AerodromeRC Forum - Small models for display

Bengtson

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Small models for display
Mar 10^th, 2010, 3:47pm

Hello All,
I have been toying around with an idea to offer a new product line. It would be to offer kits for display purposes rather than to fly. The kits would be in most cases resized versions of their flyable cousins and use balsa wood that is too hard or heavy for a flying model.

I came up with this idea to serve two needs. We are nearing the time when it makes sense to buy our own laser cutting machine and I am well aware that balsa suppliers routinely ship balsa that is unsuitable for R/C models. As a result, laser cutters typically have a large cache of unusable wood that keeps growing larger with no use. I figure that the display modeler would actually like this heavy wood as it makes a more solid model that can take more handling.

The second reason is that we do have a few customers that want only to build for display but they do want smaller models. I know that there is a sizable body of display modelers out there too.

The difference in the product lines would also be in price. Since we are using wasted wood, the price of the display model would be considerably lower than their R/C brethren.

Any thoughts?

Kay

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Shnokey Senior Member Offline Sopwith Pup Buildoff Posts: 460	Re: Small models for display Reply #1 - Mar 10^th, 2010, 4:59pm Sounds - GREAT - I have two sons that are learning to build with me - Instead of them "learning" on a large RC Kit - I can see them "cutting their teeth" on a static "little brother" of the RC kits - They can learn how to build, cover and detail - Then proudly display!!!! I might build one or two myself -
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Shnokey Senior Member Offline Sopwith Pup Buildoff Posts: 460	Re: Small models for display Reply #2 - Mar 10^th, 2010, 5:00pm Will you offer cutting from plans as well ot offset the cost of the laser cutter?
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Bengtson

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Re: Small models for display
Reply #3 - Mar 10^th, 2010, 5:16pm

Shnokey wrote on Mar 10^th, 2010, 5:00pm:

Will you offer cutting from plans as well to offset the cost of the laser cutter?

At this point, probably not on a formal basis. There are so many laser cutters out there that do this now. I probably would cut on a case by case situation. However, this could change as time goes on.

We don't plan to get the cutter until later this year and it probably will be one of the desktop varieties to start.

Kay

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Jecull Senior Member Offline Gotta love that Albatros! Posts: 338 Livermore, CA	Re: Small models for display Reply #4 - Mar 10^th, 2010, 5:31pm I'd go for one...or more...or several! My fiance is interested in building (flying, she may never be convinced of) &, as such, it would be good to have "old fashioned" models in the subjects you have.
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wingspanner

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Re: Small models for display
Reply #5 - Mar 10^th, 2010, 7:35pm

Hi guys just visiting as I do to keep up with whats going on. I think the static builds are a great idea and I know a few people that would be interested. When and If the time comes I'll post on the website I use. www.virtualaerodrome.com. By the way my Polikarpov I16 is almost ready to fly. I have a mk1 Spitfire next then hopefully I'll be ordering the Albatros for my Christmas prezzy.

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dan New Member Offline I Love Scale Modeling! Posts: 9	Re: Small models for display Reply #6 - Mar 10^th, 2010, 10:49pm Display versions would be great. Shoot, with all of the rc gear in the micro range now, why not make some for indoor/micro rc too?
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vonJaerschky Super Member Offline The Hun In The Sun Posts: 1048 Comox, BC, Canada	Re: Small models for display Reply #7 - Mar 11^th, 2010, 2:02am Great idea, Kay! I think some small display models definitely have a market out there.
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Carter Full Member Offline 439 sq in Posts: 86	Re: Small models for display Reply #8 - Mar 17^th, 2010, 5:50am Is this scrap balsa suitable for ship models?
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Bengtson Board Moderator Offline Designing on the edge Posts: 2408 Monterey CA	Re: Small models for display Reply #9 - Mar 17^th, 2010, 6:23am Carter wrote on Mar 17^th, 2010, 5:50am: Is this scrap balsa suitable for ship models? It usually is just very dense hard balsa that is more like oak. Far too heavy for flying models. I suppose it could be used for ship models but I have zero experience in those. Kay
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Keithhs

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Re: Small models for display
Reply #10 - Mar 21^st, 2010, 6:18am

Sounds like something I might want to try. I have built highly detailed stationary steam engines that way 15-20 pounds so the weight wouldn't seem heavy to me. I really enjoy doing the details on flying models but having to watch every milligram takes some of the fun out of it. Also a good point about flying model kits for the ParkZone equipment. Everything could be identical except the weight of the wood and a small supplement showing radio gear installation along with a hardware package perhaps.

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Bengtson

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Re: Small models for display
Reply #11 - Aug 11^th, 2010, 12:47am

Now that I have a laser cutter, the idea of using the heavier wood has come to be a reality. It is different than I expected in that once in a while, when cutting a regular sheet of wood, the results are not up to snuff. I will generally start over and cut another sheet. Most often it is when I used wood that was too dense or had a dense band that caused the laser to not cut through many areas. One can get obsessive about this and end up with no kits and lots of waste wood.

Now that the top grades of balsa is going into windmills for electric power all around the globe, good balsa is becoming scarce. So we all have to adjust.

What I did was to fill out a kit leftover wood and I thought I would offer it here to see if there are any takers for what I call a "seconds kit". The sheets will be marked as such so no one will be confused with a first line kit. It will be like buying towels etc at a factory outlet where there is some defects but the price is really low.

The model would be heavier and there are some parts that may be more challenging to remove from the sheet but compared to die crushed kits it is still a deal. So what is this kit?

An AerodromeRC Albatros DVa 36" ws and the price is $49 plus the regular $12.50 shipping in the USA. Check the web site for other rates. The regular price is $75 and this offer includes plans and tire material and a manual.

To order, use the web site's cart with a message stating you want the seconds kit and I will adjust the price after the sale when I ship. If you want to use Paypal, email or call.

There is only one of this kit so when it sells, the offer expires. From time to time I will offer similar kits as time and wood allow.

Kay

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edi Super Member Offline Real airplanes have three wings ... at least! Posts: 1273 Germany	Re: Small models for display Reply #12 - Aug 11^th, 2010, 2:36pm I like the idea of small models for display - I've built display models for a long time. And then again, there's the challenge of turning them into something flying again!
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mtdoramike Senior Member Offline I Love Scale Modeling! Posts: 262	Re: Small models for display Reply #13 - Aug 11^th, 2010, 8:35pm Hey Kay, is the seconds kit still up for grabs? Thanks, Mike
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Bengtson Board Moderator Offline Designing on the edge Posts: 2408 Monterey CA	Re: Small models for display Reply #14 - Aug 11^th, 2010, 9:35pm Hi Mike, It sure is. Kay
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