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-   -   Semroc kits (http://www.oldrocketforum.com/showthread.php?t=18040)

Initiator001 08-23-2019 12:27 AM

Semroc kits
 
I was curious as to how many of the 'Carl-era' Semroc kits had been discontinued since the company changed hands.

Using completely un-scientific methods open to errors I reviewed how many kits were released during the time Carl and his family ran the business and compared this number to which of these kits were still available today through eRockets.

I come up with fifty kits discontinued.
This number includes all but one of the SLS kits, one 'mini-' kit still available, all the Groonies gone and the Saturn 1B among others.

eRockets has added as of this date twenty-one kits to the Semroc line.

I miss the SLS kits but they just did not sell very well.

Still, we should be at least pleased that many of the original Semroc kits remain and parts to make some of the discontinued models are still available.

rraeford 08-23-2019 05:43 AM

Agreed. Carl discontinued kits that didn't sell. Market realities cannot be ignored. I think it's amazing that they released nearly all of the kits in the first place. There's a lot of other Centuri and Estes kits from the past I wish they would release but I may be in the minority. Plus they have taken on Dr. Zooch kits.

ghrocketman 08-23-2019 09:32 AM

The S1B and SLS kits should never be discontinued.
Next it will be the Mars Lander....

astronwolf 08-23-2019 09:47 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by ghrocketman
The S1B and SLS kits should never be discontinued.
Next it will be the Mars Lander....

Why should they not be discontinued? Even the S1B wasn't a hot seller. Jerry is still trying to sell off what was left.

ghrocketman 08-23-2019 10:22 AM

Some kits should ALWAYS be available.
Two of the first kits Carl offered were the SLS Jaguar and SLS Scorpion.

astronwolf 08-23-2019 10:50 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by ghrocketman
Some kits should ALWAYS be available.
Two of the first kits Carl offered were the SLS Jaguar and SLS Scorpion.

Are you looking to buy a couple kits? I'll bet that if you ask nicely, Randy might make up a couple kits just for you. Then you can buy them from him.

tbzep 08-23-2019 10:59 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by astronwolf
Why should they not be discontinued? Even the S1B wasn't a hot seller. Jerry is still trying to sell off what was left.

Jerry has advertised, but there are plenty of folks out there that don't read every post on YORF or look at ads in the NAR mag. He obviously can't post on TRF, so casual readers may or may not notice an occasional post stating that he has them. His inventory isn't the best indicator of interest.

That said, I know it isn't a hot seller like it probably was the first few months after Carl released it, but it's an icon if not the flagship of SEMROC's recent history and Estes before it. I would love for it to always be available, but I understand the limits of inventory storage and the large number of individual parts to cut, sort, etc. for small runs. That's especially true of the new ownership which also houses a lot of stock from other companies.

Was this comment on the fence enough for me to be a politician? :p

Jerry Irvine 08-23-2019 01:09 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by astronwolf
Why should they not be discontinued? Even the S1B wasn't a hot seller. Jerry is still trying to sell off what was left.
I specifically made a deal that made them comfortable to sell down their kit specific parts inventory so I would have a 2-4 year supply given sales trends I am familiar with. I have a warehouse anyway. The offer I made was limit 4 to reduce the chance of resale vultures. It worked. If someone you know wants a S1B at regular price have them email info@usrockets.com
Thanks.

Scott6060842 08-23-2019 01:40 PM

Carl did a lot of things for the love of the hobby. Christmas sale, $10 minimum order, free shipping, releasing kits that appealed to the hardcore BAR not the masses. I don't believe maximizing profit was his goal.

chrism 08-23-2019 02:44 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scott6060842
Carl did a lot of things for the love of the hobby. Christmas sale, $10 minimum order, free shipping, releasing kits that appealed to the hardcore BAR not the masses. I don't believe maximizing profit was his goal.


Your so right. Love for the hobby was his and Sheryl's goal. You could tell from their comments on the packing slip!


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