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WW1 Aircraft Modeling => What's New => Topic started by: macsporran on April 04, 2023, 05:45:59 PM

Title: Aviattic pre-order
Post by: macsporran on April 04, 2023, 05:45:59 PM
Got an email yesterday headed "It's time to pre-order" from Aviattic re the forthcoming Pfalz D.VIII kit with a link to a 'hidden' pre-order page. However when I click the link my McAfee goes ballistic and warns me of suspicious activity.

Just posting this here as a caution, I don't know if this is genuine or not, but I'd hate to pay a couple of hundred quid then find out later it was scam. (I don't think for a minute it's an Aviattic scam - but there are bound to be a few bottom-dwellers out there who see pre-orders as a target zone.)

If it's genuine I can't think any reason why they would make the pre-order page hidden on the main website.

Anybody else got this? Richard - any comments?
Sandy
Title: Re: Aviattic pre-order - suspicious?
Post by: Borsos on April 04, 2023, 07:24:27 PM
Sandy, I got a Mail from Aviattic last Friday that contains the following on the Pfalz:
“Another appeal for potential customers to be updated with 1/32 Pfalz DVIII newsletter - there will be some good news next week! I still need nearly double the promised numbers to make the project vaguely financially worthwhile - so please consider it. It will be one of the defining WW1 kits ever created and is, through necessity, a limited edition..”
There was no newer mail than this.

No words about a “hidden” preorder, so I am also afraid someone is trying to fool you.
Best regards
Andreas
Title: Re: Aviattic pre-order - suspicious?
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on April 04, 2023, 08:01:53 PM
Hi Sandy,
I have McAfee and didn't get any warnings etc.
The 'hidden' page URL looks to be a genuine Aviattic URL and hidden I assume from non-Patreon's due to the Patreon discount.
I also got a reply from Aviattic for the pre-order and another telling Patreon's to use their discount as some were forgetting.
I paid by PayPal and the receipt is to Aviattic.
Also the Aviattic Patreon page details this including using the discount code.
I also had the email of pre-order news this week.
So I think it's all good.

Andreas - could be your pre-order email is coming,

Mike
Title: Re: Aviattic pre-order - suspicious?
Post by: Flik63J on April 04, 2023, 08:34:24 PM
Yes, that’s quite right Mike…..my experience was exactly the same.
Richard’s website has been advising on the process, and displaying a link to the ‘hidden’ order page for much of the last 12 months.
I think we should all have confidence to support this project, and if in a position to do so place an order.

David
Title: Re: Aviattic pre-order - suspicious?
Post by: pepperman42 on April 04, 2023, 10:53:56 PM
I received the same emails and have also contacted Richard directly. Don't think he will respond here though.

Steve
Title: Re: Aviattic pre-order - suspicious?
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on April 04, 2023, 11:01:46 PM
Hi all,
I've received another Aviattic email today advising Patreons pre-ordering to use their discount codes and what each amounts to.
No problem as far as I can see,

Mike
Title: Re: Aviattic pre-order - suspicious?
Post by: pepperman42 on April 04, 2023, 11:05:09 PM
I was pulling the trigger last night but the paypal/Aviattic combination didn't work after a couple of tries. He is invoicing me directly so this is all above board as far as I'm concerned.

Steve
Title: Re: Aviattic pre-order - suspicious?
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on April 04, 2023, 11:27:08 PM
Yes - a few have had problems paying from comments on the Aviattic Fanatic FB page - but they're getting sorted.
Richard is even getting them to email him direct if they can't place the pre-order,

Mike
Title: Re: Aviattic pre-order - suspicious?
Post by: Borsos on April 05, 2023, 12:05:29 AM
Hi Sandy,
I have McAfee and didn't get any warnings etc.
The 'hidden' page URL looks to be a genuine Aviattic URL and hidden I assume from non-Patreon's due to the Patreon discount.
I also got a reply from Aviattic for the pre-order and another telling Patreon's to use their discount as some were forgetting.
I paid by PayPal and the receipt is to Aviattic.
Also the Aviattic Patreon page details this including using the discount code.
I also had the email of pre-order news this week.
So I think it's all good.

