kmistove's Blog
Posts: 204
Yes. More info and pre-orders this Friday, May 1st.
Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys
- from the topic: Gettysburg Sutphen Engine
Re: THANKS CODE 3
November 6, 2009 by kmistove
When we lowered the cost of the membership earlier this year, we gave members an extra year if they renewed between October 2008 and mid March 2009.
Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys
Re: Will code3 make trucks from Smeal?
November 5, 2009 by kmistove
No, we do not have license for manufacturing Smeal apparatus.
Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys
Re: Spare Parts
November 5, 2009 by kmistove
I like the idea of supplying a set of accessory pieces for Kit Bashers. I will talk with John Dunkel about this. I don't know if it will happen, but I think it's a great idea.
As far as a Kit Bash release... you never know what might be under the tree this Christmas.
Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys
Re: Updating Existing Molds ??
November 5, 2009 by kmistove
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
Re: spare patrs
November 5, 2009 by kmistove
I'm going to move this to the Kit Bashing category. Code 3 does not supply spare parts at this time.
Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys
Re: replacement parts
November 4, 2009 by kmistove
Sorry, but we do not have any replacement parts for that model.
Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys
Re: TWH
November 4, 2009 by kmistove
We will not comment on competitors.
Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys
Re: What drawing for a free truck?
November 3, 2009 by kmistove
Send me a private message with either your account number or email address. I can then look up your account and let you know what is going on.
Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys
Re: What drawing for a free truck?
November 3, 2009 by kmistove
The contest form was included along with our recent mailing of membership cards. We had a problem getting new cards and it took over 6 months (you can't believe what I went through to finally get them).
Sorry but, it was limited to the approx. 1500 cards we sent out.
I'll talk to John Dunkel about running more contests that are open to everyone.
Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys
Re: 2 questions for Code 3?
November 3, 2009 by kmistove
1.) When I help review new models (I'm starting with the 2010 season), I'll take a closer look at the mirrors.
2.) I haven't spoken to John Dunkel, but I would expect that the free model would be the winners choice from something we have in stock (1/64 scale only).
Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys
Re: Membershirp Free Truck Draw
November 2, 2009 by kmistove
It is open to all members, not just the US.
Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys
Re: SHIPPING FDNY LADDER 33
October 31, 2009 by kmistove
I don't have access to inventory right now, but I think not until Monday. It was available for shipping on Friday. However, the warehouse may have processed open orders on Friday before the new ladder 33 orders actually got to them.
Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys
Re: accuracy
October 31, 2009 by kmistove
Any product that Code 3 manufactures is produced within the constraints in place at that time. Some projects are given a tooling budget, others are not. Releases are delayed because of factory capacity. The list goes on... This is really not the place to discuss the inner workings of Matrix/Funrise/Code 3.
Given the choice of producing models with inaccuracies (I would rather call most compromises) or producing no models, we choose to do the best we can. Have there been outright mistakes? Yes. Will we make mistakes in the future? Probably.
We are only as good as our last model in the eyes of the collectors. That being said, we always try to make the next one(s) better. Believe me, I'm doing everything I can to help Code 3 succeed.
Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys
Old Glory Flag Set Instructions
October 30, 2009 by kmistove
The factory forgot to include the instruction along with the Old Glory Flag sets. Below is a copy if the text that would have been on that sheet.
CODE 3 COLLECTIBLES
OLD GLORY COLLECTION
The American flag is the most recognized symbol of freedom and democracy in the world.
Virginia Foxx
From California to the New York Island , from the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream waters, Fire Departments proudly fly the American Flag on their Rigs. Now you can add Old Glory to your own replica rigs. The Old Glory flags are designed in a scale to fit 1/64th models. Like the real Departments, you can fit the flag wherever you feel appropriate.
Some suggestions from “kit bashers” and model builders are:
* Find a spot on the truck where there is an assembly line and gently press the flag pole into the small opening. Between the body of the truck and the ladder is a good place to fit the flag.
* Use a very fine (Dremel) size drill bit to drill a hole in the location you want and insert the pole. A drop of glue on the pole before inserting will secure the flag.
