Yippee!!!! Rapido's Royal Hudson progress report

[Rapido]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the positive words about the Hudson. It is indeed a very early sample - the first out of the moulds. We were surprised it could move! We expected it wouldn't...

The post on the Atlas forum had nothing to do with our steam program. I wanted to see what people thought about modelling the transition era based on the fact that our new Dash 8 (modern freight) is getting so much more publicity on Facebook and forums than any other model we've done. 

I found it very surprising because the RDC, for instance, outsold the Dash 8 by 50%. And I'm talking quantity rather than dollar value. But you rarely see Rapido RDC photos on forums or on Facebook. It comes down to the fact that younger modellers are more likely to share their work online, and they are more likely to model modern freight.

The steam program will be determined entirely by the pre-orders for the Hudson. If it flops despite being regarded as a great model, then we have to reexamine our steam program. If the order deadline comes and we've met our sales target, then the D-10 goes to the mould shop the next day. We don't expect the Royal Hudson to sell in the same numbers as a D-10, but it still needs to meet its own sales target. 

Steam is a whole new ballgame for us. While we have a sales target (which is a trade secret!) we honestly don't know if we'll sell 1000, 2000 or 3000 Royal Hudsons. We'll see on order deadline day, which is likely going to be July 1st.

As for participating on forums, I find there are only so many hours in the day. I probably should be more active in different forums but, to give you an idea... I was away last week on a trip to New York to do some promotional stuff. I came back to over 500 unread emails. I'm glad I checked in here and saw this thread.

I remember when I used to do all of our product development. Now I am only responsible for the British buses, the N scale GMD-1 and the TurboTrain. Everything else is being managed by Bill, Gareth, Dan D. and Josh. I don't have time to manage any other projects.

I guess these are good problems to have... 

-Jason

 

[selector]

Thanks, Jason, it is reassuring to have you post here, even if it's a rarity.  And thanks for fleshing out your circumstances and your approach.  I hope you get some strong interest and commitment for the Royal Hudson, and that you can move on to at least another couple of steamers.  I think it would be nice, ephemeral a project though it may turn out, to have a strong legacy of top quality steamers that are highly regarded by users for many years to come.

I wish you success.  I know you would rather have that than mere luck. 

-Crandell