28 replies to this topic

[MicroSculpt]

Greetings, everyone!

My name is Tom Sollers and I am the owner of MicroSculpt Miniatures — a company dedicated to the WWI modeler. Our initial catalog consists of German Irregular Polygon Camouflage (IPC) decals commonly (but incorrectly) known as "lozenge". We currently offer these in four and five-color versions for both upper and lower surfaces in 1/48 scale. Both 1/72 and 1/32 scales will follow shortly.

We have many items planned for future release. These will be made available as funds permit. Many will be quite unique and useful.

However, many of these are being developed based on my own personal perception of WWI modeling. To ensure that MicroSculpt Miniatures is meeting the needs of a majority of WWI modelers, I would like to pose this question to all of you: "What would you like to see in the way of WWI model products?" As potential customers I would value your response.

After we accumulate some suggestions, I'd like to develop a poll so everyone can vote. That way I can determine what is "most wanted".

So, here's your chance to "have at it!" I'm listening! Well, OK I'm actually reading, but you get the idea ...

Blue skies

Tom

Edited by MicroSculpt, 22 February 2009 - 03:49 PM.

[Colin @ Freightdog Models]

Welcome aboard Tom, I hope you get some good feedback.
Colin

[rob challis]

Tom

I reckon you will be besieged with good ideas Tom-it's great that you are asking us as so often the major manuafturers (whom I know have to appeal to a much wider auience than we anoraks!) are unable to cater for relatively niche interests.

Welcome to the best, most friendly and supportive group of like minded people it has been my pleasure to engage with.

Kind regards and every success with your venture.

Sincerely,

Rob

[MicroSculpt]

Thanks, Colin!

BTW, really good to see the Pegasus and Blue Max items available again.

Welcome aboard Tom, I hope you get some good feedback.
Colin

[MicroSculpt]

Rob:

Thank you! I look forward to the interaction!

I scanned your builds. Perhaps Rowan and I can seduce you over to "the dark side" (WWI modeling).

[rob challis]

Rob:

Thank you! I look forward to the interaction!

I scanned your builds. Perhaps Rowan and I can seduce you over to "the dark side" (WWI modeling).

Thanks Tom.

I am just about to buy a Tamiya 1/48 Storch with 6 figures and a Swordfish.

Does that count Tom.

Did you see the Tyrell I am building-I have just posted some pics of today's work?

Kind regards,

Rob

[MicroSculpt]

Rob:

Well, you get points for the Swordfish because it has two wings. And I'll spot you a few more since they are both tail draggers! Good start in the right direction.

Haven't seen the Tyrell. I'll take a peak.

Tom

I am just about to buy a Tamiya 1/48 Storch with 6 figures and a Swordfish.

Does that count Tom.

Did you see the Tyrell I am building-I have just posted some pics of today's work?

Kind regards,

Rob

[CPNGROATS]

Tom: I like to build an occasional WWI a/c. Usually in 1/48 or 1/72 scale. (quite a few in the stash as well ).

Items that would be useful (IMO) would be assorted ground support figures and equipment(s)...perhaps even hanger and other field operations structures...early WWI era vehicles would be cool as well.
Here is a pic of the old Revell Fokker DVII in 1/72 w/ hand painted "lozenge" and a aeroclub figure.



An original Aurora Ni-11 in 1/48. Interior details, rigging and aeroclub Lewis MG added.




Cheers,
ggc

[MicroSculpt]

Wow! That takes me back! I cut my teeth on those kits. It was the old Aurora and Revell releases that got me into all this.

What was great about the Aurora kits was that you almost got a diorama in the box. A lot of them came with a little bit of airfield (with chocks), a pilot and sometimes even some ground crew. Remember the Halberstadt? It had a pilot reaching over the side for film plates being handed up to him by a ground crewman. Or, was that the Albatros two-seater? Anyhow, you just don't get those goodies in the box anymore! And to me — that is what brings models to life.

So, the first requests are ground crew, support equipment and hangars.

I can tell you that these are ALL in the pipeline.

Anyone want to get specific? Say a RFC Crossley Tender? Or, a Crossley 20/25 Staff Car? Leyland lorry?

What do you think? Speak up folks! I need to know if there's a market?

Over to you ...

Edited by MicroSculpt, 22 February 2009 - 04:21 PM.

[rob challis]

Rob:

Well, you get points for the Swordfish because it has two wings. And I'll spot you a few more since they are both tail draggers! Good start in the right direction.

Haven't seen the Tyrell. I'll take a peak.

Tom

All the best Tom.

Take care,

Rob

[CPNGROATS]

Tom: I've seen in period photos a type of cart that the rear of the a/c was lifted up onto, then the a/c could be pulled/pushed into a different location..I think all of the combatant's used something like that... refueling bowsers would be cool as well.. early on in my model making hobby the Aurora 1/48 WWI a/c were a sure bet..I too enjoyed the figures...Aurora had some good ideas back in 1956!!