Andreas - could be your pre-order email is coming,

Mike

That sounds like a secret Patreon-conspiracy. I called Interpol…
Well, kidding aside, haven’t thought about that. I am no patreon, I have four hungry kids…  :)
Andreas
Title: Re: Aviattic pre-order - suspicious?
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on April 05, 2023, 06:23:01 PM
Hi Sandy,
I have McAfee and didn't get any warnings etc.
The 'hidden' page URL looks to be a genuine Aviattic URL and hidden I assume from non-Patreon's due to the Patreon discount.
I also got a reply from Aviattic for the pre-order and another telling Patreon's to use their discount as some were forgetting.
I paid by PayPal and the receipt is to Aviattic.
Also the Aviattic Patreon page details this including using the discount code.
I also had the email of pre-order news this week.
So I think it's all good.

Andreas - could be your pre-order email is coming,

Mike

That sounds like a secret Patreon-conspiracy. I called Interpol…
Well, kidding aside, haven’t thought about that. I am no patreon, I have four hungry kids…  :)
Andreas

Hmmm - have you considered selling one as the Scout kit is very good  ;)

Mike
Title: Re: Aviattic pre-order - suspicious?
Post by: Borsos on April 05, 2023, 11:41:50 PM
Quote
Hmmm - have you considered selling one as the Scout kit is very good  ;)

Mike

Oh, the boss wasn’t happy at all with that idea. No dessert for me tonight - and none for you, she said  :(
Title: Re: Aviattic pre-order - suspicious?
Post by: pepperman42 on April 06, 2023, 01:04:33 AM
Richard must be getting a lot of pre orders with failed Aviattic/Paypal attempts. He said he would invoice me directly yesterday morning (Ontario CA time) and it still hasn't come through. Going for the works so I thought it would come through quickly. This may be a good thing as he needs a lot of orders.

Steve 
Title: Re: Aviattic pre-order - suspicious?
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on April 06, 2023, 02:25:41 AM
Quote
Hmmm - have you considered selling one as the Scout kit is very good  ;)

Mike

Oh, the boss wasn’t happy at all with that idea. No dessert for me tonight - and none for you, she said  :(

 ;D  ;D  ;D

Mike
Title: Re: Aviattic pre-order - suspicious?
Post by: Berman on April 06, 2023, 02:30:21 AM
 Richard may also produce a 1/48th scale version of the 1/32  Pfalz VIII is there is sufficient demand.
Title: Re: Aviattic pre-order - suspicious?
Post by: pepperman42 on April 07, 2023, 12:54:20 AM
I know he's busy but I've been trying to do the pre order since April 3rd. Like a lot of people the cart/paypal/Aviattic failed on me so I contacted him directly. He's had my information for two days now and no invoice. If I was trying to get this project off the ground I wouldn't be ignoring the order I'm trying to place. Not that I'm doing anything special but I'm doing what I can to make this project successful.

Steve
Title: Re: Aviattic pre-order - suspicious?
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on April 07, 2023, 02:08:54 AM
I know he's busy but I've been trying to do the pre order since April 3rd. Like a lot of people the cart/paypal/Aviattic failed on me so I contacted him directly. He's had my information for two days now and no invoice. If I was trying to get this project off the ground I wouldn't be ignoring the order I'm trying to place. Not that I'm doing anything special but I'm doing what I can to make this project successful.

Steve
One man band Steve.
Probably max'd out,

Mike
Title: Re: Aviattic pre-order - suspicious?
Post by: pepperman42 on April 07, 2023, 10:02:45 AM
Resolved now. He had the wrong Paypal account. Hopefully he gets the sales he's looking for but it is an expensive endeavour. Fingers crossed.

Steve
Title: Re: Aviattic pre-order - suspicious?
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on April 07, 2023, 07:13:45 PM
Hi Steve,
Glad it's sorted for you.
Like I said, Richard has the support of his family but is essentially running 'Aviattic' on his own.
Like the Ansaldo 'Balilla' release, this is a big undertaking for him.
Having built the 'Balilla', I'm sure this model will be equally impressive,

Mike
Title: Re: Aviattic pre-order - suspicious?
Post by: pepperman42 on April 07, 2023, 11:38:56 PM
I'm certainly looking forward to the model as it uses all the different limited run technologies available. I hope he gets enough interest in it. I've tried to support his work the best I can. I know making your passion your business can be trying at  times and every now and then the strain shows ::)

Steve
Title: Re: Aviattic pre-order
Post by: macsporran on May 08, 2023, 08:25:09 PM
Just had the email from Aviattic asking again for pre-payment for the Pfalz, but I'm a little reluctant to pay 200GBP in full for a kit that I'm not sure is definitely being released!