* Super Glue is recommended as the best adhesive to glue the Flag at an angle or straight up at an appropriate location on the truck. Follow the glue instructions, put a small amount of glue on the pole and hold in place until set, usually one minute.
* For you really serious modelers – fashion a flag holder out of a small cocktail straw, paint the straw with aluminum spray paint, allow to dry thoroughly, mount to desired spot on truck with super glue , insert flag pole into holder. This will allow you to remove the flag when you wash your truck or play with it.
Happy Collecting!
Re: New Flag Set
October 30, 2009 by kmistove
Sorry all, I've been so busy that I forgot. I'll make an official post, but for now...
* Find a spot on the truck where there is an assembly line and gently press the flag pole into the small opening. Between the body of the truck and the ladder is a good place to fit the flag.
* Use a very fine (Dremel) size drill bit to drill a hole in the location you want and insert the pole. A drop of glue on the pole before inserting will secure the flag.
* Super Glue is recommended as the best adhesive to glue the Flag at an angle or straight up at an appropriate location on the truck. Follow the glue instructions, put a small amount of glue on the pole and hold in place until set, usually one minute.
* For you really serious modelers – fashion a flag holder out of a small cocktail straw, paint the straw with aluminum spray paint, allow to dry thoroughly, mount to desired spot on truck with super glue , insert flag pole into holder. This will allow you to remove the flag when you wash your truck or play with it.
Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys
Re: FDNY Truck 33
October 30, 2009 by kmistove
Compromises have to made on all models. Those reviewing and approving our models know that. We also have to work within the budget we are given for each model. While 100% accuracy would be ideal, we can only do so much.
Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys
Re: Truck Selection by Region
October 28, 2009 by kmistove
I'll have something before the end of the year. I've got a big project to work on that needs to be done at the end of November. After that I'll have more time to devote to Code 3.
Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys
Re: Access denied to Club Member Area/paid member renewal in March 2009
October 27, 2009 by kmistove
If you (or anybody) has a problem that you want taken care of quickly, please send me a private message on this forum. During work hours I try to check in 3 to 4 times an hour (once an hour at home). Private messages come straight to my email. I also see all incoming customer service email messages but I usually only respond if customer service escalates it (I do much more than Code 3 and just don't have the time).
For the record, Code 3 and Funrise share the same customer service personnel (located here in California). As we get closer to the holidays, call and email volume picks up dramatically.
Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys
Re: Access denied to Club Member Area/paid member renewal in March 2009
October 27, 2009 by kmistove
I saw your "Web Site Problem" email sent to customer service. Your email arrived less than an hour ago.
I see nothing wrong with your account. I'll send you your login details and copy customer service.
Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys
Re: Christmas truck
October 26, 2009 by kmistove
The rims should be red unless something has changed with the real rig. I really don't know if the picture of our model is from the latest drawing revision. I will check, and if there is a mistake, I will see about getting it corrected. There are no excuses, but some details slip by no matter how hard we try. Thanks for pointing this out.
Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys
Re: 2009 Releases
October 26, 2009 by kmistove
There are no sellouts yet this year. The economy has hit everyone hard.
2010 will be more diverse. Are their some older Macks? Yes, but they are mixed in with a lot of other releases. In addition to 2 new molds (ALF 900, Seagrave Marauder II) we will be using some older molds that have not been used in a while.
Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys
Re: Christmas 2009?
October 23, 2009 by kmistove
More info in tomorrow's newsletter.
Please do not respond to questions in this category. It is intended for answers from Code 3 employees only.
Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys
Re: 1/32 Diamond Plate Engine Case
October 21, 2009 by kmistove
There has been a delay because our factory is not making these. I hope we can give a firm shipping date within the next two weeks.
Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys
Re: New Sutphen Ladder truck
October 21, 2009 by kmistove
One is on the 2010 schedule (mid year).
Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys
Re: LA pumper 51
October 21, 2009 by kmistove
I'll let JD know about your ideas (I'm trying to answer questions while he is traveling).
An LA County model is on the 2010 schedule.
Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys
