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Forums - News / General |
For General modelling or hobby-related topics that are not covered by any other specific forum. Please keep to topics concerning the hobby. |
| Topics | 2945 |
| Messages | 21720 |
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| Subject: | Some thoughts |  |
| Date: | Jul 18, 2005 |
| From: | Michael Withington | |
Competition must have a lot to do with it. The models that are currently showing the most innovation and improvement (not always the same thing!) tend to be released simultaneously by rival companies. In the long run, this may not be such a good thing, as the high cost of designing and producing these kits may eventually send the loser out of business. I think it's getting a bit silly, however. The forthcoming Dragon Panzer IVE boasts a number of features that verge on being gimmicks rather than real improvements to the model. And you have to wonder whether it would make more commercial sense to tackle new subjects (like Italeri do), rather than go head-to-head with another company on yet another refinement of a popular subject like the Tiger. It would be interesting to see the sales figures for Dragon and AFV Club's recent 88mm Flak kits.
Another factor must be the increasing amount of reference material that is available, both on the internet and in the form of books. Not only does this make it easier for kit designers to get it right, it also means that the customers are more likely to spot omissions and errors. The customers are thus more demanding. Tamiya has been slow to react to this, while Dragon has taken an aggressive approach and constantly upgraded its more popular kits to rectify errors and address criticisms.
I understand that computers are also making it easier for kit designers, as they can design the parts on the screen before the moulds are cut, and this is leading to more accurate renditions of vehicles and weapons.
Now if only someone could come up with something more user-friendly than photo-etched metal! |
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 | What Drives Model Companies to Improve - Paul A. Owen - Jul 18, 2005 |
| . . . Re: What Drives Model Companies to Improve - Adam Lunoe - Jul 18, 2005 |
| . . . Some thoughts - Michael Withington - Jul 18, 2005 |
| . . . . . . Planned Obsolescence... - RC Hill - Jul 20, 2005 |
| . . . Re: what drive the computer market? - Leo Lee - Jul 18, 2005 |
| . . . Re: What Drives Model Companies to Improve - steve engdahl - Jul 19, 2005 |
| . . . Re: What Drives Model Companies to Improve - Saul Garcia - Jul 19, 2005 |
| . . . Re: What Drives Model Companies to Improve - Jim Lewis - Jul 19, 2005 |
| . . . . . . Re: What Drives Model Companies to Improve - Clair Greenwood - Jul 19, 2005 |
| . . . $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ - Ken Hartlen - Jul 19, 2005 |
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