At last I am getting to the end of filling orders, most current outstanding orders contain parts that have been on back order for some time due to completing masters or new photo-etched parts.
New orders for kits only are now being shipped in less than two weeks. Assembled orders will still take up to four weeks.
In picture below rows A to D are 30 orders that have been completed and shipped less back order parts. Back order parts are the Kubewagen Cold Start, Tiger 1 and 2 Muzzle Brake and Rifling Tube, Blowtorch Heaters, SD Antenna and Stug III parts that require new design photo-etch parts.
Row E is two large orders were customer has requested shipping when order is complete, both orders contain back order parts. One large order with all parts shipped less back order parts, one small order with a back order part and a order for a complete set of Jagdpanther parts (Pan01-08).
Back order parts to be completed.
Gent032 Kubelwagen Cold Start.
New masters to be made of redesigned parts. All photo-etched parts made and in stock.
TT56 Tiger 1 Late and Tiger 2 Muzzle Brake.
Casting masters made, one part requires fine tuning and casting molds can be made.
Gent037 75 mm and 88 mm Barrel Rifle Plugs.
All photo-etched parts in stock, need shaping and fitting in tubes.
TT52-53. Tiger 1 and 2 Blowtorch Heater, Pan30 Blowtorch Heater.
All white metal parts completed and cast. Photo-etched heater trays to be made.
TT18 SD Antenna
All parts made with the exception of the extension rod stowage tube.
Stug III parts.
Most parts available, 5 parts require unique fittings to be photo-etched.
SD222 and SD250 turret grill cage. This is a custom grill that I have been commissioned to make, once done it will be offered as a product in my catalog.
Orders shipped this year.
96 orders shipping since Jan 1st, 18 orders shipped since June 1st.
Increasing productivity.
For the last 4 months I have been training a assistant, he is now proficient in metal spin casting, resin casting, soldering, sorting and packing most orders and is able to assemble many sets. This has enabled me to work on new parts and I spent many hours over the last few months designing and making the Kubelwagen MG34 mounts and stowage brackets.
This has not been as successful as I had hoped. I made the parts in white metal to avoid the high cost of photo-etching parts to keep the cost down. There must be thousands of Kubelwagens in the hobby, but I have only received a few orders for parts, to date I have not covered my expense and time in making these. To my knowledge these have never been made before in 1:6 scale and offered as a product. I assume it is hard for a customer to justify spending a $100.00 plus for parts to fit on a vehicle that cost less than a $100.00. Your comments will be appreciated
Kubelwagen MG34 Mounts and Weapon Racks
Next month will be my Ten Year Anniversary of making 1:6 Scale Tank and AFV parts. I started making my first ten sets for the Tiger 1 in July 2003. Since then I have made over 400 parts and sets. In the first few years it was a no brainer to decide what to make, whatever I made sold easily. The last few years have been a struggle to keep my head above water. With the help of loyal customers I have managed to stay in business. The last year has been very difficult as the new parts I have introduced have not done well.
I need your help in deciding what to make next. As I have made most of the desirable parts for German WW2 tanks and AFV's on the market, if I have not made them other companies have, I try not to duplicate parts that have already been made unless I can vastly improve on them. I have in general stayed with exterior parts as these are the most visual, I have stayed away from interior parts as I feel the demand is to small for it to be worthwhile. With this in mind I am asking you as customers to tell me what you would like to see made. Just e-mail me a wish list, Axis, Allied or Modern parts, once I have the lists I will publish what I plan to make to get an idea of the demand. If I can get between 10 and 20 tentative orders I will likely make the parts.
Regards
Mike