A K&B(Aurora) Fokker EV 1/48 in Polish service 1919/20 [wire wheels from Matchbox motorcycle dicast]


Cheers,
ggc

[CPNGROATS]

Some classic Aurora kits in 1950/60's box art presentations:
Cheers,
ggc

[CPNGROATS]

Later issues of classic Aurora 1/48 scale WWI a/c. New b/art with molds cleaned up and new decals..
Aurora Cheers,
ggc

[CPNGROATS]

A little over the top, here is the Revell 1/? scale comic Ni-11 modified to represent the mount of Count Von Stoupp of the Vulgarian a/f. Love that "Lozenge" camo...



Cheers,

ggc

[Rowan Broadbent]

Welcome Tom!!

Great to see you here - you could post a link to your website in the lead post, that will help I think!

They're a good lot on here but you need to watch out for a few of the dodgier types - that Mike bloke and his gang of so-called "moderators" enforcers more like, they come calling once a month for protection money, trashed my shop once, they did.

I think our plans for world domination are moving forward!

A Crossley Tender would really be something, wouldn't it? Something else I'd love to see are a couple of 1/32nd lion cubs - Whisky and Soda to be precise, preferably with a prostrate French Colonel having his uniform "inspected" you could have fun with those!

With the 32nd DH2 round the corner, what about a figure of Capt. LG Hawker or JO Andrews with his tartan cap and kilt? complete with tartan decals??

A hucks starter on a Ford Model T chassis - The Shuttleworth Trust have one at Old Warden. It was invented in 1917, so there must have been some in France during WWI. Shuttleworth have also got a Crossley, I think.

R

[MicroSculpt]

Hey there, Rowan!

Good to be here! Thanks for cluing me in. Yes, I can see I'll need to keep an eye out for that Mike chap and his gang!

To be sure, the Crossley is one of my favorites and is very high on my list. I spent years collecting info on it. I'd say I have about all there is out there. Of course, I could be wrong. (Anyone have something unique they'd like to share?)

I have many period photos, museum photos, the Airfix Magazine article, the Cross and Cockade article, copies of the original manuals (these are the bees knees), period magazine articles, factory drawings, shots of a Crossley under restoration by a Mr. Walburton (who is extremely knowledgeable and helpful) in Australia, and more. All in all I've amassed a thorough collection of material that will ensure that this project will be as accurate as possible.

Work is under way on this project. There will be both Tender and Staff Car versions. And of course, complimentary figures to go with them!

Rowan, I love your figure suggestions. What can I say? Great minds think alike!

In truth there is a great wealth of subject matter to draw from. The issue is actually zeroing in on what is most wanted and thereby what will support the continued release of products.



GGC:

I hate to admit it. But I was a kid when those Aurora kits first kit the shelves! I am most familiar with the original boxing with the Joe Kotula artwork. Yikes!

But, somehow I must have missed that Revell Comic Ni-11 release. That looks like a classic!

[Steve Collins]

Tom,

I'd think two kinds of figures would be very useful. One would be the "pose for the camera" sort with the uniform cap, either the uniform blouse or the flying coat, and maybe a walking stick, as the gents from Jasta Boelke were presented from Herr Fokker. The other would be the "action" sort of the ground crew prepping for engine start, pilots gearing up for flight, that sort of thing. Maybe some seated, relaxing outdoors beside a phone, waiting for that alert call. Whiskey and Soda would be very cool. French (or American), British, German. All would be useful. I also agree that the ground handling dolly would be a nice addition.

Steve

[Mike Reeves]

Hi Tom

I also love The Great War and event though it absolutely terrifies me to no end trying to get the guts up to rig a kite I would certainly be swayed if we had some good 1/48 figures. Like Steve said above, some posed guys and some in action guys. I would love a good figure of someone climbing the step up to the cockpit along with appropriate ground crew cranking the prop etc. I think some figures in flying gear sitting at a table playing cards or something would also be quite welcome.

Staff cars etc would also be very cool.

Cheers!!

Mike

[MicroSculpt]

Hi, Mike!

Thanks for your input. It sounds like you'll be pleased with my future offerings.

I have 1/48 WWI pilots and ground crew in various stages of completion. As well as many "portrait" figures of famous aces. In 1/32 I have similar items.

As soon as I can squeeze some more money out of the decal sales, they will begin hitting the market.

Blue skies,

Tom

Microsculpt.com

[magpie]

Hi Tom

Personally I could use some decent 48th scale Vickers guns in resin. Decal instrument dials or maybe complete instrument panels for specific aircraft.

Ed