Model Boat Mayhem
Mess Deck: General Section => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: carlmt on January 13, 2012, 09:59:27 pm
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..as opposed to Traders Section.
As mentioned on the '3 Lifeboats' build topic, maybe consideration can be given to a Manufacturer's section of this very popular forum?
It seems that all the major players are here, and in these difficult times perhaps pulling together and sharing expensive resources could have benefits not only for the manufacturers but also the wider modelling community. I know that I am very new into this 'game', and that I have yet to get a kit onto the shelves, but I am becoming very aware of just what it is taking to do it and just how difficult it is to do without some help, advice and guidance from the more established concerns.
I am also aware of just how costly some of the processes are when producing a kit.
For me, I know where my strengths lie and where my weaknesses are. I am an Architect by trade and an accomplished draughtsman with over 30 years of CAD experience. I can draw!!!! I can interpret drawings and photographs and produce diagrams and component drawings to make up 'the whole'. I can also do the manual tasks of building the basics such as a plug. But I cannot mould GRP to produce a mould and the hulls. I cannot use a laser or water-jet cutter as the cost of such equipment is out of my reach. At the moment I cannot even run to the cost of a small vac-forming machine! This is why I am talking tentatively to the likes of Talisman (Clyde Model Boats), Marks Model Bits, Fifie and others to help me out with elements that I cannot do myself.
Naturally, manufacturers have to protect their positions in the market but I think we can all see what each of us produces and for the majority of us, we dont tread on each others toes with regard to our prototype subject matter. Additionally (and maybe controversially), were there to be a Manufacturers Section, it may need to be password protected to gain access as some confidential matters may be discussed - I dont know.
So - some initial thoughts.....
Maybe other manufacturers may like to contribute?
Martin - as Forum Owner..........your views please?
My view is that we all may have something to offer each other to help out..........and maybe we could spread some of the costs to the benefit of all the community....
Carl
Linkspan Models
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Definately a good idea, carl. and I hope it goes well.
You know where I am if you want any help, but as I am not a manufacturer I don't think it prudent of me to masquerade as one.
Hope you guys get together and help is always there if you need it.
neil.
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Good luck with the idea Carl
Defining 'manufacturer' might be a bit problematic though.
Also - only a suggestion - what about making it a 'Manufacturers and Designers Section'?
Anyway Good Luck.
Dave
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Good luck with the idea Carl
Defining 'manufacturer' might be a bit problematic though.
Also - only a suggestion - what about making it a 'Manufacturers and Designers Section'?
Anyway Good Luck.
Dave
Without getting too cumbersome
"Manufacturers, Designers and or Producers Section"
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Hi Carl,
While i agree with the idea in principle as agood idea, I do have concerns with such a forum based comunity being set up within a Public forum and would suggest that the forum be set up as a stand alone forum, if thats even the right path to follow. May prevent any bad feeling starting from either parties.
Sure, It would be great idea if we could all pool our knowledge, skill and resources but at the end of the day the hard facts are that we are running a business and there will allways be that edge to any discussion.
A lot of work required to set up such a comunity and possibly easier for all to network at shows & via conventional communications.
That all sounds very pessimistic but if your going to run with the idea that's what your probably going to be up against... just for starters.
Go on please prove me wrong ...
Regards,
Kim
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I get the impression that most of the UK 'manufacturers' have their own grapevine and frequently work together for mutual benefit where their commercial interests dovetail. Such arrangements are unlikely to be aired on a public forum.
Colin
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Unless I'm misreading the OP by Carl, it looks to me to be a 'clearing house' type section that's wanted?
e.g.
1. I know that I am very new into this 'game', and that I have yet to get a kit onto the shelves, but I am becoming very aware of just what it is taking to do it and just how difficult it is to do without some help, advice and guidance from the more established concerns.
2. For me, ........ with over 30 years of CAD experience. I can draw!!!! I can interpret drawings and photographs and produce diagrams and component drawings to make up 'the whole'. I can also do the manual tasks of building the basics such as a plug. But I cannot mould GRP to produce a mould and the hulls. I cannot use a laser or water-jet cutter as the cost of such equipment is out of my reach.
I've picked 2 points from the OP;
I'll say my piece about point 2 as it then sorta answers point 1.
Carl can draw, he's accomplished in producing CAD, and he can produce the plug :-)) and from this point it now becomes very difficult for him to go forward.
From his post I take it he's now looking for someone who can help take his project forward, such as make a mould from his plug and produce the f/g parts. He may also be looking at a laser cutter who can take his CAD and provide him with laser cut sheets/parts for (fregsample) the superstructure, or someone who can take his drawings to produce the moulds etc. for casting detail parts.
No 'trade secrets' - just who can help with the various stages of kit/semi-kit/staged-kit production :-))
Well that's how I see it :-))
Mark.