A new owner of WNW's mould's doesn't even have to like WWI modelling. They could prefer modern jets (perish the thought!).
My point is that WNW have around 50 moulds (I haven't counted), all 100% completed, each with accompanying - superb - instruction manual already designed, box design already completed, bits of PE already completed. The research to back up the decal choice is also there, as is a relationship with the retail trade & a very committed customer base.
In fact, there has been PE developed for at least some kits that, if available, would improved the kits - the mythical "special editions".
If I were to run WNW, I'd continue with the Eduard "Overtrees" approach and price them accordingly. No instruction booklet, no PE, no fancy box. Just the sprues. For those with spare decals & instructions from a previously made kit.
I'd re-pop the existing moulds "as is" and release those as "standard kits" & priced accordingly.
I'd look to continue developing the "Special Edition" kits, adding PE, brass barrels, resin wheels, etc, and that would be premium priced.
I would also look outside the WWI era. Not WWII - that's saturated - but pre-WWI and inter-war. The 1920's and 30's had some beautiful aeroplanes that, if available at all in 1/32, come in resin.
I'd also start a database of WNW builders, utilising it to communicate directly with builders, depending upon how many kits are sold. It would indicate demand for certain kits, provide real-time kit feedback, help pricing, etc.
Just like WNW, the actual sprue manufacture would be subcontracted, the printing would be subcontracted, the boxing would be subcontracted. WNW does the designing & makes the decisions, but undertakes no manufacturing themselves. This allows you to run the business with a small team & screws overheads to the floor.
That's what I would do.
I'm going to raid my piggy bank, check my disposable income.
£87.12 down, only £1,995,912.88 to go!
