MFTwin Replica KIT

MamodFan · MFTwin Replica KIT

It has been mentioned by MM in another thread so I thought that I would raise few questions that you all might b able to answer.
I am giving some thought into reducing the number of complete MFTwins to a production of 50.
The remainder of the 100 engines would be produced as a Kit form.

If I were to do this how much of a kit would you like to see?

Do you want all components made so it is a bolt together job or would you like a kit of parts formed to the correct shapes ready for soldering, ie steam pipes etc?

How much soldering would be acceptable, steam pipes or boiler end caps?

I need to release some of the money that is tied up in this project so that I can have a look at other things/projects I want to do.

Your thoughts would be most welcome.

I like this picture so I've stuck it on the end.

bessytractor

I think a kit would be really good (and possibly cost effective for those who can't justify paying for the RTR one). I think soldering the pipes is something that I would be happy to do.

johnreid

I would think that the End Caps would be better to come pre-soldered. Although many have the skills, many more "think" they have the skills and it would be a unhappy consequence.
Have you considered how much price difference there would be?
At the moment one is beyond my means, but they sure do look like the nicest thing out there at the time being.

toxx

... a kit form would be great!

Pre-soldered endcaps, i.e., ready to steam, checked boiler. Everything else screw and bolt-together. A treat!

Also: A larger and more detailed (spoked) flywheel.

MooseMan

Personally I'd love this as a kit of machined parts, with all the soldering still to be done. That would give me the option to make my own configuration.

Rob

i think having the boiler ready to run would be good, with just the steam pipes to be soldered on. how much is a ready to run one? they look soooo nice...

johnreid

Why not offer different configurations.

MooseMan

Maybe it would be possible to sell this engine is varying states of finish......personally, I'd love one that doesn't even have the boiler drilled for the bushes.

Steve_S

I too would prefer to have a kit which required all of the soldering to be done, but I wonder if you would be restricting your market if you did that? Many potential customers might not be happy to solder a boiler.

bessytractor

steamyjim

I think one in between raw materials and bolt together (soldered and painted) kit would be brilliant

MamodFan

Thanks for the feedback guys.
There seem to be two camps on this one:
people that want a real challenge and those that want a simple job. My problem is that my time does not cost much and it is the components that make up the majority of the final price. that being the case, there cant be much difference in price between the two types of kits. To give you an idea of costs involved the boxes alone have cost me £7 each. I think that each engine takes between 4-5 hours to make up from raw materials
I need to get a set of instructions drafted.
Without digging out all my invoices I would guess the kit would come in at between £100-£120.
Is this still going to be of interest to people?

Rob

doesnt sound too expensive. how much is a ready to run one?

MamodFan