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Post by acroray on Sept 5, 2012 12:04:12 GMT -5
Anyone know what's up with Monarch Models? After a couple of really beautiful kits - and with their GORGO kit just about to be released - they seem to be gone!
Their website is gone. Their official Facebook page hasn't been updated in forever.
It would be lamentable if Monarch folded. Of all the Aurora-styled companies out there, I think Monarch's work is probably the most Aurora-like of them all. When I got their Frightening Lightning Nosferatu, it was like someone handed me deadstock of a lost Aurora kit.
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Post by becdecorbin on Sept 5, 2012 12:34:37 GMT -5
According to a year-old thread at Hobbytalk, Monach Models' website has been down before so they can update. Maybe that's all it is.  |
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Post by TAY666 on Sept 5, 2012 18:04:30 GMT -5
I don't think they are gone.
I think they are just keeping quiet until the Gorgo is actually ready to ship to customers.
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Post by RetroArt on Sept 13, 2012 22:09:25 GMT -5
Yeah, that's what i heard.
Just waiting on the paper goods for the Gorgo kit to ship out(boxes, instructions, etc).
I'm DYING for the Gorgo kit- looks like a perfect AURORA styled kit!
Always wanted to see a kit of Gorgo since i was a kid.
It's been over 30 years so I can be a...little...more...patient...but...it...is....dif...fi..cult.....gonna....hulk.....out.....!
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Post by TAY666 on Sept 16, 2012 17:37:31 GMT -5
This was posted on the Clubhouse.
"Just spoke with Scott and all is well...
He wasn't on Vacation, on the contrary he just got a promotion...for those who don't know Scott Mckillop is a Doctor and he was super busy in August and early September. Because his yearly renewed hospital staff appointment is tied to his university rank, he recently had to go through the HUGE task of getting himself promoted from assistant professor to associate professor. He did it, but it ate up his entire August and early Sept. it was necessary to maintain his status/job at the university affiliated teaching hospital.
Busy guy....right now he is getting his website up and running and Gorgo updates are imminent...he just needs a little time to catch his breath. "
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Post by acroray on Sept 17, 2012 15:24:48 GMT -5
Well, I work at a university and spend a lot of time working with professorial and medical staff. It's a wonder he's even got time to eat or go to the bathroom with positions like that!
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Post by TAY666 on Sept 17, 2012 16:11:08 GMT -5
Well, it might be a little different up north (he is Canadian after all)
But yeah, I am sure he's been pretty busy.
I look at Monarch like a styrene garage kit company.
A small one man operation, that puts out new stuff when time and funds allow.
The kits are always awesome. Even the ones I have little interest in, look great.
I'll take what I can get, when I get it.
It's not like I don't have other stuff to work on in the mean time.
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Post by scooke123 on Sept 17, 2012 16:41:32 GMT -5
you are right there Trevor - I am really surprised we have gotten the kits from him we have already. I couldn't start to imagine how much time and aggrevation it must take to bring 1 kit from start to finish. I have absolutely no complaints and am grateful to get whatever we get. Like you I have plenty to keep me busy and after all its not life and death, only a box of plastic parts!
Steve
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Post by prescenes2 on Sept 28, 2012 21:29:18 GMT -5
Speaking of Monarch, What's this?......  ;D |
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Post by becdecorbin on Oct 1, 2012 7:37:36 GMT -5
Polyphemus the Cyclops? I figure just a prototype. He's missing the little Greek in his clutching hand. Attachments:
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Post by prescenes2 on Oct 7, 2012 19:52:34 GMT -5
Yes it is a prototype. Waiting for the rest of the parts to come in.
I was lucky enough to get this bad boy when the sculptor didn't want his copy. Just waiting for the base, back part of the loin cloth and a few small parts to complete. For the most part, Polyphemus is done!
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Post by prescenes2 on Oct 27, 2012 10:34:27 GMT -5
Received the rest of the parts needed to finish the build up. Got 'em all primed and ready for paint.
