure you're aware that many uninitiated people consider models to be toys. Just last week someone on this forum posted a complaint in one of the threads (can't remember which one) saying that in a conversation he mentioned that he built models, to which someone replied with 'yeah my kid does that too'. Your kid might also ride a 50cc pit bike or scooter but that doesn't make them Valentino Rossi.

The other issue; many people are not even aware the hobby exists, or to what extent it does. When I first started building armour three or four years ago I had no idea what kinds or paints, washes, oils, liquid effects, tools and research material existed. I did have some experience with cars from when I was younger (like the guy from the above paragraph) but I wasn't even aware of what was available. Photo-etch, resin, white metal, BMF, those holow aluminum cylinders for making custom wheels. Those people who tell you everything is wrong with your build because the paint is just a shade to light in tone, the front right quarter panel had six bolts and you've only added five of them (you lazy bastard) and you wired the cylinders on your Mustang in the wrong order.

Something that goes along with my last two points; go to Hobby Lobby or Michael's. Look at what kind of kits are in stock. Quite a few Snap-Tight kits designed with small children in mind, which only reinforces the idea that models are toys.

Plus you have to look at licencing issues. All those copyrighted and trademarked designs, shapes, names and logos. It can get quite expensive to pay licencing fees and royalties. From what I've read in different places Ferrari have the rights to their double circle tail-lights. Lamborghini own their pretty much signature sweeping curve shape (Murcielago, Aventador, etc.). Lancia own the wedge shape from the Statos. Even '007' (like James Bond) is owned by Cubby Brocoli's daughter so if you wanted to produce a model of Aston Martin's WEC cars; they're number 007, 008 and 009 due to the obvious connection of Aston and the character you have get permission for that.

I think I've rambled on incoherently long enough.

[Krazy Rick]

Alrighty then ...... um...... next subject

Edited February 9, 2015 by Krazy Rick

[Greg Myers]

[av405]

As for cars? Revell/RoG, Tamiya and Aoshima are the only companies that I'm aware of that are releasing cars consistently. Round2 is doing some pretty crude re-pops but nothing of a modern standard as far as I know (just started building semi-trucks with most of my experience with armor kits). An even bigger issue is what cars and trucks are available are generally pretty old vehicles. How many people my age, 23 on Tuseday, or younger have even heard of some of the models avalible? Ford Galaxy? Murcury? Plymoth? Oldsmobile? The AMC Gremlin? Studebaker?

I just turned 24 and I can absolutely relate to this. I'm mostly interested in late 70's-present vehicles because those are the ones I have grown up seeing. I know there's a lot of love here for 50's-70's vehicles from the older crowd, but I just don't really share a huge interest in those vehicles as I can't really "relate" to them. I remember the first time my cousin and I went to a hobby shop back in 1999. Of all the kits there, we were mostly interested in the then-new Lindberg Crown Victoria and the Revell 1999 Chevy Silverado because those vehicles were familiar to us.

[johnbuzzed]

Granted, advertising is not cheap. But, how expensive are the small ads, similar in size to those that we see on this forum? Are they costly enough to make it impractical for the companies to have them on other sites or forums that younger people frequent? I do not game, nor Twitter, nor Pinterest, etc; I do nothing on line but this forum, Facebook, Fotobucket and some job sites, so I don't really know how it all works.

[Greg Myers]

Facebook, yeah, they could go on facebook.

[espo]

I'm what you could call "old school" as I'm not on Facebook or any other such things except here. From what I have seen at the car shows and Good Guys events is that the young people seem to enjoy the Make and Take type of events. I think most of these kids are there because their parents are into or are showing their own car. That may make them predisposed to be interested in cars because of their parents. I have seen Revell advertise kits in some of the auto magazines that I read, but again that is some thing they would be looking at anyway if they are interested in cars to begin with. Not sure what the answer is, but for our hobby to continue as we know it today we need to attract new and younger modelers to keep it financially adventitious for model companies can stay in business. I'm afraid that there is more of us "ageing out" than new modelers coming in to the hobby. If it means more late model cars and trucks I would welcome that. How about some of the new cars of today with the detail we sometime take for granted on the Tri 5s, Camaros, and Mustangs that we all know and love. Just a thought.

