by JULES » Sun Jan 21, 2018 10:01 pm
Dave,
I’ve mentioned it a couple of times already in this topic about exactly what I mean. Let me be more specific.
I’m not advocating a cartel lock out. That would be ridiculous. I am suggesting that (from my POV) there is enough choice in track system types already. It’s a piece of plastic with two metal rails in. The problem is that different makers choose, or want, to make their systems non-interchangeable. That does not make sense in such a small industry. Ease of interoperability can help promote a product rather than isolate it. IN MY OPINION, at this stage in the cycle of slot cars sales, I feel there should be some consolidation rather than division.
Earlier in this topic I raised the issue about diluting sales from other brands and I made a specific point that said that ADDITIONAL buyers had to be found in order to support additional full set sales from another ‘ready to play’ boxed set supplier. If no additional buyers are found through a mega advertising campaign in North America AND Policar is successful in its quest then sales will be lost from either Carrera or Scalextric. The point I made was that this will not be good news for either of those brands and that will upset further the general health of the hobby. However, if Maurizio does deliver a crushing blow to Carrera or Scalextric then that is great business for him and we’ll all say “well done”.
Finally, the repetition of molds of ‘already done’ models is something that has been proven to be sustainable. That’s just not the question we’re on about here. You only need one track but you can have 100’s and 100’s of models. All of them Mustangs/Camaros and Javelins if you like – but only if they’ll run on your specific track.
Anyhow, Munter is correct. More great news is being announced, (today I think). Another track set system to be released. Some competition for Policar, perhaps. Can’t say the maker just yet because as at 4:05am (UK time) I don’t see the info online yet. I dare say the full info will get posted shortly. For now we can only guess about its features. Will it be gray in color? Three lanes? Have adapter plates to link into Carrera/Scalextric/NINCO/SCX/Policar? Will it be quad-digital, one chip does all? Will it be made of balsa wood or recycled car tires? Anything could be on the cards.
Jules