My understanding still is that Richard has to have a committed number of buyers before the release is guaranteed. If he doesn't get the requisite numbers paid in full, do the pre-orderers have any guarantee that they will get their kit, (or a refund?)

Don't get me wrong, I've got the Ballila and I desperately want a Pfalz of this quality and would hand over the spondewlicks right now if the kit was available here and now, but I'm chary about handing over the wonga now for a kit that at earliest is Autumn/Winter but maybe later. God forbid but with a one-man business, what happens if an accident befalls the proprietor? Given my health problems last year, will I still be around come December??

I wish this was a standard deposit/balance pre-order where you pay say 25% non-refundable upfront, then balance on completion, which is much safer for all concerned.

I'll have to think about whether I pay now. From Richard's point of view, I wonder how many other potential customers may be thinking the same way - or is it just me, a canny Scot?
Sandy
Title: Re: Aviattic pre-order
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on May 08, 2023, 08:31:35 PM
Hi Sandy,
I believe Richard has said in previous communications that if pre-orders were not enough, those who had paid for pre-orders would be refunded.
However, judging by the responses I see, many are pre-ordering, like me,

Mike
Title: Re: Aviattic pre-order
Post by: macsporran on May 08, 2023, 08:52:45 PM
Thanks Mike. Having spent a lifetime in IT, much of it negotiating contracts for software yet to be written, it rankles with me that this is being done so unprofessionally.
Whether funds go into escrow allowing the manufacturer to borrow against guaranteed earnings, or where a percentage deposit   encourages more potential customers to invest safely, almost anything would be better than 'give us all your money and we'll maybe build it!'
He could have a deposit from me today, but I hesitate as it stands.
Sandy
Title: Re: Aviattic pre-order
Post by: loopyloop on May 09, 2023, 07:22:37 PM
This perplexes me. Given that this whole thing seems to rest on enough orders why oh why pick this as a subject. There are plenty of types not kitted but were used operationally.
Title: Re: Aviattic pre-order
Post by: macsporran on May 09, 2023, 07:49:15 PM
...why oh why pick this as a subject. There are plenty of types not kitted but were used operationally.
Hey Loopy
The Pfalz D.VIII was used operationally by several front-line Jastas as well as home-defence Kests. It's not clear how many were actually produced but 120 were ordered from Pfalz in 1918. It's combat record is not available but several notable pilots (Baumer, Auffarth, Beckman etc) were flying the D.VIII during the period when kills were claimed.
It's a very attractive front-line aircraft with a superb rate of climb although also initial problems with the SH counter-rotary engine. Lots of nice marking options.
In our survey of wanted kits a few years ago it scored very highly and most of the stronger choices have now been committed to in kit form in 1/32 (- Spad XIII, Alb OEF, Strutter, 504k.) Still outstanding maybe the Hanriot and Jenny have stronger claims but many of us covet this forthcoming release.
Sandy

PS below my 1/48 CSM resin model - can't wait for this in 1/32
Title: Re: Aviattic pre-order
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on May 09, 2023, 09:46:01 PM
Hi Sandy,
Totally agree.
There are many types not modeled yet - I'm still looking forward to the 'Star Strutter' from CSM to be progressed.
Richard at 'Aviattic' is passionate about his products as shown with the Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla'.
I think some could be but of by multi-media kits as it may present too much of a challenge.
However, no other company has taken up this particular aircraft.
Although it may not have served operationally for long (only 40 delivered I think), it's still an aircraft worthy of any collection.
Having bought the 'Balilla' under the same payment method and having built it, I know Richard will deliver a great product.
That's the sort of man he is (I've met him),

Mike
 
Title: Re: Aviattic pre-order
Post by: KiwiZac on May 10, 2023, 09:25:04 AM
Also, have you seen video of Mikael Carlson's reproduction? I went from knowing nothing about the type to wanting to fly one myself in about 3 seconds!

https://youtu.be/4J9P1mamdYA
Title: Re: Aviattic pre-order
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on May 10, 2023, 10:42:18 AM
Also, have you seen video of Mikael Carlson's reproduction? I went from knowing nothing about the type to wanting to fly one myself in about 3 seconds!

https://youtu.be/4J9P1mamdYA

Yes it's an impressive reproduction and really looks the part,

Mike
Title: Re: Aviattic pre-order
Post by: loopyloop on May 10, 2023, 07:55:06 PM
Now I may be wrong it's just what my references say 'operational assessment '. Now  i'll have to buy one-maybe.