The Unwanted Blog (2)

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Minis visualized

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scottlowther

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Here are some hypothetical subjects for metal casting as “minis.” I have three pages (standard 8.5X11) of diagrams, all depicting possible subjects at the size they would be at the stated scales. First page shows what I consider a number of interesting designs… not at a constant scale, but size.

 

 

 

Second page depicts a range of Project Orion vehicles again at a roughly constant size. Constant size means, hopefully, a consistent cost.

 

Third page shows two sets of 8. The US Bomber Projects #1 set has 8 bombers at roughly constant size; US Fighter Projects #1 set has the fighters all at the same scale. 1/285 at least used to be a kind of standard for wargaming, though I’m not sure how widespread it truly was.

 

Sets like USBP01 would probably all be at about the same price, but those like USFP01 might vary since some designs at quite a bit bigger. What I’m kinda hoping for is the individual minis being about $25 each, while the 8-sets be about $100 each. Thoughts?

 

These are of course not the full possible catalog, nor would all these here necessarily come to pass. And scales/sizes could vary substantially. A lot of it would depend on actually trying them and see what works, what fails spectacularly.

9 responses to “Minis visualized”

  1. Warren W. James Avatar
    Warren W. James

    These look pretty interesting although your pictures are very squished in the horizontal dimension.

    I would prefer a constant scale over a constant size. Pick one scale for the Orions, another for the bombers and another for the fighters. I am thinking 1/72 for fighters, 1/144 for bombers and 1/350 for the Orions although this might make them a bit more pricey. At 1/350 for the Orions they would be a match for some of the Star Trek models and that would make for a cool display.

    Not interested in the bomb models so I have no preference for scale or size for those guys.

    Depending on size/scale $25 per sounds about right.

    The big deal for me for buying them would be the state of my finances when you make the offer. I remember that back in the day you produced a lot of resin models of interesting space subjects. But before I could buy them I got laid off from my aerospace job as part of the ‘peace dividend’ and was unable to afford to buy things I could not eat. That was more than 25 years ago and now I am doing consulting and trying to win NASA contracts. If my team wins the SBIR we just bid on I would be in the market for some of these.

    How are things coming on your latest books. I buy every one you put out as soon as it is available.

    Reply
    1. scottlowther Avatar
      scottlowther

      Unfortunately, the scales you suggest would be *fabulously* expensive. An injection molded 1/72 fighter will today run you $30-$50. In resin, $100+. In metal, probably $300+.

      For some reason the images are indeed squished until you open them in a separate window or save them. This blog format seems to not like images linked straight from Twitter.

      Reply
      1. Warren W. James Avatar
        Warren W. James

        Frac.

        It looks like you are caught between two hard places. Big enough to be interesting and they are too expensive. Small enough to be affordable and you limit their appeal. You may be looking at a null set.

        My interest in the smallish aircraft would be limited although the Orions might still be of interest.

        I would still suggest that you pick a constant scale for the different subjects but use a smaller scale than my previous suggestions.

        Why are you thinking about doing these models in metal? Wouldn’t a 3D printed resin model be less expensive? Small high quality sterolith printers have gotten much less expensive and have much higher resolution than filament printers. For the size of the models you’re thinking of I believe you can find one for under $300 and perhaps closer to $200.

        Good luck with this.

        Reply
        1. scottlowther Avatar
          scottlowther

          > You may be looking at a null set.

          Welcome to EVERY IDEA I’VE EVER HAD.

          > Why are you thinking about doing these models in metal?

          Because I want to. Honestly, little more than that.

          Nostalgia for the sort of minis that were available when I was a kid is likely the driving force. yes, I’m aware that nostalgia is rarely a successful starting point for any kind of business model. But nonetheless I want them… and I want a 3D printer for *other* purposes, including printing off normally-sized models.

