Messages

1

Darrin Forum / Automodello 1954 Kaiser Darrin Status Update

« on: October 02, 2017, 03:33:51 PM »

Hello,

The Automodello 1954 Kaiser Darrin is sold-out in Pine Tint (although there is one Press Car available) and Robin Egg Blue.  A few pieces remain in Yellow Satin, Red Sail and about 3 dozen in Champagne White.

Automodello will not mint any more Kaiser Darrin once all these editions have sold through. 

Since my last posting near my birthday, we've decided to offer these final pieces to the Kaiser Frazer Owners Club Forum with a 10% discount which matches our current discount in Classic & Sports Cars magazine UK.  The coupon code is only valid on Diecasm.com http://www.diecasm.com/category-s/175.htm and expires October 31st 2017: KF54KD17

We have been pleased with the feedback we've received from both Kaiser Darrin owners as well as model collectors surrounding this model.  As is our custom, we will consider further Kaiser models after the current Automodello 1954 Kaiser Darrin stocks have been sold.

Thank you,
Jim Cowen, CEO
Diecasm, LLC dba Automodello
http://www.diecasm.com
http://www.automodello.com

2

General Discussion / Automodello 1954 Kaiser Darrin Status

« on: October 02, 2017, 03:32:50 PM »

Hello,

The Automodello 1954 Kaiser Darrin is sold-out in Pine Tint (although there is one Press Car available) and Robin Egg Blue.  A few pieces remain in Yellow Satin, Red Sail and about 3 dozen in Champagne White.

Automodello will not mint any more Kaiser Darrin once all these editions have sold through. 

Since my last posting near my birthday, we've decided to offer these final pieces to the Kaiser Frazer Owners Club Forum with a 10% discount which matches our current discount in Classic & Sports Cars magazine UK.  The coupon code is only valid on Diecasm.com http://www.diecasm.com/category-s/175.htm and expires October 31st 2017: KF54KD17

We have been pleased with the feedback we've received from both Kaiser Darrin owners as well as model collectors surrounding this model.  As is our custom, we will consider further Kaiser models after the current Automodello 1954 Kaiser Darrin stocks have been sold.

Thank you,
Jim Cowen, CEO
Diecasm, LLC dba Automodello
http://www.diecasm.com
http://www.automodello.com

3

General Discussion / Automodello 1954 Kaiser Darrin Update

« on: May 09, 2017, 01:57:12 AM »

Hello,

This was our first Kaiser model and it has been well received in the press to date.  Concurrently since releasing it over a year ago, several editions are sold-out or close to it.  All editions that are available are shown on www.diecasm.com:

Standard Edition in Champagne with Red interior
Tribute Edition in Pine Tine with matching interior (1), Red Sail with Black interior (12), and Yellow Satin with matching interior (7)
Enthusiasts Edition in Robin Egg Blue is sold-out.

Each year at this time, I reward our customers with an annual birthday sale.  This sale is only valid on Diecasm.com and runs through May 14th 2017.  Only in-stock items are eligible, no backorders, previous orders or PreOrders.
-   BDaySingle is 14% off any single item per order
-   BDayDouble is 28% off 2 or more items on the same order

Applicable to Kaiser Darrin as well as any other in-stock item on Diecasm.com – there are some exceptions, however, over 98% of the in-stock items are eligible.  Items listed on Automodello.com are ineligible.

Thanks and regards,
Jim Cowen, CEO
Diecasm, LLC / Automodello
877.DIECASM (343.2276 US/Canada)

4

Darrin Forum / Automodello 1954 Kaiser Darrin Update

« on: May 09, 2017, 01:52:06 AM »

Hello,

This was our first Kaiser model and it has been well received in the press to date.  Concurrently since releasing it over a year ago, several editions are sold-out or close to it.  All editions that are available are shown on www.diecasm.com:

Standard Edition in Champagne with Red interior
Tribute Edition in Pine Tine with matching interior (1), Red Sail with Black interior (12), and Yellow Satin with matching interior (7)
Enthusiasts Edition in Robin Egg Blue is sold-out.

Each year at this time, I reward our customers with an annual birthday sale.  This sale is only valid on Diecasm.com and runs through May 14th 2017.  Only in-stock items are eligible, no backorders, previous orders or PreOrders.
-   BDaySingle is 14% off any single item per order
-   BDayDouble is 28% off 2 or more items on the same order

Applicable to Kaiser Darrin as well as any other in-stock item on Diecasm.com – there are some exceptions, however, over 98% of the in-stock items are eligible.  Items listed on Automodello.com are ineligible.

