First the good news.
I am trying my hardest to keep prices down whilst simultaneously improving quality. Not just the cost of the kits but the overall cost of the finished model.
Latest developments include –
Using vinyl wraps for the final finish. These have 3 effects – speeding up the completion of the model, eliminating all the tedious lining (and scope for errors)
and mostly eliminating a lot of painting – wins all round. The home laser printed wraps I am currently experimenting with are proving very effective but reluctant to go round right-angled corners. I currently overcome that on my prototypes by applying separate pieces of wrap to each surface. This has the disadvantage that the edges of corners need to be painted as it is very difficult to apply the wraps right up to the corners. I am hoping that the commercially printed wraps I will be supplying for the production models will be flexible enough to go round sharp corners eliminating this problem.
I have found a source of black etching aerosol primers. I have not tried this yet but it should eliminate an extra layer of paint. If this works OK, combined with the wraps it should be possible to go from a bare (but clean) model to a fully “painted” one in the course of just one weekend.
Where suitable wheels are not currently available from Slater’s or Walsall I am having them 3D printed in SLM Stainless Steel (SLM = Selective Laser Melting) but
still with the standard squared holes for the axles. This enables me to use the correct oval section for spokes (where applicable) at no extra cost over previous supplies.
Where parts are in fairly protected positions I am now 3D printing them in a high temperature resistant resin. Brass parts on the prototype will continue to be lost-wax cast in brass.
I have had sample backheads 3D printed in Stainless Steel very successfully – see here for photos. These will be improved upon and the guage glasses will have a clear plastic (resin again) cover over them in place of the current solid effect.
Some other parts such as coupling rods have moved from multi-layer etched to solid 3D printed stainless steel reducing the area of etch sheet required and again simplifying assembly.
All of the above (except for the etch primer) are included in the cost of a standard kit. They will also help to keep down the cost of Ready to Run models that I am putting together. The time saved will help provide more time for developing future loco models.
Now the not-so-good.
Various factors are having an effect on my cost of production – primarily external inflation raising the cost of bought-in parts and materials, my own production method changes which have helped to reduce costs and the loss of my previous etcher (went into liquidation) which had a bad effect on etch costs. I have reorganised the way I am costing things by having lists of various types of common parts used then adding the costs that relate to a particular loco type – size of etches & number of wheels & castings for example. In doing this I have discovered that some things had been left out of previous costings with the result that the profit margin on tank loco kits had reduced to the point where it was threatening future developments. This profit margin was always very slim so I am reluctantly forced to raise the price of tank loco kits. I am happy to absorb the extra costs in RtR tank loco production and both RtR & kit versions of tender locos – so those prices are unaffected by that. Increase in tank loco kits will be about £100 to £150. These price changes and others below were all made in 2023.
A further problem is that the cost of etches has increased considerably. It looks as though using brass instead of nickel silver will result in no increase. Continuing to use nickel silver will result in a considerable increase. This will apply to all loco types including RtR and tender loco kits. Coach & railcar prices will also be affected. Nickel silver will typically add about £80 to £100 to tank locos, coaches & railcars and almost £200 to tender locos. Personally I think that Nickel Silver is worth paying for – particularly if you intend soldering the kit together. It takes solder much better, ditto paint and is much stronger than brass. It may be possible to offer brass versions but that will pose problems with advance ordering of etches and may lead to delays (and increased postage if I have to order brass etches separately).
Please let me know what you think about this. Email address here.
I have now recalculated the prices of the Railcar (increased by £100) and carriages (increased by £80). The increase in the carriage costs due to the etch cost increase rather screws my logic for the coach production and confirms my intention to mostly leave coach production with other suppliers. For those I have already designed but not yet put into production I may try the laser cut ply outer approach but instead of half etching the beading I will just do the complete lined livery as a vinyl wrap. At 1/32 scale the beading (3/8″ on the full size) would only be 12 thou thick so would be barely noticeable. The vinyl wrap would save all the effort of painting & lining and give a similar effect. The LMS did a similar thing on their period III carriages using a flush body that was lined to respresent the panelling.
There is one LMS 3F kit left and since I bought the NS etch for it at the old cost the price for the kit will remain the same. There is also one RtR LMS 3F available (soon) and that will also be at the old price. Now 2 3F kits as one order has just been cancelled on 23/02/24 – still at the same price.