forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => What's New => Topic started by: Dave W on April 16, 2020, 03:02:23 PM
-
Sad news from New Zealand today indicates Wingnut Wings has been closed down permanently and its assets are to be sold off.
Details are yet to be publicly disclosed but it’s understood staff have been informed they no longer have jobs at Wingnuts, and all assets- the moulds etc- are to be disposed of.
Wingnuts, which was begun by Sir Peter Jackson in 2009, has like many NZ businesses been locked down recently due to the coronavirus shutdowns there.
The business issues affecting the decision to close the business permanently are not yet known but are not thought to be entirely due to the Covid 19 issue.
The Forum contacted Wingnuts’ General Manager, Richard Alexander yesterday and sought comment. He responded that an official statement would be forthcoming.
When we approached him today (Thursday) on this matter, the email diverted to a message referring all future Wingnut Wings matters to Clare Olssen and Kate Leppard.
Clare Olssen is Chief Executive Officer of WingNut Films and Kate Leppard is the company’s Chief Financial Officer.
We sought official comment from Clare Olssen and Kate Leppard. We asked about the status of the Wingnut Wings business, the employment status of staff and the situation re pending mail orders in their system.
There has been no response from the designated contacts for Wingnut Wings. Significantly Richard’s name now no longer appears on replies from his official email address.
Update: late Thursday Richard Alexander confirmed to the Forum that he is no longer at Wingnut Wings. Asked about the situation there he said "I am not able to comment at this time".
Further confirmation came from Bryan Wall, one of the Wingnuts designers, who posted on the Wingnut Wings Fans' page on Facebook: "Guys we are closed for good I am sorry to say, the whole team was made redundant on Wednesday".
By Friday morning the Wingnuts website, which had still been accepting online orders, has now been changed and all online orders have been suspended. The website message alludes to Covid-19 issues and still does not address the closure of the business but does assure customers that current pending orders will be processed " as soon as possible".
Significantly, the Wingnuts website on Friday had deleted all references to the kits in development. The Lancasters, Fokker DRl.1s, Hansa Brandenburg D.1, the Handley Page O/100 and O/400 and the "mystery kit" have all vanished from the website now. Only kits in stock and those sold out are listed.
It’s understood there are also major job cuts at the Vintage Aviator (TVAL) too with all aircraft production stopped, most staff made redundant and the company retrenched to a maintenance team for the existing aircraft collection.
Sir Peter Jackson has made no comment on the closure decisions.
More details will be posted when they are known.
Dave Wilson
Gold Coast
Australia
-
Thank you, Dave! This is making me sad. I feel left alone. Good luck to all the (former) staff of Wingnut Wings; my thoughts and very best wishes are with them!
-
So sad. A legend dies. I hope all the employees at WNW, TVAL and the chinese sprue casters and lots more of people linked to WNW will find quick a job to feed their families.
Lets see what the future brings us.
Bye,
Manni
-
Thank you for the information, Dave. Very sad.
-
i only hope that the staff find new work worthy of their talents.
-
These are sad news for us but even more sad for all those former employees of WNW who are now without a job. I hope they find another one quickly. I can’t help but wondering how these things ended up and I am keen on knowing more details.
Thank you Dave for letting us all know what’s going on before any statements on the WNW homepage are published. Although I would like to order some more accessories from WNW, I will wait until they clarified what’s going on there.
Andreas
-
Blue skies WNW.
Thanks for the best 10 years in WW1 modelling history.
vB
-
Whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei*
(Seek the treasure you value most dearly: if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain)*
An icon in the modelling world created & led in a way only a Kiwi “Can Do” approach could achieve. Unsurpassed Quality, passion for getting it right & in a way with modellers at heart. Taking on projects others wouldn’t dare to do. We can celebrate what Sir Peter, Richard & his team gave us. They deserve to be incredibly proud of what they set out to do & the gift of history they leave with us.
Their kits & the market they built opened opportunities for us all.
Thanks team - NZ Legends! 🤓
Kia Kaha! 🇳🇿🙃
Remember how the dream became a reality. Have another listen to
https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/on-the-bench/id1262869310?i=1000414450000
_____________________________________________
*This whakatauki is about aiming high or for what is truly valuable, but it's real message is to be persistent and don't let obstacles stop you from reaching your goal.
-
Sad news all round. It was WNM that enticed me back modelling seeing these beautiful ww1 planes that looked possible to build after a long, long absence. Dave J kindly responded in detail to my naive questions on what tools etc I might need as everything had changed so much from my teenage years and I have always found them to be generous and responsive . I hope that the dedicated employees find new jobs but it is a blow to our small modelling universe, including the small cottage industries that have grown around it. It really has been a rubbish 6 months starting with the drought and bushfires here in Oz. Take care all. Cheers Matt
-
:'( Thank you, good luck, and Kiha Kaha to all those at Wingnut Wings and The Vintage Aviator.
-
The first time I opened a WnW box and looked at the parts and then the instructons, I was sure I entered a new era in modelling.
No doubt the kits will live on, as they are and will remain amazing kits, so maybe all those long sold out items will come around again (HB w.29 to name but one)
But I feel very sad for all those at WmW and TVAL who are now without jobs, something they could do nothing about and in a time when job security is maybe more important then ever.
-
A mere two months since my lifelong dream came true and I visited New Zealand - I still have those splendid views and memories passing in front of my eyes... And one of my two favourite NZ companies goes down... And yesterday I have just picked up from the post box two kits from their range - Taube and Roland C.II - still missing in my collection... And it looks they will be the last ones.
My sadness cannot be contained... :'( :'( :'(
Thank you, Wingnut Wings, for turning the recent years into my best modeling years... Kia kaha.
-
Devastating for the former employees.
All very confusing indeed. PJ has massive wealth, WNW & TVAL - in the big scheme of things - were comparatively small beans to him.
May be a pre-packed insolvency type of situation, perhaps?
Will watch as this develops.
-
Speechless :-[
-
I guess it’s best not to put in any orders. If the staff have been laid off, can we assume there is no one to put them through?This is terrible for the Wingnuts people and modelling in general. Thanks though everyone involved there and PJ for bringing us on an amazing journey.
-
It is a shame in reference to the shutdown of WNW and all the workers that will be effected by this. :(
Hopefully on the brighter side, I would think that another model manufacturer will end up with the molds. Maybe the Lancaster and Fokker DR1 will never see the light of day, but I would think that what has already been produced will eventually become available again. Even though I don't build 1/32 scale, I would like to see a company like Tamiya or Eduard end up with these kits.
-
Best wishes and much good luck to those who were in WNW and TVAL and who must now find new employment. As well, we have such a massive amount of talent in the Forum that I am saddened for the younger, newer members who have an interest in the hobby and in the WNW line of kits. Witness Kit, whose first posting on the Forum had to do with the closing of WNW. Accordingly, I fervently hope that the full range of kits might someday (and soon!) find their way back to the open market.
