<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(The Watchman @ Feb 8 2007, 04:26 PM) [snapback]1414542[/snapback]</div>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Treadwell @ Feb 8 2007, 10:29 AM) [snapback]1414483[/snapback]
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Atemylunch @ Feb 7 2007, 06:15 PM) [snapback]1414094[/snapback]
The Falcon was the easiest/cheapest to develop.
Or they put more into the Falcon, it would have the greater return. The Enterprise was second but more costly to develop(it is more complex a model then the Falcon, electronics and all)[/b]
Quite the opposite.
Electronics, once designed, can be cranked out by robots for pennies.
The number of parts that require tooling and manual assembly is where it gets ya. The Falcon is far more complex than the E in that regard.
[/b][/quote]
Barry mentioned the same thing long ago on this thread or the Falcon thread. That was before he lost his keyboard. :unsure
[/b][/quote]
Well I havent quite lost my keyboard. I've just been busy and not paying attention to this thread.
I've read the reports of customer's complaints. I've read people's nervous responses to customer's reports of complaints. I've read the widely varying opinions as to whether or not the paint job is accurate, the pencil lines should/should not be there, should be scaled thinner... But I have to admit I haven't gone back through the entire contents of this thread.
Here's what I know. So far some 800 and something models have shipped to customers. MR have received numerous emails in praise of this Enterprise model from grateful customers. I believe it has generated the most direct customer response of any MR product. The total returns on the E currently stands at 12 pieces, or so Amy informed me a couple of days ago. They have mostly been to do with the electronics. That's under 2% which any business will tell you is pretty darn good for pieces that include electronics.
I won't engage in any debate about the perceived accuracy issues as to the colors, finish etc. Master Replicas engaged the help of many dedicated E enthusiasts who know far more about the ship than I do. As for variable quality in a mass produced hand made item, that is inevitable unfortunately. These pieces are made by hand. The paint colors should be as spec'd. The standard of the finish on the model should be as spec'd.
The Enterprise comprises of injection tooled ABS body parts assembled onto an internal die cast and machined metal chassis. The electronics are assembled onto the frame. The injection parts are added, their seamlines hand finished and the model is readied for painting. The model is essentially molded opaque, painted black to prevent light leaks, and then the outer coat is applied. Windows are laser cut into the paint and removed to give that almost flush with the surface look, and to expose the lighting within. When it passes inspection the model is deco'd and Bob's your uncle.
The E is a VERY delicate design. These pieces are individually hand made. MR tries to ensure that every model meets a required standard before it leaves the factory, it's no fun disappointing customers. But sometimes things get through and things can and do happen during transportation. If customers receive a ship they are truly unhappy with, they are covered by the MR guarantee and may return the piece for a full replacement/refund. That's the only way I know to keep your customers happy.
Barry
