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you proved my point to a degree with the Puchi's. They didn't last. I don't know many people that have them to be honest.
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Me niether, but the point is that they were very hot once. They died because of the crappy mini van bodies and electronics that would not allow low profile bodies to come along. The price didn't kill them, the lack of body styles and add ons did.
If you look at the entire micro propo market, you see two types of product that have come along so far. Cheap cars that are barely propo, and expensive cars that are very nicely propo. The only two to fit that last catagory so far are the Puchis and the Epochs. Epochs don't really count because of their scale. That leaves only one other fully propo product in the upscale bracket. It didn't last because of the electfonics profile not allowing sleek little bodies to fit the chassis. It wasn't the price. Though, I'm sure it slowed sales as I didn't buy one primarily because of a "wait and see" attitude toward the price dropping. The same will happen to this new car in the beginning. But, there seems to some major differences between this car and the ill fated Puchi. It looks tight, compact, and race worthy. There are already several body styles being offered, and there are (as I understand it) three chassis types to choose from. This is a good solid base for a beginning product line. And you get all of this choice for 20-40 less than a Puchi. If sucessful, I'm sure more add ons will become available. Cost can come down and more folks can enjoy them.
I'm just glad people bought VCRs when they first came out at 500.00. They drove the industry and sparked demand which lowered production costs through quantity. Now, I can go get a VCR for 40.00. Amazing how support for something can make it cost less for everyone.
I'm willing to bet dollars to donuts that if a huge corporation offered these things, they would be half the cost in the initial offering. But, I think this product is being developed by an individual and that means shorter production runs and, therefore, higher price. If we really want a high end of performance in this scale, perhaps we should consider supporting the individuals who are trying to develop the products for us. Or, we can bash and kill them before they even hit the market and tell everyone I told you so. In this way, we can ensure that 1/64 scale will never go beyond the child's toy level.
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That Tx is killing me though. The Epoch had a decent looking Tx....not to mention they were 1:43 scale.
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Agreed. If the guy is smart, he'll offer a "hobby" TX for the more serious consumer. I'm getting the impression that the TX is the equivalent of "a paint job and a set of tires" to the average hobbiest. It may well make or break a product in the upscale end of the market. When price dictates percieved quality, quality must be dripping from all pores. Especially the TX.
Even if that little crappy keyring TX is an absolute break through in RC technology, most people will percieve it as being cheap. And in this price range, perception may be more important than actual performance.