Russian Scale Model Industry

[Dulux]

There’s quite a few of them out there, I wonder how the economic situation will effect them?

[eddiesolo]

The model industry and not just Russian ones has been hit hard. The Pandemic saw a large increase in sales in model items. kits as people, not just modellers, took up the hobby or for just something to do. The supply hasn't recovered as prices for kits are holding top price, the second hand market is also thin on the ground for certain models and they are still holding their value. This is down to delays in manufacturing, shipping etc.

I think that Russian made and distributed models will still be accessible as they will come through China instead of Europe, saying that, you could expect the price of them to increase if the conflict carries on long term. I suppose, like any other exports they could have a ban on them. Who knows?

If you have some, build them.

[Tim Marlow]

In the worst case it will materially reduce their available market, substantially increase their raw material and shipping costs, and probably lead to some firms failing as the Russian economy collapses. However, if the market is there, other firms will be developed, or will expand, to take their place.

[Airborne01]

I have to say I have had minimal interest in Russian produced kits up until now - even less so in the future. Sorry if this offends, or vexes, anybody, That's just the way it is for me.
Steve

[Guest]

I can see several Russian companies fearing badly, Zvezda being the main one who have come on in leaps and bounds since the early days. Also Stalingrad figures , producing some of the best figures in plastic and resin in 1/35. Unfortunately the figures are copied by pirates in China on a regular basis . As Si says they might be available through China. With the companies in the Ukraine now under threat many of the old plastic kit manufactures will just disappear.

[AlanG]

ICM put out a statement last weekend or Monday from what i remember

[simontie]

Everything is going up at an unbelievable rate, start of the week we were notified of a £50 per ton increase on carbon steel, or more exotic materials 48 %, today less than 5 days later £300 per ton effective immediately. Hold on to your scrap it is worth a fortune… or a good time to sell
Never mind fuels cost + were no longer allowed to use red diesel in our site equipment who in there right mind would put 2000 litres of white diesel on a site? thats going to disappear fast and not in our on site machines either !!!
Simon