ModelExpo

Why do we do what we do?

2012-03-06T09:55:00.000-08:00

Model Expo designs Model Shipways, Model Airways, Model Trailways, and Guns of History model kits - the best, most historically accurate, and authentic wood and metal model ship, airplane, wagon, and war arms / equipment scale model kits in the world. One of the questions that repeatedly comes up from our customers, distributors, and even suppliers is - why do we do what we do? Why, in this day and age, do we
continue in the long and laborious process of manufacturing wood & metal model kits for an aging / declining industry?

The short answer is we believe that history, above all things, should be kept alive because it is essential to individuals and to society, and because it harbors beauty. Fundamentally, history helps us understand (1) people & societies and (2) change and how the society we live in came to be. That being said, unfortunately, history is one of the subjects that continues to be eliminated from school budgets and, as a result, we (as a society) are losing much of our past.

Modeler's who build our kits serve a valuable role in keeping history alive. Through our collective efforts, we are all able to relive what life was like aboard a sailing ship, what it took to manufacture an airplane, what perils soldiers endured on the battlefield, and how settlers traveled the old west. We know why we do what we do. The next question is, why do YOU do what YOU do? Why do you model? Sound-off here and let us know!

Portions adapted from Why Study History by Peter Stearns.

Free Resources

2012-03-02T07:53:00.000-08:00

I've been toying with the idea of "Free" - reading a great book by Chris Anderson - Free: The Future of a Radical Price. In it, he discusses the movement from free as a marketing tool to free as a policy (look at Google). This got me to thinking

what do we have as a company where the notion of "Free" fits in? One thing we do have is information - on ship modeling at a minimum (see our free practicums on our other blog - http://shipwrightjournal.blogspot.com/p/ship-modeling-reso urces.html).

Do any of you have practicums for our other kits? Would you consider posting / sharing? Would you like to take a stab at developing one? Maybe earn a free kit in the process? Email Eric and let him know!

Do you have what it takes to be our next designer?

2012-02-28T07:57:00.000-08:00

As you may have read recently on our blog(s), Model Expo is continually trying to expand our various product lines with new kits. While we have a relatively solid handle on our Model Shipways and Model Airways product lines, we were entertaining the idea of adding a few designers to our Model Trailways and Guns of History lines.So, the question of the day is - do you, or someone you know, have what it takes to be the next Model Expo Kit Designer for Model Trailways / Guns of History? Want to design a wagon or cannon kit? If so, please contact Eric Snow via email, provide your details, and any experience / samples you may have. Some of the designer qualities we look for:

Passion for sharing modeling and hobbies
Experience with Corel Draw
Ability to work / research independently
Ability to write detailed / easy-to-understand instructions (with photographs)

If you think you may have what it takes, get in touch with Eric today!

Consistency & moderation over intensity

2012-02-23T07:45:00.000-08:00

In all aspects of life, more often than not, we think if we push really hard, that we'll get there (wherever "there" is) quicker. Of course, we all know the results of this effort - burnout and failure. Examples:

Losing weight - You go on a crash / restrictive diet for a few days that is unsustainable, resulting in a gorge session of everything in sight! Typically, you end up gaining versus losing weight.
Getting in shape - You start exercising 2x a day, 5 to 6 days a week, at a pace that is (again) unsustainable. Typically, you end up stopping all together or, in the worst case, you injure yourself.
Completing a work project - You work for long hours & days straight to complete the goal, with little sleep or nutrition, resulting in a less-than-perfect project outcome. Typically, you have worked so "hard" that you missed key areas due to your not being well-rested and prepared to work. And, worse yet, if you continually meet the unrealistic deadline, you are now expected to continually achieve these unrealistic deadlines time and time again - completely unsustainable.
Cramming for tests - You stay up all night, main-lining your caffeinated beverage of choice, and try to absorb a quarters worth of material in a few hours. Again, this typically results in poor performance on the test due to your not being well-rested and prepared.

Rather than cramming, working "really hard", or intensive training, why not try the consistent and moderate approach - a combination that will always yield winning and LONG LASTING results. Remember the fable about the Tortoise and the Hare? Slow and steady always wins the race!

Update: Model Expo and the Micro-Precision Table Saw from Preac Tool Company

2012-02-17T07:25:00.000-08:00

Just as an update to our Preac Saw post, I'm heading up to New York on Monday to chat with Arlene about manufacturing the saw on their behalf - our way of continuing the Preac legacy.

I'll let you know what the results are after my trip! Wish me (us) luck!

Many of you may remember the Micro-Precision Table Saw from Preac Tool Company - a great saw from a great company! Ask any modeler who owns one--There is no other modelers tool on the market that enjoys such popularity. Professional Modelers, Museum Shops, and Amateurs the world over own "A Preac"!

Unfortunately, Charlie Files (the owner of Preac Tool Company) passed away recently and, as a result, the manufacturing and support of their line of precision tools stopped - we're looking to bring this historical saw (and their other tools) back to market, stay tuned!