Best Regards and Best Wishes to all! 8)
-
Heartbreaking news, to say the least. :(
Thank you Wingnut Wings for some of the finest plastic model kits ever produced!
On a side note - I have some advice for WNW kit owners. If you've not done so already, copy or download as much information as possible from their web site. Especially hints, tips, and corrections for any kits you own. We have no idea how long the site will remain up so don't delay too long.
Eric
-
Thanks to WNW for revolutionizing our hobby. I'll now work through my kit stash much more slowly, savoring every morsel.
Jason
-
Thank you WingnutWings for everything you have done for community, and for inspiration which allowed Proper Plane to be born! Good luck guys! I do hope we will meet again soon!
Alex Belov
Proper Plane
-
Sad news indeed.
I remeber seeing the WNW Junkers J1 and LVG built up online for the first time. Blew me completely away, as they have continued doing for the past + ten years. Hopefully we'll see a resurrection of some sort, and here's hoping all staff involved in this great venture will find new occupations soon.
Thanks for redrawing the map of WWI plane modelling guys!
/Mikael
-
This is dreadful news for all.
-
Devastating. Best hopes and wishes go out to all the employees who endeavored to make a wonderful product and company. Regards, Pete in RI
-
Thanks Dave for being on the leading edge of this story; I'm sure we all appreciate the efforts you're making here.
Like everyone, I await official confirmation from WNW themselves. If it is indeed the truth that WNW are closing down, it is a sad moment, even for those of us that don't really dabble in 1/32 scale. Though I have only ever built one of their kits (the Albatros DVa, back in the very early days after its release), it was a joy to build. I would challenge any of us to find someone who has cursed a WNW kit - they are truly works of art, made for modellers. Those of us (and I include myself) that were struggling away in the small niche of WW1 aviation modelling before WNW burst onto the scene can truly appreciate the effect that WNW have had on our little (now a little bigger) corner of the modelling world. I can't understate the positive effect that WNW has had - simply look at the volume of WNW builds on various forums and in magazines all over the globe.
Sadly, if WNW are to depart the scene, I would feel that a 'golden age' of WW1 aviation modelling may well have just come to an end. That 'golden age' will likely be defined, in retrospective examination, by the whirlwind appearance, and equally surprising disappearance, of WNW. I can only hold hope, until we officially hear from WNW, that our golden age might not be over yet.
If WNW leaves the scene, I would feel most for the employees of WNW, who have slaved and produced truly magnificent kits of both significant and esoteric subjects for us all to enjoy. These people are the true artists, and I hope that they can continue their craft.
Whatever happens, this highlights that we, as a modelling community, must support our little part of the hobby world as much as we can in future.
Cheers,
BC
-
WNW have now updated their site message. They seem to still be shying away from confirmation of closure, and their suspension of orders seems to be linked with COVID 19.
(https://i.imgur.com/QvLXDRj.jpg)
So I still hold some hope. Time will tell.
Cheers,
BC
-
This is most confusing! They have the opportunity to say they are NOT closing down, yet say nothing?
It seems a half & half message, neither one thing nor another.
They could surely still take orders using the website, fulfilling them once the crisis is passed?
They should seriously consider issuing a statement, to put to bed the uncertainty.
-
Hmm... interesting. No verification of permanent closing one way or another but given what's been said recently, I'm guessing the resumed sales will be to clear out remaining inventory.
That last statement does have a note of finality to it. :(
Eric
-
OK, just saw this on Facebook. Removes any doubt as far as I'm concerned. :'(
Comment from Bryan Wall, Product Designer for WNW:
"Guys we are closed for good I am sorry to say, the whole team was made redundant on weds."
Eric
-
Let there be no confusion over the official Wingnuts silence. Its a corporate silence thing folks. They don't want to acknowledge bad news.
Take it from kit product designer Bryan Wall who posted on the WnW Fans page on Facebook: "Guys we are closed for good I am sorry to say, the whole team was made redundant on Wednesday".
Wingnuts or whoever the hell is nominally in charge there now has still not responded to our request for an official statement but when Richard Alexander says he is no longer at Wingnuts and Bryan Wall confirms all staff were made redundant, you sort of know they are closed for good.
The website message re online orders is ambiguous. It may suggest a plan to later offer a phased withdrawal by sale of warehouse stock, but this is only speculation. As of today - April 17 - nobody knows what they intend to do with pending orders and their online ordering system.
Right now anyone wanting to buy a Wingnuts kit should support your preferred hobby shop or retail online outlet.
Significantly, the Wingnuts website on Friday has deleted all references to the kits in development. The Lancasters, Fokker DRl.1s, Hansa Brandenburg D.1, Handley Page O/100 and O/400 and the "mystery kit" have all vanished from the website now. Only kits in stock and those sold out are now listed.
Dave Wilson
Gold Coast
Australia
-
Thanks Dave, I wasn't aware of Bryan's post. Looks like it's going to be the reality. :'(
To echo Bob's words, Blue Skies WNW.
Hopefully, someone somewhere will pick up the business or the moulds and a new phoenix will rise from the ashes.
Cheers,
BC
-
I am saddened to see the end arrive. I was not aware of the issue until about a week ago, so I am processing this.
My thoughts are with the talented folks at Wingnut Wings and the other Weta holdings. I hope they land on their feet soon. In a big way, WNW rewrote the book on kit development.
I am still baffled as to the timing as the Dr.I's, Lancasters and HP's were in development. The back story will be revealed in due course, I suspect that it was more than the pandemic.
In the big picture, there are a lot of people facing tough and uncertain times. I hope everyone here is healthy as are their friends and family.
-
Thanks WNW. You raised the bar and WWI aviation awareness.
Steve
-
As noted in the other thread on this topic, there is no way this permanent shutdown relates to COVID 19.
I wonder what the true story is, and if we will ever know.
However, there is a great opportunity here. What made WNW special was not the guy running the show with deep pockets! It was the talent group of 10-15 people (as I understand it) who churned out such lovely model kits, instruction manuals, and artwork!
No reason why such a tiny company can't be picked up and started over by someone else.
Let's hope that is the case.
-
Sad news, my solidarity to employees and their families. I hope that, as have been pointed, the fabulous team who gave our community such great model kits and all the online support will find their way to continue with their projects under new sponsorship. And of course I'm grateful to WNW firm for their role in our hobby growth during the past decade.
Ciao
Giuseppe
-
TVAL has made their situation official:
(https://farm66.staticflickr.com/65535/49783676357_ff298ce2a6_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iRdmxx)
Generated from my Apple iPhone using tools.sportscard.trade (http://tools.sportscard.trade)
Two incredible companies that have done truly remarkable things for WW1 aviation. I feel so awful for those left without a job. I’m just speechless.
