Right well ive been considering this for quite some time, and after having now got to the stage where I may be able to do this im wondering if there may be any profit in it?
My plan is to produce a series of large scale, twin Turbine/ducted fan classic British jets in the region of about 8/11ft wingspan, weighing less than 20kg so as to remove the necessity for involvement of the LMA
the idea being that the kits will be almost ARTF, moulded fuselage/centre section with built up wings. all of the wooden parts would be laser cut, and the whole model designed to come apart into easily transportable sections
I was also going to offer scale retractable undercarriage for all the models I intend to produce as well as a painting service and the option to have whichever variant the customer might prefer.
I was going to start with four models, being the Victor, Vulcan, Valiant and the TSR.2 (single turbine design)
I feel that classic british jets are poorly represented in terms of kit form
not entirely 100% on the prices yet, Im just interested to see if any of you might see any market for these kits? might like to buy one?
Any input would be greatly appreciated 🙂
By: Arabella-Cox - 23rd October 2009 at 21:09
If you want to do this for fun, great. If you’re looking to make money, you’ll struggle. The hours/costs that go into kit production in this country can never be recovered at a sensible UK retail price. Modellers are so tight they squeak when they walk!
If you know someone in China that can manufacture everything and get it shipped over here, you may have a chance.
I know because a friend tried something very similar in the R/C world and all he achieved was costs.
By: Nashio966 - 7th October 2009 at 20:53
bump
any other input? 🙂
cheers in advance
Ben
By: Nashio966 - 7th October 2009 at 09:00
EDF as in electric ducted fan? perhaps i could make both?
Mick reeves seems to have sold quite a few large ish scale turbine models, as well as skymaster jets
perhaps i could do both lol 🙂 I wasn’t necessecarily thinking about making colossal numbers of kits, rather one or two a month for about £4/500 🙂
By: Martin Garrett - 7th October 2009 at 07:48
Ben,
There might be more money to be made in producing models in an EDF format.
Although the models may possibly be smaller in physical dimensions (Although not a given) the initial outlay to yourself could be reduced. BUT as they would be more affordable to the customer (maybe in terms of the kit your selling and also the powerplant choice) along with the fact that EDF seems to be one of the biggest growth areas in the hobby of recent years you may actually sell more as a result.
My advice would be to get Electric Flight Magazine and drop a line to Chris Golds. A most helpful chap.
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October 6, 2009 at 11:07 pm