The Usual Topics
Very often, in some model kit related discussions that I joined or was involuntarily trespassed into, there would be the usual topics, namely:
- They’re using the same design again, this time with one or two new parts, decals, colour scheme, etc. They’re scamming us Modellers!
- Why can’t they release [this] kit or [that] kit? I’d buy one if it comes out.
- They should have made [this] or [that] kit.
- This version again? Can’t they do [that] version?
- This [Competitor’s] version of the kit is better, it is more accurate and has better details. But why is it so [insert expletives here] expensive?
- This Company is more expensive than the other (for the same model more or less)
- These blood-sucking Companies are making me quit the Hobby.
- And the list goes on…
These topics are quite interesting for the first few times and after awhile, I’d feel that skipping the discussion is not going to make any difference. There is nothing to contribute to, since it’s pretty much wallowing inside a pit of full of complains and negative comments. We’d all wished a certain model (or a few) would exist at one point in time. And we’d also wished it would not cost so much. We also wished that there are a lot of ‘perfect’ models for everything we laid our eyes on and at different scales too.
Heck, with 3D Printers now being so affordable, I can print my own models and save myself a bunch of money.
So, why didn’t everyone else?
Long ago, I used to ask these similar questions, not knowing better. Now that I am much wiser, it’s not that important anymore. There are a lot of reasons why a model kit looked the way it did and why, the same model is used over the decades. In short, it has to do with Licensing. More than a decade ago, I was once informed that most Model Kit companies can produce a more detailed result but this would mean higher Licensing fees. However, I am not sure about this fact since it was so long ago.
The Problem with 3D Printers
First and foremost, I’d like to remind you that we’re still in the 21st Century. And as far as converting energy into structured matter, were still quite far off. Basically, we’re still Neanderthals layering faster-than-usual-drying-icing on a flat surface, until it takes shape.
“Hooray, we’re going Digital and those [put your own personal/ favourite expletives here] Model Kit Manufacturers can suck balls!”
Yeah, right? But sadly, that is not happening. For one, the number of 3D Creators are insignificant compared to the Consumer base. And this, to me, leads to a slow growth in this genre due to the mindset of almost everyone wanting 3D files for free. Granted that there are those who are well versed in the 3D Software and thus decided on the Industrious route but for the rest, like me, all I could ever hope for, was THE correct 3D file I could download and get it printed, everything for free or at minimal costs.
And so, if you look back at that scenario, it is no different compared to injection styrene kits. The wailings of greedy dissatisfaction and helpless wishing would still be the same.
The REAL Problems with 3D Prints
We all know how 3D printing works, so I am not going to bother you with my expertise in ignorance. 3D Prints do fail after some time. This is quite apparent due to the material used and they’re very sensitive to humidity, temperature and well, some chemicals. In other words, for the time being, they have a shorter lifespan compared to a styrene kit (the ones that has been completed without any anger issues).
Unless you re-cast the 3D print in a seriously good quality resin, 3D resins also do fail. Before one can print the object, it must be oriented in an optimum position to produce good results and also, allows the uncured resins to flow out. 3D Printing to me, at the Hobbyist level, is still a FAFO venture. And then, suddenly when a print fails everyone goes back to their settings, calibrations and all the hocus-pocus. Even the ‘regular’ and reliable batch of 3D material can be the cause once the Formula is modified.
As for the plastic-injections? Get the correct plastic granules, heat it up, push in into the expensive mold and punch it out. Doesn’t matter if its warped, just let them write in for a replacement or refund. The only difference, with 3D Printing, you can get whatever model you like without getting a few mortgages for the molds.
