Thoughts about a MMX builders special

[jflis]

Figured this would be a good place for some feedback. (NOTE: If you are not into micro rocketry, please ignore )

I am contemplating a "Builders Special" around our line of Micro to the MAXX parts.

The set would come with enough material to build a certain number of rockets (see poll) and would include body tubes, motor tubes, cones, fin stock, various rings, blocks, lugs, streamers, kevlar, etc, etc. Everything you need.

It would be contained in a small cardboard box with a handle (can be used as a range box). Some limited documentation would be included.

The question is, assuming an average cost of $5-6/kit equivalent, how many should I design the builders special for?

I will run this poll for 5 days and then look into adding some detail as to what could/would/should be in such a kit (that will be a separate thread)

Thoughts, feedback, comments?

thanks,
jim

 

[chuckpo]

Jim,

First off, top notch kits! Thanks for what you do for this hobby.

I see something like this being an "educator special" or something similar. A bundle of small scale rockets that can be built and flown in a small group/field for a science class/cub scout pack/etc. In that mode of thought, I picked 5 per kit, so that people could order in lots to make their counts easier.

I know that this might not be exactly what you were looking for, just my :2:

Chuck

 

[gpoehlein]

Great idea, Jim. Would it be a set collection of parts that would always be present, or a varying set that might be different each time you order one? If the former, how about giving us a heads up of what would be in there. Given that, several of the TRF mmx fans could create some interesting design ideas that could be included in your limited documentation. Nothing as fancy as a real plans with instructions, but maybe a 3D exploded view drawing of a rocket with the parts needed to build it (which would, of course, be part of the designers special). Could be a lot of fun!

 

[Queeg500]

Wonderful idea! When I buy MMX parts from you I tend to focus around the BT-3. So maybe a set of 4 BT-3 tubes, 4 different BT-3 nosecones, finstock and mototmounts? That would work for me.

 

[jflis]

I was looking at this as being more of a "designers special" where you would get a nice selection of parts from which you could build X number of models of your own design.

My goal would be to make the set a fixed set of parts where you would get the same stuff each time. It would NOT be a mechanism used to expel excess or unwanted parts.

We would offer the opportunity for limited customization (like swaping out a nose cone for something more desired) but this would incur a delay in shipping.

Right now I am looking for a gauge of just how MUCH stuff I should put in this box. The more stuff I can put in it the lower the cost (per part) would be as it drives up the overall volume of parts going out the door.

As I mentioned above, after getting an idea of how *many* rockets worth of stuff to put in there, I can start another thread to focus on WHAT should be included for those kits.

this could be fun I will try to post a picture of the box later today (gotta get ready for pumpkin class...)

jim

 

[Micromeister]

Jim:
5 models in the 25 dollar range sound about right as a designer's special. If you go much more expensive I'm not sure how many Newbies will try or buy one?
I've had a number of people in my area asking where to get parts and starter kits over the past couple months Good to hear your looking at this kind of inspiration giving "box-O-Micro-Parts":2:

PS: Didn't we talk about a T2+ & T3 direct downscale BNC-5V? I thought I ask about 20- T2+ and 10- T3's several months back, we were waiting for pricing but it's been awhile now? Let me know.

 

[The EGE]

Hmmm... smaller and cheaper is good. 4-5 rockets for under 25 or 30 bucks would be in my price range.

 

[chanstevens]

I'd also toss in one other kit/pack option--a "complete" box-o-parts does have appeal and would certainly help grab newbies, for the rest of us I could see some appeal to box-o-tubes or bag-o-cones type deals where for the same $20-25 we get a bunch of neat parts that can't be assembled into anything in particular without other box/bag-o-kit type stuff. I'd rather drop $25 for an assortment of tubes than for an assortment of tubes, cones, some balsa, a few feet of kevlar thread, a little mylar streamer strip, etc. I'd rather spring for $5-10 for a bunch of centering rings.


--Chan Stevens

 

[KHamel]

Great idea Jim, love the way you think. I agree with Micro, 5 kits for around $25 to $30 range is the way to go. :2:

 

[powderburner]

Wow, that's an EXCELLENT idea!

Why not offer two specials? Maybe one sized to make 3 or 4 or 5 rockets, and a bigger version that makes 8 or 10 rockets?

Or is that too much inventory to mess with?

 

[jflis]

Wow, that's an EXCELLENT idea!

Why not offer two specials? Maybe one sized to make 3 or 4 or 5 rockets, and a bigger version that makes 8 or 10 rockets?

Or is that too much inventory to mess with?

Yeah, too much inventory... Plus such kits will tie up a lot of inventory too, so I have to keep an eye on that as well...

 

[shreadvector]

I cannot vote as all the choices are for rockets that will cost $5 or $6 each. In a bulk pack scenario, I would hope that micro rockets would only cost $3 or $4 each.

 

[mjennings]

Currently I have a once flown Tog, but have been contemplating the wee little ones, as the parks and school fields near by me are small, and club flying maybe few and far between for the immediate future.

I picked 5 because that seems a good balance between # of rockets, Cost, and letting Jim not have to buy a second house to keep his invintory in.

However, Jim a MMX designer special is only a gateway to the 13 mm, 18mm and 24 mm specials

 

[chuckpo]

Actually, I've never flown the micro scale rockets. I would still buy 5 of them in a box like this to play around with. I cant tell you how many times I've left rockets at home due to field restrictions, and I'm sure I don't have to tell you how much fun that is...

 

[markschnell]

I did a little quick math on Jim's site with MMX components. Here is a rough breakdown on straight retail costs. Note, I divided out the cost per each item when they came in a three pack, etc.