I hadn’t wanted to post about either until one was made official. Awful news to end the week. So sad.
-
Very sad news indeed :-/ Hopefully everyone involved will find a new job soon!
And Eric, thanks for the headsup, though I probably have RSI now, I'm glad i downloaded everything I needed, including the DrI/F1 pictures they posted up that will help me detail the Roden examples, right before they took those pages down.
On a side note - I have some advice for WNW kit owners. If you've not done so already, copy or download as much information as possible from their web site. Especially hints, tips, and corrections for any kits you own. We have no idea how long the site will remain up so don't delay too long.
Jeroen
-
TVAL had not been the same since their managing pilot was caught running his own store to sell his boss' items with his personal margin. Now he is a guest of the New Zealand government.
-
TVAL had not been the same since their managing pilot was caught running his own store to sell his boss' items with his personal margin. Now he is a guest of the New Zealand government.
I have never spent five minutes researching the business practices of Peter Jackson or looking into the ongoing daily operations of his variously owned business entities.
But there is something going on here and it doesn't relate to a virus. Although the virus is clearly being used as the excuse to bail out of these business ventures.
We're going to hear more about this down the line.
As I've mentioned before, such a small operation can easily be revived by someone else.
And what is perhaps even more likely is a group of former WNW employees (perhaps even all of them) somehow combining resources to revive the company themselves.
The one thing we don't know and which I'd love to know right now is what their finances looked like.
The state goal was always simply to "break even" as I understand it.
Not sure the economics would favor a new owner who was actually looking to make a profit. Though with some tweaks to the business model, maybe that could be corrected.
Now then, trying to shine a positive light on a very dark subject: if and when the company revives itself under new ownership, we might actually get some new subjects that are not English or German!
-
This was posted over on the WNW Fans page on Facebook by another member, and he sums it up perfectly...
My thoughts on whats going on with the mixed messages on their website announcements
Fact: Staff have been made redundant WNW as we (the modellers) know it is gone.
Opinion: Peter Jackson and whoever else owns the entity doesn't want it to go broke to the point of receivers or liquidators. Why? that damages the PJ brand (forget WNW hardly anyone knows what that is or who owns it). A PJ company in liquidation would be news picked up by the press and reflects poorly on him personally. So they stop the rot by letting staff go, keep the website up, halt sales, and hope to sell to an investor as a going concern which avoids the negative press and no ones the wiser. Just that the pool of investors for a model-making company (that was obviously losing money) ain't that big. Good luck I guess.
Radio New Zealand had a small bulletin on WNW and TVAL on their 7 am News update, they didn't have much more to add than what has already been stated.
-
Hi all
Haven't been here for a while - haven't been modelling for a while...
This is very sad news indeed. On the sly, a few years ago I was lucky enough to get a tour of the TVAL factory in Kilbirnie, Wellington and met Richard Alexander - WNW is in the same complex but I didn't get in there! My, then, contact at TVAL is probably redundant now. He was involved with building Sopwith Snipes and Fokkers. My guess is Jackson is retrenching and when it comes to what were his "hobbies", he just isn't prepared to put money into them anymore. You might also suspect that his core business is under serious stress as well - the film industry sure is.
We just have to hope that the other manufacturers of WW1 kits survive this. Although Wingnut kits are very very good so are many others. Fingers crossed for a far from certain future in all respects.
Cheers
A
-
TVAL had not been the same since their managing pilot was caught running his own store to sell his boss' items with his personal margin. Now he is a guest of the New Zealand government.
I have never spent five minutes researching the business practices of Peter Jackson or looking into the ongoing daily operations of his variously owned business entities.
But there is something going on here and it doesn't relate to a virus. Although the virus is clearly being used as the excuse to bail out of these business ventures.
We're going to hear more about this down the line.
As I've mentioned before, such a small operation can easily be revived by someone else.
And what is perhaps even more likely is a group of former WNW employees (perhaps even all of them) somehow combining resources to revive the company themselves.
The one thing we don't know and which I'd love to know right now is what their finances looked like.
The state goal was always simply to "break even" as I understand it.
Not sure the economics would favor a new owner who was actually looking to make a profit. Though with some tweaks to the business model, maybe that could be corrected.
Now then, trying to shine a positive light on a very dark subject: if and when the company revives itself under new ownership, we might actually get some new subjects that are not English or German!
I think you’re right. They could re- form as they have the basis for a great new company. But it seems PJ is the prime candidate for someone with deep pockets. He could re buy it if interested (big ‘if’) and continue on.
But it might be a while before we see some non UK/ German subjects. But CSM might have a clear run if they are not also suffering
It’s a pity from a WW1 modeller perspective they spent so much time and energy on the Lancasters, instead of bringing out the Dr1s and others. C’est la Vie!
-
If the bottom line was a worry, I would think that the Dr.I would have been an earlier release and subjects like a DH-4 (using a lot of DH-9 sprues and could be boxed in RR, Liberty and Puma versions), BE2c & e, and the Strutter would have been better than some of the more esoteric selections. Though I think the Gotha G.I is really neat, it is the poster child for Esoteric.
-
If the bottom line was a worry, I would think that the Dr.I would have been an earlier release and subjects like a DH-4 (using a lot of DH-9 sprues and could be boxed in RR, Liberty and Puma versions), BE2c & e, and the Strutter would have been better than some of the more esoteric selections. Though I think the Gotha G.I is really neat, it is the poster child for Esoteric.
This is where there is room for "tweaking the business model" under new ownership. Immediately ditch production of the oddball kits that never sold, and stop making new kits that are similar. And that put no brainer projects in the fast production lane that PJ obstinately refused to produce. With CSM doing the Nieuport, that still leaves the Fokker DR Is, SPADs, maybe a Jenny, and other no brainer sales leaders.
Prices have always been ridiculously high for what you get IMO and that didn't seem to slow sales down. Maybe make them a touch higher. As long as quality remains the same, people will buy them.
The easily replaced ingredient here is "rich guy with money." The world is filled with those. What it is not filled with, apparently, is people who know how to design and engineer excellent styrene model kits. If it was easier, we'd see more of them.
The small group collected at WNW figured the hard part out. We just need an individual or group to come along with some cash and an interest in modeling to put the pieces back together.
I think it will happen.
-
China will buy them up, after all that's what they are doing with other Western companies!!!
-
I think that any criticism of the WNW business Model is a bit off base. Yes they could have produced a couple of the More Popular fighters that aren't available. The SPAD XIII comes to Mind. But if you think about it they did Most of the popular fighters:
1. Albatros DV.
2. Sopwith Pup
3. Sopwith Triplane
4. Fokker DVII
5. SE5a
6. Sopwith Snipe
7. Pfalz DIIIa
8. Sopwith Dolphin
9. Pfalz DXII
10. Roland DVI
11. Sopwith Camel
12: The Proposed DR1.