Thanks and regards,
Jim Cowen, CEO
Diecasm, LLC / Automodello
877.DIECASM (343.2276 US/Canada)

5

Darrin Forum / Shipping Automodello 1954 Kaiser Darrin

« on: August 03, 2016, 11:32:42 PM »

Hello,

Automodello 1954 Kaiser Darrin was received on August 2nd and I am readying shipments this week. 

This model includes the new Automodello packaging and while the Robin Egg Blue is already sold-out, the following colors are still available from www.diecasm.com:
Standard Edition with build up to 299 in Champagne White
Tribute Edition with build of 54 per color in Pine Tint, Red Sail and Yellow Satin.

All models include fully erect and boulevard CanvasTouch^TM convertible tops, and, ability to display Driver's Door open or closed.

Thanks to everyone for their patience as this model has been brought to market,
Jim Cowen, CEO
Diecasm, LLC dba Automodello
www.diecasm.com

6

General Discussion / Update on 1:24 Automodello 1954 Kaiser Darrin

« on: June 26, 2016, 02:54:07 PM »

A quick update on the Automodello 1954 Kaiser Darrin has been steered into steerage and is making its way across the Pacific.  If all goes according to plan, they should be here by 2nd week of August, if not earlier.

A few more notes:

• Until the model arrives here, it is still considered a PreOrder and qualifies for free worldwide shipping.
• Enthusiasts Edition in Robin Egg Blue is sold-out, and, the Pint Tint (AM24-KAI-DAR-TE-PT) and Yellow Satin (AM24-KAI-DAR-TE-YE) are also almost sold-out too. 
• Hitting news stands and mailboxes this week, DiecastX Magazine has a multi-page feature article on the Champagne (White) and Red Sail prototypes that were exclusively to DCX.
• Our resident photographer has shot the Blue, Pint Tint and Yellow Satin models, see http://www.diecasm.com/category-s/175.htm.

Enjoy the rest of your Summer as the wait is almost over,
Jim Cowen, CEO
Diecasm, LLC dba Automodello
www.diecasm.com

7

Darrin Forum / Update on Automodello 1:24 Kaiser Darrin models

« on: June 26, 2016, 02:53:03 PM »

A quick update on the Automodello 1954 Kaiser Darrin has been steered into steerage and is making its way across the Pacific.  If all goes according to plan, they should be here by 2nd week of August, if not earlier.

A few more notes:

• Until the model arrives here, it is still considered a PreOrder and qualifies for free worldwide shipping.
• Enthusiasts Edition in Robin Egg Blue is sold-out, and, the Pint Tint (AM24-KAI-DAR-TE-PT) and Yellow Satin (AM24-KAI-DAR-TE-YE) are also almost sold-out too. 
• Hitting news stands and mailboxes this week, DiecastX Magazine has a multi-page feature article on the Champagne (White) and Red Sail prototypes that were exclusively to DCX.
• Our resident photographer has shot the Blue, Pint Tint and Yellow Satin models, see http://www.diecasm.com/category-s/175.htm.

Enjoy the rest of your Summer as the wait is almost over,
Jim Cowen, CEO
Diecasm, LLC dba Automodello
www.diecasm.com

8

Darrin Forum / Impressions of Our Cynical Photographer

« on: May 13, 2016, 10:20:08 PM »

Almost to date, every model that we've sent our photographer, he has had some comments about which are magnified further with his macro-photography.  Yet tonight, I received this about the pre-production hand-built Automodello 1954 Kaiser-Darrin:
"I just opened up the blue model and.... I'm in love!  It's magnificent! I totally disagree about your estimate of it being "bare bones" and not a great photo subject. I think ground and eye level shots will look great.  I tried the full top and it's a pretty nice fit. I love the textures on the top and upholstery.  The dash is spectacular even in its simplicity.  The wheels are beautiful, and I'm even wearing my glasses. LOL/  I can't wait to send you the pics. I think you'll be happy. I think this is a real work of automotive art."
As soon as I have pictures, I'll start posting them.
Thank you,
Jim Cowen, CEO
Diecasm, LLC dba Automodello
www.diecasm.com
847.274.9645

PS: Free shipping on orders over $149.

9

Darrin Forum / Re: Automodello 1954 Kaiser Darrin Status Change *** Update

« on: April 24, 2016, 11:15:53 PM »

Hello,

Automodello Enthusiasts Edition in Robin Egg Blue is now sold-out and no more PreOrders are being accepted.  With this "sold-out" I've notice PreOrders for other colors have also increased in the last few days too.

The next closest color to be being sold-out is Pine Tint.

Once a color is sold-out, Automodello will not produce more.

