WW1 100 series

[tomcat102]

Has the "New Kits from Guillow's" 100 series inquiry/endeavor been shelved?

[Ray Klein]

Late reply, but I would think its not going to happen. There are 100 series plans out there, old kits on Ebay and at least one gut making replica short kits (do a google search).

[Johnny ace]

I hope there's still a chance.I really enjoyed these in the early 70's when I was in the Navy.

[kittyfritters]

I've been told that,"Nobody wants to build biplanes anymore." That having been said, there are several approaches to new model kits that they could use if they wanted to pursue that and there was sufficient economic incentive to do it. They would have to pursue historical subjects, aircraft for which the designs were patented (they are mechanical devices and the designs cannot be copyrighted.) and the patents have run out. Unfortunately, business attitudes have changed and many aircraft manufacturers are no longer interested in providing plans to their aircraft to modelers to get the free advertising but want royalties.

KF

[RBP]

Personally, I think the WWI kits would be worth producing. I would buy them. What is lacking is exposure. The only downside is the perception of complexity. Forum folks can help with that.

[Ray Klein]

All 100 series original kits still exist and as most know also have the fuselage and wing ribs depicted right on the plans for replicating your own parts if needed..... so i really don't understand why Guillows refuses to put out laser cut versions of these classics,,, I bet they would sell like hot cakes.

[kittyfritters]

See my previous post. The remark about biplanes is a quote. Also, while the plans of the older kits are still usable the parts sheets need to be redrawn for laser cutting if it is to be done right. With the 100 Series there is competition with another company that supplies laser cut parts sheets for these models getting around the copyright issues my calling them "replacement parts".

The thing is that there are several recent aircraft that would make excellent subjects for Guillow style models but there has to be a valid business reason for going to the expense and effort of engineering new kits. Also, there is some doubt about the commercial viability of some of the historical subjects that would make excellent models, i.e. is there still enough general interest in these aircraft that there would be enough sales to, again, make the expense and effort of engineering new kits worth it.

Remember, those of us who bother to read and contribute to this forum are modelling hard liners. Many of us don't consider the business issues.

KF

[bsadonkill]

If you want to get a Guillow's 100 series short kit you can obtain one from aerowerkes models. I have not used this supplier personally, but have heard good things about them.

[Ray Klein]

I have several Aerowerks kits. I built the Fokker D8 by Aerowerks,,, laser cut ,, a dream to build. I posted pictures of the completed D8 some time back (see link below). The Albatros D5 is next to be built.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3815

[Ray Klein]

Looks like the 100 series is actually coming back, the Guillows site listing 3 of the series so far!