General update from Aerocraft Models

[Ali62]

Hi guys

 

Firstly I would like to thank many of you on this forum for all the support and encouragement that you have given me and continue to give. Right at the out set I am not writing this for any self gain or sympathy but just to let you know exactly where I am at and that NO project that I have eluded to or promised in the past is dead or buried.

The past year or two have been challenging for me in many ways and like many of us have had my ups and downs with physical and mental difficulties, not as bad as many other people, and nothing serious, but they are part of my life. These aspects then certainly impact on my MOJO, once again like I know it does for many.

Added to this I do this as a full time little job and much of it other than the odd few designs that are either given to me or I collaborate with, everything else is done by me. Design, then masters either hand or CAD, validation that the masters work, instructions( not my strongest point) then onto production of either casting or printing, brass is produced by 3rd party, then packing orders and then mailing is all done by me.

So with all of that out of the way this is now where I am at and where I am going and what I hope to achieve. 
When we look around at the hobby it is moving forward at a speed that basically we just cannot keep up with well that is my thoughts. What I and other produced back 15-20 years ago was welcomed with open arms and was highly praised, these days the level that is required is far greater and many expect a lot more detail, accuracy.

Manufacturers from the big boys, to the medium size and then right down to one man bands are often producing absolutely amazing stuff, some at some eye watering prices, but still if you want it and can afford it, it is available.

With this in mind and taking everything into consideration including my own capabilities, I have taken the decision to upgrade and invest in a much more powerful computer, new CAD software and scanning equipment all adding up to a lot of cash. All of which I need to learn and master, started already, to be able to produce better and more ‘accurate’ products. Accurate is a term that is in my mind almost impossible when doing scale models as none are really accurate, but that discussion is a huge can of worms and we all have differing ideas. 
To be relevant and to try and keep up I know I need to go down this route, and it will take time and it cannot be rushed, added to the fact I am a slow learner……..

My aim is and always have been to offer the best possible products that I can achieve at the best possible price and value for money, some items are a little to expensive and I know that, but in some cases I cannot do then any cheaper for various reasons.

So without rambling on too much more I will finish off by saying I know there are lots of projects that have been hanging around for years and I am as frustrated as much or that’s many of you as they are not completed, one because you want to buy them and secondly I want your money!!! 
Jokes aside many of these I have already invest hours of labour on design and trial printing etc. then I am not happy with results, shapes or production issues and then just give up but with my new vision I really hope to address the topics like, Beaufighter, Chipmunk, BAC Lightning, F-105, A-7 Corsair, Hellcat, U.K Phantoms, various canopies, just to name a few and the most discussed ones. Most of these as you know are conversions and or upgrades that many will not do or tackle especially when it comes to clear. so no promises when and how any will be done or achieved but I will continue to work away at them all, one by one or maybe two by two.
However the Chipmunk will hopefully materialise into being a full kit, and I have a huge list of others to do but not sure my lifetime will be long enough, so one at a time.

So that is it for now, I need to get back to the school of self teach and see what I can come up with to ease some more money out of your pockets into mine, for future projects off course:)

 

cheers Ali

[Tolga ULGUR]

13 hours ago, Ali62 said:

Hi guys

 

Firstly I would like to thank many of you on this forum for all the support and encouragement that you have given me and continue to give. Right at the out set I am not writing this for any self gain or sympathy but just to let you know exactly where I am at and that NO project that I have eluded to or promised in the past is dead or buried.

The past year or two have been challenging for me in many ways and like many of us have had my ups and downs with physical and mental difficulties, not as bad as many other people, and nothing serious, but they are part of my life. These aspects then certainly impact on my MOJO, once again like I know it does for many.

Added to this I do this as a full time little job and much of it other than the odd few designs that are either given to me or I collaborate with, everything else is done by me. Design, then masters either hand or CAD, validation that the masters work, instructions( not my strongest point) then onto production of either casting or printing, brass is produced by 3rd party, then packing orders and then mailing is all done by me.