Model Expo Web Site

2012-02-13T06:59:00.000-08:00

When placing your orders on our web site, please note the following;

a. do your shopping "first" adding your items into the "shopping cart".
b. when your shopping is completed go to "check out".
c. if you are an existing customer of Model Expo check in as a "Returning Customer", using
       your "Last Name and Password"(not case sensitive). If you forget your password or you are having
       trouble logging on "Do Not Re-Register". Call our Customer Service for assistance. Re-registering
       will cause multiple entries and will lock you out of our web site user area.
d.   if you are a "New Customer" click on and complete the information requested.

Customer Service

Addressing "old" business concerns

2012-02-09T12:20:00.000-08:00

I was on the phone the other day with one of our long-time modelers and he mentioned that in his small circle of modeling friends, the question of Model Expo "being in trouble" came up yet again. His short response to this question of Model Expo's status is no, they are NOT "in trouble".
My longer version of a response to this question follows:

In 2011, Model Expo released 13 NEW model kits within our Model Shipways, Model Trailways, and Guns of History product lines. In addition to new kits, we added numerous NEW tool offerings within our Model Expo Precision Tool product line.

Looking forward into 2012, Model Expo is targeting to release at least 12 more NEW model kits:

Rucker Ambulance Wagon by Guns of History (Spring 2012)
Limber, Signature Series by Guns of History (Spring 2012)
Gunboat Philadelphia by Model Shipways (Summer 2012)
Half Hull Model Kit (Name TBD) by Model Shipways (Fall 2012)
USS Cairo by Model Shipways (Winter 2012)
Model Railways line of Structures (6 to 8 kits, periodically throughout 2012)
And several more are on the drawing board!

In addition, we have embarked on longer lead-time development projects that will ultimately be released during 2013 to include:

Dr 1 Fokker by Model Airways
Fire Hose Wagon by Model Trailways
And several more are on the drawing board!

Through our continual business realignment initiatives, and our dedication to leading our industry with new and exciting model kits & tools, Model Expo is poised for future / long-term growth. We are excited about what the future holds and are always ready to begin research for our next new project!

Eric Snow

President & CEO

Model Expo, Inc.

We still surprise modelers with our guarantee...

2012-02-07T11:02:00.000-08:00

Our customers are still amazed by our unconventional guarantee. Every week, I see posts in forums and receive emails from customers who are surprised that our guarantee actually means something.

Take for instance a recent thread in the SeawaysShipmodelingList in Yahoo Groups. One of the members had a kit for numerous years, experienced a problem, and we were able to help him out - all hassle-free!

Quote from modeler: I think Model Expo is terrific, the kit is several years old and they would have sent the parts if still in stock. Instead they sent me a copy of the updated instructions concerning chain plates and the wire to construct my own. Never mind that the kit was at least 6 years old. I guess they come with a lifetime warranty.

So the next time you "accidentally" damage or break something that carries our name, remember that we have you covered!

A customer makes the switch from European kits to Model Expo kits!

2012-02-03T05:57:00.000-08:00

Recently, I received an email from a customer who, in addition to wondering about the status his Guns of History Civil War Coffee Wagon order, wanted to express his happiness for our kits manufactured here in the USA!

George's comments: I'm a big fan of your products and have stopped buying Italian kits! I'm relatively new to modelling needing something to do when it's too cold to work in my studio doing wood sculpting. I bought a Mantua and an Amati for my first two models. The instructions were, for me, impossible to decipher. A simple picture and a word or two in 8 different languages. My first kit of yours was the Deck Carronade 18th Century 32 Pounder by Guns of History. What a joy the plans were. I then finished the Gatling Gun by Guns of History and have started working on the Battery Forge by Guns of History. The anniversary edition of the Napoleon Cannon and Civil War Limber by Guns of History will be my next ones. In reading other forums, I understand some modellers use a kit as a starting point to scratch building something. That might be a better use of those foreign kits. I built the Deck Carronade 18th Century 32 Pounder by Guns of History back to back, yours and Mantua. There was simply no comparison in the instructions and parts.

So I have shared my opinions with others and intend to exclusively build your kits from now on.

Regards, George Tanty - Santa Fe, NM

We actually MAKE our products!

2012-01-27T06:55:00.000-08:00

It amazes me how many of our long-time customers do not know that Model Expo actually MAKES our own product lines (Model Shipways, Model Airways, Model Trailways, Guns of History).

I had a customer come in the other day to pick up some ship modeling supplies and, as usual, I offered him the $.25 cent tour. When I took him in the back to show him the process from raw wood to finished kit, he was astounded! "You make all of these kits??" Yes we do, right here in the USA!

We have 3 in-house laser machines, a wood slicer, a metal foundry, and a host of other tools in support of our manufacturing operation! Some pictures and a video of one of the lasers in action are below.

If you're ever down in the Hollywood, FL area, stop on by the shop and I'd be happy to give YOU the $.25 cent tour!

Have a great weekend,,,Eric

Model Expo and the Micro-Precision Table Saw from Preac Tool Company

2012-01-20T08:36:00.000-08:00

Many of you may remember the Micro-Precision Table Saw from Preac Tool Company - a great saw from a great company! Ask any modeler who owns one--There is no other modelers tool on the market that enjoys such popularity. Professional Modelers, Museum Shops, and Amateurs the world over own "A Preac"!

