MR Falcon
- Thread starter Pauleysolo
- Start date
QuiGonFishing
Active Member
Paint Master
Production
Paint Master
Production
All the above arguments are true enough, but there is something to be said about expectation setting. Should it really the place of the customer to conclude that the model he saw at the MR booth at a major show will not be representitive of the final finish he will receive after being convinced to plunk down his money (in large part based on the ComiCon example)?
No, I think that if the finish is going to be as different as these examples show, there should be a LARGE disclaimer explaining that these paint masters are produced as a guide for the production crews and represent a "best possible case" for the final look of the model - that the PMs are done by artisans and the production runs are done by assembly workers. If they are going to display the PMs in public they really need to be honest about what they represent and what they don't. This stuff should not be left to us to assume. We're not all SS aficionados.
Production
Paint Master
Production
All the above arguments are true enough, but there is something to be said about expectation setting. Should it really the place of the customer to conclude that the model he saw at the MR booth at a major show will not be representitive of the final finish he will receive after being convinced to plunk down his money (in large part based on the ComiCon example)?
No, I think that if the finish is going to be as different as these examples show, there should be a LARGE disclaimer explaining that these paint masters are produced as a guide for the production crews and represent a "best possible case" for the final look of the model - that the PMs are done by artisans and the production runs are done by assembly workers. If they are going to display the PMs in public they really need to be honest about what they represent and what they don't. This stuff should not be left to us to assume. We're not all SS aficionados.
nightrider
Sr Member
The model at CC was not the paint master, it was a production model painted by the factory in China that was supposed to reflect the quality that could be expected in the finished product. It was more than close enough to the paint master to satisfy me, however the images above are not. Here's a couple of pics of the factory painted CC Falcon.
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imaginager
Sr Member
QGF & TN,
You certainly have valid points. But, I want to offer the following for consideration.
I am not a true SS modeler. However, in general terms, I understand the process. One examines photographs and matches parts on the model to the correct donor kit part in the correct scale. Once a piece is confirmed, you use it to assist in deriving the shape and size of that section of the Falcon's hull. It's a tedious process to create the basic shape of the Falcon. Lots of trial and error.
I don't buy kits, peruse scans of kit sprues, trade information on kitbashed parts, make superlative parts discoveries...any of that. But, I know that there are perhaps a couple handfuls of model kit manufacturers from which ILM acquired the donor kits. Some of these kits are probably discontinued. If there were only 20 donor kits necessary to make the Falcon, then that translates (conservatively) to about $1100.00. Of course, that cost only represents what it would take to buy exactly the correct kit the first time. In reality, anyone who attempts this task will quickly discover that you don't buy the right kit the first time. Sometimes, not even the second time. So, in donor kits alone, you would pretty quickly approach and exceed the cost of MR's replica. Which, of course, benefits from all of the correct parts that have been identified, ILM access and the expertise of those individuals who have spent years researching the ship.
MR's Falcon would be a bargain if it were painted candy apple red, when compared to what it would take to reproduce it oneself.
All of that said, yes, I do wish the paint job were a little closer to the sample that was premiered. But, as Brundlefly said, you would be looking at, easily, twice the cost to get both the model and the paint, if not for MR. Is this poor advertising practice on the part of MR? Well, their website advertises: "Authentic battle-scarred and weathered paint scheme". Websters says that authentic means, made or done the same way as an original.
It would have been a good discussion for this thread 4 months ago. As others have pointed out, previous samples of MR's SS paint jobs are known quantities.
I have no part in the production of this piece (I'm just a consumer, too). But, I do sincerely hope that everyone receives a product that meets with their satisfaction.
Allan
You certainly have valid points. But, I want to offer the following for consideration.
I am not a true SS modeler. However, in general terms, I understand the process. One examines photographs and matches parts on the model to the correct donor kit part in the correct scale. Once a piece is confirmed, you use it to assist in deriving the shape and size of that section of the Falcon's hull. It's a tedious process to create the basic shape of the Falcon. Lots of trial and error.