None of these were out of production for any great length of time. So yes a couple of Money Cows May Be Missing but for the Most part they covered the bases. Did the expensive esoteric stuff sell? Probably not but who really knows. As a Matter of Fact we have NO IDEA if the Demise is Directly related to sales and profit! My point here is that to question and state reasons at this time seems Premature to Me. When the Molds are sold or produced by another company we will Most likely see the ones I listed and probably Most of the 2 seaters again. Will we see the Funky Gothas...Maybe Not but who Knows. My thoughts are totally focused on the sad feeling I have for the Terrific Team that Produced the Best WW1 kits we have ever seen and Sparked Many other Companies to Do Better! JMHO
RAGIII
PS: I forgot the DH2 and Eindeckers!
-
Wot Rick said... Sad, the reasons will never be known, but looking back at the hints, this has been coming for a while....
-
worth noting that whether it was an internal or external decision to shut the company down, chances are the reason people aren't talking is that they signed a non-disclosure agreement. it's common practice.
so, we may never know. i would speculate, however, that it's not necessarily a safe assumption that WNW was losing significant money as a standalone, it's part of a group of companies and all are hit hard.
also worth noting, while i'm hoping someone does indeed pick up the molds and keep the goodness flowing in some form, what i'm really hoping for is that some company with deep enough pockets recognizes the value of the team--the research, engineering, mold-making, packaging and service were all next-level.
-
worth noting that whether it was an internal or external decision to shut the company down, chances are the reason people aren't talking is that they signed a non-disclosure agreement. it's common practice.
so, we may never know. i would speculate, however, that it's not necessarily a safe assumption that WNW was losing significant money as a standalone, it's part of a group of companies and all are hit hard.
also worth noting, while i'm hoping someone does indeed pick up the molds and keep the goodness flowing in some form, what i'm really hoping for is that some company with deep enough pockets recognizes the value of the team--the research, engineering, mold-making, packaging and service were all next-level.
Well said. The research and quality - next level like you said. Just looking through the instruction booklets is just mind blowing, and that’s before you even get to the plastic!
-
I am surprised and yet I should not be. This is pure speculations of my part but it seems that WNW did loose their way at the end. I am retired and I have to watch my budget, do we all. I have been able to gather several WNW and a CSM kit, and oh yes the DRI from Roden. I have build a total of 9 WNW kits and have another 11 unbuild. I do build ships, armor (WWI) and the occasional figure.
All are of the less expensive models. I never would have been able to afford (and even less display) some of their latest offering. I understand that a $300 kit takes
a lot more time to complete than a $65 kit. But you can by 4 of them and able to display them. Also spend $300 in one shot would have drained my modeling budget for the year. No more $ for paints aftermarket etc..
It appear (to me) that PJ was controlling what would be released, lots of British and German aircrafts but sadly very few French or Italian aircrafts (if any). I am sure that the anticipated Lancaster would have been a beauty but how much financial strain that it must have been on the company. Such a monster kit with WNW details would have required molds that would have cost a fortune, also the time expanded on research.
I applauded WNW for having introduced us to extremely high quality kits of an era which was often ignored by other companies. Their early kits were affordable for most of us, their latest kits no so much. Most of those giant kits are to languish in closets, sadly. I feel for those who provided aftermarkets products and of course
the employees of WNW. This is a difficult time for many of us, but more so for some. Most important I hope that all of you and your family are safe.
-
This has been a very interesting exercise, reading all of the conjecture and the hypotheticals. There is some very intuitive musings going on in there and some of it is undoubtedly accurate. One thing I do know for sure is that people are people, they can pull you through or let you down when the going gets rough. Who knows what part the human element had to play in the situation the company finds itself in today and who knows how much the finances and the global pandemic figured in this current state of affairs as well. Was it people, cash flow or business practices or a combination of all three? I believe time will eventually tell the true tale, or something close to it.
I'm of the opinion that under the guidance of an established manufacturer who is well versed with the ins and outs of the hobby industry, the line could turn a profit. Will Wingnuts reorganize and try again or will it be left for something else to carry on? I'll be eagerly waiting to find out.
-
I'm thinking that WNW & TVAL were a cash draw on the WETA enterprise, and with filmmaking more or less on hold for the foreseeable, the decision was made to stop spending as much money as possible - across the group - until the economy returns to some sort of normal.
Failure do to so may have imperilled the wider WETA group
The most boring speculation possible, but with my economist & accountant hats on, the most likely to me.
But, as my ever helpful wife reminds me every day, I'm usually wrong.
-
as i understand it (i'm not in the business so maybe i'm wrong) development's the expensive part. making the molds costs more than using them. so whomever buys the molds, over time, could likely profit, depending on the price of the molds. and the price almost certainly depends on how urgently WNW wants to 'dispose of' the molds...
-
I'm thinking that WNW & TVAL were a cash draw on the WETA enterprise, and with filmmaking more or less on hold for the foreseeable, the decision was made to stop spending as much money as possible - across the group - until the economy returns to some sort of normal.
Failure do to so may have imperilled the wider WETA group
The most boring speculation possible, but with my economist & accountant hats on, the most likely to me.
But, as my ever helpful wife reminds me every day, I'm usually wrong.
Behind every successful man is a woman telling him he's wrong.
-
Quite hard to believe this news. How sad.
Presumably they were making money, so it seems a little odd that it’s so final and not a suspension. You’d think a world lockdown would be a boost to sales...
A major blow to lose such a high quality manufacturer that has set the standard over the last few years.
Guy :(
-
Quite hard to believe this news. How sad.
Presumably they were making money, so it seems a little odd that it’s so final and not a suspension. You’d think a world lockdown would be a boost to sales...
A major blow to lose such a high quality manufacturer that has set the standard over the last few years.
Guy :(
Nobody knows if they were making money, but the consensus seems to be that they were being subsidised by PJ.
-
I think the assumption is that they were being subsidized by PJ, and I'm sure they were initially, but latterly the allegations have been that they were being subsidized unknowingly by the NZ taxpayer and this is why the shit has now hit the fan
-
I think the assumption is that they were being subsidized by PJ, and I'm sure they were initially, but latterly the allegations have been that they were being subsidized unknowingly by the NZ taxpayer and this is why the shit has now hit the fan
This "subsidy" was not a subsidy at all.
NZ have a grant system, whereby the Gov gives grants to film industry companies to help them develop.
WETA never had any of these grants. Other, smaller companies did, and used some of these funds to buy services & goods from WETA, on commercial terms.
So WETA may have ended up with money that was originally given as grants, BUT they earned it, like they do with all of their revenue.
So, no subsidy for WETA from the NZ taxpayer, let alone WNW & TVAL.