Unfortunately, Charlie Files (the owner of Preac Tool Company) passed away recently and, as a result, the manufacturing and support of their line of precision tools stopped - we're looking to bring this historical saw (and their other tools) back to market, stay tuned!

Customer Service

2012-01-13T10:01:00.000-08:00

Hi Modelers, my name is Tom, one of your Customer Service Representatives. Please check this blog site for future updated information from our CSR department.
Happy Modeling

(Un)expected Turbulence

2012-01-13T07:39:00.000-08:00

As I wrap up another exciting week of running a small business, the thought of "Unexpected Turbulence" comes to mind. This week, we encountered several instances of turbulence in the manufacturing of our model kits.

Some of our (un)expected turbulence items for the week included:

Late arriving metal cleats for several ship model kits that are otherwise complete;
Unexpected quality issues with the figurehead of a new ship model kit;
Late arriving plans for several of our model kits;

In running a small business that actually MAKES products for a niche market, I have learned to accept that my weekly plans will inevitably experience turbulence. The key is how to adapt, improvise, and overcome! No, I am not a former US Marine (actually am former US Air Force), but I believe in that philosophy!

Have a great weekend everyone!

What it means to stand behind your product!

2012-01-10T11:45:00.000-08:00

What does it truly mean to "stand behind your product"? We've all seen, read, and in many cases experienced where this has gone terribly wrong - and it ultimately left us with a "bad taste in our mouth".

Years ago, our founder and Chairman of the Board, Marc Mosko, instituted a guarantee that we remain committed to fulfilling - without compromise:

We will replace defective or missing parts from most wooden kits without charge - not even for shipping.
We guarantee all hand tools for life. If it breaks, we will replace.
Return any Model Expo product in original condition within 30 days for an immediate refund - no questions asked.

Free Replacement Parts - Hand Tools Guaranteed For Life - No Hassle Return Policy

It doesn't matter if you've spent $1 or $1,000, we stand behind our products. So recently, when one of our customers contacted us to report a sub-par electric plank bender, we did what we said we would do - we took care of him!

Keith's comments: A few weeks back I submitted a complaint regarding the short life I received out of an electric plank bender that I purchased from you some time ago. I did not demand anything from you. However, I received a new bender from you last week. I just wanted to let you know that I am very pleased with your response. I realize that I am not a big customer of yours so I am greatful that you treated me like one.

Trading in your pain - from Seth Godin

2012-01-06T07:08:00.000-08:00

Seth Godin is a marketing hero of mine and a recent post in his blog really resonated with me - I hope you enjoy. Also, note that I added his feed to the right-hand side of my blog - check it out, very good reading!

Trading in your pain

The pain of a lousy boss, of careless mistakes, of insufficient credit. The pain of instability, of bullying, of inadequate tools. The pain of poor cash flow, corrossive feedback and work that isn't worthy of you.

Pain is part of work. And it leads to two mistakes.

The notion that you can trade your way out of pain.

"If I just get a little bigger, a little more famous, a little richer--then the pain will go away."

This notion creates a cycle of dissatisfaction, an unwillingness to stick it out. There's always a pain-free gig right around the corner, so screw this, let's go try that.

The truth is that pain is everywhere, in every project and in every relationship and in every job. Wandering from one to another merely wastes your energy.

The other choice, though, is:

Embracing your current pain and avoiding newer, unknown pains.

This is precisely the opposite mistake. This leads to paralysis. Falling in love with the pain you've got as a way of avoiding unknown future pains gets you stuck, wasting your potential.

As usual, when confronted with two obvious choices, it's the third choice that pays.

We have customers that still write letters...

2012-01-03T11:31:00.000-08:00

Recently, I received a hand written letter and actual photographs of the work of one of our modelers (David Armitage) and I paused to reflect on our on-going transition. Model Expo, like many older companies, is a company in the middle of a technological transformation. For over 30+ years, Model Expo was predominantly a direct mail-based business and our internal processes, systems, and employees supported that type of business (slower response times). While we still mail catalogs and post-cards, this type of marketing is VERY expensive, time consuming, and quickly becoming outdated (much to the dismay of many of our customers).

As the President & CEO of a company that is in the middle of this technological transformation, it is good to be reminded every now and again that some of our older customers still do things the old fashioned way! My challenge, and the challenged for small businesses like Model Expo, is to figure out how to fully embrace / leverage technology and transform the company while not disenfranchising our "older, traditional" customers.

Have a thought? Sound off here!

Welcome to Model Expo's Company Blog

2011-12-22T06:39:00.001-08:00

Hello and welcome to Model Expo's Company Blog! Unlike our other model genre blogs (Aviator's Flight Log, Trailways&Battlefields, Shipwright's Journal), this blog will be used for general musings ranging from what's going on in our industry, challenges of a running a small business, and anything else I may have on my mind! In addition, if you have questions regarding our business, products, etc., you can ask them here!

Welcome to our little corner of the world - stop by and say hello!

Eric