Model Kit Survey 2016 - Results!
In early January 2016, we conducted an on-line survey to discern our customers' interest level in a number of subjects we were considering producing as model kits. The purpose of this exercise was not so much to identify which subject was the most popular (Although this was a secondary consideration), but to ensure that, should we go ahead with any or all of these products, we weren't likely to lose our shirts through lack of interest.
The subjects under consideration represented the usual range of subject matter that constitutes "fantastic" vehicle modeling: Sci-Fi, Real Space and Concept Aircraft. They included:
The subjects under consideration represented the usual range of subject matter that constitutes "fantastic" vehicle modeling: Sci-Fi, Real Space and Concept Aircraft. They included:
We asked customers to identify themselves as either "Definitely Interested," "Mildly Interested" or "Not Interested" in each subject. Not surprisingly, results were all over the place. Some people only wanted sci-fi, while others wanted only real aerospace kits. Some people demanded all models be in a single, specific scale, while others rejected all 10 nominations outright. (Which made us wonder why they bothered to participate at all.)
In all, we received about 300 responses. These were more than enough for us to gauge which subjects elicited definite passion among our customer base and which did not. The results are below. The blue columns represent the total number of "Definitely Interested" responses, while the amber columns represent the combination of "Definitely" and "Mildly" interested votes.
In all, we received about 300 responses. These were more than enough for us to gauge which subjects elicited definite passion among our customer base and which did not. The results are below. The blue columns represent the total number of "Definitely Interested" responses, while the amber columns represent the combination of "Definitely" and "Mildly" interested votes.
The number-one vote-getter in both absolute and combined numbers was the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) from 2015's Ridley Scott film, "The Martian." It received 133 "Definite" votes and 162 "Mildly Interested" votes.
Number Two was the Soviet LOK Moon Ship (1969), with 120 "Definites" and 135 "Mildlys."
In a virtual tie for third was "The Bat" from "The Dark Knight Rises" (2012) and the Convair NX-2 atomic-powered bomber concept (1950s), with 108/116 and 107/128 votes, respectively.
At the other end of the spectrum was the Lockheed CL-292-6 atomic-powered missile carrier (1950s) with just 60 "Definite" votes. Ironically, it also got the third highest number of "Mildly Interested" nods at 133.
As I need to sell at least 50 kits to break even on a production run, all of these subjects now appear viable...although some are clearly more viable than others.
At this time, I can say for sure that "The Martin" MAV and the Soviet LOK are the most likely to go into production later this year, with the "Man in Space" ship and the "Space Angel" Starduster also likely, if for no other reason than they're relatively simple to make and appear to have a small but highly passionate fan base.
Thanks to everyone who participated. And keep those suggestions coming!
- Allen B. Ury, Fantastic Plastic Models
Number Two was the Soviet LOK Moon Ship (1969), with 120 "Definites" and 135 "Mildlys."
In a virtual tie for third was "The Bat" from "The Dark Knight Rises" (2012) and the Convair NX-2 atomic-powered bomber concept (1950s), with 108/116 and 107/128 votes, respectively.
At the other end of the spectrum was the Lockheed CL-292-6 atomic-powered missile carrier (1950s) with just 60 "Definite" votes. Ironically, it also got the third highest number of "Mildly Interested" nods at 133.
As I need to sell at least 50 kits to break even on a production run, all of these subjects now appear viable...although some are clearly more viable than others.
At this time, I can say for sure that "The Martin" MAV and the Soviet LOK are the most likely to go into production later this year, with the "Man in Space" ship and the "Space Angel" Starduster also likely, if for no other reason than they're relatively simple to make and appear to have a small but highly passionate fan base.
Thanks to everyone who participated. And keep those suggestions coming!
- Allen B. Ury, Fantastic Plastic Models