So with all of that out of the way this is now where I am at and where I am going and what I hope to achieve. 
When we look around at the hobby it is moving forward at a speed that basically we just cannot keep up with well that is my thoughts. What I and other produced back 15-20 years ago was welcomed with open arms and was highly praised, these days the level that is required is far greater and many expect a lot more detail, accuracy.

Manufacturers from the big boys, to the medium size and then right down to one man bands are often producing absolutely amazing stuff, some at some eye watering prices, but still if you want it and can afford it, it is available.

With this in mind and taking everything into consideration including my own capabilities, I have taken the decision to upgrade and invest in a much more powerful computer, new CAD software and scanning equipment all adding up to a lot of cash. All of which I need to learn and master, started already, to be able to produce better and more ‘accurate’ products. Accurate is a term that is in my mind almost impossible when doing scale models as none are really accurate, but that discussion is a huge can of worms and we all have differing ideas. 
To be relevant and to try and keep up I know I need to go down this route, and it will take time and it cannot be rushed, added to the fact I am a slow learner……..

My aim is and always have been to offer the best possible products that I can achieve at the best possible price and value for money, some items are a little to expensive and I know that, but in some cases I cannot do then any cheaper for various reasons.

So without rambling on too much more I will finish off by saying I know there are lots of projects that have been hanging around for years and I am as frustrated as much or that’s many of you as they are not completed, one because you want to buy them and secondly I want your money!!! 
Jokes aside many of these I have already invest hours of labour on design and trial printing etc. then I am not happy with results, shapes or production issues and then just give up but with my new vision I really hope to address the topics like, Beaufighter, Chipmunk, BAC Lightning, F-105, A-7 Corsair, Hellcat, U.K Phantoms, various canopies, just to name a few and the most discussed ones. Most of these as you know are conversions and or upgrades that many will not do or tackle especially when it comes to clear. so no promises when and how any will be done or achieved but I will continue to work away at them all, one by one or maybe two by two.
However the Chipmunk will hopefully materialise into being a full kit, and I have a huge list of others to do but not sure my lifetime will be long enough, so one at a time.

So that is it for now, I need to get back to the school of self teach and see what I can come up with to ease some more money out of your pockets into mine, for future projects off course:)

 

cheers Ali

[red Dog]

wish you all the best with learning all the new tools.
It's a steep learning curve but definitely very rewarding once you get past the frustration level

 

I'm sure you will do wonders !!

[The Phantom]

All good. I'm doing the same just making replacement bits for our memorabilia. Big learning curve

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ScottsGT]

Staying on top of cutting edge technology is the way!  My son tried to talk me into getting a 3D printer, computer to run it and all the software.  I laughed because I don’t have enough time left in life to build my stash, and I sure has hell don’t want to add to the stash with 3D printed model kits! 
I’m happy enough to finish out my time left by opening up a new kit and smelling the styrene for the first time. I’ll look to you aftermarket guys for the odds and ends I might need.

 

Keep up the great work Ali! 

[stuey57]

Looking forward to many more wonderfully detailed masterpieces from you Ali.

Keep plugging away at it !

[Tony T]

All the best.

Definitely in the market for more 1:32 Lightning enhancements and Spey Phantom conversion parts.

 

Tony

[Greg W]

Ali, the fact that you have mentioned upgrades for the Trumpeter F-105 is music to my ears!

 

Like others here, I have searched far and wide for that frustratingly elusive Cutting Edge canopy set...

 

Can I offer you a air hug?

[Steve Eagle]

Ali, first of all, thank you very much for your efforts. 
I have used several of your bits of work.

 

Very well done and with no complaints.

The latest was the P-51b set. I did a conversion of the Revell D to a B in RAF markings. Fit and execution was marvelous. 

 

I have just recently completed a Lodela/Revell Beaufighter, but I will be happy!! to rework the clear parts whenever yours might appear. 
 

Be well with your health is the utmost goal.