FineScale Modeler 11 2004

Hobby manufacturers are facing an increasingly complicated legal hurdle in the production of new kits: licensing. A license is an agreement between a company owning a property and one that wants to create a product with the name, images or distinguishing marks of the property on it. For example, Playing Mantis, which produces "Star Trek" kits in its Polar Lights line, obtained a license to do so from Paramount (owned by Viacom). Companies that produce NASCAR models must be licensed by multiple entities, including NASCAR, the car owner, and every sponsor with a decal on the vehicle. The licensor wants to make sure its brand is displayed accurately and on the best product possible. Some want nothing more; others see licensing as a legitimate and lucrative revenue stream. In most cases, manufacturers have to pay for each license. Common licensing agreements stipulate the licensor gets a percentage of each kit sold and a guaranteed fee. Any fixed-term royalty agreements must be renewed as long as the kit is sold. According to industry sources, licensing costs vary widely. Ed Sexton, Revell-Monogram's senior manager of product development, says, "The cost of a license depends on the royalty percentage rate that is calculated on the wholesale price of the product." That rate can be as low as 1% and as high as 20%.

Download (depositfiles.com)

Model Magazine International 04 2006

On the hull top all moulded bolts were removed with a scalpel, because reference material shows that these need to be recessed. To represent this feature I used a beading tool, gently pushing the tool on the model to create small recessed circles. The loaders hatch was a bit too narrow and was widened with some plastic strip. The commanders hatch was completely replaced with thinner plastic card and hinges from the Aber detail set. The small hatch in front was thinned with a scalpel and a file to bring it to scale. The same procedure was used on the rear of the left side cover panel (C17). The hatches on the rear deck (C11) need a bit of sanding back to make them fit properly. I also glued a piece of strip along the inner edge of the opening in the hull, and this was also done on the small hatch for the periscope. On the rear deck the moulded upstanding triangles need to be cut off as these do not feature on the Stug III B. Also the half moon shaped guides for the towing ropes had the moulded detail carefully removed with a scalpel and were refined to take some Aber parts. Before closing the hull I painted the interior matt black to prevent any unwanted reflections.

Download (depositfiles.com)