Thank you,
Jim Cowen, CEO
Diecasm, LLC d/b/a Automodello
www.diecasm.com
877.343.2276/US and Canada, or +1.847.274.9645/International

10

Darrin Forum / Automodello 1954 Kaiser Darrin Status Change

« on: April 19, 2016, 11:23:33 PM »

Hello,

It has taken a bit longer than I had originally expected for the Automodello 1954 Kaiser Darrin to finally enter the hand-building production process.  Besides being able to make the driver's door displayable in open and closed positions, we were also redesigning our packaging for which this Kaiser Darrin will be the first recipient.

I have noticed since announcing the start of hand-building production that PreOrders have increased.  As a result, I'd like to give an update for those who haven't placed their PreOrder yet:

AM24-KAI-DAR in Champagne White is $299.95 and a build up to 299. 

AM24-KAI-DAR-EE is the Enthusiasts Edition in Robin Egg Blue at $454.95 and limited to 14.  13 have been PreOrdered.

AM24-KAI-DAR-TE are the Tribute Editions at $354.95 each and limited to 54 per color:
-PT Pint Tint is over 60% PreOrdered
-RS Red Sail is over 35% PreOrdered
-YE Yellow Statin is over 50% PreOrdered

All editions will also include 2 removable CanvasTouch tops: Fully erect and boulevard; and, window wings.

If PreOrdered on www.diecasm.com, you can then request a Serial Number from the build quantity per color.

Thank you,
Jim Cowen, CEO
Diecasm, LLC d/b/a Automodello
www.diecasm.com

11

Darrin Forum / Automodello 1:24 Kaiser Darrin Model *** December 2015 Update

« on: December 01, 2015, 10:37:27 AM »

Hello,

On my last update, I noted that we had decided to make the model with the driver's door open, the passenger's door closed and add the windshield window wings.  As the owner of Diecasm, LLC dba Automodello, I was not happy with this turn of events and neither was my partner responsible for technical design and development.

In the interim, we've met this challenge and once again the 1:24 Automodello 1954 Kaiser Darrin driver's door can be displayed open OR closed.  The images on www.diecasm.com/kaiser/ for the Champagne White only, show an early prototype. 

The downside of overcoming this technical challenge is the models will not arrive until March.  After talking with a few KD owners this doesn't seem to be much of a problem as they've waited 40 to 60-years for this scale model.

If you are interested in PreOrdering the Robin Egg Blue or one of the Tribute Editions, suggest you not wait until the models arrive as these will probably be pre-sold-out prior to arrival. 

Have a happy holiday,
Jim Cowen, CEO
Diecasm, LLC dba Automodello
www.diecasm.com

12

General Discussion / Automodello 1:24 Kaiser Darrin Model Update

« on: November 03, 2015, 04:51:23 PM »

Hello,
Earlier today in my periodic newsletter, I gave an update on the Automodello 1954 Kaiser Darrin models which we have in development.  This is reprinted below for those who don't subscribe:

It made me think back to my original Press Release about the 1954 Kaiser Darrin.  The original was an ambitious car for Kaiser, and in many ways it is equally ambitious for Automodello with these features in the press release:
1.   CanvasTouch^TM is Automodello's name for the special paint used to create the canvas-like feel on convertible tops.  First used on the 1:24 Duesenberg J Graber and then on the 1:43 Duesenberg J Torpedo.  Touch it and most will swear it is fabric, not paint.
2.   Passenger's door closed is molded into the body.
3.   Driver's door open or closed has proved problematic due to technical issues.  The only viable choice was to drop this feature and add a 4th feature instead.
4.   Window Wings.  Though the prototype did not have them, most of the production cars did.

One of the best things about working with Raffi Minasian is he simply does not give up on a challenge.  So he quietly continued to work with our factory on a viable solution for the driver's door.  Last week I learned about this solution, however, it came with a decision.

The Automodello 1954 Kaiser Darrin will be shipped with the driver's door in the open position and window wings in place with the 2 tops and closed driver's door shipped underneath the model.  To do this adds 8 to 10 weeks to the development process which means the models won't ship until mid-March 2016 at the latest. 

I realize this may be disappointing news to those who were hoping for holiday delivery.  However I refuse to ship rubbish and the extra time is needed to get the models right.

After this newsletter was sent, the feedback from those who with PreOrders was swift and the same: They agreed with the decision and would rather not receive rubbish.  In fact, several more were PreOrder and two editions are close to being pre-soldout.

If you'd like to receive the periodic newsletter or a current Automodello catalogue, please send an email to diecasmstore@gmail.com.

