Having made it back in one piece from Palmerston North (John, Cleese was correct in his views, but he didn't get to stay there on Easter Sunday, lucky bugger) I have returned to offer my opinions. I've seen some reports from the convention, but nothing too detailed. Also, there have been photos uploaded onto the Nz120 yahoo group, but no one has sent any message out to say that they are actually there, which all seems rather pointless. A report from those involved on any sort of public forum would be nice.
(UPDATE; Earwicker as some pictures and discussion on his freemo site)
The most important convention discussion was probably wheel standards in that some wheels just won't run on some track. Now while the Peco wheel has served us for far longer than it should, Maye its time for it to shuffle off into the night. (I still think if it was scaled up it would look like an old triang wheel). I've already put my 2 cents worth in on the forum, but I'll post it here as well. I think there should be a recommended practice where people are encouraged to use the NMRA standards. NMRA wheels will still run on Peco track. Those wishing to use finer scale measurements could use the 2mm groups standards and just alter the track gauge. The minus is that NMRA standard wheelsdon't tend to have spokes, which is a bit of a bugger for those of usnot modeling container wagons.
I've also heard that the J5 wagon tops went down faster than a sailors trousers on shore leave. Everyone liked them, but no-one brought one. Seriously, its things like this that do distress me somewhat. Here is a kit that is the equal of anything in the larger scales. People say that they are looking for more detail etc, yet don't seem to realise that things like that do cost. I didn't think that the price was set too high compared to similar items in the larger scales (in fact they seem quite good value wise). I'm currently assembling one and while its not an easy build by any stretch of the imagination, its going to give a few hours modeling pleasure, and will look exceptionally good on the layout.
I've also been privy to the resulting conversations where the group behind this (as well as a few other projects) is seriously reconsidering their options and just what they want to do in the scale. My large steam loco project is suddenly looking different in that I may not make any more than I need as there doesn't appear to be much point if no one is going to pay what it actually costs to make (and the numbers are starting to stack up). I've had a check at the cost of Phil Badgers models in Australia, and his steam loco kits currently retain at $320 Au, which is about $400 here. I can't see it being any cheaper here, and this is the reality of the situation.
This is a worry I have. Even if a manufacturer does his research and sums, if the product is released and doesn't sell, what then? Shorter production runs that are more expensive due to lack of numbers?
Maybe the next question should be, what does everyone want,and what price do they think that they should pay to get it. The difference between that and the actual cost may well be surprising...
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6 comments:
Hence the (in my view) quite normal practice of taking pre-orders with a fairly significant payment involved. The manufacturer has to be on the ball with respect to pricing, and honorable enough to return the money if the model does not get made, but it weeds out the tyre-kickers and theoretically improves the chances of new items getting to market.
I do agree with the pre-order system, as long as te manufacturer keeps everyone informed on how things are progresing etc. While I still have not discovered the full (or even partial) story behind the locopro Bb I think theres a salutory lesson in there on how not to do it.
An Australia figure manufacturer has a sysem where people can pre-order figures (with no money p front) and once the pre-orders hit a certain level then they are contacted to see how many they still want, after which the figures are sculpted and cast. It weeds out the rubbish to some extent. However if we tried that some mug would be stuck making a De.
hmmm the J5 is a nice wagon, the only use I could think of it for myself would be a Pine seeding wagon and 25 dollars is a good price, who do I contact to purchase one.
Me I think (apparently the worlds supply is in an envelope on its way towards me.
I'll point out that its a top only and one will need an underframe of some description to complete it.
Another sad case of punters not supporting those with the nads to produce stuff !
At $25 a piece I thought this was a fair price - or punters could take the files along to their local laser cutter and have them done themselves (couldn't see it happening though). I still reckon to do away with free file downloads. It's a great thing that some guys have done in allowing the files to be downloaded, but where is the appreciation for it ?
Keep to a per unit price. That may sort out the stayers, the players, and the tire kickers.
Amfet - message for you on motoriseddandruff@gmail.com. Otherwise drop me a line.
Kev mr45144@xtra.co.nz
PS Mr Earwicker's modules looked great - running for train show?
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