I don't buy kits, peruse scans of kit sprues, trade information on kitbashed parts, make superlative parts discoveries...any of that. But, I know that there are perhaps a couple handfuls of model kit manufacturers from which ILM acquired the donor kits. Some of these kits are probably discontinued. If there were only 20 donor kits necessary to make the Falcon, then that translates (conservatively) to about $1100.00. Of course, that cost only represents what it would take to buy exactly the correct kit the first time. In reality, anyone who attempts this task will quickly discover that you don't buy the right kit the first time. Sometimes, not even the second time. So, in donor kits alone, you would pretty quickly approach and exceed the cost of MR's replica. Which, of course, benefits from all of the correct parts that have been identified, ILM access and the expertise of those individuals who have spent years researching the ship.
MR's Falcon would be a bargain if it were painted candy apple red, when compared to what it would take to reproduce it oneself.
All of that said, yes, I do wish the paint job were a little closer to the sample that was premiered. But, as Brundlefly said, you would be looking at, easily, twice the cost to get both the model and the paint, if not for MR. Is this poor advertising practice on the part of MR? Well, their website advertises: "Authentic battle-scarred and weathered paint scheme". Websters says that authentic means, made or done the same way as an original.
It would have been a good discussion for this thread 4 months ago. As others have pointed out, previous samples of MR's SS paint jobs are known quantities.
I have no part in the production of this piece (I'm just a consumer, too). But, I do sincerely hope that everyone receives a product that meets with their satisfaction.
Allan
cirrusx1
Well-Known Member
:cry
wa, wa, wa... come on guys...
This bashing of the MR Falcon is like having a hot chick show up at your house, naked and in heat. Did I mention hot, smokin, hot, and a chick, real girl, not inflatable, not transvestite...ready, willing and able to serve and no talking back...veryimportant.
Paint the bitch if you don't like it, It's well worth the money based on the construction and electronics. lastly and most important, Be glad your feeding a family of 111 in China for a year...
wa, wa, wa... come on guys...
This bashing of the MR Falcon is like having a hot chick show up at your house, naked and in heat. Did I mention hot, smokin, hot, and a chick, real girl, not inflatable, not transvestite...ready, willing and able to serve and no talking back...veryimportant.
Paint the bitch if you don't like it, It's well worth the money based on the construction and electronics. lastly and most important, Be glad your feeding a family of 111 in China for a year...
Im getting a bit pissed here, .... come on guys.....
Be happy that it's possible to get a VERY accurate 32" Falcon, part and dimention vise.
I have spend 1000+ hours tracking all the accurate parts down, and all you do is complain about a paint job,...
Feel like my efford is vasted - if you dont like the MR falcon, go BUILD one yourself, track down the accurate parts and try to match the paint job yourself....
DO ME HONOR
Be happy that it's possible to get a VERY accurate 32" Falcon, part and dimention vise.
I have spend 1000+ hours tracking all the accurate parts down, and all you do is complain about a paint job,...
Feel like my efford is vasted - if you dont like the MR falcon, go BUILD one yourself, track down the accurate parts and try to match the paint job yourself....
DO ME HONOR
I think shes beautiful in both cases of master and factory, just weighing up the cost of building one of these birds from scratch is a horror story, i just wish i could afford one at this time as id jump in head first. IMO its the most amazing off the shelf replica ive ever seen, but then anything MR seem to offer to us fans gets a hauling over the coals. I just took delivery of the snowspeeder (which also took some slating), brand new and sealed for £190, a total bargain, and im over the moon with its quality, as i would be with the falcon. Theres nothing stopping anyone from repainting it if its soooo bad, but i feel only a handful on these boards could ever do the job its full justice. Congrats to all about to recieve this replica, i hope one day ill see one in the flesh.
lee
lee
Did anyone notice on the plaque the word cannon is spelled wrong? It's missing an n. Wonder if they'll offer a replacement?
EchoLeader
Sr Member
To quote Luke.
"WHAT A PIECE OF JUNK"
And I mean that as the most sincerest form of compliment. :thumbsup
"WHAT A PIECE OF JUNK"
And I mean that as the most sincerest form of compliment. :thumbsup
EchoLeader
Sr Member
Maybe they meant Canon cameras.
Not sure what the problem is. I think the Falcon is GREAT. It is impossible to recreate the original ILM paint job on a "mass produced" item. I spent 2 weeks painting my Millennium Falcon model that I built in 1995 and I have not had on display in about 6 years.
