Model kit manufacturers are shooting themselves in their own legs...

[godfather23]

Hey everybody,

there is something on my mind since I started the Revell BMW 320i after finishing the Hasegawa 250 TR. Well, as stated in the WIP it´s a real step downwards considering the kit´s quality. I´m aware that the BMW is a 1996-Revell-issue but what I see here made me think.

The fitment of the kit´s parts is terrible (rear wheels stick out, fog lights are too thick, roll cage is a mess, etc) - managable for me since I take care and know what I want out of a model. And we find this with modern tooling as well when you don´t buy expensive Tamiya kits.

Nevertheless - think about a newbie starting modeling and just wanting to have a completed model. Even when he goes through with the build considering every step of the instructions he will come up with a model that wouldn´t look half decent - in case of the Revell 320i with all the above stated problems. And if this new modeler just has half an eye for details he will be very upset with his result which will leave him puzzled since he did everything according to the instructions.

Result: If he´s not a whole nut he will walk away from modelling since there is no satisfaction for a beginner to get out of.

That results in drop of sales and will inevitably return to us in a smaller variety of different kits being produced (I know that this some sort of 101-business-conclusion but I´m making my living in jurisprudence not needing numbers that much )

Coming to a close: Manufacturers improve the quality of your kits - it will make more people stick with modeling! (And if Revell doesn´t know what I´m talking about they should ask Hasegawa for some advice.)

Just my thoughts. Had to get this out!

Robert

P.S.: I took into consideration that S27 and MFH-kits have a right to be more challenging and not to be used by newbies.

[sportracer02]

Hi,

right you are !!!

See here http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=918184 posting no. 12:

Concerning the quality Revell Germany says: "Revell Germany doesn´t see us modelers but children as their main clients" . This was told to a modelling friend at a model show from the Revell Germany.

But: if these model have lots of mistakes, kids won´t even use them as a toy.

[ariel]

I could say that revell usa has done a really good job with the 69 Nova kit
and the 49 merc. But I agree with what both of you have to say.
Ariel

[sportracer02]

Originally Posted by ariel

I could say that revell usa has done a really good job with the 69 Nova kit and the 49 merc.
Ariel

Yeah, Revell USA is different

[MPWR]

There have always been bad kits- more than there have been good kits. And there have always been builders who built them anyways, drawing satisfaction as they've done so.

Model manufacturers likely figure that if a potential builder is likely to be deterred by some fit imperfections, they will definitely be put off of modeling by painting difficulties. Everyone here knows that nobody's first build comes out perfect. People who expect otherwise were never meant to be modelers. Modeling presents a challenge and a set of skills to be learned and mastered. People who enjoy these sorts of challenges will be drawn to modeling, and will stay with it through the frustrating little 'joys' that come with modeling. For everyone else, there are diecasts.

Spectacular 'perfect' kits like Hasegawa's TR or Tamiya's Enzo are a relatively recent phenomenon. These kits are difficult and expensive to produce- they will always be the exception and not the rule. Yet there doesn't seem to have been an explosion in new builders as such kits became more available. Many of us certainly appreciate a very well done kit- but it doesn't seem that making modeling easier significantly increases the number of modelers building/buying kits.

[sportracer02]

Robert, here just some another thoughts:

- > According to Revell Germany they sell lots of R8 and R10 kits, lots of aftermarket parts are available and are bought, but you hardly see well built models in that numbers.

- > There exist so many (Asian) aftermarkt companies and why do they offer so often the same parts for the same kits?

- > How many companies produce an Enzo Ferrari kit? Do we need 3 Nissan GT-R from different companies?


You see, the low quality level of your Revell kit just the top of an iceberg ;-))

[drunken monkey]

there is a fault here in that you, despite your intentions, are looking at this from the point of view of a seasoned modeler.
yes, we all want perfectly fitting, 100% accurate and full detailed whatever with working steering and suspension and even opening doors with correct door swings and opening details.

is this what the first time modeller wants?

quite simply, you can't please all of the people all of the time etc etc.

the tamiya 350z is often cited as being a good intro kit because it is simple but most of us here are disappointed by the lack of detail. But detail in a kit also costs money. Re-issuing an older, less accurate kit does two things. It allows them to put money into new tools for new cars and it brings back things that haven't seen light of day for donkey's years. I'm sure I'm not the only one happy to see the old hasegawa 944 turbo kit re-issued and even the 288GTO.

we don't need multiple manufacturers bringing out kits of the same car?
Maybe.
A few years back, I was searching high and low for a very old revell 365 GTBB kit as it was the only kit with an engine. At that time, I would've been happy for someone/anyone to re-issue that kit. A couple of years later, Fujimi made a brand new and very good kit of that car. So which would you prefer? That they didn't re-issue older out of production kits or that they shouldn't make a kit of a car that already exists in kit form?

Don't forget that your example is also a little off.
You complain about the BMW kit but fail to recognise that the proper new kits that have come from Revell haven't been that bad. The Ferrari kits from the 360 onwards have all been getting better and better. The Audi kits are all very good. So what proper new tooling from Revell has actually been bad?