Thank you,
Jim Cowen, CEO
Diecasm, LLC / Automodello
www.diecasm.com/kaiser/
847.274.9645

13

Darrin Forum / Automodello 1:24 Kaiser Darrin Model Update

« on: November 03, 2015, 04:50:14 PM »

Hello,
Earlier today in my periodic newsletter, I gave an update on the Automodello 1954 Kaiser Darrin models which we have in development.  This is reprinted below for those who don't subscribe:

It made me think back to my original Press Release about the 1954 Kaiser Darrin.  The original was an ambitious car for Kaiser, and in many ways it is equally ambitious for Automodello with these features in the press release:
1.   CanvasTouch^TM is Automodello's name for the special paint used to create the canvas-like feel on convertible tops.  First used on the 1:24 Duesenberg J Graber and then on the 1:43 Duesenberg J Torpedo.  Touch it and most will swear it is fabric, not paint.
2.   Passenger's door closed is molded into the body.
3.   Driver's door open or closed has proved problematic due to technical issues.  The only viable choice was to drop this feature and add a 4th feature instead.
4.   Window Wings.  Though the prototype did not have them, most of the production cars did.

One of the best things about working with Raffi Minasian is he simply does not give up on a challenge.  So he quietly continued to work with our factory on a viable solution for the driver's door.  Last week I learned about this solution, however, it came with a decision.

The Automodello 1954 Kaiser Darrin will be shipped with the driver's door in the open position and window wings in place with the 2 tops and closed driver's door shipped underneath the model.  To do this adds 8 to 10 weeks to the development process which means the models won't ship until mid-March 2016 at the latest. 

I realize this may be disappointing news to those who were hoping for holiday delivery.  However I refuse to ship rubbish and the extra time is needed to get the models right.

After this newsletter was sent, the feedback from those who with PreOrders was swift and the same: They agreed with the decision and would rather not receive rubbish.  In fact, several more were PreOrder and two editions are close to being pre-soldout.

If you'd like to receive the periodic newsletter or a current Automodello catalogue, please send an email to diecasmstore@gmail.com.

Thank you,
Jim Cowen, CEO
Diecasm, LLC / Automodello
www.diecasm.com/kaiser/
847.274.9645

14

Darrin Forum / Re: Automodello 1:24 scale 1954 Kaiser Darrin with Boulevard and Full tops included

« on: February 14, 2015, 10:45:32 AM »

If it follows the trending of our other releases, the orders have flowed in.  If you doubt the quality, just take a look at some of our reviews on www.automodello.com/scene.html.

We are patient and will wait until the orders materialize.  If not from this club, then from the rest of the world.  Please note that we won't build more just because there may be demand for more.

15

Darrin Forum / Automodello 1:24 Kaiser Darrin Model Announcement Update and PreOrders

« on: February 13, 2015, 11:24:50 PM »

Hello,

We've made the decision as part of the design specifications to offer the Automodello 1:24 Kaiser Darrin models with one-door open or both doors closed.  Like the full or boulevard top, it will be up to the collector to decide how they'd like to display their model. 

What are PreOrders and how does it impact model delivery.  Automodello like virtually all model manufacturers these days won't begin full development of these models until a sufficient number of PreOrders have been reached.  Generally this is 20% across the total build or about 90 to 100 models.  The simple reason for this is the capital investment is to high and therefore too risky if this minimum is not achieved.  When Automodello did the 1971 Lincoln Continental Mark III in 1/24 which was another model that had never been done in a scale larger than 1:43, we only had to wait about 60-days from announcement before committing resources.  Same was true for the recently sold-out "1-off" 1930 Cord L-29 Brooks Stevens Speedster.  And the same will be true for the 1:24 Kaiser Darrin. 

PreOrders can be made one of two ways:

• Credit Card is immediately charged on order for the full amount.
• Diecasm Payment Plan is a 3-payment plan.  The first payment includes shipping and applicable IL sales tax for IL residents.  The 2nd payment is due within 30 days.  The 3rd payment will be due when the model ships, or, if the 2nd payment wasn't made on time will be due before the model ships.

Recapping the editions:

• AM24-KAI-DAR Standard Edition build of 299 in Champagne with red top/interior @ $299.95
• AM24-KAI-DAR-TE-PT Tribute Edition build of 54 in Pine Tint with matching top/interior at $354.95
• AM24-KAI-DAR-TE-RD Tribute Edition build of 54 in Red Sail with black top/interior at $354.95
• AM24-KAI-DAR-TE-YE Tribute Edition build of 54 in Yellow Satin with black top/interior at $354.95
• AM24-KAI-DAR-EE Enthusiasts Edition build of 14 in Robin Egg Blue with black top, white seats and black carpet as delivered to the Kaiser family at $454.95

PreOrders and Diecasm Payment Plan PreOrders are available on www.diecasm.com/kaiser. For PreOrders received prior to March 31st 2015, Diecasm will include free shipping in the continental US and $25 flat-rate shipping for rest of world; adjustment to be made after order is processed; enter KFClub in Comments during Checkout.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,
Jim Cowen, CEO
Diecasm, LLC / Automodello
847.274.9645