009 Society 'exclusive' kits

[Julian Evison]

Thanks for the input and ideas in this thread. The question of what next, now we have the existing kits in production, is already under discussion by relevant committee members, looking at what we can and can't do. Where does this leave us?

My own view is that we need to concentrate on what the Society can offer members that others will find harder to do. We shouldn't be duplicating other kit manufacturers' offerings and small run batches of 3D prints are within reach of individual modellers or groups of modellers, as Stan and his colleagues have ably demonstrated with Upnor Castle etc. However, injection moulded plastic kits, as we already produce, require not only the excellent 3D drafting skills typical of the best 3D prints, but also access to tool making for the moulds which are not cheap. However, these can be amortised over the sorts of production run length which we, through Society Sales, can hope to achieve. Happily we currently have the financial resources to do this without undue risk to the Society's long term health. As for what to produce, I expect we will be asking members for input on possible designs.

Let's turn to loco chassis. In the last 12-18 months we have had discussions with two manufacturers on finding a way of making chassis available separately, either exclusively to us, or through the model trade. One company gave a polite but firm, "no", saying it is against their policy to do so. The other, Kato, have said they plan to distribute their new 0-4-0 chassis via the trade. Given this, speaking for myself only, I don't see the need for the Society to get involved except to encourage them and cheer them on. If this does happen (fingers crossed) it opens up all sorts of possibilities.

Commissioning our own chassis or complete locomotive is a significantly more complex undertaking, requiring heavy project management and financial resources. I've talked to one group that has recently commisioned a simple 0-6-0 loco and the time and costs are eye-watering!

I hope this gives a feel for where we are and why. I'd love to see us produce more kits for members and hope we can achieve this.

Julian

[Stephen Rainsbury]

The other, Kato, have said they plan to distribute their new 0-4-0 chassis via the trade. Given this, speaking for myself only, I don't see the need for the Society to get involved except to encourage them and cheer them on. If this does happen (fingers crossed) it opens up all sorts of possibilities.

Thanks Julian that is exceptionally good news! 

I for one hate canibalising perfectly good N gauge locos to the extent that I and up keep half of them and are now planning an N Gauge heresey terminus so I have somewhere to run them :-)

[Julian Evison]

Stephen,

I certainly hope so, but I guess their plans may change and its not something we have any control over!

Julian

[engerth399]

 "The other, Kato, have said they plan to distribute their new 0-4-0 chassis via the trade. Given this, speaking for myself only, I don't see the need for the Society to get involved"

As we want trade support and some traders earn their living that way the Society should not step on their toes.