How long it takes for a new kit to be produced?

[Pup7309]

Hi
Didn’t want to get the other thread off topic but was thinking if Roden or CSM or someone else decided to do a new WW1 kit roughly how long does it take for a kit to come to market?

[Bughunter]

I guess it depends ...
WNW has made the development in New Zealand and producing the moulds in China and/or Korea, so you have some time for the loops after testing during the development cycle.
Even Eduard with all doing in house needs a year for a model?
Depending on available information the research may need a long time, and the construction depends on the amount of the developing 3D ressources, complexity of the model ...

Just my 2 cents,
Frank

[hiddeous1973]

There was an interview some time ago with the men behind Special Hobby.
Research is a great factor, getting all the information alone could take years....

But when that step was done, even they (an experienced company) would need 8 month at least to get a kit out. Design takes time, mould making takes time, testfitting takes a lot of time. And then there is decal design and printing, instructions, box art and on and on....

So for smaller companies like CSM I would be surprised if they could do it within a year, they all have day jobs as well.

[Dave J]

It can take a while depends on a few things... Budget, Research, Subject Size, Initial CAD, Refinements to CAD Work, Tooling/Mould layout, Tooling at Factory, Test Shots etc...

For example, a single-seat figure could take up to a year till release if all the stars aline! From memory, the Junkers D.1 was WNW fastest release from the start date to release date. It helped as the tooling company was really switched on and there wasn't too much back n' forths regarding adjustments.

[rolanddvi]

Like Frank said, I believe the research could take the longest. Unfortunately their aren't many surviving subjects. Hats off to WNW, CSM and others who step up to the challenge of giving us quality kits.

[ermeio]

two to three years, if it all goes smooth

[Edgar]

It is always different
sometimes you have all the needed info and you can make 3d in like 3 months, and then you need to understand the production cycle that factories in China can offer, usually, it is 3 months to make the moulds, one month to do the corrections
But it is not always 3 month for the 3d design, as very often you are getting stuck since there are some areas of the model that you do not have any info about)
Or you thinking like, ok if I add few other parts I can have additional version now or later
but then, the mould price may increase since you have added some extra parts
so it is always a compromise between how long you can afford to make the 3d design, and how complicated (more expensive) the moulds could be....as at the end of the day you need to calculate the price per kit, and how many you will be able to sell?

[lcarroll]

That's a pretty good insight and lots of interesting facts Edgar, thanks for taking the time to provide another insider's perspective! How many different people are actively involved in the research function for the aircraft and also the finish and markings you select, or can you discuss that?
Cheers,
Lance

[Pup7309]

Thanks for that insider Info Dave and Edgar most illuminating. So if you were to start from scratch it could take a few years. Wow.

 If Wingnut moulds survive then it might just take a few months to have the sprues made, boxed and shipped to the retail wholesalers? That’s if they re-start which looks unlikely.

Wouldn’t Peter Jackson be best of selling his remaining inventory then start over with what he’s got just a better business model?
Personally don’t have hopes either way - just want to get a few kits missed. If they re open great. If a Eastern European company takes things ahead in their absence, once again great.

Anyway shame about WNW. Like Icarus they flew too high and crashed but created a legend.

[Captain Slower]

It can take a while depends on a few things... Budget, Research, Subject Size, Initial CAD, Refinements to CAD Work, Tooling/Mould layout, Tooling at Factory, Test Shots etc...

For example, a single-seat figure could take up to a year till release if all the stars aline! From memory, the Junkers D.1 was WNW fastest release from the start date to release date. It helped as the tooling company was really switched on and there wasn't too much back n' forths regarding adjustments.

Dave, I think the first time I recall WNW mentioning a development delay was with the AEG which is a complicated model due to the amount of internal structure involved and the amount of weight that has to be supported.  I am sure internally, there was a bit more trial and error than was told to the public.

[Ringleheim]

There was an interview some time ago with the men behind Special Hobby.
Research is a great factor, getting all the information alone could take years....

But when that step was done, even they (an experienced company) would need 8 month at least to get a kit out. Design takes time, mould making takes time, testfitting takes a lot of time. And then there is decal design and printing, instructions, box art and on and on....

So for smaller companies like CSM I would be surprised if they could do it within a year, they all have day jobs as well.

Is that true?  The guys at CSM have jobs beyond the hobby company?  That's really interesting.

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
The latest podcast from 'On The Bench' has ex-Wingnut Dave Johnson on and during the interview, he stated that the WNW Lancaster was effectively 11 years in development,

Mike

[Pup7309]

Hi all,
The latest podcast from 'On The Bench' has ex-Wingnut Dave Johnson on and during the interview, he stated that the WNW Lancaster was effectively 11 years in development,

Mike

And so close to completion...