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-   -   Possible "Short Kits" for SEMROC... (http://www.oldrocketforum.com/showthread.php?t=6478)

CPMcGraw 01-24-2010 06:44 PM

Possible "Short Kits" for SEMROC...
 
Carl,

Given the interest in the EIRP #55 Excalibur thread, would it be possible to create a "plain brown bag" version of some designs that might not justify going through the whole kit-packaging work? Just a simple link for a "bag-o-parts"? A simplified, no-frills "X-Kit" concept where it's literally just a pre-packaged collection of the parts...

harsas 01-24-2010 09:45 PM

This is certainly something I would be interested in as well

Mark II 01-24-2010 10:17 PM

The "Classics 1954-1995" list sort of works that way, at least for the models that have complete parts lists. It is a hugely helpful resource for those who know how to use it effectively. It requires a little bit of work to find designs on it that have complete or nearly complete parts lists, but perhaps it could be used as a prototype for another, simpler page that just contains designs with complete parts lists. That page could also include EIRP, MRN and DOM designs, none of which are included in the Classics list. (No doubt because they weren't kits, which is what the Classics list represents.)

When Estes Industries published those plans, though, they didn't provide anything like an order sheet already filled out with the parts needed to build the designs; readers were expected to do that by finding the parts in the EI catalog and putting together the order themselves. (... and we LIKED it! :D ) I can't imagine that anyone back then had a conniption because someone from Estes Industries wasn't holding their hands and guiding them through the process. Semroc's website provides the same functionality as the old EI catalogs from the 1960's (and much, much more, of course). Is it asking too much to expect customers now to do what we were expected to do as kids back in the late Pleistocene?

MarkII

Carl@Semroc 01-24-2010 10:55 PM

I have not put the DOM kits on the list until now. Even though they were not kits at the time of first publication, several did make the grade later. Even though they are in the same database, I will add a way (later) to filter them from the actual kits.

I now have the Loadlifter 1-A, Space Twins, and Starship Excalibur in the works. All start with P0xx in the number field.

Additional recommendatios welcome.

I am thinking of adding the "JTP" back instead of the xKits. We get dealers trying to order the xKits, thinking they are complete. Then when they sell them, we get a flood of emails about problems with the missing instructions, substandard shock cords, etc.

A Fish Named Wallyum 01-25-2010 12:35 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Carl@Semroc
I have not put the DOM kits on the list until now. Even though they were not kits at the time of first publication, several did make the grade later. Even though they are in the same database, I will add a way (later) to filter them from the actual kits.

I now have the Loadlifter 1-A, Space Twins, and Starship Excalibur in the works. All start with P0xx in the number field.

Additional recommendatios welcome.

I am thinking of adding the "JTP" back instead of the xKits. We get dealers trying to order the xKits, thinking they are complete. Then when they sell them, we get a flood of emails about problems with the missing instructions, substandard shock cords, etc.



Space Twins........YEAH, BABY!!! There was another one in particular that I liked, but I'll have to go back through the plans to see what it was. (One of my QUARK friends flew one that he'd built as a kid, then accidentally stepped on it when he was looking for it in the tall grass. :( )

Eagle3 01-25-2010 07:24 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Carl@Semroc
...

Additional recommendatios welcome.

...


Great idea Carl. I've built a few of the DOM rockets I can report on;

Flying Jenny - I've tried this using mini-motors and just couldn't get a good straight boost. It glides nice once it finishes chasing it's tail.

Saturnian - Fun semi-challenging build and really looks nice when it's done. Haven't flow it yet, but don't expect any problems.

Space Twins - I flew the heck out of this thing until I lost a glider. Very cool rocket. I based an upscale version on this design.

Orbital Transport Laboratory - Fun build, looks great on the pad and on the shelf. Flies well, but the fins break off easily.

McKibbin's Special - Very cool rocket. Flies great. Not hard to build.

Mako - Nice ring rocket. Flies great.

Mini-finless - not stable per the plan instructions.

ghrocketman 01-25-2010 08:59 AM

I'd like to put a vote in for the 3-Stage Ring Rocket.
Always have been interested in that one but never tried to build it.

chanstevens 01-25-2010 07:04 PM

Heck, if we're talking bag o parts, how about releasing a few more members of the Thunder family? It's not like they really need much in the way of directions, though I'd probably be greedy and at least want the decals released, too.

chanstevens 01-25-2010 07:08 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Carl@Semroc
I am thinking of adding the "JTP" back instead of the xKits. We get dealers trying to order the xKits, thinking they are complete. Then when they sell them, we get a flood of emails about problems with the missing instructions, substandard shock cords, etc.


Maybe just make them available only to "retail" customers directly through your website? I'm sure that would limit the volume some, but at least it would allow you to get better margins. Hopefully you'd at least get a slightly savier customer, or could force some sort of click-to-confirm pop-up warning them it's just a bag o parts.

A Fish Named Wallyum 01-25-2010 07:55 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by chanstevens
Heck, if we're talking bag o parts, how about releasing a few more members of the Thunder family? It's not like they really need much in the way of directions, though I'd probably be greedy and at least want the decals released, too.


THUNDER COOTIE!!!! :cool:


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