We have heard from Jim McGough of CTS and he has told us the latest on their next figure line the North Koreans. Jim has advised us that the figures will be delayed until the first part of the next year as he having some of the detail reworked on the weapons.
Disappointed at the delay – but kudos for taking pains to ensure quality.
I have been in this hobby for 25 years and to this day I cannot figure out why it takes so long to produce plastic figures. I know all the standard answers but it just boggles my mind. I would guess the proper approach would be for the sellers to not even mention their upcoming product until the product is on the boat or plane actually coming to this country.
Gary
Some producers have taken that approach, including CTS in the past. Doing it that way certainly reduces the disappointment collectors feel when unexpected delays occur.
But I myself enjoy knowing what’s coming down the pike. I enjoy seeing the early prototypes, and the anticipation, just as I enjoy the anticipation of OTSN and the other toy soldier shows I attend. It’s like what they say about vacation trips: the planning and the getting there are half the fun.
Nick of TSSD told me once the absolute minimum leadtime he needs to introduce a new set of 8 toy soldier figures is one year. He said most designers are not necessarily just sitting around with nothing to do awaiting his next order. They have to finish current and already scheduled projects before they can start on yours. They have to submit their designs for approval. They have to make necessary modifications. They have to resubmit for reapproval. Then the manufacturer has to schedule the order into his current production schedule as well. The factory is typically not sitting idle waiting for the next toy soldier order. All the time, things are being mailed back and forth from here to China. They produce prototypes, and submit for approval, and then make requested changes, and then resubmit. Then there’s packaging, and shipment again. And everything processed through Customs. Having been in Production Control for a major defense contractor for many years, I’m highly familiar with how long leadtimes can be from start to finish. Orders are placed years in advance for even single machine-tooled parts.
I personally wish these North Koreans were available at OTSN this month. I’m sorry that now we can’t expect them until after Christmas. But I prefer knowing what’s happening rather than simply being left in the dark about upcoming products. Everytime CTS releases a photo of 1 or 2 new prototypes, I get re-excited all over again.
Don
We all wish we could have an item right now, but as you and other have pointed out it takes time. You will have other new items to look at the show.
I agree Don ,I like knowing what is planned and hopefully come to fruition and I also love seeing the sculpting progress being made in prototypes, they are after all toys, and not the end of the world if a set doesn’t actually get produced .
The standard process of making a mold/set of figures out state is about 3 month, that is counting sculpting , prototype, first mold shot prototype and regular steel mold.
It generally take time because the back and for File review between vendors, producers ,owner.(When using Chinese producers the communication is hard as languages and understanding bring confusing many times, even with translation the way it is translator not always work ok).Even that they are using 3D file and blue print special format files for review, owner always prefer one test shot sample before in hand.
Then the batch production time depending of how many tons unit press mold machine is used by factory.9Sample a 2000-3000 units shots take about 15/20 days in a 15 tons press machine(standard size used on toys).
After the packing and transfer to port (most production are ship-sea ) delivery to US. Ships used some time standards and economic shipping port service that delay as so many stop in other countries ports . Last are the time from port arrival warehouse to actually owner fiscal company .Generally all that is not less than 3 months.
Now if some review need to be done between first test shot and last actual product ready to produce steel mold to be made ,it could delayed much longer. Generally these issues and shipping are out of hand in the owner side. So least give a 6 month time in start to finish arrival of first lot batch here
The idea in advertising before is in many cases for enthusiasm ,some times for teasing and see comments/approval to see reactions in the hobby forums/else.
Erwin
Thank you for giving a time line. I agree the maker has promoted it early so he can know how the market iss.
How big a deal is it to make tin litho (or “pressed steel” or whatever they are) buildings for play sets? Was Marx’ advantage that they did everything in their own factories?
Cool, lets get some long-coat and WINTER Americans!
Hi Paul, I have a couple new photos of North Korean test shots, If you would want to post them. We seem to have lost your email address. Can you send it to us.
Thanks as always, Tim @ CTS
Tm
I have sent an email off. My email for this site is pestad@gmail.com