Global Scale Modeller

RangerNeil wrote: Wed Mar 19, 2025 11:55 pm If anyones interested Kotare have just announced a new product in their range:
A Mk1 Hurricane.
Options will include 2 and 3 bladed props tall and short tailfins, armoured and armoured windscreens, ring & bead and reflector gun sights.
No prices yet.

Stokesy44 wrote: Thu Mar 20, 2025 8:35 am There's a wallet shaped hole in my lounge wall after I saw this. My wallet knew what was coming and decided it was time to leave!

Art work from Kotare. Fabric covered wings and early style gun panels. I think this will be the first of quite a few Hurricanes from them, maybe even a Sea Hurricane too.

NoelSmith wrote: Mon Jul 07, 2025 8:12 pm Nice kit.

Subject wise they are playing it a bit safe as one might very well understand.

I'm guessing that their next model might be either a Messerschmidt ME109 or a P51D Mustang?

NoelSmith wrote: Mon Jul 07, 2025 8:12 pm Nice kit.

Subject wise they are playing it a bit safe as one might very well understand.

I'm guessing that their next model might be either a Messerschmidt ME109 or a P51D Mustang?

NoelSmith wrote: Mon Jul 07, 2025 8:12 pm Nice kit.

Subject wise they are playing it a bit safe as one might very well understand.

I'm guessing that their next model might be either a Messerschmidt ME109 or a P51D Mustang?

RangerNeil wrote: Tue Jul 08, 2025 3:10 pm

NoelSmith wrote: Mon Jul 07, 2025 8:12 pm Nice kit.

Subject wise they are playing it a bit safe as one might very well understand.

I'm guessing that their next model might be either a Messerschmidt ME109 or a P51D Mustang?

I suspect an Fw-190 of some kind may make an appearance in the relatively near future as well as a P51. They seem to be concentrating on the more famous fighters for now.

digger303 wrote: Wed Jul 09, 2025 1:06 am

RangerNeil wrote: Tue Jul 08, 2025 3:10 pm

NoelSmith wrote: Mon Jul 07, 2025 8:12 pm Nice kit.

Subject wise they are playing it a bit safe as one might very well understand.

I'm guessing that their next model might be either a Messerschmidt ME109 or a P51D Mustang?

I suspect an Fw-190 of some kind may make an appearance in the relatively near future as well as a P51. They seem to be concentrating on the more famous fighters for now.

Yeah I don't think the Pacific theatre or a Russian plane will figure in the plan.
You might see them squeeze in markings for a NZ plane when they can.

NoelSmith wrote: Thu Jul 10, 2025 9:11 pm Kotare I believe consists of ex Wingnut Wings people.

So I can understand and see their rationale bringing out 'safe' subjects for the foreseeable future by making what is referred to in the trade as 'bankers' going for the more appealing WW2 aircraft subjects such as Me109, P51 Mustang, FW190 to name a few.

The Wingnuts kits being larger scale WW1 aircraft was in too much of a niche market to chase. Due to the subject matter (although fabulous kits) in the long term what they were doing just became unsustainable.

Stokesy44 wrote: Fri Jul 11, 2025 6:50 am

NoelSmith wrote: Thu Jul 10, 2025 9:11 pm Kotare I believe consists of ex Wingnut Wings people.

So I can understand and see their rationale bringing out 'safe' subjects for the foreseeable future by making what is referred to in the trade as 'bankers' going for the more appealing WW2 aircraft subjects such as Me109, P51 Mustang, FW190 to name a few.

The Wingnuts kits being larger scale WW1 aircraft was in too much of a niche market to chase. Due to the subject matter (although fabulous kits) in the long term what they were doing just became unsustainable.

Agree on all points

NoelSmith wrote: Mon Jul 14, 2025 8:53 pm Provided the moulds still exist since WNW's demise there is that possibility.
But the main question is 'Who would want the risk to take it on?'.
Given that the large scale WW1 aircraft kit market was limited, it would need a big player like Revell for example to take the moulds on and use them for occasional release, limited to every few years or so.
Somehow I cannot see it happening for the foreseeable future. The lots of willing buyers out there may not be as many as you imagine Digger, even at more sensible prices.

digger303 wrote: Tue Jul 15, 2025 1:11 am

NoelSmith wrote: Mon Jul 14, 2025 8:53 pm Provided the moulds still exist since WNW's demise there is that possibility.
But the main question is 'Who would want the risk to take it on?'.
Given that the large scale WW1 aircraft kit market was limited, it would need a big player like Revell for example to take the moulds on and use them for occasional release, limited to every few years or so.
Somehow I cannot see it happening for the foreseeable future. The lots of willing buyers out there may not be as many as you imagine Digger, even at more sensible prices.

Maybe not, but the molds are the most expensive part of getting a kit to market. All the research, design and actually producing the molds is done.