BT-3, 6" body tube - .98
NCB-3AD nose cone - 2.35
1/2 LL - .24
2' of kevlar thread - .22
2"x3" 1/32 fin stock - .88 - I divided a 3"x6" piece of finstock by three, the 2"x3" is still way more than enough for a MMX rocket. It was the smallest size Jim sells lose so I just guessed on this.

So the grand total for this ROUGH estimate of retail prices is $4.94 for one rocket with a generous portion of fin stock and a relatively long body tube. So you have to take into account what various kinds of nose cones he would include, whatever goodies he might throw in, and the convenience of him putting it all together for you in a reusable box.

 

[markschnell]

BTW, we know Jim well enough to know that he would treat us right and give us a great value for whatever he is selling!!

 

[shreadvector]

Oh, if it was a MicroMaxx scale rocket bulk pack I would certainly pay $6 a rocket for whatever number of rockets could be assembled from the parts and instructions.

And I might buy several so that newbies can grab one at a club launch - like I did with the Quest items that were blown-out earlier this year.

 

[Boosterdude]

Great Idea Jim!

 

[jflis]

I did a little quick math on Jim's site with MMX components. Here is a rough breakdown on straight retail costs. Note, I divided out the cost per each item when they came in a three pack, etc.

BT-3, 6" body tube - .98
NCB-3AD nose cone - 2.35
1/2 LL - .24
2' of kevlar thread - .22
2"x3" 1/32 fin stock - .88 - I divided a 3"x6" piece of finstock by three, the 2"x3" is still way more than enough for a MMX rocket. It was the smallest size Jim sells lose so I just guessed on this.

So the grand total for this ROUGH estimate of retail prices is $4.94 for one rocket with a generous portion of fin stock and a relatively long body tube. So you have to take into account what various kinds of nose cones he would include, whatever goodies he might throw in, and the convenience of him putting it all together for you in a reusable box.

Whoops!

you missed:
Motor tube: $0.72
Centering rings (CRF-2.5-3): $0.54
Engine Block: $0.26
Streamer: ~$0.35
Cord Anchor: ~$0.20
==================
So add $2.07 for a total of $7.01 and you have a better estimate...

fwiw
jim

 

[jflis]

Oh, if it was a MicroMaxx scale rocket bulk pack I would certainly pay $6 a rocket for whatever number of rockets could be assembled from the parts and instructions.

And I might buy several so that newbies can grab one at a club launch - like I did with the Quest items that were blown-out earlier this year.

A "micromaxx SCALE rocket bulk pack" would be a totally different animal. This would imply that the package includes designed models of specific scale rockets. The whole purpose here is to specifically *not* provide any "kits", but rather to provide a nice selection of parts that the modeler can use to build their own designs and dabble in micro rocketry.

As for "micromaxx scale rocket bulk packs", we already offer that in that we will bulk pack any kit in our catalog and we currently have one scale micro kit (Honest John). If you have use for such a bulk pack let me know and I can shoot you off a quote. Also (off topic, but) I hope to have more scale models in the micro line in the near future so stay tuned.

jim

 

[shreadvector]

Bulk packs of the same model are great for group/calss building sessions, but that's not what I'm talking about.

Let me be more specific: From what I've seen from beginners/newbies - they want regular micro rockets that are cheap for the most part. Some of them will want the more exotic looing sport models and will pay a bit more. And most of them like scale models and will pay a bit more than a basic model as well.

So, an inexpensive builders special for a bunch of simple models would be good (in my opinion).

A multi-pack of scale models would be nice as well (even though you did not ask about that in this poll).

Obviously, as history has shown us, many designers special type parts assortments are targeted at those who want to design exotic or elaborate designs. Of course, with MicroMaxx, you can only go so big and exitoic before it won't leave the launch rod.

Thanks.

 

[Micromeister]

I believe the idea is to get a complete grouping of needed Micro size parts in the hands of those wishing to design there own models.
To that end Jims "Designers Special" is a Welcome gift. In the beginning; it was Truely a pain coming up with usable parts for the creation of Custom Micro models. Now it's almost a one stop shopping experience....and For that we must all say again...Bless you JIM FLIS !!!!

A 4 or 5 models worth of Random parts is just exactly what the doctor ordered when it comes to creative building simple to complex micro models.

Back in the day I purchased several Estes Designers special boxes..Back before they turned into the Catch all junk boxes currently offered just to get some random parts on which to start building my standard size model inventory.

It is my hope that Jim will in fact decide on a sampling of materials that will do the same for all those who've never built a micro model before. While it's true the simplest of models CAN cost as little as a buck, anything with centering rings jumps the price well over 5....Retail

 

[CharlaineC]

I love the idea and also think jim and micro are right. i loved the ested d.s. but the last one i had was very low qual with most of the body tubes being damaged in some way and a ton of mis matched parts. Jims d.s would let me build some great creations ans micro clones for half the cost.

 

[blackjack2564]

I think the idea has good merit.
Being rather new [about a year], the 5 model package hits the need on the head.

By my humble standards and experience.....let's see....so far built 6 mmx. launched 5 times, got 1 left. Loss rate approx. 1 per outing.

5 rockets will give the beginner at least three launch experiences, with enough rockets left over if they lose any, to keep them interested in mmx.

Sounds like a winner to me Mr Flis!

Really looking forward to the thread on whats going in it!

 

[jflis]

Well, the feedback has been great. I will start up another thread shortly to discuss the contents of such a package and get feedback from folks about that aspect of it.

Thanks again everyone!
jim

 

[blackjack2564]

On a related note....

.....it's getting close to Halloween.

I hope you are going to entertain us this year with some of your fantastic pumpkin carving !

 

[jflis]

On a related note....

.....it's getting close to Halloween.

I hope you are going to entertain us this year with some of your fantastic pumpkin carving !

Yep, already started a thread HERE.

jim