What's up with Scale Kraft?

[MadMattMd]

I read in an earlier post that they are out of business? What happened? Has anyone taken over Guido's product line?

TIA,
Matt

[bvia]

Guido was getting killed on the currency conversion rates so he shut down production for a while...no word on when he's restarting yet.

hth,
Bill

[ZoomZoomMX-5]

Originally Posted by bvia

Guido was getting killed on the currency conversion rates so he shut down production for a while...no word on when he's restarting yet.

hth,
Bill

Sorry, I don't know where you heard that but it is not correct. A good friend of mine has been in direct frequent contact w/Guido since Scale Kraft shut down.

Guido was visiting Europe this past June and suffered a nearly terminal fall off the side of a mountain while hiking-he nearly bled to death before he was helicoptered out. He is still considered an invalid by his insurance until the end of February. He has limited use of his primary hand. He cannot do the master work he used to. It was nearly September before he was able to return home to convalesce.

He has been trying to sell the molds/masters to someone else, but the deal has fallen through a couple of times. A local guy here is trying to get the unfinished masters but that likely won't happen. He will no longer be able to run Scale Kraft, he will fall back on his architecture career to make a living. This is all terrible news, but it's directly from Guido.

Yes, it was difficult doing business out of SA due to currency and banking beaurocracy; and yes the product line being hijacked by resin casters in France/Europe was also a huge problem. But ultimately that's not why Scale Kraft is gone, though I'm sure those problems won't be missed. I will certainly miss the eclectic collection he offered.

[bvia]

I got the info off the GPMA list from multiple companies (and individuals) that distributed Guido's products. The info was sent out around 1.5 years ago so his accidnet is new news to me. Thanks for the update!

Bill

[ZoomZoomMX-5]

Originally Posted by bvia

I got the info off the GPMA list from multiple companies (and individuals) that distributed Guido's products. The info was sent out around 1.5 years ago so his accidnet is new news to me. Thanks for the update!

Bill

Your information was correct as to why Scale Kraft was having problems and becoming scarce in the US (yet his overall sales were up during that time even though he had to significantly raise his already high prices); but most people didn't know why he shut down. I really hope he can come to an agreement w/someone who will buy him out and continue w/at least some of the lineup. I'm so glad I got this one, the 1938 Phantom Corsair (concept car built on a FWD Cord chassis):

[RallyRaider]

Sad to hear of Guido's unfortunate circumstances. I never got around to buying any of his stuff, but he sure covered some great and unique subjects

[bvia]

I thought that was the _Heinz_ Phantom Corsair?

That design is totally right out of a Shadow comic book!

Bill

[ZoomZoomMX-5]

Originally Posted by bvia

I thought that was the _Heinz_ Phantom Corsair?

That design is totally right out of a Shadow comic book!

Bill

Yep, it's the Rusty Heinz car. He wanted to put them into production.

[DoubleFourValve]

Sad news indeed.I only knew waht was in the site, the exchange rate influence on the business. I've got a Minisprint body but was planning in getting much more - Maserati 151/1, Lola GT Mk6 and Jaguar E Lowdrag come to mind.
Z

[freakray]

If I had known so many had been interested in his stuff, I would have made arrangements to help people buy from him (having family in SA makes it easy for me).

It's indeed sad to see an excellent resin caster have to give up for the reason he did.

[250 Testa Rossa]

Are there any other great kits he used to do? I've got the 356 Abarth he did.

[250 Testa Rossa]

Island Collectibles has reissued the 356 Abarth. There's 1 left, so you have to act fast.

[Veyron]

Originally Posted by 250 Testa Rossa

Are there any other great kits he used to do? I've got the 356 Abarth he did.

Here's a list of kits which were once offered:

http://www.islandcollectibles.net/prod0228.htm

[BVC500]

I'd love to get my hands on the Ferrari 212MM Barchetta TdF. Too bad they are no longer in business

[p9o1r1sche]

Glad I got my Abarth transkit some time ago.