Posted on 01/31/2005 7:41:53 AM PST by pabianice
January 31, 2005: For over half a century, kits have been sold that enable military history buffs to assemble scale models of military ships, aircraft and vehicles. But that era is coming to an end, as the manufacturers of the original equipment, especially aircraft, are demanding high royalties (up to $40 per kit) from the kit makers. Since most of these kits sell in small quantities (10-20,000) and are priced at $15-30 (for plastic kits, wooden ones are about twice as much), tacking on the royalty just prices the kit out of the market. Popular land vehicles, which would sell a lot of kits, are missing as well. The new U.S. Army Stryker armored vehicles are not available because of royalty requirements. Even World War II aircraft kits are being hit with royalty demands.
This move grew out of the idea that corporations should maximize "intellectual property" income. Models of a companys products are considered the intellectual property of the owner of a vehicle design. In the past, the model kits were considered free advertising, and good public relations, by the defense firms. The kit manufacturers comprise a small industry, and the aircraft manufacturers will probably not even notice if they put many of the model vendors out of business.
Some model companies will survive by only selling models of older (like World War I), or otherwise "no royalty" items (Nazi German aircraft) and ships. But the aircraft were always the bulk of sales, and their loss will cripple many of the kit makers.
But can we still get the glue? That's the best part about model building, IMHO. ;)
> Copy rights don't equal public domain kid.
The B-17 was designed under government contract. *That* puts it in the public domain. I'm sorry if these concepts are too difficult for you.
This is a cryin' frickin' shame! I'm starting to get my son (who prefers aircraft) interested in models, and now these b******s want royalties too boot!
I'll get him into armor (my preference) instead!
Cheers!
For shame... isn't that a G?
"We lose money on every unit, but we make it up in volume!"
Mark
Because they appear to have not made attempts to protect trademarks, copyrights and patents for decades, they are at serious risk of losing them.
DAMMMMMMMM!!!!!!! Thats just SICK
ping
Ye gods. THIS WHOLE THREAD is about designs in the public domain.So in others words, you can't cite the post because you made it up.
I made one comment to one person, a liberal who expressed distaste for business because they were greedy.
In other words, you didn't read the posts. You just jumped right in in your childish way because you have been embarrassed on every thread you have been on with me. You, son, are a light weight.
And this DU stuff is as childish as it gets. Particularly for a new poster. grow up, and go away newbie.
This is just sad.
So sue. that's what liberals do.
You play with little toy B 17s. My uncle flew one and paid with his life so little turds like you could cry like babies over your little hobbies. Go take a econ class dopey.
GI Ping
i can't tell you how many hours i spent gluing wooden and plastic ships and especially airplanes during my childhood.
Protagoras said that there is no essential truth, but I don't think he ever condoned lying.
> I made one comment to one person, a liberal
ERRRR. Wrong. But interestingly, you also posted to this same person: "I know you're not a liberal since you are on this site." So. At what point were you lying?
> expressed distaste for business because they were greedy.
So only liberals find greed distasteful?
> You, son, are a light weight.
Unlike you, I know the topic.
> turds like you could cry like babies over your little hobbies.
That about sums up your level of dsicourse.
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