Updating Existing Molds ??
Ken...
Everyone hears the old song and dance about "repaints" but I personally have no problem with them if new liveries or stations are made and better yet if some updating is done.
My question is... How difficult is it to "update a mold"?? Can it even be done??
Discussion has been going back and forth on this forum and others from time to time complaining about things being brought back but without substantial improvements. I admit I am one of those very vocal about this. My fear is that due to costs, Code-3 will go back to using all old molds and in the process give up the many fine details and improvements that Characterized Code-3 Products when it was in it's prime.
Let's look at the recent release Ladder 33 for example. Some things cannot be changed I know (eg: complaints of the cab not in scale). However, and I will be the first to admit that I do not know what it takes or costs to modify a mold but... How much effort would it take to update a mold such as this one to include features from your later, more improved lines.?? I am referring to making the windows flush instead of recessed, adding updated lights (head and taillights molded in clear plastic and appropriately colored as required), and perhaps sharper details or reliefs, anything that would update the quality of the existing mold to your higher standards.
On the same note, if you used a mold that had various "molded in" details like grab handles, taillights, pump panel details, etc.... Could these be updated with add ons like actual grab handles, making lights more realistic looking (as noted with Ladder 33) by using clear plastic and coloring them, and finally the pump panel enhanced with greater detailing either through sharper relief or decal type graphics...?? Or would this be too cost prohibitive verses the return on the investment..??
I am not trying to get you to reveal costs, that is none of my business, I'm just wondering if it was cost effective to say "update" an existing mold to bring it to the higher quality we have come to expect from Code-3. In my mind (not educated in die cast manufacturing) I would think that since the primary cost has been made, updating a mold, if it can be done, would be minimal cost with possibly greater return on the investment.
Am I on base or running all the way to the outfield...????????
Mark
It's a complicated subject but I'll try to answer the best I can. You can always ask more questions if I don't cover everything.
1.) Mold modifications are fairly inexpensive. We have a fixed tooling budget and it has to be spread out over multiple projects. Once a modification is made you cannot reverse the changes and that is taken into account. Also, some projects are given no tooling dollars. This is often the case when we choose to use an older mold. I do see some mold changes on the schedule for 2010, but at this time I do not know what the extent of the changes are.
2.) It's hard to replace molded in details with new parts, for instance lights. It would most likely require a mold change to the main housing. Most of the small parts are injected molded plastic. If we have an appropriate part/mold we try to use it. If not, we have three choices - use an existing part though it is not 100% correct, create a new mold for the parts, or tampo print the detail. No matter what decision is made, there are always compromises.
3.) We are definitely looking at improving pump panels. We currently use existing panels though they are not always 100% accurate.
4.) Again, I'll mention compromises (in no way is this a compromise in quality). We can't cover everything, but we try to do our best. I know that some of our recent models are not up to the "old standards" of Code 3, collectors have made that clear to us. We are always trying to make the next model(s) better.
Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys
