Michael's selection getting bigger

When mine expanded the selection a little the paints were still there. Even the model rockets were still there.

Oddly, my local store still has the Testors enamels and model rocket kits.

Perhaps a manger choice ?

Sprue-ce Goose

Local Michaels  expanded it's kit selection.

Good News and Bad News.

Now an extra four feet added for plastic split between Revell and Testors.

Many more Snap Tite Star Wars, aircraft and autos.

More Auto kits, 1/48  Revell modern jets , helecopters and WWII aircraft

Fewer ships, one Testors Sherman 1/32 kit.

So did mine....but they eliminated (at least for now) the paint section. No Testor's paints remain, including clear coats, thinners, glues, etc. They also cleared out the model rocket section.

I'll have to keep an eye on its development. It would be nice if they cleared out Testor's to make way for Model Master's or something. That would make me happy enough.

Local Michaels  expanded it's kit selection.

Good News and Bad News.

Now an extra four feet added for plastic split between Revell and Testors.

Many more Snap Tite Star Wars, aircraft and autos.

More Auto kits, 1/48  Revell modern jets , helecopters and WWII aircraft

Fewer ships, one Testors Sherman 1/32 kit.

My vote was for a better selection of paints at Michaels. I care less about kits, do we really need a few more in our stash? A very subjective question but if I had a better paint selection at Michaels, I would save a lot of dough starting with gas, shipping and kits that I get by impulse once I get my hands on them. I usally keep my local Micheaels out of Gloss and Dullcote, I use it VERY often. I spent almost $300.00 at my local hobby shop the other day when Michaels was out of stock of Dullcote plus some jars of Acryl I needed. $300.00! How? Well, went to get the Dullcote and Chromate Green and left the store with a Trumpeter 1/350 Nimitz CVN-68 and a Revell 1/72 VII U-boot Wolf Pack that I have no idea when I will build them with 2 Tamiyas F16 C/J 1/32 and F15 Eagle in the pipeline among a bunch of other kits in my closet. That's the most expensive Dullcoat I have ever purchased. If Michales had it avaliable and the Acryl CG, I would have gone straight to the point

To remove the screen of confusion further,

I think that the parties most interested in seeing HL and Michael's increase their kit and supplies section the most are those who, like myself, no longer have any local hobby shops to go to. This being our last resort other than 100% mail order.

Frankly, if I had a stocked LHS once again (as I did back in Dallas). or even one an hour or so away for that matter, I wouldn't even bother with the chain craft stores. There, I said it.

We all over complecate stuff sometimes.

oddmanrush

I think you're reading too far into this, maybe making it a little more complicated than it has to be.

Yeah, I tend to over-complicate stuff (as seen in the No aftermarket Group build) I see what you mean now.

I get it all now.

I think you're reading too far into this, maybe making it a little more complicated than it has to be. What I'm saying is, there is no reason to quit shopping at Michael's simply because they may not expand their modeling selection. These days, I don't rely on Michael's for much except if I desire a cheap, quick build. So I'm not exactly suffering from 'having the bare minimum' when I don't expect them to have anything more. Do I want them to carry more products? Sure I do and I posted my opinion on their forums. Do I expect them to do anything about it? Well, I'm not really holding my breath, at least not for the store in my area. But this won't keep me from shopping there when I want to buy a model but don't feel like driving an hour to my preferred hobby shop. For the most part, I rely on them for my diorama needs, like celluclay, modeling clay, base wood, glues, foliage, balsa wood, oil paints, etc. All these things are plentiful there.

Which is the way out? There is no way out. There doesn't have to be. Keep doing what you're doing and wait to see what happens. That's all.....especially if you have a 40% off coupon.

So, I'm traped.

Go to Michaels, and keep the problem from growing, but suffer from having the bare minimum.

But, Go to the hobby shop, and get what I need/want, and make the problem grow.

Which way is out!?

Its like a complete circle.

Hmm, so, Michaels sees modelers as the minority, and only want to give us the most basic and bare of kits and supplies, and they still want our buisness. Yet, if we leave Michaels, and go to a well-stocked hobby shop, with employees willing to help with our needs, questions, etc.,  that will just make the problem worse?

I'm becomming more and more confused....

Railfan 233

Why do I have a bad feeling about this now?

If I'm reading you right DoogsATX, then that means that, even if we could get every last subscriber to FSM to support out cause, it will be of no use, because Michaels sees us as a minority not worth catering to?

If that's the case, then I think Michaels may have just lost me as a customer... (Now, what am I suppose to do with that cupon?)

Unfortunately, that is the business side of everything, it's called capitalism. They don't have to cater to every one. That wouldn't be very prudent any way. On the other hand, there is no need to stop shopping at Michael's for this reason. In fact, that'll just expedite the problem.

This reminds me of when I used to work at Petsmart. Yes, I worked at Michael's and Petsmart. As an employee we would constantly get asked whether or not we sold products for horses. I live in Jersey. Not many horses here. None the less, people inquired. When we told them no, they thought it was a great disservice and something had to be done.
Well apparently, some one, some where compiled enough statistical analysis and buyer trends and demographic material to figure out that it was a good idea to put an Equine section into our store. There was a WIDE range of products, from saddles, blankets, crops, bridles, spurs, treats, hats, you name it.
For a short time, the section saw moderate business. But nothing extraordinary.

The horse section required that the cat section be cut down, to make room for the new items. Cat food and accessories were condensed into a smaller department. Something that, of course, the 'cat people' were offended by.

Any way, you know cat people....Less merchandise in the cat section meant a sure loss of revenue in an area that did well in sales. To complicate matters, I knew and still know, nothing about horses. There was really no effort to educate employees or hirer knowledgeable ones as this would cost money and time. Horses are different from dogs or cats. My experience with Fido doesn't translate into owning a horse.

The section simply didn't generate enough revenue as most people who were interested in horses already had a preferred vendor. Moreover, that vendor would likely be more educated, sell higher quality merchandise, and at a comparable price. Needless to say, I don't believe the equine department lasted a year before the items were sold at huge mark down prices, the section dismantled, and the cat section expanded. All of which cost more money and time. Of course, then people would come in and ask if we had a horse section............

DoogsATX

 

Heck, as long as I'm ordering like five or more paints, its cheaper to order from Sprue Brothers or similar than to buy from any local source.

I would attribute the lack of response to the please post on the Michael's forum  to what you described, and the "letting someone else do the work for me " type of behavior.

Railfan 233

Why do I have a bad feeling about this now?

If I'm reading you right DoogsATX, then that means that, even if we could get every last subscriber to FSM to support out cause, it will be of no use, because Michaels sees us as a minority not worth catering to?

If that's the case, then I think Michaels may have just lost me as a customer... (Now, what am I suppose to do with that cupon?)

That's my theory, yes. Of course, I could be totally wrong, but I did spend 5+ years running research and strategic analysis for a major ad agency, and saw evidence of this same product/shopper death spiral in plenty of other industries. Retailers that used to have a lock - or at least a strong hold - on a certain market would draw down their product mix, the heaviest and most enthusiastic buyers would go somewhere else, sales would drop, they'd draw down further, and before you know it they're out of that market entirely. 

Why do I have a bad feeling about this now?

If I'm reading you right DoogsATX, then that means that, even if we could get every last subscriber to FSM to support out cause, it will be of no use, because Michaels sees us as a minority not worth catering to?

If that's the case, then I think Michaels may have just lost me as a customer... (Now, what am I suppose to do with that cupon?)

Mike S.

 

 

Absolutely. We need more participation with both this, and the Hobby Lobby campaign.

The saying "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" is as true now as it has ever been.

I hate to be the wet blanket, but the cynical, jaded marketing professional in me thinks it'd have to be a much larger, much squeakier wheel for anything to change, and even then it'd be doubtful.

Large retailers like Michael's analyze every inch of shelf space for profitability, and attempt to manage a product mix that will maximize said profitability. I doubt that the Michael's or Hobby Lobbies of the world have it down to the frightening science that say, Wal-Mart does, but they do it just the same.

The cold, hard fact is that it isn't very profitable for Michael's to maintain a well-stocked modeling section. It takes up shelf space from, I don't know, scrapbook paper or beads or something else that sells better with their major demographic groups. Without access to historical sales data, it'd be tough to mine exact reasons for this, but I'm willing to bet the rise of the internet in supporting niche hobbies like modeling had a ton to do with it. Heck, as long as I'm ordering like five or more paints, its cheaper to order from Sprue Brothers or similar than to buy from any local source. Not to mention the self-fulfilling cycle of cutting back the modeling section, seeing a decline in sales as modelers find somewhere else that services their needs, then cutting it back more, seeing more sales declines, etc. And now they've cut back so far that the modeling section resembles the toy section at a Walgreens. It's there, but nobody who's shopping for toys goes there except in a pinch.

Could they expand the section? Certainly. But then they'd have to accompany it with marketing to spread the word that they've expanded, since the vast majority of their modeling customers have either gone elsewhere, with no assurances that the marketing would actually work.

The local Michael's here has the cement in the tube, bottle, clear parts cement, and the superglue. All from Testors. None of it is locked behind anything either.

The local Michaels has the older line of Testors paint, however all of the paint and supplies are locked up behind a mesh gate, and one must hunt down an employee (usually in the silk flowers or framing department) to unlock it.

Quite the hassle for so little selection.

Did you check the rack for the Testors paint? I know the Michaels I've visited have had the Testors liquid cement (in the little round glass bottle) in the rack with the bottles of paint. It's easy to miss them, since they seem to blend in almost perfectly with the paint bottles.

I was just in mine today.....I was not impressed.  You could tell that models take a back seat at this store very few aircraft, a few ship (boxes were beat to deatlh - shrink wrap gone.  Mostly car kits and all that they had were Revelle.....I did not even see model cement.  Hobby Lobby in my area is much better.

That's a good question. Mabe if we place a post here on the forums, asking for support, we may get more help.

Or, we could do a wild idea, where we have a group build, where the kit must come from Michaels. Mabe that'll help get some attention to it.

Then again, I'm kind of like Hannibal Smith from the A-Team in my thinking with this, so it could work or it couldn't

I completely agree.

But how are we going to get a majorety of the users here to join us on the Michael's forum?

I agree with you Mike, but it is also the wheel that squeeks the loudest that gets the grease first.

 If we can get a majorety of the users here to join us on the Michaels forum for the topic, then we may make enough noise to get Michael's corprateoffitial's attention.

Sprue-ce Goose

Railfan 233:

Has there been any more word on this topic? Have we been recognized by Michaels?

 

I would presume the standard formula is :

number of posts ( or old style snail mail to management )  =  amount of recognition.

 

Absolutely. We need more participation with both this, and the Hobby Lobby campaign.

The saying "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" is as true now as it has ever been.

Sprue-ce Goose

Very good idea for custom builds- you might pioneer some Show Rods in that scale !

I wasn't  aware Revell released the MACK truck kit.

 

Yes, Revell has released a MACK semi-truck and trailer kit. My local hobby shop has some in stock, but the parts count and size of the box rivals other kits.

Here's the link. It is 1/32 scale, which is what all of Revell's truck models seem to be. It acually seems to rival 1/25 scale tanker trailer kits in detail I think.

http://www.revell.com/model-kits/snaptite/85-1961.html

Sprue-ce Goose

 

El Taino:

 

 

 (praise the snap-on kits too, LOL).

 

 

Would it be possible for a store to carry just  a large selection of "snap" kits to entice beginnners?

Does enough variety exist to stock a full  HL or Michaels shelf ?

For what I've seen, there is plenty of Snap-On kits around from different manufactures. Don't know if enough for a full stock. The thing is that we are seeing as modelers, (nothing wrong with that) but barely as a business. The paint guide on most Revell kits is very vague. A novice will grab a kit, look on the side panel and either get the colors on the chart or buy a ''whole'' Aircraft, Camouflage or Car paint set. Plus on the spray shelf we can find Olive Drab, Flat Light and Dark Aircraft Gray and they (Micahels) think that ought to do it. My 12 years old son can do well with 1/72 Academy kits, his latest build was a Curtis P-40B Tomahawk. Not a snap-on kit, but easy enough for a novice; the thing is that we go back to square 1, no color selection at Michaels and looking at it as a business, they have a lot of potential if they do include a Model Master Line. The supplier (Testos) is already there ;o)

Railfan 233

 a lot of new snap-tite kits are getting more and more interesting (like Revell's new MACK semi truck, with an included tank trailer)

Mabe I can get one or two of those, and use them with a MACK CF cab fire engine kit, mabe swap out cabs with one, and get a unique fire engine.

Very good idea for custom builds- you might pioneer some Show Rods in that scale !

I wasn't  aware Revell released the MACK truck kit.

I'm not real sure about variety avalable today, but I know that a lot of new snap-tite kits are getting more and more interesting (like Revell's new MACK semi truck, with an included tank trailer)

Mabe I can get one or two of those, and use them with a MACK CF cab fire engine kit, mabe swap out cabs with one, and get a unique fire engine.

El Taino

 

 (praise the snap-on kits too, LOL).

Would it be possible for a store to carry just  a large selection of "snap" kits to entice beginnners?

Does enough variety exist to stock a full  HL or Michaels shelf ?

Railfan 233

Has there been any more word on this topic? Have we been recognized by Michaels?

I would presume the standard formula is :

number of posts ( or old style snail mail to management )  =  amount of recognition.

Cadet Chuck

I have never found anything worth buying at Michaels- just kid stuff kits and beginner's supplies.  Hobby Lobby is not much better, at least the little store we have locally.  I buy most of my stuff at Sprue Brothers or Squadron on line.  It seems not to be a profitable business for local stores, not much demand for advanced modeler's things.

Cadet Chuck: I agree with you on the beginners stuff at Michales. Like I mentioned before, I'd love to see a Model Master line of paints but I have to see it from their POV. Most in not all models at Michaels are level 2, yes, we can make nice models out of level 2 Revells. But for their customer base, that's what probably Revell sell them and the same with RPM's Testors. They are for the medium to advance modelers ''just good kits''. With a 40% coupon, they make the perfect less than $20 bucks last minute gift, (praise the snap-on kits too, LOL).

When I started modeling back in the 80's, there were no stores of this nature in Puerto Rico. If you were lucky, you could find a few Monogram and Revell kits in local pharmacies. Only this pharmacy in my local town had a few Testors armor models. I developed the skills for nice builds with ye olde tube of glue, but I lacked the supplies to paint and finish and ended up quitting the hobby.

In short, I wish I had a store then with today's Michaels inventory. If they just add a Model Master line, this would be great for beginners and more advanced modelers alike.

My 2 humble cents.

Railfan 233

Have we been recognized by Michaels?

Probably not.

Medicman71

So I went to my local Hobby Lobby (right across the street within walking distance) because I had heard that they were making the model area smaller and lo and behold.....they haven't!! YEA!!! Same amount of models, paints, and tools. What they got rid of is the whole isle of train stuff. Got some sanding paper and tools and of course I used the 40% off coupon. Score!!

Well all I have to say is buy up what they have, because the party is coming to an end nation wide with HL. Your time will come, alas.

I have never found anything worth buying at Michaels- just kid stuff kits and beginner's supplies.  Hobby Lobby is not much better, at least the little store we have locally.  I buy most of my stuff at Sprue Brothers or Squadron on line.  It seems not to be a profitable business for local stores, not much demand for advanced modeler's things.

Ah, figured with the model railroad stuff.

Well, that just leaves Hobby Town USA (which also sends model train prices through the roof) my LHS, and mail-order.

So I went to my local Hobby Lobby (right across the street within walking distance) because I had heard that they were making the model area smaller and lo and behold.....they haven't!! YEA!!! Same amount of models, paints, and tools. What they got rid of is the whole isle of train stuff. Got some sanding paper and tools and of course I used the 40% off coupon. Score!!

Has there been any more word on this topic? Have we been recognized by Michaels?

deafpanzer

Be sure to use the 40% off coupon... it will bring Badger AB down to $100 or so.  That's what I did when I bought my Iwata AB at Hobby Lobby.  In that case, it is a great deal!  Best thing is that you get to buy accessories on same day in case it breaks if it is being sold at your Michael store.

Thats why I was planning on getting my AB at Michael's.

~El Taino~ That was a pretty good deal. Considering Hobby Towns prices are jacked sky high on kits that shouldn't be registered at a high price.

I went to my local Michaels this afternoon for some DULLCOTE and found the SIKORSKY CH-54A Skycrane 1/72. Lucky I had an extra coupon and my daughter was with me so she purchased it. It ran at $12.99 after tax. My local HT has it for $21.99 + tax.

Yes true! Can't over state the value of the 40% off coupon!

Be sure to use the 40% off coupon... it will bring Badger AB down to $100 or so.  That's what I did when I bought my Iwata AB at Hobby Lobby.  In that case, it is a great deal!  Best thing is that you get to buy accessories on same day in case it breaks if it is being sold at your Michael store.

That seems about normal to me assuming it comes with all the needed accessories, though I'm not really familiar with the Badger family of AB's. I should think you'd be able to find a better deal online though if you're looking to spend a little less money, depending on where you look.

oddmanrush

jetmodeler:

I always find something useful in Michael's. I buy my paint brushes there, oil paints, etc. In fact I'm about to invest in getting an airbrush from there sometime this year.

 

Yeah, I can't argue that there are other useful items in Michael's, i.e foam, material for foliage, water effects, brushes, etc. In fact, the other day I found some kind of bean that would make nice cobblestones should the circumstances arise. I bought an airbrush from them a while back before I got my Paasche VL. Don't remember which one exactly, but it was cheap, around $50 and made mostly out of plastic. I don't recommend that one. It gummed up rather quickly and the trigger would stick. I see they sell Badgers, or at least something similar. That would make a fine investment.

I think my local Michael's has the Badgers. I think they are somewhere around $140-$150. Is that a good price?

jetmodeler

I always find something useful in Michael's. I buy my paint brushes there, oil paints, etc. In fact I'm about to invest in getting an airbrush from there sometime this year.

Yeah, I can't argue that there are other useful items in Michael's, i.e foam, material for foliage, water effects, brushes, etc. In fact, the other day I found some kind of bean that would make nice cobblestones should the circumstances arise. I bought an airbrush from them a while back before I got my Paasche VL. Don't remember which one exactly, but it was cheap, around $50 and made mostly out of plastic. I don't recommend that one. It gummed up rather quickly and the trigger would stick. I see they sell Badgers, or at least something similar. That would make a fine investment.

I always find something useful in Michael's. I buy my paint brushes there, oil paints, etc. In fact I'm about to invest in getting an airbrush from there sometime this year.

That's odd. I find almost all of what can be found in Michaels useful in some way. Floral wire is what I use to simulate bits and pieces of hose and wires running about on some models, while plastic beads are good for simulating lights on an emergency vehicle (I'll show you what I mean if I ever get around to bulding that fire truck with a scratch-built conversion and a Monogram Ford F-250)

So you are not going to join me as an H.M. Murdock impersonator?

I'm just going to clarify for the sake of clarification. I do not have an ego problem and I am not uncomfortable shopping in Michael's. As I said, I used to work there. I shop there quite often actually. I simply find the rest of the content in the store, aside from models, irrelevant therefore I do not spend much time in there. I go in, find what I need and I leave. No use browsing.

DoogsATX

 

 

I seem to remember HobbyTown being somewhat more awesome back in the day, too. I don't know. Maybe it's just that the Austin location is so terrible.

One large, fairly awesome  Chicagoland Hobby Town dating from AD 2000 still exists ( of three ) with fewer aftermarket model accessories and more RC.

One small Hobby Town opened a year ago but carries no more kits than Hobby Lobby but has more paint.

OTOH, Venture Hobby in Wheeling IL had many more kits ( still the largest LHS number of kits)  but increased RC space at expense of kits while

Des Plaines IL Hobby has moved to a smaller location and reduced stock overall in both railroad ( primary ) and model kits so reduction is not just Michaels & HL....but I must drive 20 miles to each of those LHS....

Railfan 233

 

 

 

It may be a good idea for you to stock up on those kits.

If the 40 pct coupon can be used with it it might be worthwhile, otherwise I'll just use the Michaels 40 pct coupons I receive.

Amazingly, the store sold some kits- not usual as stock was constant for two weeks.

Sprue-ce Goose

My local Hobby Town is also expensive, usually a $2 to $10.00 more than a hobby shop.

I seem to remember HobbyTown being somewhat more awesome back in the day, too. I don't know. Maybe it's just that the Austin location is so terrible. I buy the odd paint here and there, but the kit selection is both expensive and somewhat mediocre. There isn't any aftermarket support. They have like two decal sheets, locked away behind glass. You know, because of all those hooligans stealing FW-190 markings. 

Fully 3/4 of the store is given over to R/C. Which, I mean cool, but I've always assumed is as or more niche a hobby than scale models.

The remaining quarter is a toss-up between scale models and their various supplies, model railroads and their various supplies, and overpriced kiddie junk that my toddler freaks out over every time I take him in with me. You know - cheap little wind-up cars for $5 each and such.

Every time I walk out I tell myself I'm never going back. Then I run out of Neutral Gray in the middle of the weekend...

Sprue-ce Goose

Local Michaels is clearing out some of it's Revell kits by discounting price by about 25 to 30 pct.

Don't yet know if this means a smaller kit selection.

It may be a good idea for you to stock up on those kits. Even if the kits are not what appeal to you, you could use them as a barganing chip later (such as getting the kid down the street to mow the lawn) Or, you could turn around and sell them, and gain some money by selling them at regular price, or increce it by a few dollars, to get more money for your budget.

My local Hobby Town is also expensive, usually a $2 to $10.00 more than a hobby shop.

Unfortunately, I must drive 20 miles to the hobby shop.

Local Michaels is clearing out some of it's Revell kits by discounting price by about 25 to 30 pct.

Don't yet know if this means a smaller kit selection.

I used to have no problem going into HobbyLobby (espicially if I have a 40% coupon) because my wife is an artist. She goes there a lot for various paint, paper, brushes, etc. I always let her do her thing as I head straight to the model section. Now that they are downsizing (I haven't had the chance to check the one I go to) i'll just stick to my LHS.

Toysoldierman, you are the bravest man I've ever met. I have no problem going to Michaels, but going to A.C. Moore or a simaler store drives me up the wall (preferably the out-side wall)

I read you loud and clear on Harbor Freight tools, and Hobby Town U.S.A. prices. Mine jacks prices sky high, to where even a simple Revell car kit (the same ones from Michaels) are about the same in cost to one of those Dragon super armor kit (the ones with so much photo-etch and stuff)

I'm sort of lucky. Even though there are only 3 dedicated hobby shops in my town (Hobby Town USA, and a  family owned store with 2 locations) the family-owned stores cut prices to be as close to the reccomended sale price or less as they posibly can. I do all of my internet and mail-order stuff through them (except for on-line auctions) because they don't charge shipping. I've become real good friend with the employees around there (and I also have a reputation with them of never leaving without buying a kit)

Going in to a store that primerly caters to women never really bothered me.If they have what I need to do my modeling and the price is right I'll walk in to a dress shop with no problem at all! 'm secure in the fact that I know I'm a man and I've never had any trouble going in Michael's or A.C.Moore or any similar store to get modeling suppies that I cann't find in local hobby shops.Hobby Town USA are so expensive it should be a crime! I have found tools and such at Harbor Freight for 1/4 of the price that HobbyTown USA wants.I guess it all depends on one's ego as to where they feel comfortable shopping?

Doogs: I remember when Michael's used to be like that too, back in the early to mid-90's my mom would take me with her and I'd usually leave with a kit. I was shocked when I went back a few weeks ago.

oddmanrush

Sprue-ce Goose:

 

oddmanrush: move quickly and head for extraction?

are the womenfolk now hitting on the guys they see at Michaels?

 

Well, that's one of the reasons. The wife gives me enough trouble as it is dropping money to build the stash, let alone getting held up in the local craft store by the single ladies.

Otherwise, like I said, getting to the hobby section involves taking a tip toe through the tulip department. Not exactly a browse-friendly environment if you get my drift. Unless I go around the other way, in which case I could peruse the Better Homes and Gardens magazines....

This is, of course, unlike Lowes, Home Depot, DicksSporting Goods, Sports Authority, etc, where every aisle has a potentially attractive buy. Where as, every aisle in Michael's has a potentially attractive female......

Why don't you try acting like H.M. Murdock?

It seems like the ladies don't try to hit on you if you act like you were busted out of the psychiatric ward of a V.A. hospital. (It's been working for me ever since day one of the 9th grade. Now, no one bothers me during lunch)

Man, that girl was crazy. I wouldn't touch her with a 50' pole

Sprue-ce Goose

 

oddmanrush: move quickly and head for extraction?

are the womenfolk now hitting on the guys they see at Michaels?

Well, that's one of the reasons. The wife gives me enough trouble as it is dropping money to build the stash, let alone getting held up in the local craft store by the single ladies.

Otherwise, like I said, getting to the hobby section involves taking a tip toe through the tulip department. Not exactly a browse-friendly environment if you get my drift. Unless I go around the other way, in which case I could peruse the Better Homes and Gardens magazines....

This is, of course, unlike Lowes, Home Depot, DicksSporting Goods, Sports Authority, etc, where every aisle has a potentially attractive buy. Where as, every aisle in Michael's has a potentially attractive female......

oddmanrush

 Bob Ross.

Bob Ross. I didn't know they had his stuff in Michaels. Great painter, I never miss his shows on the local PBS station. So relaxing, painting the little happy clouds and the happy little trees so the squirrels and other little Forrest critters can have a place to live.

Bob Ross has acually proved to be a national treasure in the model railroading department, too. I use his techniques for painting backdrops on layouts (admittedly, they are no more than dioramas with track in them)

Real good man, and real good show.

DoogsATX

If they (and Hobby Lobby) wanted to attract more men to their stores, there are tons of product options they could consider:

 

• Obviously a non-laughable selection of model kits and paints
• R/C kits. I swear my local Hobbytown is 3/4 R/C crap these days. They're close and they stock Tamiya paint, but that's pretty much the only reason I go there.
• Pinewood derby cars. Kites. Fantasy figurines. Father/son bonding-type activities.
• Woodcrafting
• Photo supplies. Paper and maybe some lighting gear.
• Memorabilia storage

 

Have you posted on the Michaels forum or contacted customer service to let them know about your suggestions?

oddmanrush: "When I go in there now, I generally keep to myself and move quickly. I get to the model section, pick whatever one interests me at the moment and then head for extraction."

I fell the same way. It is kind of a check on my manhood to go in there or Hobby Lobby. I try not to look at any of the decorations least people think I am a little light in my loafers.

Apart from Jo-Ann Fabrics, scrapbooking stores and whatnot, I can't think of a less male-friendly retailer than Michaels. It's not just the product - they've stock mostly the same categories as Hobby Lobby - it's the atmosphere, the way the aisles are set up, the fake flowers everywhere. 

I used to hit Michaels all the time when I was a kid for kits, paint, and whatnot. I don't remember it being so bad then - closer to what Hobby Lobby is today, really. 

If they (and Hobby Lobby) wanted to attract more men to their stores, there are tons of product options they could consider:

• Obviously a non-laughable selection of model kits and paints
• R/C kits. I swear my local Hobbytown is 3/4 R/C crap these days. They're close and they stock Tamiya paint, but that's pretty much the only reason I go there.
• Pinewood derby cars. Kites. Fantasy figurines. Father/son bonding-type activities.
• Woodcrafting
• Photo supplies. Paper and maybe some lighting gear.
• Memorabilia storage

Heck, if nothing else, just having stuff on the shelves for the guys to look at while the wives/moms/daughters do their shopping. As it stands, I can't stay in a Michaels longer than about 45 seconds without klaxons going off in my mind.

oddmanrush

Expanding the model section would be a bonus but I really don't think it would attract any more gentlemen than it does already. It's an Arts and Crafts store, The model section at my local Michael's is hidden in a back aisle and I must venture through the floral arrangements to get there...

When I go in there now, I generally keep to myself and move quickly. I get to the model section, pick whatever one interests me at the moment and then head for extraction.

I certainly understand about product.

I shop go inside for kits, glue and paint ( will be trying some of the chrome paint they sell to see if it can substitute for Alclad ).

I am presuming that drawing more males would require a different type of product. 

I already buy power tools at Sears, Berlands , woodworking accessories at Rockler and Woodcraft,  metalworking accessories at Enco tools, KBC Tools, MSC tools, outdoor equipment at DicksSporting Goods, ( Nannybot again ! ) Cabella, REI, Gander Mountain ...... and beer ( Need those cans for fermis style seat scratch building  ) at local food store.

Michaels would be hard pressed to expand into those fields just to attract males

oddmanrush: move quickly and head for extraction?

are the womenfolk now hitting on the guys they see at Michaels?

I used to work at Michael's as a custom framer. The majority of the customers and employees were female, except those of us working in framing. In fact, when I was working there all of us in framing were males. But Michael's is certainly hard pressed to find merchandise that would attract men. Aside from model kits and rockets, they don't have much else. Most of the guys I saw in there tended to be college level art students, purchasing pads, canvases, brushes, and pencils rather than actually feeding their hobby. (I should know, I was one of those art students before I changed my major to History). Expanding the model section would be a bonus but I really don't think it would attract any more gentlemen than it does already. It's an Arts and Crafts store, just a quick glimpse inside and all you see are flowers, stationary, stickers, sewing material, wedding supplies and Bob Ross. The model section at my local Michael's is hidden in a back aisle and I must venture through the floral arrangements to get there...

When I go in there now, I generally keep to myself and move quickly. I get to the model section, pick whatever one interests me at the moment and then head for extraction.

The last time I was in Michaels, the only males in the store was my father, some teen-age guy with his girlfriend, a young kid, and myself.

4 in total, it seems like we are an endangered species when it comes to Michaels

The manager tour I encountered was probably the largest group of males the store had ever contained.

I was just there this weekend and there were only women in there. I think me and my step-dad were the only males in the store.

It's funny you mention them wanting more male customers Sprue, my friend and I were there a few weeks back grabbing some airbrush supplies and I made the comment that we were probably the first 20 something males in the store in weeks

Felt out of place, lol.

O.K., if you think it's right to just foam at the mouth about it here, insted of going to Michaels with your complaints, fine by me.

Just don't go bashing them in a way that gets this thred unwanted atention from the moderators.

Railfan 233

 

 

Mabe you can request better prices on the Michaels forum. Don't give up yet, if you take your conserns strait to Michaels, they'll probably grant your whishes for cheeper ktis at your local store

I did.  I asked the store managers directly if they would 'price match' a lower, regular price from an independent vendor.  I then sent an e-mail to Corporate HQ about their pricing policies and 'price matching'.  I was told, basically, to pound salt.  They can take a long, hard lick on my hairy, Irish behind.

murph

The Michaels store here in Ottawa blow dead bears.  The regular price for a Revell 1/48 Spitfire, P-51, Me-109, Corsair is $25.  So with Michaels wonderful 40% off coupon, I will pay $15 + taxes; the same that I'd pay at my LHS.  Michaels can kiss my heinie.  Some deal

Mabe you can request better prices on the Michaels forum. Don't give up yet, if you take your conserns strait to Michaels, they'll probably grant your whishes for cheeper ktis at your local store

jetmodeler

 

Hun Hunter:

 

Jetmodeler: Like I said, you get a 50% coupon for the next week with every purchase, at least here. Last I looked the F-14 and F-18 were listed at $15 here, they might have gone up. So $8-9, not bad for a 1/48 to throw in my growing pile.

 

 

Thats true. $8-9 is definately not bad for a 1/48 kit. Especially when the newer releases of jet cost around $40 to almost $80.

The Michaels store here in Ottawa blow dead bears.  The regular price for a Revell 1/48 Spitfire, P-51, Me-109, Corsair is $25.  So with Michaels wonderful 40% off coupon, I will pay $15 + taxes; the same that I'd pay at my LHS.  Michaels can kiss my heinie.  Some deal

jetmodeler

 

Hun Hunter:

 

Jetmodeler: Like I said, you get a 50% coupon for the next week with every purchase, at least here. Last I looked the F-14 and F-18 were listed at $15 here, they might have gone up. So $8-9, not bad for a 1/48 to throw in my growing pile.

 

 

Thats true. $8-9 is definately not bad for a 1/48 kit. Especially when the newer releases of jet cost around $40 to almost $80.

The Michaels store here in Ottawa blow dead bears.  The regular price for a Revell 1/48 Spitfire, P-51, Me-109, Corsair is $25.  So with Michaels wonderful 40% off coupon, I will pay $15 + taxes; the same that I'd pay at my LHS.  Michaels can kiss my heinie.  Some deal

So that may be good new then.

Did a little research-looks like Hobbico will be the Hasegawa distributor in the U.S....and if you go to the Hobbico website, they also distribute Revell....

http://www.modelretailer.com/en/The%20Industry/Industry%20News/2010/03/Hobbico%20exclusive%20distributor%20for%20Hasegawa.aspx

Sorry that the link doesn't post as a hyperlink...

bobbaily

On a secondary note-did I read that the new distributor for Hasegawa is the same company that owns Monogram/Revell or am I imagining it?

I'm not really sure if they are or not.

I might have to look that one up.

I've been following this thread and I really need to get over to the Michael's web site and express my request for them to expand their model selection.  Thanks for getting the ball rolling.

On a secondary note-did I read that the new distributor for Hasegawa is the same company that owns Monogram/Revell or am I imagining it?  If so, then expanding and adding Hasegawa kits should be a little easier....or not....

Thanks Sprue-ce Goose. I just posted my comment.

jetmodeler

I feel kind of dumb because I don't know this. How do I register for the forums there?

Clicking  on this first  link takes you to registration

https://www.michaels.com/art/online/registrationForm

the second link below is the thread I started

http://forums.michaels.com/community/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=58339&#Post58339

I feel kind of dumb because I don't know this. How do I register for the forums there?

El Taino

So my vote would go to the Model Master Acryl series.

Please post on the Michaels forum and let them know.

You can acually get these cupons in the Michaels E-newsletter. I've been doing that ever since Michaels discontinued their Sunday print ads in my area. The good thing is you can print out 7 cupons, and go once every week (You could go more often,  but I've never red all of the fine print. It could be possible that you can get enough cupons, and just go and get 1 item at a time, and get 40-50% off each item. I think...

Both Michaels in my area, Apple Valley and Burnsville, MN have been getting new stuff like the USS ARIZONA, MISSOURY etc. The 40% coupon is great, waiting for a week to use it sucks. I just Google Michales print coupons'' and viola! Print the coupon valid to be used instantly. I don't mind they only carry REVELL stuff, I'm pretty sure other lines like Tamiya, Academy etc wouldn't have enough profit for a 40 or 50% discount. What I really love to see at Michales is the Model Master line in both, ½ oz. and spray. They did recently introduced in my local stores the Lacquer line for cars for $1.00 more then the regular spray cans. Of course, with the coupon I pay 40 to 50% less than my local HT. So my vote would go to the Model Master Acryl series.

I just posted my support/request.

Here's to a good turn-out in support from our fellow forum members

Railfan 233 (a.k.a.CSX railfan on Michaels forum)

I just posted in the Michael's forum a few minutes ago. Hopefully we'll be heard.

Thanks, MikeS.

I also posted a separate Do You Want More Kits at Michaels? Please Post

just in case folks bypass this thread without reading our most recent posts.

It costs nothing to join, and takes only a minute or so of your time. We should already have a couple of dozen posts requesting that MICHAEL'S pump up their hobby department. So far we have only the OP's and mine.

Help EVERYONE out by posting your two cents over there people.

Sounds like a very good idea. I might join and help you out. Does it cost anything to join?

Alright. You got the discussion up, Sprue-ce Goose. It's late at night right now, and it's about time for me to turn in for the night, but I'll sign up for the Michaels forum tomorrow, and I'll support you.

Here's to a good result from our campaign, and an increce in model kits in our local Michaels sores across the nation

Just posted a preliminary request for more kits and variety under

More Plastic Model Kit Variety Request

http://forums.michaels.com/community/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=58339&#Post58339

To post on their website will, like FSM , require registering.

Any additional posts to the Michaels forum or on my thread on their forum will help show I'm not the only Plastic Model building customer.

PlasticModelBuilder ↓ Michaels, The Arts & Crafts Store » Forums » General Discussion » Michaels Project Discussions » More Plastic Model Kit Variety Request

O.K., I'm not meaning to rush you or anything. It was just something I was wondering about. I hope it will help in getting some more kits into Michaels (especially 1/72 scale armor, and some brass sheet. I got my first one from the hobby shop today [the trumpeter JagdTiger] and I'm hooked)

I wouldn't mind if they expanded the car selection to include some 30's cars, as well as Monogram's re-release of their Ford F-250 Superduty (I can turn it into a lot of different work trucks with scratchbuilding)

On the aircraft front, I would like to see more bombers (like the B-26, B-17, B-24, and others) as well as more jets.

[ Well, now that I'm thinking about it, mabe I should have saved it for the Michaels forum posting]

Railfan 233

I took a look in the Michaels forums, but I don't see an area where scale models fit in. What category does Michaels consider scale models to be in? Also, have you started a topic on it Sprue-ce Goose?

I haven't had time to compose a post as dinner, Motorweek and Tracks Ahead will be occupying my time till later this evening.

No section for scale models on the forum- presumably due to a majority female customers.

i will be posting in general after signing up for their website as a posting member.

I took a look in the Michaels forums, but I don't see an area where scale models fit in. What category does Michaels consider scale models to be in? Also, have you started a topic on it Sprue-ce Goose?

As soon as I find out, I'll jump in and voice my opinion on what type of models I want in my local Michaels

I  happened to meet a management store tour during lunch hour at my local Michaels.  I  mentioned this FSM forum thread on Michaels model kit selection as well as our interest in seeing a larger selection in that department. in part due to a decrease in LHS and the HL kit selection decrease.

The Midwest Manager I talked to stated he, as a former model builder,  was in favor of expanding the kit selection and was interested in ways to draw more male customers.

After listening to my suggestions regarding what to carry, the gentleman suggested that an effective method for convincing Michaels Corporate would be through  their Message Boards

http://forums.michaels.com/community/ubbthreads.php?ubb=cfrm

I will be posting my own wants.

Please visit and post your requests.

Hopefully, corporate will see enough potential business to fulfill our needs.

It sounds like your traffic patterns are better where you are at, Jetmodeler. Where the LHS is for me, it's wall-to-wall traffic on weekends and holidays. During the week, I can't really go to the shop early, because they open at 8, so I'd have a good, long wait.

 (mabe that's the excuse I need to experiment with my new invention:the Brief-case workbench. Or, I could get some of the books on tape from Amazon or from the book store, and listen to those)

~Railfan 233~ My family has an unwritten rule a little different from yours. If we go somewhere with traffic, we get there early to beat some of the traffic. Especially on Saturdays, and Sundays.

~tigerman~ Your almost like me. When I build armor, I usually build Dragon's kits.

I guess my point about Michaels is they don't carry any Dragon or Tamiya armor, which I mostly build. HL has been know to carry them, but I believe that they are harder to come by these days. Michaels just pretty much carries cars. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

jetmodeler

~Railfan 233~ So your LHS has a lot of traffic in front of it too.

Yes, it's a living nightmare. My family has an unwritten rule that says that we will never go anywhere in that area during a holiday or Friday afternoon-Sunday (rarely is that unwritten rule broken)

~Railfan 233~ So your LHS has a lot of traffic in front of it too.

~JMart~ I wish I got 50% off coupons. The only time I get them is on a major holiday.

Funny, I noticed an increase in Revell kits on my last trip. I have one very close to me, and no local LHS. I use the 40-50% coupons to get supplies, brushes, stuff like that. I think I have all teh revell kits they have that i want lol

You must be going to my hobby shop, because the same thing happens to me

 Well, acually, traffic is backed-up for miles around my LHS, because it's located next to the mall, the most crowded (and dangerous) place in the county.

I usually go to my LHS for the bigger selection of paints, but I only go there like once a month because of the traffic is pretty bad every time I go. My LHS is a little less than 20 minutes away without traffic. With traffic its almost 40 minutes.

(Its almost like everyone in town gathers around that one little spot when I go to my LHS.)

With the paints, I'm sort of O.K. with the selection.

I normally just use artist's acryllic paint (from both Michaels and WAL-MART), but, when I need those metalic paints (like aluminum and Silver) or if I need a clear color for a lightbar or something, I really need it, and it's another trip to the hobby shop.

I will start with small-scale armor soon. The things that attracted me to it is

1: the small size of my display case (shrinking steadily with each completed model)

and 2: how little money it costs to get the kit and/or extras (the adverage 1/72 scale armor kit rarely goes over $10, and it's fairly cheep to get thin brass sheet and brass wire. After that, I just need to scratch-build tools and I'm on my way)

Unfortunately, it seems like there's a lot of German armor in 1/72. I'm O.K. with that. It just gives me more tanks to knock out of action

I agree. I wish they would put some small scale armor in there. Its my favorite scale in armor.

Same with paints. I wish they would put some Model Master paints instead of the basic colors of the Testors square bottle paints.

That's where all my NASCAR kits have gone!?

With all honesty, I still love building cars, but due to a (major) lack of space, I'm considering building more 1/72 and 1/76 scale armor, as well as 1/87 scale fire trucks and the like.

(I really hope Michaels will stock up. Nothing's better than toget a $5 kit with a 50% off cupon)

The Michaels near me has nothing in the way of improved inventory for the model builder, save for a slight increase in the NASCAR  stuff, which is of less than zero interest to me.

I see Hobby Lobby has greatly reduced the number of military kits, but kept the overflowing shelves of car model kits, alas.

As I've lamented previously, mail order and I are permanently wed.

Ripcord

Michael's here seems to be downsizing their models to extinction.  When I asked the one of two people that work there, she said an 80 yr old man and myself are the only purchasers.  :[

I've been in the local Michael for various reasons during the last two weeks.

I don't recall seeing any change in the number of kits -excepting my own purchase.

Perhaps the store stock restriction of only Revell kits doesn't have enough appeal?

And Michaels has been giving me 40 pct off coupons with every purchase.

Hobby Lobby kits do appear to sell as blank areas appear on the shelves from time to time when model stock is not replenished.

O.K., now I see.

 I'm fairly happy with my Michaels as-is right now. I do whish, though, that they would at least carry 1/72 scale armor (I've been wanting to get into that part of the hobby for a while) as well as more vehicles that could possibly become emergency vehicles (like the Monogram 1/25 scale Ford F-250 Superduty) or, better yet, stock fire engine kits (other than the Revell snap-tite MACK pumper kit)

I will also admit, I would like to seem more paint, or atleast some way to remind me to get paint in the first place I don't know about metalizer, though.

In my experience. Though I was around 10-13 when I was going there regularly, and far less jaded than I am these days, so maybe I'm remembering it being a bit more grand than it was. 

But...I specifically remember them stocking an entire case full of airbrushes and their various accessories, and I remember them stocking Metalizer when it launched.

So Michaels use to be like Hobby Lobby when it came to scale models?

I can say for a fact that the Michaels locations here in Austin are not expanding.

Just getting back into modeling after many years away, and when I was in the process of gathering supplies, Michaels was the first place I went. Back when I built models as a kid (early-ish 90s), Michaels was the go-to place for the basics. Solid selection of Model Master paints, a whole aisle of kits, airbrush supplies...

When I went into the one here, it took me fifteen minutes to even find the model "section", which consisted of maybe a dozen car kits, six rather sad looking Revell kits, and a little display rack of the square Testors enamels. And that was it.

Fortunately, there are a Hobby Lobby and Hobbytown (which...when did they go like 90% R/C?) for the basics, and a pretty solid LHS across town. Still...online has been my godsend. 

~mfsob~ There is an A.C. Moore the next block down from the Michael's here. The A.C. Moore has some model kits but nothing really interesting.

~Ripcord~ So only the two of you shop in that section of the store.

Michael's here seems to be downsizing their models to extinction.  When I asked the one of two people that work there, she said an 80 yr old man and myself are the only purchasers.  :[

I have a rather interesting situation where I live, a Michael's and a Hobby Lobby almost within a stone's throw of each other. The Michael's has been there for year's and the Hobby Lobby just opened, so I have been watching the modeling section in each go through weird expansions and contractions ... and about 2 miles away is an A.C. Moore, but mine does not stock any modeling stuff.

Hun Hunter

Jetmodeler: Like I said, you get a 50% coupon for the next week with every purchase, at least here. Last I looked the F-14 and F-18 were listed at $15 here, they might have gone up. So $8-9, not bad for a 1/48 to throw in my growing pile.

Thats true. $8-9 is definately not bad for a 1/48 kit. Especially when the newer releases of jet cost around $40 to almost $80.

