Folks,
I am going to put my money where my mouth is — so to speak. For those who live outside the insane asylum we call the United States, that means I am actually going to start doing what I have been saying I want to do –for a change. Come on and I’ll tell you about it.
ON THE BENCH
This is a new product driven industry, and, if I want to stay relevant and make money, I need to make new products. But what should I make? This is the biggest problem I have had most of my TMD career: deciding what to make. I have always felt torn between making things that interest me at the time and making things for the newest releases on the market. If I make things for the newest releases, sales tend to be good — for a while. On the other hand, if I make things for the subjects that interest me, sales may not be great, but they have always been steady. This is because I tend to make more and better items for the subjects that interest me. Well, as I explained several weeks back, from this point forward, I build what I want to build and, if it isn’t enough to pay the bills so I can stay in operation, then TMD will just go away and I will go back to being just another modeler.
So, here is what is on the bench right now:
I have no idea exactly what I am going to do with this subject yet, but I love the entire series of 38(t)-based vehicles. I’m especially interested in doing a very early A-B and the Befhels Command conversion. I may be at this for a while, or I may just make a few things for now. I’m not sure just yet. We’ll have to see how it goes. What I do know for sure is that I am going to start on this tomorrow, Monday, Nov 4, 2019.
ALSO ON THE BENCH
I have also said that, since I do not know how much longer TMD will continue (mostly because I do not know if my new plan will generate the necessary sales), I plan to start making the things I have promised my friends over the years. Therefore, the following items are now in the serious planning stages:
— A new, accurate trailer for the Churchill Croc.
— A series of corrections and details for the entire series of Hobby Boss German 221, 222, etc armored cars.
— Ladders and additional storage items for the Panther
— A whole slew of small, handy-dandy little resin details, like handles, bolts, screw heads, control handles/levers, etc..
— An interior for the Bronco Staghound series.
— And, possibly, an interior for the AFV Club M5 series and the Tamiya Matilda.
KARL VAN SWEDEN
I did not speak to Karl this past week, so I have no idea where he is at with his masters. All I know is that he is nearing completion on a list of things ranging from the M4 Sherman, to the M10 all the way to the M113.
IN THE SHOP
When I wrapped up the week last Friday, I only had one order in house. I have had a good weekend, so there is stuff to do starting tomorrow morning, but I should have everything shipped no later than Wednesday of this week. Otherwise, I continue to clean up the shop. Things are starting to look much better.
IN THE OFFICE
All office and web site work is on a temporary hold. I need to focus on getting new product on the market before I worry about anything else.
THAT IS ALL
Well, that is all I have this week. Short, sweet and ‘professional’ (sort of). So, until next week, stay safe and try to build something (preferably something using TMD resin)
–Joe
Yes please:
— A series of corrections and details for the entire series of Hobby Boss German 221, 222, etc armored cars.
And yes please:
— An interior for the Bronco Staghound series.
— And, possibly, an interior for the AFV Club M5 series
🙂 Mike
Looking forward to the updates for the Sdkfz 221’s and 222’s from Hobby Boss. I have a few of their kits and any updates from you will be greatly welcomed by me!
Interiors for the Patton series (and the M26, while I’m dreaming).
Interior for the Staghound,YES!!!