Ford Edge (facelift)

[ensemble187]

Does anyone know if any of the manufacturers plan to make the upcoming facelifted version of the Ford Edge? This would be an interesting prospect as the prototype would translate well to HO scale, and will soon be marketed in all major global markets.

Tony F.

[hovehicle]

Tony,

Do you recall about 5 years ago that River Point Station was going to do the Edge? It was going to be done in 2 versions also, but of course, there was not enough interest in the project. Model railroaders are way too cheap to pay more than 15.00 per vehicle plus it just HAS to be a truck based vehicle over here. Sadly, we missed out on another great vehicle from RPS.

If Herpa ever announces this supposed new HO vehicle that has never been done before then we might have a 1% chance that it could be the Edge. Otherwise, forget about it!

Maybe we can convince Neo to do some American vehicles from the 1990's-today; that would be something to cheer about.

Vito L.

[tbird428cid]

Vito,

I, too, was very disappointed that we didn't garner enough interest in the EDGE, and for that matter a number of other vehicles, including several Toyotas which we announced several years ago. However, aside from interest, manufacturers like RPS and NEO need to be cognizant of the relevant laws--particularly copyright laws relative to a vehicle's designs, logos, and what the motor companies refer to as "dress". In the USA, as well as several other countries, copyrights are essentially forever.

In Europe, and many other countries, copyrights have time limitations--in the EU it's 20-years. A European model maker, today, could make almost any vehicle, from any manufacturer, if the prototype was made prior to 1994, and do it without a license or impunity. But after the manufacture of said model, it gets tricky: Just because a 1993 Ford can be legally made outside North America, legal sales in some countries, including the USA, are another issue. That model can certainly be sold in Europe without restriction, and it can even be legally exported to anywhere from Europe, but unless it is licensed, it CANNOT be legally imported into the USA, or legally sold or bought in the USA. Therein lies the conundrum. Admittedly, this relies on Customs and customer honesty, but it is nevertheless illegal because it infringes on Ford's perpetual USA copyright protection.

Long story short, the potential availability depends on how long Ford's arm might be. They have a nexus in the EU, and one of these days they may choose to flex their muscle.

Ron

[jeffh]

I would suggest that the best chance of the new (2015 model year) Ford Edge being produced in our scale is if someone produces a limited run (kleinserien) resin model of the vehicle.

Jens Muller has produced a number of modern Ford models in resin in the past, such as the pre-facelift Fiesta and the Focus ST and has also produced a model of the 2012/2013 Ford Edge, so Jens would be a possible source of such a model.

In addition, Markus Meier, Gregor Mager, Hartmut Zacher and Christoff Zinn, among others, produce high quality resin models of modern vehicles - their brilliant handiwork can be seen on the mo87 web-site.

The other Ford SUV which I would like to see in 1:87 scale is the rather ungainly looking Ford Ecosport, which is actually a Brazilian Ford model which was available in Brazil and other third world markets such as South Africa about a year before it became available in Europe and the UK.

Regards

Jeff

[Cor_DutchArt]

Sure, but you are talkin about resin kits, no rtr models.
About the Ford Edge from JMK: I can ask him to make another run if I get enough response for it.
(A run means at least 15 models)

[jeffh]

I think the only possible rtr Ford we will see is the new Transit from Rietze but even in that case nothing seems to be forthcoming.

Increasingly, the number of rtr models of modern vehicles is shrinking with even certain German vehicles not being available and the only models of the Toyota, Ford, Jaguar and Opel modern vehicles are being produced in resin by kleinserien producers.

Jeff

[ensemble187]

Vito, I agree, I'd love to see more modern era North American prototype vehicles produced in 1:87 scale. I'm particularly interested in the updated version of the Ford Edge, at this point in time, because the facelift presents such a bold image. It's a look that would translate well into HO scale. In addition, and just as importantly, global demand for Crossovers is surging and the updated Edge will be marketed in all the world's major markets (China, Europe, North and South America, etc.). Timing is perfect to introduce this vehicle in HO scale...even factoring in Ford's model replica licensing fees.

The only caveat is that the model's introduction should be preceded by a robust marketing outreach program to dealers and consumers for at least a year prior to launch to generate a firm interest list. This might include "alerts" in Ford enthusiasts' forums, direct-mailers to dealers, and e-blasts emailed to consumers and dealers at pre-determined intervals during the year.

Ron, thank you for the added insight into the legalities behind the production process. That was helpful.

Tony F.

[Cor_DutchArt]

I think that there is just a small market for modern up to date cars in Europe, therefor also not much interrests from the manufacturers here to produce them. Herpa is the brand of modern models, but all the others release youngtimers.
Your only chance are the vintage manufacturers, but they mostly produce kits.(as mentioned)

Or a few-year-company like Fresh Cherries and others.

