Possible new product for scratch building - ArcKit

[NCS from Qbyn]

I found this product at an online hobby shop today. It is a building construction system that provides a number of pre-fabricated parts that allows you to build architectural models from a range of click together parts.
While probably aimed at indoor modellers, the parts are made from ABS plastic, so may well be UV resistant and adaptable for outdoor use.
It has been described as "high class LEGO", which probably does it a disservice, as it seems to be designed to construct far more realistic buildings than LEGO could ever do.
I was really excited by this, as it would allow you to design your own buildings, and then build them. They even say they are going to provide a service to create new parts, based on user suggestions. They also suggest adding 3D printer produced components.
Have a look at their web site at http://arckit.com/ The company is based in Ireland - Dublin.

However, after doing a bit more research, my hopes were somewhat dashed - the scale is 1:48 - O-scale.

They invite comments on product development ideas. So, I have sent them an e-mail asking if they have considered, or would consider, making their kit sets available in G-scale as well - or at least 1:24 scale.
If a product like this were available in 1:24, it would open up a potential to scratch build in G-scale with much less effort than is currently necessary.

I am hoping they will see the potential for a G-scale market. Any thoughts on this?

 

[korm kormsen]

the system looks interesting - the prices not.

 

[NCS from Qbyn]

the system looks interesting - the prices not.

I agree, it is a bit pricey, which is a little surprising, considering they seem to be selling a lot to schools. However, I would bet that those schools are getting a discount for bulk. On the other hand, now they are moving into the consumer toy market, their prices may come down - especially if they are competing with products like LEGO. [Mind you, LEGO isn't that cheap either!]. My worry would be that they could add quite a premium for a G-Scale product. This is all speculation though, especially as they have not shown any intent to move into the G-Scale market at this stage. They only started in 2014, so I guess a lot could happen in the next few years. It's a bit of a watch this space situation.

 

[idlemarvel]

If they made it in 1:24 it would fit well with the Playmobil market but the prices are too high at the moment IMO.

 

[railwayman198]

Reminds me a bit of the Bayko stuff we used to play with when we were kids http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bayko-out...298214?hash=item41b8ae32a6:g:JIcAAOSw14xWI-rz
I can't remember what sort of scale Bayko was though

 

[stockers]

Have to say that Bayco stuff looks better. The Arckit has no relief on the wall, such as brickwork, and the roof does not overhang at the eaves.

 

[playmofire]

Reminds me a bit of the Bayko stuff we used to play with when we were kids http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bayko-outfit-no-2-by-Plimpton-in-good-condition-1950s-/282271298214?hash=item41b8ae32a6:g:JIcAAOSw14xWI-rz
I can't remember what sort of scale Bayko was though

It goes well with O scale stuff.

 

[trammayo]

I buy modelling materials from this UK company and get emails (which I look at and then delete). But I remember a similar scale - ideal for 1:48 - so I just looked it up -

http://www.alwayshobbies.com/specia...tage-with-water-wheel-architectural-model-kit

A little more character don't you think?

 

[Rhinochugger]

Have to say that Bayco stuff looks better. The Arckit has no relief on the wall, such as brickwork, and the roof does not overhang at the eaves.

Ah Bayko - I used to build dream buildings, but my mother had to dismantle them so that I could build another

There was often a problem though, the dream was frequently bigger than the number of parts in the box

 

[mikanmart]

Ah Bayko - I used to build dream buildings, but my mother had to dismantle them so that I could build another

There was often a problem though, the dream was frequently bigger than the number of parts in the box

Ah Bayko - I used to build dream buildings, but my mother had to dismantle them so that I could build another

There was often a problem though, the dream was frequently bigger than the number of parts in the box

There was another problem , remember the little rods that you slid the bricks down? I do , still have the scar to prove it . I trod on one which I'd mounted in the green base plate and it came out of the top of my foot . On those grounds alone , 'elf'nsafety would ban further production

 

[stockers]

Under EN71 - Toy safety, all you would need to do is label the product with an appropriate age and a warning - functional sharp point.

 

[David1226]

I trod on one which I'd mounted in the green base plate and it came out of the top of my foot

If you'd sat on it it would have been a pain in the arse.....

David

 

[dunnyrail]

It goes well with O scale stuff.

I used to be so frustrated as a kid that my Bayco Buildings were just too big for my TT Trains. Now I know why. Fascinating to see it again at Train Collectors Society events, even at the odd Swop Meets where it commands reasuringly high prices. Would be of little use in the Garden as the Rods would rust away, deconstructing the Building eventually.
JonD