-
On what do you base your assertion that the WETA group did not receive an NZ government subsidy, please. I'd be keen to know if you have inside information.
Meanwhile, the assertion that they did, is out there in the public domain.
If you can refute this with facts, rather than opinions, it would be valuable.
-
I think the assumption is that they were being subsidized by PJ, and I'm sure they were initially, but latterly the allegations have been that they were being subsidized unknowingly by the NZ taxpayer and this is why the shit has now hit the fan
Folks in N. America probably know the online retailer Scale Modelist. They are one of the larger online hobby shops in the USA. They have been absolutely overloaded with orders for the last several weeks, such that they are now urging caution in placing orders and noting that orders will likely be delayed by 4 days (which is a ton relative to their normal fast service). They literally stated about a week ago that recent sales have been the highest in the company's history.
So yes, as noted, COVID19 has seemingly boosted the model hobby more than hurt it.
The stated goal at WNW was always that Peter Jackson would supply money, but only to the extent that the entity was able to break even on its own.
Even if the pandemic was somehow hurting business at WNW, you would think PJ could step in and right the ship for the near term knowing the company would rebound when the world returns to normal.
Or more drastic, but temporary measures could be employed to keep the cogs oiled. At which point we wouldn't be hearing about permanent firings and the company shutting down permanently.
Without question, something fishy is going on here. Which makes the story all the more interesting.
-
Folks in N. America probably know the online retailer Scale Modelist....
Do you mean Scale Hobbyist?
Eric
-
I think the assumption is that they were being subsidized by PJ, and I'm sure they were initially, but latterly the allegations have been that they were being subsidized unknowingly by the NZ taxpayer and this is why the shit has now hit the fan
Folks in N. America probably know the online retailer Scale Modelist. They are one of the larger online hobby shops in the USA. They have been absolutely overloaded with orders for the last several weeks, such that they are now urging caution in placing orders and noting that orders will likely be delayed by 4 days (which is a ton relative to their normal fast service). They literally stated about a week ago that recent sales have been the highest in the company's history.
So yes, as noted, COVID19 has seemingly boosted the model hobby more than hurt it.
The stated goal at WNW was always that Peter Jackson would supply money, but only to the extent that the entity was able to break even on its own.
Even if the pandemic was somehow hurting business at WNW, you would think PJ could step in and right the ship for the near term knowing the company would rebound when the world returns to normal.
Or more drastic, but temporary measures could be employed to keep the cogs oiled. At which point we wouldn't be hearing about permanent firings and the company shutting down permanently.
Without question, something fishy is going on here. Which makes the story all the more interesting.
Don't forget, PJ has made his fortune in the film industry.
That same industry is estimated to have collectively lost $7bn to date, with forecasts of the total loss being at least $20bn.
The WETA group employs 2000 people. If their average monthly salary is $4k, then each month the wage bill alone is $8 million. The NZ government has schemes to help out, but they are largely aimed at lower salaried workers. Add in rent, rates, utilities, tax, etc and the bills soon mount up.
So my considered guess is that PJ is simply herding his resources towards his main businesses. WNW & TVAL are simply disposable, at least in the short to medium term, because they don't produce any income.
Of course, I'm probably wrong.
-
I think that TVAL and WNW issues are separate. TVAL scaled back from being a manufacturer and a collection to being a collection, largely due to DeMarco actions.
WNW has me a bit baffled as they pulled the plug with the HP's nearing completion, and DRI's coming along. Plus, PJ's pet project, the two Lancasters with one version at a very low altitude! That this was a permanent closure and not a medically induced coma, leads me to think this goes beyond 'COVID cash-flow'. I do not think for a minute the PJ or Weta management wanted to see any of this happen to their employees or customers. So there is something deeper whether at the off-shore production facility or in Wellington. Some day, we will have a better idea as to what had gone down.
If I were the buyer, one of my stipulations would be the completion of the DRI and other tooling.
-
Let's not forget, too, that Peter Jackson has a personal net worth of $500 million US, at least according to what I can easily find online. That actually strikes me as low given the existence of the 6 LOTR/Hobbit films, but who knows.
The Vintage Aviator closing is also fishy, in that I thought they basically made custom built WWI replicas for wealthy individuals/entities looking to buy a "new" WWI aircraft.
That sort of specialized market segment isn't losing money because of COVID 19. That market segment is recession proof.
I remember during the last big recession at the end of the 2000s; the Ferrari waiting list for certain models was 5 years long.
-
As of right now, Sprue Brothers in the U.S. still has these In Stock -
Gotha G.I
Gotha UWD
Halberstadt Cl.II (Late)
Sopwith 5F.1 Dolphin
Hannover Cl.II (Early)
Decals -
Albatros D.V Camouflaged
Pfalz D.IIIa "Flying Circus" Part 1
4 Color Lower Lozenge
-
It would be interesting to see big players like ICM gets interested and pick up the line of WWI aircraft , ( they started now with WWI trucks and armour cars) , it is the precise moment that now the big giant WWI aircraft kit producer aka WNW is knocked out and finished.They are coming up soon in the production pipe with beautiful home based produced kits: some of them like 1/32 pre- WW2 biplanes ( gloster gladiator, stearman PT-17 etc) .If this comes thru,
it would be a new standard in the WWI niche 132 scale aircraft market with more accessible kits , reasonable prices and exceptional quality, just praying that they see this huge business opportunity knocking out at their door now
-
Her's what is in stock still at Hannants...
Gotha G.I - 10+
Gotha UWD - 20+
Halberstadt Cl.II Early & Late - 20+ Each
Hannover Cl.II Early - 20+
Fokker D.VIIF Goering - 20+
Sopwith 7F.1 Snipe Barker - 20+
James
-
Here is a;ll that is left In Stock at Sprue Brothers -
Gotha G.1
Gotha UWD
Sopwith 5F.1 Dolphin
Pfalz D.IIIa. "Flying Circus Part 1 Decals
James
-
Hi
Mighty Ape https://www.mightyape.co.nz/ in NZ has 2 AEG Early's and 2 Late's. Probably only 1 Late as I just bought one...(just confirmed that by going back to the site - 1 Late left). Mighty Ape were always above WNW list prices but at $NZ395 vs $NZ350? from WNW when they did their "calculations" and with just $NZ5.00 shipping from Mighty Ape it sort of balances out. In New Zealand we were never sure what anything would cost from WNW because of their take on US exchange rates. Shipping, at least, was very, very cheap for us here.
These are only available to NZ and Australia but if you want a pathway to buy one of these through my location send me a PM. As a member here this is just a reach out - nothing in it for me.
This is my ultimate model challenge which I have hovered over for a time and who knows if I will build it but who knows if I'll ever have the chance again to get such a kit at a sensible(ish) price to even have that opportunity?