[ensemble187]

Hi Cor,

I have to say that I would probably agree with you if it were not for several observations:

- The industry has done very little direct marketing to consumers.

- Based on production numbers and variety, one might assume that 1:43 Scale is experiencing strong demand for all types of modern vehicles. Perhaps the sheer volume and variety of offerings in that scale has created a high level of excitement among collectors.

Tony F.

[stanhas87]

Dear All:

In small scale,probability is that the new Ford Edge may be done in 1/64 scale (as a non-kit).Greenlight been producing all sorts of new vwhicles in that scale,including the new Dodge Dart,Chevrolet Cruze,2012 Ford Taurus SHO,the very new Ford Explorer (civilian and Police Package) and the replacement of the Ford Econoline Van,the 2015 Ford Transit.It was stated many times on this board that American Cars on 1/87 scale will be done if the owner of the (foreign) Manufacturer Company - as was the case of Busch of the past;I met the Gentleman who created this Model Manufacyurer - will have interest on American Cars.And,since they had a more beautiful body design than today's cars (the big majority are very,very ugly),older vehicles will have the more possibility to be done.But,all and all,I am very happy that companies like Greenlight (albeit not in 1/87) bring the newer breathen and I would love if any Manufacturer - any,be Herpa,Brekina or Wiking - would do the same,but that have a very low probability.At the same time,this manufacturer - Greenlight - expanded to 1/43 and 1/18 scale so who know,they may get an interest to produce HO vehicles as well.

Probably someone will - a Dart in 1/87 would be interesting - but I am not holding my breath on that.

[hovehicle]

Nick,

I have tried many times in the past to get Greenlight to move over to HO; at first they seemed mildly interested, but now it's like talking to the wall. This happened at iHOBBYexpo over the years in Rosemont, IL. This would be the one company that could make dozens of HO vehicles if they wanted to simply because they already have the measurements and Ford seems to be relatively easy to deal with. I would buy the new Ford Edge and Explorer in multiples, like I always do if made well.

I'm sure even the Suburban, Tahoe, and Trailblazer from GM would get done if there was enough interest; they are certainly long enough.

Oh well, maybe one day RPS will really shock us and make a GM vehicle, specifically a 2005-2010 Tahoe. Ron already has the the light bar and push bar. Of course, GM needs to cooperate.

Tony, contact Greenlight, who knows what they might say? I'm sure the new Edge looks great, and the original was very unique too.

Vito L.

[ensemble187]

Vito and Nick,

Thanks so much for the insight and suggestion to contact Greenlight. They most definitely look like a manufacturer who might be willing to expand into 1:87 scale.

Nick, I’m still not convinced that the market for scale replicas of modern vehicles is limited. After several conversations with hobby retailers in New York City and Maryland, I learned that many of them weren’t even aware of the volume or quality of 1:87 scale vehicles on the market at the time. Pair that with the fact that 1:43 scale has gone supernova with myriad offerings that cross all eras and vehicle types, and I wonder if the current challenges with 1:87 aren’t with demand, but with the methods and frequency of communication manufacturers are having with consumers and hobby retailers.

There are examples of modern 1:87 scale vehicles that have exhibited strong sales success, including high-quality offerings like River Point’s pick-ups and Masterpiece’s Jeep Wrangler. The retailers that I spoke to hadn’t even heard of them, which surprised me as much as learning about them surprised the dealers. I don’t think the fix for this is complicated. Three or four e-blasts (descriptive, vibrant, digital e-mail ads) sent to retailers at specified intervals throughout the year, before the launch of upcoming modern HO models, should help to alleviate this problem. Even if the retailer doesn’t think the model is a good idea, he/she will be aware of it in case a collector comes into his shop asking for modern-era vehicles.

In addition, careful consideration of how a prototype will translate into 1:87 scale is critical. If the prototype is relatively mundane then it probably won’t have the details that would lend to a great looking HO scale replica. For example, the Jeep Grand Cherokee and new Cadillac Escalade would probably be appealing to first-time collectors as their muscular designs and bright bold chrome detailing would jump out at you from a tiny 1:87 scale model. The upcoming 2015 Ford Edge would do the same. Whether ugly or pretty, these prototypes are dynamic, making the presence of their miniatures stand-outs on store shelves. Others, unfortunately (while I really like them), probably won’t have the same presence if presented in HO scale (like the Dodge Dart).

I truly believe that our forum has the ability and spirit to re-invigorate consumer demand for our scale. I just don’t believe we have much time left to do it given that we may be losing an entire younger generation to other interests. The manufacturers in our hobby (and forum hosts, like 87thscale) are fantastic and dedicated, so I know we can get there!

Tony F.