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Post by becdecorbin on Jan 4, 2016 7:18:15 GMT -5
Monarch Models is now officially defunct. Those like me who were looking forward to the Cyclops and The Fly and a few others will be disappointed. However, I did like their Gorgo (despite some problems) and Monarch did do much in inspiring returned interest in the hobby. They will be missed. (See their Facebook page)
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Post by prescenes2 on Jan 4, 2016 12:52:06 GMT -5
Just got an email from Scott. From his explanation, I can see why he's done. Part of the reasons is when the figure kit demographic sales is a low four digits, that's not enough to proceed and make it a go. I can relate with the PS demographic. If the add-ons sell at a single to a low double digit, it makes it hard to continue to produce, sculpt, mold and cast kit after kit. If it wasn't for the love of the "hobby" and the PS, WE would've be gone a long time ago. Probably one of the main issues behind Alchemy shutting down too. Makes me concerned about the new up and coming PS kits from DenComm. Fingers crossed!!!
We'll miss you Scott!!
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Post by artdecovampire on Jan 4, 2016 15:01:30 GMT -5
From a Prehistorix point of view, releasing kits its usually a labour of love and most of the time we are happy to make enough to finance the next big kit. I have huge respect for anyone who gets as far as producing an injection moulded or vinyl kit. The costs are staggering and its a big gamble with your own money. Like a lot of garage manufacturers I have a full time job and my spare time is a valuable commodity. Even simply updating a website takes a huge chunk of it and drawing up instructions isn't a quick job either. Mark Kreiss is a real powerhouse so both our sculpts for the kits get done. I think if we made a loss we would still keep going for the fun of it. But resin cast in rubber means at the worst we would be £200 or so out of pocket. Still that's a big enough hit and one you could do without. Scott seems to be a real role model and though I don't know him at all I have to say I salute the achievements he has made and Monarch will probably end up a bit of a legend in time.
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Post by TAY666 on Jan 4, 2016 19:08:19 GMT -5
I too was saddened when I heard about Monarch.
I loved their kits. I have multiples of the Ghost, Nosferatu, Gorgo, and of course the MS gift set.
I also had great respect for Scott.
Back when they first came onto the scene, I didn't know what to make of them.
Then I saw them at WF and chatted a bit, but not too much the first couple years. The show is hectic, and there wasn't a lot coming out, so not a lot to talk about. But the first PS display, back in 2010 was right next to them. So, I spent quite a bit of time visiting with Scott and Gary. That was when I really started to get it.
Scott was doing this for the pure love of it. (much like me and my PS obsession). I could respect that.
And I got a bit of a better idea of the inner workings of the company. Just how much time was involved with it, and how little free time Scott actually had.
From then on, I have staunchly been in Scott's corner. I've defended him and his company in countless online discussions. Sadly, many in this hobby suffer from the 'I want it now' syndrome. Even if it is just going to sit and be neglected from then on. That kind of constant negativity probably didn't help.
(one of the reasons Frank at Moebius left the message boards a long time ago)
I take some solace in knowing that now Scott can relax a little bit and enjoy some time with his family.
Maybe even build a few kits now.
And who knows, maybe some day he will jump back into the game again.
Until then I will enjoy what I did get from him.
Now, as to the situation with Mike at Alchemy. I don't think his retiring has much to do with sales.
He's constantly casting kits. If not his own, then for several other producers that have depended on him for years to do their casting for them. I think he has just gotten to the point where he wants some free time again. He's been doing this for a long time. And Mike is no spring chicken anymore either. I'm sure he wants to 'stop and smell the roses' while he is still able to.
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Post by TAY666 on Jan 4, 2016 20:51:36 GMT -5
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Post by prescenes2 on Jan 13, 2016 14:28:18 GMT -5
I ordered another Drac/hyde combo pack last weekend. This gives me two combo kits. I don't plan on saving or reselling this kit anytime soon or in the future but one never knows. Anyway, I have some plans for the second kit. Currently, I have the MOTM Drac built. The Drac from the first kit purchased I am going to use the Molemento Pete add on kit with Drac lying in his coffin. The other parts I don't use might become a Male Victim or another Monster type humanoid. Haven't really sat down to draw this out but I thought I'd better get another before they're gone just the same. The other kit I want but haven't had the funds for was the Gorgo kit. It's not a huge must have for me but I would like to own one just the same. Someday!
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Post by TAY666 on Jan 13, 2016 19:37:45 GMT -5
For me, my favorite is still the Ghost.
Yeah, I love Gorgo, but I can scratch that itch with Godzilla kits too.
And the combo packs are great, as it really adds to the MS line, but all I really needed were the other set of legs for Drac.
But the Ghost, there isn't anything else like it out there.
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