[Lownslow]

The lack of modern non exotic subject matter is pushing me to go further into 3d printing so i wont have a use for kits in the near future.

[chunkypeanutbutter]

Get some stupid lifted trucks with Monster decals, and some stanced-out Civics.

[blunc]

Get some stupid lifted trucks with Monster decals, and some stanced-out Civics.

then add some railroad smoke stacks so they can do "blackouts" with the monster trucks, or add "fart-can" sound chips to their stanced out Civics.

[johnbuzzed]

then add some railroad smoke stacks so they can do "blackouts" with the monster trucks, or add "fart-can" sound chips to their stanced out Civics.

"Different strokes for different folks." You might not like them, but some people do. That's why we have other flavors besides vanilla. And, that attitude does nothing but drive new builders, of any age group, away.

[Tom Geiger]

"Different strokes for different folks." You might not like them, but some people do. That's why we have other flavors besides vanilla. And, that attitude does nothing but drive new builders, of any age group, away.

Bingo! When Revell announced the new easy builder kits, there was an outcry on the boards that they were wasting resources that they could've used to give us more advanced kits.

When NNL East announced a Modern Sports - Tuner class, people made fun of that. The table filled up by guys under 30.

I'm not into a lot of the subjects I see here on the board, but I'll look at them and compliment a good build, or neat technique. And I'm sure there's folks who don't like my tired old beaters either.

This aging herd will be responsible for it's own extinction if we don't wake up and invite younger people into the fold. That includes making them feel comfortable and welcome on the boards and at our shows.

[chunkypeanutbutter]

then add some railroad smoke stacks so they can do "blackouts" with the monster trucks, or add "fart-can" sound chips to their stanced out Civics.

I don't think this comment had an attitude. Personally, I don't really care what people build.

[Jantrix]

Frankly guys, I think the model companies have pretty much figured out that going for the younger crowd is a waste of time. The current generation of teens have been raised on the internet, Xbox, cell phones and instant gratification is too firmly a part of the mentality, for something that requires patience and practice to become important to them.

Now before folks get up on their high horse with all their stories on how their children build, I'll just say this. Your children's interest is a direct reflection of your own. I have two near grown sons and the one who does build, only get's involved when I'm really into my own project and it becomes something we spend time on together. When my life creeps in and my building time dwindles, his interest lags and he's back to whatever computer game interests him.

Now that's not to say that it won't become an interest as he gets older, like it has for many of us. I sincerely hope it does.

[Krazy Rick]

Bingo! When Revell announced the new easy builder kits, there was an outcry on the boards that they were wasting resources that they could've used to give us more advanced kits.

When NNL East announced a Modern Sports - Tuner class, people made fun of that. The table filled up by guys under 30.

I'm not into a lot of the subjects I see here on the board, but I'll look at them and compliment a good build, or neat technique. And I'm sure there's folks who don't like my tired old beaters either.

This aging herd will be responsible for it's own extinction if we don't wake up and invite younger people into the fold. That includes making them feel comfortable and welcome on the boards and at our shows.

I couldn't agree more Tom

[Krazy Rick]

Frankly guys, I think the model companies have pretty much figured out that going for the younger crowd is a waste of time. The current generation of teens have been raised on the internet, Xbox, cell phones and instant gratification is too firmly a part of the mentality, for something that requires patience and practice to become important to them.

Now before folks get up on their high horse with all their stories on how their children build, I'll just say this. Your children's interest is a direct reflection of your own. I have two near grown sons and the one who does build, only get's involved when I'm really into my own project and it becomes something we spend time on together. When my life creeps in and my building time dwindles, his interest lags and he's back to whatever computer game interests him.

Now that's not to say that it won't become an interest as he gets older, like it has for many of us. I sincerely hope it does.

This is why I brought up this subject in the first place, I may be a dreamer, but I believe there is hope of bringing the hobby "up to speed" & perhaps merging the two markets, I'm sure someone with alot more know-how than myself could come up with an angle that would appeal to the younger generation. Let's hope your son continues building; and if not .... at least you lit the flame.