A
-
It's interesting to note that the secondary market on Ebay has already taken off! I find that ridiculous and predict prices will come back down after this initial knee-jerk reactionary period passes.
I have the impression there is a ton of WNW inventory sitting around the world, untouched, in individual stashes. And every so often modelers are going to realize they are never going to build that Felixstowe with the meter long wingspan and it is going to go for sale on Ebay.
And demand for that kit, for example, has never been high to begin with.
Secondary supply will continue at prices lower than what we are seeing now.
And even that situation will only be temporary, until WNW resurfaces under new ownership, which is something I feel confident will happen.
No way in hell the toolings are going to go to waste.
-
I just sold a Camel (as I already have one, bought this one on impulse in a sale and found I'm not really into doing multiples of the same aircraft) on the local Ebay equivalent with bidding only (no reserves or so) and it went for more than the normal price (not all that much, I'm happy someone is happy with it) within a day. There was a lot of interest.
I suspect if I'd just let it sit for a few days it probably would have fetched a bit more.
I converted the money into CSM figures ;D
Jeroen
-
Hi
These are only available to NZ and Australia but if you want a pathway to buy one of these through my location send me a PM. As a member here this is just a reach out - nothing in it for me.
I was just on their website and they show the two AEG's in stock and they do ship world wide. I didn't go through with the purchase but the have a world wide drop down menu. Thanks for posting this.
-
Hi
All of the AEG's on Mighty Ape have now gone...4 expensive kits in 1 day.
A
-
Another worry that I just thought of is that the WnW website will disappear - you can't save images off the website only links to them. those links don't work if the site closes...There is so much reference material here... :(
-
Hi Alistair
Members of the WNW Fans group on Facebook have been downloading and sharing all of the Wingnuts archive photos.
The invaluable instruction booklets are still available and free. I'd recommend anyone wanting one or all download them ASAP.
Irrespective of the kits, the Wingnuts site was/ is an invaluable reference site and it's to be hoped it will be preserved and kept available in some form.
Dave W
Gold Coast
Australia
-
Hi
All of the AEG's on Mighty Ape have now gone...4 expensive kits in 1 day.
A
Yes I was waiting for Mighty Ape to reopen to purchase a few and watched the kits disappear over a few days. Arrrgh! I was also watching the AEGs hoping to get them on sale but nope, gone!
Oh well hopefully WNW re opens soon...
-
Another worry that I just thought of is that the WnW website will disappear - you can't save images off the website only links to them. those links don't work if the site closes...There is so much reference material here... :(
You can right-click on a thumbnail and open in a new tab (or use the scroll wheel button of you use a normal mouse), you can then view only the image and save it.
Alternatively you can disable Flash and the "album" script won't work.
BTW, the images for the "disappeared" pages for the Dr.I/F.Is can still be seen on the "overall" gallery. Also don't forget they secretly add images later on, as there are now some great shots of 185th Aero Sqn Camels on the USAS-Camel page, as well as some neat shots of the late Rumpler with the beetle scheme that definately weren't there before.
Jeroen
-
I just had a thought: what about some of the kits that WNW was selling exclusively?
I am thinking specifically of the Albatros DV "Bavarians" boxing; you could only get that directly through WNW, and now they have stopped taking orders. I'm pretty sure that kit never "sold out" so there is probably an inventory of those kits sitting in the warehouse in NZ, but with no buyers for them b/c they aren't accepting orders.
Those kits will surely work through their distribution channels and show up at Sprue Brothers or Hannants, won't they?
Can't imagine them being set on fire.
I would love one of those boxings and intended to get one, but never did. I already had several other Albatros boxings and I just never pulled the trigger!
-
assuming WNW are either sold or in the process of being sold (speculation) they'd probably be more likely to sell off the inventory from the e-store than distribute via Hannant's.
either way i'm hoping to score 3 OAW Fokker sprues, D.VIIs to put 'em in, and a Junkers D.1. we'll see what happens. i expect they'll turn up in some form, doesn't make sense to burn a pile of money.
-
Have you received an email from Rachelle Andrews over at [email protected]?
Hi,
Thank you for your interest in placing an order
with WingNut Wings.
We just wanted to acknowledge receipt and
confirm that we'll be in touch when we're in a
position to resume sales.
Best wishes,
WingNut Wings
-
Yes, I have. And so have many others reporting it on FB.
There is some life down there in Miramar...
-
I bet there are a few WNW owning people today who wish they had not paid £288 for an SE.5a......
-
Have you received an email from Rachelle Andrews over at [email protected]?
Hi,
Thank you for your interest in placing an order
with WingNut Wings.
We just wanted to acknowledge receipt and
confirm that we'll be in touch when we're in a
position to resume sales.
Best wishes,
WingNut Wings
Yes I have received this message.
-
I bet there are a few WNW owning people today who wish they had not paid £288 for an SE.5a......
Isn't that kit long OOP regardless if WNW is dead and gone? I mean if they come back online tomorrow I don't think they are gonna have stacks of SE5a all of a sudden?
-
About the email from Rachelle Andrews from WNW, is it going to resume sales for final inventory or it is going to resume sales as normal business? There's so much red tape and secrecy with this Company, I wish they would be more transparent. If somebody from the forum can respond
-
I bet there are a few WNW owning people today who wish they had not paid £288 for an SE.5a......
Isn't that kit long OOP regardless if WNW is dead and gone? I mean if they come back online tomorrow I don't think they are gonna have stacks of SE5a all of a sudden?
Correct, The SE.5a has been sold out for over 2 years.
http://www.wingnutwings.com/ww/product?productid=3
Eric
-
About the email from Rachelle Andrews from WNW, is it going to resume sales for final inventory or it is going to resume sales as normal business? There's so much red tape and secrecy with this Company, I wish they would be more transparent. If somebody from the forum can respond
As I understand it, I admit to understanding very little, PJ and Fran jointly own the companies that are 'WingNut - something' + TVAL, these are non listed private, companies with their associated levels of disclosure,
Those companies he founded that are 'Weta - Something' are publicly listed with there is a certain amount of disclosure due to their nature.
PJ and Fran are good at film media but arguably better at business and ring fencing their interests.
They may make an announcement at a later date but it will be after they have shored up a plan for the future of their concerns.
Historically their is little precedent for ex employees to do a kiss and tell.
As for modeling, I have some WNW on the shelf to go on with and I will start picking up a couple of the Copper State releases.
I am sure there are couple of companies that will be able to fulfill those needs of a high end WWI model fix and now we are not spending with WNW we are free to spend with them.
Marcus
-
... you can't save images off the website ... .
The images CAN be downloaded singly or in batch: if you use Chrome, install and try this FatKun Batch Download extension: https://tinyurl.com/yxlc9wgn (https://tinyurl.com/yxlc9wgn). You'll love it - just takes a little playing with the simple options.