Stokesy44 wrote: Tue Jul 15, 2025 6:55 am

digger303 wrote: Tue Jul 15, 2025 1:11 am

NoelSmith wrote: Mon Jul 14, 2025 8:53 pm Provided the moulds still exist since WNW's demise there is that possibility.
But the main question is 'Who would want the risk to take it on?'.
Given that the large scale WW1 aircraft kit market was limited, it would need a big player like Revell for example to take the moulds on and use them for occasional release, limited to every few years or so.
Somehow I cannot see it happening for the foreseeable future. The lots of willing buyers out there may not be as many as you imagine Digger, even at more sensible prices.

Maybe not, but the molds are the most expensive part of getting a kit to market. All the research, design and actually producing the molds is done.

I do wander if there's a problem with 'ownership' of the molds. There were rumors of litigation surrounding the molds for the 1/32 Lancaster when Border Models was working on the kit for release. The Kotare team are ex WNW and they have gone in a different direction from WW1 kits. Maybe there's a clue in that.

At the end of the day its a shame that such quality kits are not on the shelves anymore.

NoelSmith wrote: Wed Jul 16, 2025 10:09 am The Lancaster moulds are probably a different litigation issue altogether from when WNW went bust.
The WW1 aircraft moulds would have been seized by the liquidator, so so knows what will happen ? The liquidator would be naturally looking to sell the moulds on to recoup as much money as possible from the WNW bankruptcy.
Agreed the kits are superb but as I have mentioned before they were catering for a very niche market, and the reality is that once the initial enthusiast market became exhausted the cash flow problems started. And thereby this is where the problem lies with selling the moulds on. What company would want to take the risk of shelling out a considerable amount of money for kit moulds for a very limited market that has already been saturated? From a business point of view it would be taking on a highly risky venture.

Stokesy44 wrote: Sun Jul 20, 2025 1:28 pm Hannants have announced the arrival of the Kotare 1/32 Me 109. It looks like Kotare are repeating the same mistakes as WNW with their pricing. The kit is £100. To me, that is way too steep for a single engine WW2 fighter that doesnt even come with an engine. Now I know its heralded for its accuracy and engineering but so is Tamiya's Spitfire and that comes with a beautiful engine for the same price. Its also one of the best put together kits ever released.

In comparison, Hannants also have a 1/32 Tempest V with a whole host of added resin including ammo bays, ammo trays, weighted tyres and cockpit upgrades for £54. Its a stunning kit and I'm seriously considering buying it.

Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it......

digger303 wrote: Sun Jul 20, 2025 4:16 pm

Stokesy44 wrote: Sun Jul 20, 2025 1:28 pm Hannants have announced the arrival of the Kotare 1/32 Me 109. It looks like Kotare are repeating the same mistakes as WNW with their pricing. The kit is £100. To me, that is way too steep for a single engine WW2 fighter that doesnt even come with an engine. Now I know its heralded for its accuracy and engineering but so is Tamiya's Spitfire and that comes with a beautiful engine for the same price. Its also one of the best put together kits ever released.

In comparison, Hannants also have a 1/32 Tempest V with a whole host of added resin including ammo bays, ammo trays, weighted tyres and cockpit upgrades for £54. Its a stunning kit and I'm seriously considering buying it.

Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it......

Is that the special hobby hi-tech kit ?
https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/SH32 ... oken=Phst0

Tamiya is about the only one you can draw a comparsion with isn't it ? I mean for the level of detail and ease of build and for a guide we can buy the Tamiya kit in the different boxings for 190 -210aud at BNA with Kotare at the same level. Do you think the marketing dept simply used Tamiya as the right level despite not having a engine ?
I do tend to agree with you not knowing anything about this cheaper kit. Love to see you build it as I think it would be very useful for us all.


Ps...as another guide I can buy a Tamiya Mk.XVIe posted for 126 or the Mk.IXc for 10 aud less. So yeah Kotare is cashing in on the old rep.

Stokesy44 wrote: Sun Jul 20, 2025 10:44 pm

digger303 wrote: Sun Jul 20, 2025 4:16 pm

Stokesy44 wrote: Sun Jul 20, 2025 1:28 pm Hannants have announced the arrival of the Kotare 1/32 Me 109. It looks like Kotare are repeating the same mistakes as WNW with their pricing. The kit is £100. To me, that is way too steep for a single engine WW2 fighter that doesnt even come with an engine. Now I know its heralded for its accuracy and engineering but so is Tamiya's Spitfire and that comes with a beautiful engine for the same price. Its also one of the best put together kits ever released.

In comparison, Hannants also have a 1/32 Tempest V with a whole host of added resin including ammo bays, ammo trays, weighted tyres and cockpit upgrades for £54. Its a stunning kit and I'm seriously considering buying it.

Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it......

Is that the special hobby hi-tech kit ?
https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/SH32 ... oken=Phst0

Tamiya is about the only one you can draw a comparsion with isn't it ? I mean for the level of detail and ease of build and for a guide we can buy the Tamiya kit in the different boxings for 190 -210aud at BNA with Kotare at the same level. Do you think the marketing dept simply used Tamiya as the right level despite not having a engine ?
I do tend to agree with you not knowing anything about this cheaper kit. Love to see you build it as I think it would be very useful for us all.


