What model kits would you like Guillow to come out with ??

[scigs30]

I think the smaller scale models will be tough to introduce or bring back. What they could do is laser cut the bigger kits they all ready have and bring back the B29. I say this because I think there is a market for those kits. Guillows would be able to target the static builders, electric flyer's and R\C flyer's. This would include the 400, 800, 1000, 2000 and 4000 kits. JMO

[dbcisco]

I would love to know the sales figures for all the current kits. Without that, we are just guessing.

Consider that launching a new product easily costs a few million dollars ("shamwow" for example) a few grand for dies or laser cutter programming isn't much esp. when you have an existing market base.

[kittyfritters]

Slightly off topic but, what does a small laser cuter cost?
I can get CNC dies made pretty cheap if I provide an autocad or partmaker file.

Cutting balsa only requires a 20 to 60 watt laser. With higher wattage you can use faster cutting speeds, up to a point limited by the flamability of the material. The other thing you are paying for bed size. I have seen used 20 watt, desktop laser cutters with small beds, 12" X 8", going in the $6500 range. Machines with a 20" X 16" bed would go for something like $9000 used or $13000 new. Anything with a larger bed size would probably be a free standing machine and cost more.

To size the machine you have to determing how big a workpiece you need to cut, for example how big a bed to you need to get all the part sheets for your largest kit on the bed a one time? Then you need to consider the total length of line needed to be cut for the kit. Since the laser cutter litereally draws each part on the balsa wood, (Die cutting is a simple repetative stamping process.) the total length of line, and the thickeness of the wood (probably 1/4" max for clean cuts) will determing the cutting speed needed and the power of the laser needed to get it. Even high powered laser cutters can take as long as 10 to 15 minutes to cut out a single complicated parts sheet. That's why a lot of laser cutting job shops charge by the hour.

For mass production, (Well, reasonably high volume, anyway.) of kits, the way Guillow's operates, you could easily find yourself buying a $30000 + machine. I think that they have four of them at the moment, but I don't know if all of them are in use.

[icedriller123]

I would love to see Guillow's to come out with a giant scale 31-50 inch WS Grumman TBD Torpedo Bomber No other model company has one.

[kittyfritters]

I would love to see Guillow's to come out with a giant scale 31-50 inch WS Grumman TBD Torpedo Bomber No other model company has one.

OK, do you want an Avenger (TBF or TBM) or a Douglas Devistator (TBD)? I don't think that you will see giant scale kits soon because the perception is that the market is too limited.

[scigs30]

16 to 17 inch Corsair.

[kittyfritters]

16 to 17 inch Corsair.

Dave,

How about a 20 inch Corsair?

Howard

[dbcisco]

More WWI planes like they had years ago.

[Ken Miller]

My choice would be for some USA warbirds from the 1930's. I love the colors they were painted and saw a P-26 Peashooter at the Planes of Fame in Chino, CA last month. Very first plane you see when you enter and it was breath taking.

[Supercubber95]

20" Globe Swift.

[Noobrider]

definately has to be a Pitts

[icedriller123]

I would love to see Guillow's to come out with a giant scale 31-50 inch WS Grumman TBD Torpedo Bomber No other model company has one.

OK, do you want an Avenger (TBF or TBM) or a Douglas Devistator (TBD)? I don't think that you will see giant scale kits soon because the perception is that the market is too limited.

Grumman Avenger TBF R/C flyable, no model kit maker that I know of has ever came out with one

[scigs30]

Does Guillows even have anyone that still design balsa planes? When was the last time Guillows designed a WWII or WWI model? If they don't have designers, then I agree with everyone here, bring back some old kits.

[dbcisco]

Does Guillows even have anyone that still design balsa planes? When was the last time Guillows designed a WWII or WWI model? If they don't have designers, then I agree with everyone here, bring back some old kits.

I haven't seen much new in many years. I don't think they have anyone left from the "old school".

[SteveM]

Grumman Avenger TBF R/C flyable, no model kit maker that I know of has ever came out with one

Diels has a 27" kit and Easy Built does a 28" kit. If you're up to building from plans only then you can get it in 41" from the AMA plans service (page 27).

The most recent Guillow's kit was the DC-3 and converting some of the WWI kits to laser cut. In this economy and age of plastic I'll be happy if they stay in business, but would be thrilled to see expanded offerings.