After you install the extension, right clicking on a webpage will bring up a menu option to "Batch Download", and clicking it will bring up the download page where you can select what you want to download. I always select More Options and then Show Big image first to make it easier to weed out thumbnails, etc.
;)
Gene K
-
I bet there are a few WNW owning people today who wish they had not paid £288 for an SE.5a......
Isn't that kit long OOP regardless if WNW is dead and gone? I mean if they come back online tomorrow I don't think they are gonna have stacks of SE5a all of a sudden?
Correct, The SE.5a has been sold out for over 2 years.
http://www.wingnutwings.com/ww/product?productid=3
Eric
The LVG C.VI was sold out - it came back as a reboxing in a duellists kit.
The RE.8 'Harry Tate' was sold out - it came back as a reboxing in a duellists kit.
The W-29 was sold out - it came back as a reboxing in a duellists kit.
The DH.2 was sold out - it came back as a reboxing in a duellists kit. Then it came back in a character reboxing.
The Albatros kits were sold out - they came back as a 3-kit reboxing.Then they came back as a character "Jasta 5" reboxing.
When the Albatros Jasta 5 was sold out, Albatros came back as NINE special editions.
The Hannover Cl.II sold out - it came back as an "early" reboxing.
The Sopwith Triplane sold out. It came back as a character reboxing.
The Pfalz D.IIIa sold it - it came back as TWO special editions.
Both Snipe kits sold out - it came back as a character reboxing.
The Fokker EII-EIII sold out - it came back as both a duellist kit and a character kit.
The Fokker D.VII F was sold out - it came back as a character reboxing.
WNW releases kits after they become "sold out" - it's a cheap way of raising cash.
The idea that the SE.5a would not, as some point, be reboxed is ignoring the evidence.
Of course, I assume that the moulds will find their way back onto the market at some point, WNW or sans WNW.
-
I was always mystified why a Viper engined SE5a was never developed.
-
I was always mystified why a Viper engined SE5a was never developed.
Me, too.
-
I was always mystified why a Viper engined SE5a was never developed.
Me, too.
Me, too - except the Suiza took such a long time to sell out, that perhaps they thought another SE would just sit on the shelf forever.
The SE was one of the original four releases way back and as one the most important WWI subjects and many people's favourite aircraft of the period, maybe WNW expected huge sales and produced huge numbers accordingly. However many modellers prefer colourful LSK types and can be intimidated by the subtleties of a PC10 finish. 8)
Thus it took 8 or 9 years to sell out which maybe put them off releasing a Viper - also the initial stated objective was not to replicate an existing offering and Roden had a good Viper kit.
I love the SE and have several of them.
Interesting that now this shelf-sitter is oop, it's attracting huge prices on eBay! Should've bought 'em sooner while they could.
Personally I always harboured a hope they'd do an SE5, as well as both engines on the 5a.
-
I was just over at the WNW website, and noticed that it remains unchanged.
I.E., it's still there; they are still not taking orders; the initial message discussing a "temporary shutdown due to complications from covid-19" remains unchanged.
I guess we have good information saying that the employees were fired and those involved have stated the company has ceased to exist.
So then why hasn't the message been updated at the website?
Is it possible the company will make a comeback under Peter Jackson's ownership?
I would suggest that seems highly unlikely, but stranger things have happened.
It just seems that they are keeping the door somewhat open with the message at the website.
If they are closed and closed for good, why not say so, out of respect to their customers/supporters?
-
So then why hasn't the message been updated at the website?
Because there is no-one to do it?
Richard
-
I was always mystified why a Viper engined SE5a was never developed.
I exchanged emails with Richard Alexander immediately 'before the fall'. He wasn't specific -I'd asked about my own personal 'wish list':a Viper Se5a, a Rolls Royce powered RFC DH4, Hanriot HD 1 and Hannover ClIIIa. The reply was along the lines of 'if there is enough interest and demand from their customer base. I'd asked about the Hannover before and received a definite 'no', but it's a personal favourite of mine, so why not ask again?. I think that with the clamour for the upcoming Dreidecker kits, that it would have seen a move toward more populist releases, to subsidize the odd obscure one. A Viper Se5a with a Mannock figure, would have sat nicely alongside a McCudden Hisso 'special' and I know there was a Voss 'special' waiting in the wings...
I hope that we get chance to find out - there's a lot of talent waiting to be redeployed.
-
Ringleheim,
The WNW experience was one we all are certainly missing right now, but if you take all the romance out of it...its a business.
No commercial firm has any obligation to post reasons for it's operating status or possible plans for the future.
If you look at the business before these turn of events, they were not exactly forthcoming on new releases etc. (is any company?) Even in this unusual world state why would we expect differently?
I was encouraged to receive an email message from them recently about reopening sales when they can, but I'm not going to count the days until that happens.
In my view, why would they open retail sales to guys like us when they can wholesale the lot to dealers for a quick turnaround.
There is nothing we can do.
Respectfully,
Ryan
-
My take is that negotiations are ongoing regarding an investment in, or sale of, WNW. As part of this process, with the buyer undertaking due diligence, the buyer asked for an email be sent to reassure customers that the kits will be available again at some point.
This is complete speculation on my part, for which I have not the slightest evidence for.
But I've seen lots of company sales, buy-outs, liquidation, etc, and this just feels like a company changing ownership.
-
[
Correct, The SE.5a has been sold out for over 2 years.
http://www.wingnutwings.com/ww/product?productid=3
Eric
[/quote]
The LVG C.VI was sold out - it came back as a reboxing in a duellists kit.
The RE.8 'Harry Tate' was sold out - it came back as a reboxing in a duellists kit.
The W-29 was sold out - it came back as a reboxing in a duellists kit.
The DH.2 was sold out - it came back as a reboxing in a duellists kit. Then it came back in a character reboxing.
The Albatros kits were sold out - they came back as a 3-kit reboxing.Then they came back as a character "Jasta 5" reboxing.
When the Albatros Jasta 5 was sold out, Albatros came back as NINE special editions.
The Hannover Cl.II sold out - it came back as an "early" reboxing.
The Sopwith Triplane sold out. It came back as a character reboxing.
The Pfalz D.IIIa sold it - it came back as TWO special editions.
Both Snipe kits sold out - it came back as a character reboxing.
The Fokker EII-EIII sold out - it came back as both a duellist kit and a character kit.
The Fokker D.VII F was sold out - it came back as a character reboxing.
WNW releases kits after they become "sold out" - it's a cheap way of raising cash.
The idea that the SE.5a would not, as some point, be reboxed is ignoring the evidence.
Of course, I assume that the moulds will find their way back onto the market at some point, WNW or sans WNW.
