@All,
We've been spending a lot of time working on the design stage of that one and it might not happen. Despite the fact that there are only 6 figures in that set, each figure has one backpack and more than one head. So we're not just looking at 6 figures, but 21 separate pieces to be cut per sprue, and due to the complexity of the parts, there are to be 5 sliding pieces in the mold. Each sliding piece increases the price.
A 6 piece sprue vs. a 21 piece sprue with 5 sliding parts, that's a huge difference in cost. At this time, this huge difference in cost is insurmountable so it cannot be done, unless the the number of parts is cut down, that's the direct quote from the factory.
So right now, the Austrian Infantry set is in limbo unless some decision can be made to cut down the number of figures and heads. We have already considered attaching the backpack to the figure, but that cannot be done. We can attach one head/hat to the figure and that will cut the number of pieces down by 6, so that's something that can be looked into as well.
Your thoughts?
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12 comments:
One way to simplify would be to make one set, marching or action, shakos and the other helmets. Give each set a copy of the NCO with a different head. All figures would be complete with heads. Packs would remain separate. Add a couple of bearskins and you would have 14 pieces on each sprue. The command set would have the mounted officer, foot officer, drummer and standard-bearer. Four figures (three without heads/hats), two sword arms, one flagstaff, two packs, two drum halves, three shakos and three helmets.
Another way to go would be mixed pose sets like the French light infantry. Two of the four marching poses, the NCO, the Firing and one at-ready pose in each set. One set would get the attention pose and the other the loading pose. Both sets would have complete figures, one set with helmets, one with shakos. A couple of bearskins could be added if space permitted.
Forget it and go straight on to the Spanish.
Just make the Austrians with shakos, that is all we need. We have helmets and bearskins from Italeri and Replicants. Only shakos please,there are no Austrians after 1809 in the market and conversions are costly and time consuming.
OK to attach one head to the figure and a few spares on the sprue.
Dirk
brian023,
why dont we go back to basics you seem to be trying to be too helpful. Go back to making simple sets of 6 figures with shakos and if you can add in a couple of heads if possible but dont bust a gut over it.
What we want is your usual high standard of figures in sets of Marching, Action and Command. If you can produce a variety later then fine. But whetever Austrians you decide to make I will buy them!
Keep up the great work but you cant please everyone!
I vote for shako heads on the figures,
Italeri has done the others already.
Maybe in the future you could do another set with bearskins and helmets and have them in the Hungarian style braided blue pants? That,s another thing that has not been done yet in plastic. Then guys could swop out the heads for conversions.
You are being very ambitious, which is nice (if I spelled it right) buy maybe over reaching. Companies have made figures with backpacks, and heads, molded on for years. Don't over complicate things, stick to the basics.
@All, I think that's a great idea. I guess the next step will be to attach the shakos to the head and see what that'll do for the costs. Unfortunately, the front cover art has already been drawn, and it was drawn with a helmet!
We cannot stick the backpacks on because of the undercuts. Worse come to worse, it'll be 5 figures per sprue plus the extra backpacks and stuff rather than 6 figures per sprue with the extra backpacks. OK, back to the factory with this.
I agree just shakos are fine to many parts turns them into kit-figs I just want good old hat plastic toysoldiers to paint.
Rob C,
yep just go with shakos - if you can squeeze a few helmet heads in then fine but go shakos with march, action and command - sweet!!!!
sorry last post was me - Alex
Shako's for the Austrian Napoleonics is fine for me too. There is no need to duplicate what already some manufacturers make. Besides it will mean I can creat an all new late period Napoleonic Austrian army to fight at Leipzig and you will sell many more boxes :)
Stephen A.
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