[Tom Geiger]

Frankly guys, I think the model companies have pretty much figured out that going for the younger crowd is a waste of time. The current generation of teens have been raised on the internet, Xbox, cell phones and instant gratification is too firmly a part of the mentality, for something that requires patience and practice to become important to them.

Now before folks get up on their high horse with all their stories on how their children build, I'll just say this. Your children's interest is a direct reflection of your own. I have two near grown sons and the one who does build, only get's involved when I'm really into my own project and it becomes something we spend time on together. When my life creeps in and my building time dwindles, his interest lags and he's back to whatever computer game interests him.

Now that's not to say that it won't become an interest as he gets older, like it has for many of us. I sincerely hope it does.

Rob, what you've basically said is that children will build if they are exposed to models! One of the big issues today is that model cars are sold in very few places, so they are out of sight and out of mind. I have shown my models to non hobby folks and the comments were in the line of "I didn't know they made those anymore" I didn't have a parent who was interested in models but my own interest came about because models were in every store, and then peer pressure from friends who built models. Today's kids don't have that stimuli available to them.

As a father of two grown daughters, as you said each built a model or two with dear old dad, but both of them were very interested in the craft aspect of the project. They loved brush painting detail onto parts and the craft of assembling something. Today both of them still are into crafts and design custom frames, and jewelry boxes. They are working with their hands and both of them are very computer savvy, my youngest has a successful fashion blog.

So I believe more exposure in non-hobby shops, and in the media would result in more young people building models. A buddy-0-mine works part time in a hobby shop and said that the average young guy who does come in will buy a Tamiya Honda, Pegasis wheels and accessories and a bunch of paints. They have no issue with plunking down $100 to build a model, so they don't fit into the 'frugal' mold of our herd.

Where I think this will all come together is with 3D modeling. Once this becomes more commonplace and easier to get more refined printing, young guys will be attracted to create their own designs on the computer and finish them on the work bench. If I was a kit manufacturer, I'd open source some of the parts as 3D files. Go to the Revell website and there would be wheel blanks, with the technical end of fitting the tire and axle connection, but with a blank front so guys could design their own wheels. That's a real simple example, but something like a print your own hood, to download a hood and several different scoop designs to combine and print. This is just the tip of the iceberg and could be the thing to bring young guys into the hobby.

Thoughts?

[unclescott58]

With all of the money being spent on new toolings by the model companies right now, is this really a problem? The model companies must see a future it the hobby by designing all the new model kits on there way.

Scott

[Tom Geiger]

With all of the money being spent on new toolings by the model companies right now, is this really a problem? The model companies must see a future it the hobby by designing all the new model kits on there way.

With the Baby Boomers retiring at a mad clip, I'm sure you've seen that the big money in this country will be in providing senior services. The model companies are riding this wave, aiming new product at all the guys who are retiring and will have pleasure time and money. That should carry them for the next 20 years or so!

[Jantrix]

Rob, what you've basically said is that children will build if they are exposed to models! One of the big issues today is that model cars are sold in very few places, so they are out of sight and out of mind. I have shown my models to non hobby folks and the comments were in the line of "I didn't know they made those anymore" I didn't have a parent who was interested in models but my own interest came about because models were in every store, and then peer pressure from friends who built models. Today's kids don't have that stimuli available to them.

As a father of two grown daughters, as you said each built a model or two with dear old dad, but both of them were very interested in the craft aspect of the project. They loved brush painting detail onto parts and the craft of assembling something. Today both of them still are into crafts and design custom frames, and jewelry boxes. They are working with their hands and both of them are very computer savvy, my youngest has a successful fashion blog.

So I believe more exposure in non-hobby shops, and in the media would result in more young people building models. A buddy-0-mine works part time in a hobby shop and said that the average young guy who does come in will buy a Tamiya Honda, Pegasis wheels and accessories and a bunch of paints. They have no issue with plunking down $100 to build a model, so they don't fit into the 'frugal' mold of our herd.

