Are metal working engine model kits just too niche?

General Discussion
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Hey everyone. I desperately need some honest, blunt feedback from fellow modelers who actually understand this hobby.

We are a manufacturer specializing in all-metal, fully functional DIY model kits. Mechanics are our absolute passion—we’ve poured everything into engineering classic L4s, V8s, V12s, diesel engines, 5-cylinder radials, and even scaled-down turbofans and turboshaft engines.


I personally love engines and mechanical movement, and I always believed that modelers and gearheads would appreciate the tactile experience of putting these intricate pieces together, and the satisfaction of watching the mechanics actually run.

Instead, reality has given us a harsh wake-up call. We’ve been reaching out to hobby distributors and shops, but the response is universally cold. Because these are all-metal, our manufacturing costs are high, which pushes the retail price to the higher end. Shops keep telling us the same thing: they are “too niche,” “too expensive”.

I keep wondering: Is the price tag of all-metal manufacturing a complete dealbreaker for the modeling community, or are we just looking in all the wrong places?

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The first thing I would ask is what is the price? I would say that it is a niche market for this sort of kit. But is the price what someone in that niche market be willing to pay?

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I’m on my 3rd one - the dual spool turbofan. I’ve done the 5 cylinder radial and the T-700. They kits are a joy to build and very well made and packaged. I bought one a year when I received my annual bonus from my job. I’d say price is the factor here - these are not cheap. Super fun - makes me feel like I’m a kid with my erector set again.

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I personally think these kind of engines are amazing pieces of engineering, actually even full size engines are as well. That being said, I think it’s a very niche market to be sure. You didn’t mention scale, which is difficult to determine based on the pictures you posted.

I would have to think that the fully finished kit would look just the same in a display case, with or without the internal components, so I guess my question would be, who exactly are you marketing this toward?

I would love to have a display piece like this, but it doesn’t have to function if the cost difference was substantial. That said, would I like to build a functional one? Yes, but probably only one. If it was an operating cutaway, where you can see the parts move after assembly, maybe I would be more interested, but again probably not more than one.

This isn’t something everyone would want, nor be able to build. It would most likely be a one time purchase for anyone interested. I see it somewhat like the large, wooden ship models with all the rigging - they look amazing on display anytime I’ve seen them, but I would never be able to build one to that level, nor have the money to buy one at current retail prices.

You have what appears to be an amazing product, but I think you need to really identify who your primary customer will be and market accordingly. This is not a product of which I would want to carry a large inventory if I operated a store. I think more of a direct sales / mail order system, with very good / targeted marketing, would be the way to go.

Good luck on this project, it looks quite impressive.

Edit - just noticed they are kind of cutaway, but it’s a bit difficult to see in areas. Maybe more colour (materials) to make it more visible. As well, maybe having kits that show finished product no moving parts might be an option.

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Seeing this completely made my day. Thank you so much!
We know these kits are a big investment, so hearing this gives us a huge boost to keep pushing forward with our R&D and developing new models.

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Thanks for the detailed breakdown! You made some incredibly solid points here.

Your advice on focusing on direct sales rather than stocking retail shelves makes a ton of sense. It really confirms we need to rethink our distribution strategy.

About the visibility—we actually do use anodized coloring on the parts to help them pop, but clearly, my photos didn’t do them justice.

The idea of a static, more budget-friendly version is a great suggestion that we’ll seriously look into, too. Thanks again for the awesome feedback!

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Thanks for the reply, stikpusher.

Fair question. It varies quite a bit depending on the size and complexity of the kit, but most of the engine kits are in the few-hundred-dollar range.

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You have me if you put out a big block Chevy

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Here’s my two built up. 3rd in the works

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I’ve watched several videos on YouTube of these being built. Super cool!!. Extremely detailed and insane engineering. Definitely a one of a kind type of kit. I think the cost would be a deal breaker for many modelers. I can’t even imagine the cost to produce these beauties
If I were to purchase one, it would definitely be GE commercial aircraft engine.

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Thanks, I really appreciate the honest feedback.

You’re completely right about the production cost. Making these from real metal parts, with working mechanisms, is a huge challenge.

That’s exactly what I’m trying to understand here — whether the main issue is that this type of kit is too niche for most modelers, or whether people like the idea but the price pushes it into the “special purchase” category.

I can definitely see how it wouldn’t be an impulse buy for many builders.

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I’d say it’s a yes to both questions. As you can see by the feedback there is a market for these items. It’s going to appeal to X amount of modelers who are interested in the mechanics of engines. But only Y amount of those modelers will be able to afford such kits. Most in the hobby now tend to be older, some with deep pockets and lots of disposable income, and others on a fixed income and tight hobby budgets.

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A big block Chevy definitely has a huge following. We’ll consider it.

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Nice build! Looks like you’re a true mechanical guy at heart.