          Reply
          1. Warren W. James Avatar
            Warren W. James

            I was just wondering if working in metal was your plan was for reasons of its ability to hold fine detail or some other production based rationale. But “Because I want to” is a perfectly valid reason. More power to you.

            I think you should give it a try. You might be surprised. I would be interested in the Orions and other people might be interested in other subjects. You might not get rich doing this but you will hopefully enjoy the process. And you never know where it will lead.

            And keep working on your aerospace history books. I have really enjoyed them and look forward to reading many more.

            I also think you should take the time to pull your War with the Deep Ones stories into a suitable form for publishing via Amazon on the Kindle. I read them a few years ago – my how time flies – and thought they were as good as – or better – than any of the other ‘Cthulhu fiction’ that is out there today.

            You don’t have to tell the entire story of the conflict in one book. People reading on the Kindle seem to prefer shorter less expensive books that are part of a series. So don’t kill yourself trying to write an all encompassing volume. Put together a book covering the start of the war and tie things together so there is some closure but making it clear that more battles are on the horizon. Then assemble books covering later times. Or later circle back and do a prequel. Or do a volume focusing on just one person, organization or place. But don’t think you have to write a Stephen King sized book for it to be a worthwhile endeavor.

            Keep the price low so people will buy them on impulse. With a price between $2.99 and $9.99 you will get a 70% royalty. I have heard that the sweet spot is somewhere around $4.50. Below that you earn less money per sale which can restrict your total earnings and above that your sales volume drops off and you earn less total money. However, exactly where that sweet spot is jumps around depending on the phase of the moon or the cost of beer in Buffalo. Personally, I prefer books priced at the low end of the scale if I am not familiar with the author but because I like your writing I would gladly pay more. I’m not sure about the price sensitivity for people who are unfamiliar with your writing.

            Amazon has tools that can take in a Word file and convert it to the Kindle format. You are a computer savvy guy. I don’t think you would have any problems dealing with the task of getting your stuff up for the Kindle.

            Sure there are a ton of things to do – like getting cover art and stuff. But those are issues that a savvy guy can handle – just don’t let them be reasons for not pushing ahead.

            You’ve done the hard work of getting that story series started. You have written great stuff in that series. Now get them into the worlds largest bookstore and let other people discover them. I think you’ll be surprised at the response you get.

          2. scottlowther Avatar
            scottlowther

            > But “Because I want to” is a perfectly valid reason.

            Always has been. Same answer applies to questions like “why do you need an AR-15?”

            But my hope was that it would be of interest to others. Resin casting is everywhere these days; metal would now be somewhat unique. I have a number of plans for what I could do with a 3D printer (not least being finishing up my “2001 Briefcase Computer), but I’m broke-ass-broke, and looking for a way for the device to pay for itself.

            > keep working on your aerospace history books

            Working Book 5. Chances are it’ll be the last.

            > You don’t have to tell the entire story of the conflict in one book.

            The plan was 4 books. Three tell the story of the war; 4th is a prequel. Finished the 1st book in a month. The others… kinda went nowhere.

            > I think you’ll be surprised at the response you get.

            Oh, indeed. I added a number of publications to Amazon… the last time I sold a single one was *years* ago. Some didn’t sell in the double digits. While I’ve become used to failure, that level of absolute disinterest did indeed surprise me.

            I continue to plug away on my “Zaneverse” stories, got over 2,000 pages of what’s doubtless dreck. Lost all hope, and then interest, in publication; just writing it to write now.

  2. gormanao Avatar
    gormanao

    People still pay attention to twitter?

    Reply
    1. scottlowther Avatar
      scottlowther

      More than ever since it has been liberated.

      Reply
  3. Dean Fox Avatar
    Dean Fox

    Scott, any plans for additional books in the ‘Orionverse” timeline? Very much enjoyed the fiction you already created in that world…you really made “what might have been if we’d only stayed the course: real for me. Would love to see more of where we could have gone…and toss many more dollars in your direction for the enjoyment of doing so. 🙂

    Reply

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