Where I think this will all come together is with 3D modeling. Once this becomes more commonplace and easier to get more refined printing, young guys will be attracted to create their own designs on the computer and finish them on the work bench. If I was a kit manufacturer, I'd open source some of the parts as 3D files. Go to the Revell website and there would be wheel blanks, with the technical end of fitting the tire and axle connection, but with a blank front so guys could design their own wheels. That's a real simple example, but something like a print your own hood, to download a hood and several different scoop designs to combine and print. This is just the tip of the iceberg and could be the thing to bring young guys into the hobby.

Thoughts?

No that's not exactly what I said Tom. I said, children will be interested in what their parents are. It's a bonding mechanism. I have no interest in wood working, but 10 year old Robby spent countless hours in Dad's basement workshop, sanding and spending time with him. I think today's youth are too used to instant gratification to be interested in something that takes practice and time to learn. My son watched a pinstriper at a local car show. He was real jazzed about it and asked, so I got him some brushes and some paint and a car window to paint on. His interest sagged to zero when it was clear it wasn't as easy as it looked.

With the Baby Boomers retiring at a mad clip, I'm sure you've seen that the big money in this country will be in providing senior services. The model companies are riding this wave, aiming new product at all the guys who are retiring and will have pleasure time and money. That should carry them for the next 20 years or so!

Yep what he said.

[blunc]

"Different strokes for different folks." You might not like them, but some people do. That's why we have other flavors besides vanilla. And, that attitude does nothing but drive new builders, of any age group, away.

You may have missed my point... which is that the younger crowd likes gadgets and electronics, add some electronics to the mix and you'll have more kids interested...maybe long enough to get hooked on the other aspects of models.

a few years ago they made "hopper" kits for lowrider models, I haven't seen any lately so I don't know if that is still an option.

[Austin T]

The people my age I've seen come and go mostly tend to be driven away by how they either aren't accepted by the community or they just don't enjoy old dudes bickering over what they consider silly things. I'll be honest I've almost dropped the hobby a time or two because of how knuckle headed many members are in refusing to accept what young people really want to build. I have way more interest in building an FRS or a WRX because it's a performance car from my era that I can see on the open road and dream about owning. I don't care to much for Mustangs or Camaros simply because the chances of me owning a real one are absolutely dismal due to rising collector value and they are inefficient by today's performance standards. The niche that you refuse to accept is the exact same as yours,only with a different skin on the outside. There are still the speed wars put on by manufacturers, all sorts of aftermarket parts for cars, meet ups and clubs that showcase some of the finest examples of these cars, the groups that enjoy these machines often create trends with them, and they are even idolized in film! Speaking from a physiological concept a 1969 Dodge Charger is no different from a 1999 Mazda RX-7,both are iconic cars that a certain demographic dreams of owning because it's a car that that demographic can make a connection with,they are only different physically. So following the impending emotion filled posts about "I owned a charger 30 years ago which gives me superiority,blah blah blah...." or the "Your still to young to understand.." consider comparing the modern culture with the old car culture and you will find that nothing has really changed expect for the cars people express themselves through.

[charlie8575]

Back in October, I did a build day with the Squires.

Squires are to DeMolay what Cub Scouts is to Boy Scouts- for boys 9-12. DeMolay, for those not familiar, is a fraternal youth order sponsored by various Masonic bodies. MassCar underwrote it, and another member of ours, Jim Cunningham, came to help out, bringing with him some of the models he's built over the last 60+ years.

The kids LOVED it. And of the five boys, from what I'm hearing, nearly all of them are sticking with it, because they had a blast, and are discovering their own interests with modeling, such as planes, spaceships and even a Lindberg dinosaur or two.

If you reach out to these kids, they WILL respond.

Find Cub/Boy Scouts troops, DeMolay Chapters, Junior Lodges of Odd Fellows, Columbian Squires, school groups, church groups, and everything else you can think of.

I think Tom might be onto something with the 3-D and manufacturer-supplied parts. It might be another decade or two off, but it's a great way forward, and could make the hobby more attainable in the long run, by concentrating on parts that might not be economical to 3-D print and use tooling resources for those, like bodies, tires, and other complex components.

Charlie Larkin