BOX CAR CHIEF Kit Survey

[Mike Griffin]

Alright here we go,  this is a preliminary survey to see how many of you nostalgia guys would buy a kit of the BOX CAR CHIEF if it were made available?  There are several details that I have to get worked out before this would  be possible and if there are not enough requests then I cannot go to the expense of having someone create the CAD file or line up a laser cutter.  

This kit would only appeal to a certain segment of our folks and at this point I have no idea how many people would want one so I would not have any idea of cost either.  To make the kit run feasible and justify the cost of doing CAD work and Laser cutting, there has to be no less than 15 kits pre-sold and hopefully more.

Because of some custom work I am doing now, I would not even think about doing this until after the first of the year so there will be a few months before I can start.

I ask of you with all due respect, please do not add your name to the list if you are not serious about wanting one of these kits because it is not the kind of kit I can put in stock and hope to sell later like some of the modern day stunters.

Thanks guys for all your input and your business.  It is deeply appreciated.

Mike

[builditright]

Alright here we go,  this is a preliminary survey to see how many of you nostalgia guys would buy a kit of the BOX CAR CHIEF if it were made available?  There are several details that I have to get worked out before this would  be possible and if there are not enough requests then I cannot go to the expense of having someone create the CAD file or line up a laser cutter.  

This kit would only appeal to a certain segment of our folks and at this point I have no idea how many people would want one so I would not have any idea of cost either.  To make the kit run feasible and justify the cost of doing CAD work and Laser cutting, there has to be no less than 15 kits pre-sold and hopefully more.

Because of some custom work I am doing now, I would not even think about doing this until after the first of the year so there will be a few months before I can start.

I ask of you with all due respect, please do not add your name to the list if you are not serious about wanting one of these kits because it is not the kind of kit I can put in stock and hope to sell later like some of the modern day stunters.

Thanks guys for all your input and your business.  It is deeply appreciated.

Mike

I always thought that would be an interesting one to kit but had the same perspective on possible ability to sell the Box Car Chief, that said since you're taking on this one, put me down for the first one.

[Mike Keville]

Mike:

As noted in the "Jimmy Casale" thread, Nostalgia 30 board here, you might want to first check with the folks at Flying Models magazine.  They paid me for the construction article I submitted on the Box Car Chief which appeared in the December 1990 issue, thus FM may (repeat: may) own the rights.

Personally, I'd love to see this one kitted.  It is a surprisingly good OTS performer, notwithstanding its oddball appearance.  But it would probably be wise to check with FM before proceeding.

[Mike Griffin]

Mike:

As noted in the "Jimmy Casale" thread, Nostalgia 30 board here, you might want to first check with the folks at Flying Models magazine.  They paid me for the construction article I submitted on the Box Car Chief which appeared in the December 1990 issue, thus FM may (repeat: may) own the rights.

Personally, I'd love to see this one kitted.  It is a surprisingly good OTS performer, notwithstanding its oddball appearance.  But it would probably be wise to check with FM before proceeding.

Will do this week Mike...had that on my agenda to do...

Mike

[Jo Ann Keville]

Wouldn't you also need to be concerned with who ever drew up the original plans. Seems to me they would the one who has rights to the design as to if it could be kitted or not. Maybe not but it is something to think about.

[Mike Keville]

The original plans (assuming that any came with the kit) were the property of Ricks Manufacturing Co, Los Angeles.  It was a 1947 design, and Ricks was out of business by 1950.  The plans I used for the 1990 FM construction article were made from traced parts obtained from a gentleman named Al Brush (now deceased) who cut a kit for me.  I claim no ownership to these plans, although I happen to own several sets.  'Flying Models' magazine, by accepting the construction article - and currently offering plans - owns all rights as far as I'm concerned.

[Mike Griffin]

In response to all your posts:

First let me say how much I appreciate everyone's input in this matter.

I have never kitted any design without getting the blessings of the person or persons who own rights or intellectual property rights to the design if they can be reached.  I want to assure everyone that I am taking the proper steps here to make sure that I do not violate anyone's rights to intellectual property.  I have written to Frank Fanelli who is editor of Flying Models Magazine and am awaiting his response.  The plans I am using are coming from Barry Baxter and at this point I do not know who drew the plans. I have sent Bare an e mail regarding this.

If I do not get a response to any of my inquires after a reasonable length of time, I do plan to go ahead with kitting the model.  I would very much like to make the Box Car Chief kit available to those who want one. 

Thank you all

Mike