1/32 Boulton Paul Defiant - new kit design?

[Reuben L. Hernandez]

Masks. 

On another note, I'm not even a fan of the Defiant, but looking at this build and the details, I'm going to have to get one. It was a very important plane in its time.

[mozart]

28 minutes ago, Reuben L. Hernandez said:

Masks. 

On another note, I'm not even a fan of the Defiant, but looking at this build and the details, I'm going to have to get one. It was a very important plane in its time.

This is so true Reuben, and to extend your statement a little further, I think/hope this could be a very important kit in our time....who knows what Peter may be planning next if the Defiant does well!! 

[morane]

Hi all
This is just my opinion, but I think the majority of modelers still use decals. Those who use masks are also those who have become accustomed to making them themselves.
The absence of a mask will not put off those who prefer masks, but on the other hand, it is likely to put off others!
From a simple commercial point of view, it seems wiser to me to opt for decals.
Of course, the best would be to offer both options

Richard

[Out2gtcha]

6 hours ago, morane said:

Hi all
This is just my opinion, but I think the majority of modelers still use decals. Those who use masks are also those who have become accustomed to making them themselves.
The absence of a mask will not put off those who prefer masks, but on the other hand, it is likely to put off others!
From a simple commercial point of view, it seems wiser to me to opt for decals.
Of course, the best would be to offer both options

 

 

I think you make some fair points.

I'm in the make your self some masks group for sure, but I would have to guess I'm probably in the minority.

I would guess, those like me with the ability to make masks wouldn't really care either way, if the kit did or did not come with decals, but it may make the difference between another sale, or not to the more majority of modelers.

 

I'm just not sure of the expenses involved on Peter's side, which I would guess would be the main determining factor 

[Martinnfb]

Not sure about the amount of technical stenciling on this airframe, but it would be one more reason why the decals would be my referable choice. 

[thierry laurent]

I'm probably one very rare owner of the Scratchbuilders kit with an aftermarket (far better) cockpit from an Asian garage industry as well as a Fischkopp 3d printed turret! However, I would not hesitate long before getting this model...😁 There is simply no comparison...

[tomprobert]

Decals for me. 
 

I don’t get a huge amount of time at the bench and the extra amount of ‘faff’ needed to apply multiple layers of paint when using masks would honestly put me off due to time constraints. 
 

As others have suggested, those who are used to and comfortable using masks would likely go their own route anyway, and you might limit your potential sales to those (and I’m sure there’s a few us) who like the simple convenience of decals. 
 

Just my tuppence worth…

Tom

[LSP_Kevin]

5 hours ago, morane said:

Hi all
This is just my opinion, but I think the majority of modelers still use decals. Those who use masks are also those who have become accustomed to making them themselves.
The absence of a mask will not put off those who prefer masks, but on the other hand, it is likely to put off others!
From a simple commercial point of view, it seems wiser to me to opt for decals.
Of course, the best would be to offer both options

Richard

 

This is a very good point. I think the best approach would be to provide decals in the kit, and a downloadable set of cut files for those who wish to use masks. If you're designing decals anyway, the cut files should be easily derived from the same designs I would imagine. And those who wish to use the masks could still use the stencils from the decal sheet, so a win-win for everyone.

 

Kev

[Greif8]

I would purchase one!

 

Ernest

[airscale]

Thank you all for such helpful feedback

 

My inclination was to include decals as that is the norm I guess..

 

On 2/19/2025 at 9:56 PM, LSP_Kevin said:

Not feasible to do both? If not, what about making a downloadable cut file available to purchasers?

 

Kev

 

 

This is a really interesting idea - I could have a mask file that is accessed via a QR code on the decal sheet, I guess it leads on to the question of for those who said masks, how many can actually make their own?

 

 

17 hours ago, Out2gtcha said:

I'm just not sure of the expenses involved on Peter's side, which I would guess would be the main determining factor 

 

Thanks Brian - while I wouldn't say it is a no expenses spared excercise, decals are needed for the instrument panels anyway so making the sheet larger for markings just means the overall kit cost needs to go up a bit if the final costings need it. I want it to be the best and most complete Defiant that will EVER be available, so I think decals are almost mandatory. I would like to include masks as well for completeness but that means one or other cost is a waste ultimately.

 

In other news, the moulds will soon be cut for the transparent parts, and series production has begun - I have more 3D printers coming this week and the target is 150 kits for the first run. Once I get transparent parts I am happy with, I will open a pre-order list for those interested

 

Looks like it's actually happening

 

19 hours ago, mozart said:

...who knows what Peter may be planning next if the Defiant does well!! 

 

 

..well Max - I can tell you if this works out, there will be more, I just need good subjects

 

TTFN

Peter

[dennismcc]

No problem with me either way, I will still buy the kit (finances allowing) I do prefer masks but I do rely on bought masks as I cannot make my own, I could probably bodge up markings from the masks that i have in stock as well, but no masks in the kit would mean decals for me.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[mozart]

1 hour ago, airscale said:

Looks like it's actually happening

 

….well Max - I can tell you if this works out, there will be more, I just need good subjects

 

TTFN

Peter

It’s all very exciting news Peter! 
 

“Good subjects”? You’re going to be inundated with “How about a….”, so I’ll (predictably) start off….Typhoon! Money spinner! 

[alain11]

Well, it seems that the debate about masks or decals is turning 50/50, so why not provide both? 
If you need good subjects for your next  "possible" project, do not open the ideas box, you will be overwhelmed by one hundred an idea...make us a good surprise....okay , if the box is open ......... something very original ..... Fairey Firefly   so British !!!!

Alain

[crobinsonh]

1 hour ago, airscale said:

Thank you all for such helpful feedback

 

My inclination was to include decals as that is the norm I guess..

 

 

 

This is a really interesting idea - I could have a mask file that is accessed via a QR code on the decal sheet, I guess it leads on to the question of for those who said masks, how many can actually make their own?

 

 

 

Thanks Brian - while I wouldn't say it is a no expenses spared excercise, decals are needed for the instrument panels anyway so making the sheet larger for markings just means the overall kit cost needs to go up a bit if the final costings need it. I want it to be the best and most complete Defiant that will EVER be available, so I think decals are almost mandatory. I would like to include masks as well for completeness but that means one or other cost is a waste ultimately.

 

In other news, the moulds will soon be cut for the transparent parts, and series production has begun - I have more 3D printers coming this week and the target is 150 kits for the first run. Once I get transparent parts I am happy with, I will open a pre-order list for those interested

 

Looks like it's actually happening

 

 

 

..well Max - I can tell you if this works out, there will be more, I just need good subjects

 

TTFN

Peter

Please add the Hornet to your list - and you have some experience with this one already.

[mozart]

9 minutes ago, crobinsonh said:

Please add the Hornet to your list - and you have some experience with this one already.

I think the DBMK injection-moulded Hornet that’s in the pipeline might be a factor here? 

Edited February 21 by mozart