The MR one is A LOT more accurate than mine and it looks GREAT. And that one I would put on display.
Tim
The MR one is A LOT more accurate than mine and it looks GREAT. And that one I would put on display.
Tim
I have been following this thread for a while now...with interests since I have one on order myself. I am actually looking forward to the task of adding my own personnal touch to this otherwise "out of the box" masterpiece. I understand that most of the folks who have or plan to purchase this do not have the skills to take on such a task but I feel that it is unfair to judge this piece on the paint detail alone. That said, I do feel that a side by side photo shoot should have been made available some time ago so that a fair examination could have been made...rather than waiting for a first hand impression of the actual production model from your living room. Myself, I can't wait for that baby to arrive at my house...bring on the FALCON..
~Kevin
~Kevin
nwjedidave
Sr Member
can anyone explain how to use my tracking # ?
I was emailed a 4 letter tracking # but there is no where to imput it on the MR page and DHS doesn't reckognize a 4 letter tracking # .....
*sigh*
I was emailed a 4 letter tracking # but there is no where to imput it on the MR page and DHS doesn't reckognize a 4 letter tracking # .....
*sigh*
Do they read LILE? If so I received the same tracking email. Your falcon that shipped was part of the first 50 that had to be delivered thru a private freight because the boxes were to big. I was told that this private contractor would then use UPS freight to deliver. I'm hoping mine shows up tomorrow. With no real way to track it you just got to be home because they wont just leave it. Need a sig. All future shipments will be handled by DHL because the shipping boxes were reshaped. A MR manager was kind enough to call me and explain this to me.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nwjedidave @ Dec 7 2006, 06:41 PM) [snapback]1373527[/snapback]</div>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nwjedidave @ Dec 7 2006, 06:41 PM) [snapback]1373527[/snapback]</div>
imaginager
Sr Member
Interesting. That's not the story I got. Similar, but yours has a twist. I got the same email with tracking information: LILE. However, I was told by 2 different MR reps that the freight company (LILE) would attempt delivery. When they failed to find me at home -- and they will fail to find me at home because (1) I have an inconvenient day activity called a job and (2) I have no idea when to expect them -- they will contact MR. MR will contact me to coordinate a new delivery time. Then, MR will call the freight company and advise them when they can deliver.
Darth Infamous: whereabouts are you located? I'm in Oregon, so mine has to come all the way across the country. I was told 5-7 business days. I don't really know what to make of the whole thing, just hoping for the best...... :confused
Allan
Darth Infamous: whereabouts are you located? I'm in Oregon, so mine has to come all the way across the country. I was told 5-7 business days. I don't really know what to make of the whole thing, just hoping for the best...... :confused
Allan
Hi Allan,
Well I got my info direct from a manager. I could swore she told me UPS freight was doing the shipping. Then again if that were the case wouldn't we have a tracking number? Well I just don't know what the story is now. :confused
I'm located in upstate NY. My falcon is coming from Jersey so I'm hoping it will be here tomorrow. I can let you know if it comes what the shipping deal is. Best of luck to you Allan. Lets hope this pans out properly.
Carl
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(imaginager @ Dec 7 2006, 09:33 PM) [snapback]1373612[/snapback]</div>
Well I got my info direct from a manager. I could swore she told me UPS freight was doing the shipping. Then again if that were the case wouldn't we have a tracking number? Well I just don't know what the story is now. :confused
I'm located in upstate NY. My falcon is coming from Jersey so I'm hoping it will be here tomorrow. I can let you know if it comes what the shipping deal is. Best of luck to you Allan. Lets hope this pans out properly.
Carl
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(imaginager @ Dec 7 2006, 09:33 PM) [snapback]1373612[/snapback]</div>
imaginager
Sr Member
Thanks, Carl. Yeah, please do let me know what your experience is. There is a LILE Relocation Services Division office in my city - only 7ish miles, or so, from my house. And, I'm tempted to contact them. But, they probably can't tell me anything...
nwjedidave
Sr Member
hey guys that was my shipping "#" as well... thanks for checking into it...
Allan -- I'm 2.5 hours north of you here in Seattle.
Allan -- I'm 2.5 hours north of you here in Seattle.