Ps...as another guide I can buy a Tamiya Mk.XVIe posted for 126 or the Mk.IXc for 10 aud less. So yeah Kotare is cashing in on the old rep.

Yes, thats the Special Hobby kit.

I'm very tempted to buy it and its payday on Friday!

NoelSmith wrote: Sun Oct 26, 2025 10:00 am Looks like those ex Wing Nut Wings employees are playing it safe with what subjects they are bringing to market, so more power to their elbow.
A sensible approach from Kotare appealing to a broader market subject wise.
WNW kits were renowned for their quality so no argument there. It was their subject choice that I believe was their problem. Large scale World War 1 aircraft alone was too much of a niche market to sustain after the initial purchases by WW1 aircraft enthusiast modellers.

RangerNeil wrote: Sun Oct 26, 2025 11:21 am Seems a forthcoming release from Korare isn't going to be US or Russian - but British - and big. A Halifax!! Markings to include RCAF, RAAF and RNZAF machines as well as Coastal Command and RAF.

digger303 wrote: Sun Oct 26, 2025 11:45 pm

NoelSmith wrote: Sun Oct 26, 2025 10:00 am Looks like those ex Wing Nut Wings employees are playing it safe with what subjects they are bringing to market, so more power to their elbow.
A sensible approach from Kotare appealing to a broader market subject wise.
WNW kits were renowned for their quality so no argument there. It was their subject choice that I believe was their problem. Large scale World War 1 aircraft alone was too much of a niche market to sustain after the initial purchases by WW1 aircraft enthusiast modellers.

A sad state of affairs, it could be the enthusiast ww1 builder who wants the those ww1 kits might have to resort to STL files.

Stokesy44 wrote: Mon Oct 27, 2025 7:38 am

RangerNeil wrote: Sun Oct 26, 2025 11:21 am Seems a forthcoming release from Korare isn't going to be US or Russian - but British - and big. A Halifax!! Markings to include RCAF, RAAF and RNZAF machines as well as Coastal Command and RAF.

I think there's a way you can follow and be involved in the development of the kit. Kotare are breaking new ground with their customer base.

Stokesy44 wrote: Mon Oct 27, 2025 7:44 am

digger303 wrote: Sun Oct 26, 2025 11:45 pm

NoelSmith wrote: Sun Oct 26, 2025 10:00 am Looks like those ex Wing Nut Wings employees are playing it safe with what subjects they are bringing to market, so more power to their elbow.
A sensible approach from Kotare appealing to a broader market subject wise.
WNW kits were renowned for their quality so no argument there. It was their subject choice that I believe was their problem. Large scale World War 1 aircraft alone was too much of a niche market to sustain after the initial purchases by WW1 aircraft enthusiast modellers.

A sad state of affairs, it could be the enthusiast ww1 builder who wants the those ww1 kits might have to resort to STL files.

They targeted a market that wasn't there. They only lasted as long as they did due to outside funding so there was no way back when that was pulled. Its a shame and I wonder if a smaller more targeted range would have been more popular, they could have reduced prices due to economies of scale and made it a viable business. At least some of the employees got going again with Kotare.

RangerNeil wrote: Mon Oct 27, 2025 3:44 pm

Stokesy44 wrote: Mon Oct 27, 2025 7:38 am

RangerNeil wrote: Sun Oct 26, 2025 11:21 am Seems a forthcoming release from Korare isn't going to be US or Russian - but British - and big. A Halifax!! Markings to include RCAF, RAAF and RNZAF machines as well as Coastal Command and RAF.

I think there's a way you can follow and be involved in the development of the kit. Kotare are breaking new ground with their customer base.

Yes, if you contact Kotare and register interest in the kit you get added to the discussion groups - currently e-mail, Facebook and Britmodeller.. They are looking at a Discord group too if theres enough interest. Being a mug for the new and unusual I registered interest - hence how I knew what the marking options currently are. At the moment the main discussions are on how much detail to include in the interior and whether to incle detailed engines as per the BM Lancaster.

Stokesy44 wrote: Mon Oct 27, 2025 7:44 am

digger303 wrote: Sun Oct 26, 2025 11:45 pm

A sad state of affairs, it could be the enthusiast ww1 builder who wants the those ww1 kits might have to resort to STL files.

They targeted a market that wasn't there. They only lasted as long as they did due to outside funding so there was no way back when that was pulled. Its a shame and I wonder if a smaller more targeted range would have been more popular, they could have reduced prices due to economies of scale and made it a viable business. At least some of the employees got going again with Kotare.

Wasn't the targetting down to the companys owner, film director Peter Jackson's (LoTR, Hobbit fame) personal interest in such machines? I seem to recall when WnW was shut down during Covid there was a substantial outcry that he'd treated people's livelihoods as though part of a throwaway hobby.