Jetmodeler: Like I said, you get a 50% coupon for the next week with every purchase, at least here. Last I looked the F-14 and F-18 were listed at $15 here, they might have gone up. So $8-9, not bad for a 1/48 to throw in my growing pile.

SuppressionFire

 

Been getting the girlfriends sisters kids & their friends into the hobby, doing what I can to stoke up the local comic book stores model selection. At first Riley wanted to order from Squadron but I convinced him to get a kit down town instead. Besides what kid wants to wait for a mail order? I have hard enough time with that, his Tamiya Kublewagen we got today is all ready 1/2 assembled & I think I have him hooked!

How old are the kids? (Man, if you are getting your girlfriend's sister's kids and their friends in the hobby, that may keep you realitively safe from a break-up)

Well, If the kit is a good one (or one I've been searching the ends of the Earth for) I will get it via mail-order, but the wait still kills me (I'm waiting for an AMT/Eartl fire engine and a Revell F-15 Eagle to come)

So, you are helping to bring in a few more youngsters. Just give them a subscription to the Fine Scale Modeler, and then they will be set.

Hopefully the trend will catch on up north, last time I was at a Michael's in Canada there was no section for models.

Been getting the girlfriends sisters kids & their friends into the hobby, doing what I can to stoke up the local comic book stores model selection. At first Riley wanted to order from Squadron but I convinced him to get a kit down town instead. Besides what kid wants to wait for a mail order? I have hard enough time with that, his Tamiya Kublewagen we got today is all ready 1/2 assembled & I think I have him hooked!

I got my F-14A and F-18E at Michael's. I usually don't go to Michael's for stuff but I couldn't pass up those. I hate the face that Hobby Lobby scaled down. Oh well, that's what the LHS is for.

I just got back from my local Michaels, and they have expanded a little. Here are the ones I noticed  (all Revell) USS Missouri ; USS Arizona ; T-6 Texan (trainer) SBD Dauntless, 1960 Chevy Impala, 1/48 scale AH-64, and a few more jets in stock (normally there would be 2 or 3, now there's 3 adverage for all jets)

I would have gotten the USS Missouri, but my budget is taped-out for the rest of the month.

I don't think my Michael's has expanded its selection, although its selection isn't too bad to begin with. Though its all aircraft and autos, and all Revell kits, its a fairly wide selection. Nothing really exciting though, mostly all American aircraft from WWII and modern. But they are inexpensive, especially with the coupons.

I was in AC Moore the other day and found two kits I usually don't see. Again, both Revell, but they were the Mig-21 and F-84, which are not available at the local Michael's.

Usually, Michael's is my last resort or if I'm really jonesing for a quick build.

jetmodeler

Railfan 223~ A 1/6 B-52 and a 10x B-52. I think you just rated above number 1 on the crazy list.

(Is that even possible)

Yes, it's possible. I always have some crazy idea or something (like building my own golf-cart with a HEMI for golf)

Railfan 233

jetmodeler:

Railfan 233:

 1/32 scale B-52 bomber

 

 

I thought Hans Von Hammer was crazy because he wanted a 1/48 B-52.

You sir reached the top.

It would be cool to see some armor kits in there to.

 

that's not the crazyest thing I want. How about a 1/6 scale B-52 (or 10X scale, where it's 10-times larger than the real thing)

Tigerman~ Yeah, I've heard HL's selection makes Michael's look bad before.

Hun Hunter~ $8 for a kit. Is that with the 40% off? The normal prices (without a coupon) is about $17 for the F-18 and F-14.

Railfan 223~ A 1/6 B-52 and a 10x B-52. I think you just rated above number 1 on the crazy list.

(Is that even possible)

The Michael's here has an ok selection that has grown a little. It's a great place to buy inexpensive kits and brushes though, and with every purchase (at least here) you get a 50% off coupon for the next week, it's a cheap way to get some decent 1/48's at really low prices. In fact, I'm thinking of swinging by tomorrow to grab 1/48 Revell Tomcat. Not the best kit, but for $8, I'll bite every time. The week after next I'll grab the FA-18 for the same price.

Again, it's a great place for brushes though. I really wish they carried Tamiya masking tape though, it's save me an hour trip, in traffic, to Hobbytown on the other side of town. I really just need to order $50 worth online, but I'm impatient...

Well, HL has more to choose from, but they mark theyre kit prices up (For example: the Trumpeter 1/25 scale fire engine: suggested retail $80.00, my LHS price:$75.00, HL's price: $100.00)

If your a teen-ager with not a whole lot of money (like me) then Michaels would be your best bet, since they send off more cupons.

I still have to go to the hobby shop for those armor kits, model railroad ktis, and for other stuff, but I'm content with building cars and aircraft from Michaels, otherwise

Compared to what I hear HL generally carries, Michaels sucks, and most likely always will.

jetmodeler

Railfan 233:

 1/32 scale B-52 bomber

 

 

I thought Hans Von Hammer was crazy because he wanted a 1/48 B-52.

You sir reached the top.

It would be cool to see some armor kits in there to.

that's not the crazyest thing I want. How about a 1/6 scale B-52 (or 10X scale, where it's 10-times larger than the real thing)

Haven't noticed any change at the local Michaels.

Regards,  Rick

Railfan 233

 1/32 scale B-52 bomber

 

I thought Hans Von Hammer was crazy because he wanted a 1/48 B-52.

You sir reached the top.

It would be cool to see some armor kits in there to.

Can't speak to that, but if they would just do a better job on the paint selection I'd be happy.

Local store has same number of kits.

With HL  downsizing kit selection,  an increase by Michaels would be very welcome.

that's kind of the funny thing with me. I don't really care what kit I get, as long as it's cheep (with or without a cupon) but I do have some whish-list items I want Michaels to carry, like a 1/32 scale B-52 bomber (acually, I just want one to be made period.)

Now that I think of it, I would like Michaels to start carrying that Trumpeter 1/25 scale fire engine. I've been wanting to get one, and it would be an added bonus if it came 40%off. Other than that, I'm happy with getting those cars they have in stock. they all make excelent starting points for junkyard builds.

Same here. I go there for a lot of modeling stuff, (with that 40% off). I sometimes wonder why they only carry Revell and Testors model kits instead of a variation like Academy, Tamiya, Italeri, etc.

I havn't been in a while. I need to, though. a 40%off cupon is burning a hole in my pocket, and I really want to get that model of the T-6 Texan.

[if what you say is also true for my Michaels, I'm going to jump up and down for joy, since I go to Michaels for a lot of my hobby needs]