Actually this might have been pretty smart marketing or perhaps one of many possible set pieces: the initial run was a set # with an option for X number of re-runs at xx $ each thus the "re-boxes". Or if you wish to engage in the..." evil capitalist devious plan" run Y # of kits But sell only Y minus A as a bench mark to declare a "sold out " status to keep Y minus A to be sold later at a higher price--OOPS higher prices never happened. Or, how bout some combination of the previous 2. Or 3, we really do not have enough information to know what really happened, or what is GOING to happen.
Remember that when the kits were 1st released, it was a bolt of lightning, not a single rumor of them was floating around anywhere, which in this hobby is unheard of; my calculation is that it was underway for at least 7 years before they appeared. Ray Rimell is one of a very few "outsiders" who had some involvement/knowledge/input whatever in WNW ( he has never said exactly what, much to his credit). On his fb website his only comments have been..." wait and see"...
Was looking forward to that Dr-I even the Lanc. frontend, and Sure, I'd like a Dh-4, Halb D-II/III, Roland D II, Hanriot... ad infinitum, but if we never get more I'm happy to have some and seen the greatest kits of subjects that in our wildest dreams would never exist !
-
Someone just posted this on LSP forum:
“Just received an email from Rachelle at WNW"s...My kits will be shipped in 2 to 3 weeks.
Whohoo!”
-
Great! Darn should have put an order in ...
-
Ringleheim,
I was encouraged to receive an email message from them recently about reopening sales when they can, but I'm not going to count the days until that happens.
In my view, why would they open retail sales to guys like us when they can wholesale the lot to dealers for a quick turnaround.
There is nothing we can do.
You make some good points. Maybe Dave J might have an idea. Hopefully they have the staff so it will be both wholesale and individual customers like us!
-
I bet there are a few WNW owning people today who wish they had not paid £288 for an SE.5a......
That is really..well... wierd..., especially as there is an alternative.
For that price it can't be that much better than the Roden kit with some aftermarket? But I guess that's just me I suppose!
It's probably all just a big bubble waiting to burst... I love my (limited) stash of WNW kits, but have plenty of other stuff to build, but, again, I guess that's just me.
Jeroen
-
I bet there are a few WNW owning people today who wish they had not paid £288 for an SE.5a......
That is really..well... wierd..., especially as there is an alternative.
For that price it can't be that much better than the Roden kit with some aftermarket? But I guess that's just me I suppose!
It's probably all just a big bubble waiting to burst... I love my (limited) stash of WNW kits, but have plenty of other stuff to build, but, again, I guess that's just me.
Jeroen
Jeroen,
I won't comment on prices but the WnW kit is way ahead of the Roden one & still would be even if the relatively few suitable aftermarket items are added to the Roden kit.
Regards
Russell
-
I bet there are a few WNW owning people today who wish they had not paid £288 for an SE.5a......
That is really..well... wierd..., especially as there is an alternative.
For that price it can't be that much better than the Roden kit with some aftermarket? But I guess that's just me I suppose!
It's probably all just a big bubble waiting to burst... I love my (limited) stash of WNW kits, but have plenty of other stuff to build, but, again, I guess that's just me.
Jeroen
Jeroen,
I won't comment on prices but the WnW kit is way ahead of the Roden one & still would be even if the relatively few suitable aftermarket items are added to the Roden kit.
Regards
Russell
GBP 258 ahead????
-
What i meant to say is, that at least there is an alternative... for most of the WnW catalogue there are no other models available. I'd expect some of those to be so expensive.
I have both (the Roden is a Viper), and yes, the Roden isn't as good, but the WnW isn't flawless either ;)
Better up my insurance! :P
Jeroen
-
What i meant to say is, that at least there is an alternative... for most of the WnW catalogue there are no other models available. I'd expect some of those to be so expensive.
I have both (the Roden is a Viper), and yes, the Roden isn't as good, but the WnW isn't flawless either ;)
Better up my insurance! :P
Jeroen
I agree.
The Roden kits, in terms of value for money, have always struck me as bargains. They can be had for less than £30. Not perfect, but certainly not bad.
Now WNW have ceased, Roden kits now look like outstanding value compared them.
Last week, I bought 16 Roden 1/32 WWI kits, at an average price of about £25. They cost a little over £400 delivered
That £400 would now buy less than a handful of WNW kits.
Bargain.
-
What i meant to say is, that at least there is an alternative... for most of the WnW catalogue there are no other models available. I'd expect some of those to be so expensive.
I have both (the Roden is a Viper), and yes, the Roden isn't as good, but the WnW isn't flawless either ;)
Better up my insurance! :P
Jeroen
I agree.
The Roden kits, in terms of value for money, have always struck me as bargains. They can be had for less than £30. Not perfect, but certainly not bad.
Now WNW have ceased, Roden kits now look like outstanding value compared them.
Last week, I bought 16 Roden 1/32 WWI kits, at an average price of about £25. They cost a little over £400 delivered
That £400 would now buy less than a handful of WNW kits.
Bargain.
One can assume you are adding a basement to your modeling shack? ;D
Ryan
-
Ringleheim,
The WNW experience was one we all are certainly missing right now, but if you take all the romance out of it...its a business.
No commercial firm has any obligation to post reasons for it's operating status or possible plans for the future.
If you look at the business before these turn of events, they were not exactly forthcoming on new releases etc. (is any company?) Even in this unusual world state why would we expect differently?
I was encouraged to receive an email message from them recently about reopening sales when they can, but I'm not going to count the days until that happens.
In my view, why would they open retail sales to guys like us when they can wholesale the lot to dealers for a quick turnaround.
There is nothing we can do.
Respectfully,
Ryan
I hear you, Ryan, but if the company is closed for good, I *do* think they have an obligation to say so, maybe with a thanks to their customers thrown in for good measure. I agree they don't need to explain why or add anything further.
What they are doing now is not a good look. In fact, the way this entire thing has been handled is not a good look for Peter Jackson or the company's legacy. I'm guessing he doesn't care.
-
What i meant to say is, that at least there is an alternative... for most of the WnW catalogue there are no other models available. I'd expect some of those to be so expensive.
I have both (the Roden is a Viper), and yes, the Roden isn't as good, but the WnW isn't flawless either ;)
Better up my insurance! :P
Jeroen
I agree.
The Roden kits, in terms of value for money, have always struck me as bargains. They can be had for less than £30. Not perfect, but certainly not bad.
Now WNW have ceased, Roden kits now look like outstanding value compared them.
Last week, I bought 16 Roden 1/32 WWI kits, at an average price of about £25. They cost a little over £400 delivered
That £400 would now buy less than a handful of WNW kits.
Bargain.
One can assume you are adding a basement to your modeling shack? ;D
Ryan
I'm adding a modelling shack to my modelling shack.
-
I approve. ;D
-
I approve. ;D
I concur. 8)