Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevin WS
Dave, doing this range is a great idea.
Accessories for diecast model aircraft, for which there a huge number of collectors, are either hard to get or very expensive due to the fact they are resin etc.
The common scales are 1/200 and 1/400. So if you plan for these scales and maybe use a Minibox approach regarding the wheels (as most collectors are often not skilled modellers) you could well have a winner in terms of potential sales!
Vehicles - tugs, pushback handlers, small tractors for dollies and trollies, de-icing vehicles, washing vehicles, baggage handlers, dollies for luggage and aircraft pallets, catering trucks, refuelers, security vehicles, small vans, airport fire engines, passengers buses, portable stairs (still used in the 3rd world and small airports), aircraft service stairs, ground power units, container loading trucks, belt loading trucks, catering trucks, air start units, toilet service vehicles, air start units, transporter and loading platforms and water trucks are all the common ground support vehicles seen!
So, there is tons of scope!
2 sets?
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okay, this is a hugely important comment!
I like hearing that my efforts are not wasted.
Its funny, because I have a co-conspirator in this project...someone who pushed me to get started on it.
And someone who has some build skills and will help me test building everything.
And that person has already asked for more detailed wheels...3D wheels.
Shrinking the 1/100 design (and building it at 1/144) proved difficult for me,
and I ended up redesigning a simpler model for the smaller scale
(I assumed that the smaller scale design could be reduced to 1/200, 1/400 a lot easier).
But even at the 1/100 level, I felt that 3D wheels were still too small.
I know this first model, the larger Pushback Tractor, has much bigger wheels.
In real life, these tires are almost 5 feet in diameter! (1524mm)
At 1/100 they are about 15mm in diameter...and can be assembled from 4 parts.
Thats doable in 3Dpaper.
But shrink them down to 1/144...and the wheels are close to half that size!
And what about smaller wheels on smaller vehicles and equipment?!
My next, smaller Pushback model has 10mm diameter wheels.
Still buildable at 1/100, but getting real tough at smaller scale.
A Baggage Train has very small wheels that will end up at 3 or 4mm diameter.
Absolutely impossible to build for me.
And so, I have to temper my amount of detail, and control how complicated the designs are.
If I put too much into this larger Pushback Tug, then I am obligated to put the same into subsequent equipment.
So thats why I went with flat 2D Wheels and Tires, even on the largest model.
And, I have always strived to use a simpler design and build approach that would suit
beginners and more advanced builders.
I am working on a second modern style Pushback.
A slightly smaller vehicle, with smaller Tires.
And I am attempting to incorporate 3D wheels.
I'll give it a try...see what I think...and decide if I want to redeign the larger Tractor with 3D wheels.
But I am wondering if the flat 2D wheel approach is what I should stick with?
And before you say "why not include both?"
Keep in mind, I have to design and fit two completely different "chassis" (for two different wheel options).
Not only is this a lot more design work for each model,
but the time spent on each model design is a major concern.
A kit with 30, 40, 50 models in it...will take me years to complete!
I will go look up this "minibox" approach.?