Models

[FastMerc]

:cool: Any know of any diecast models of Marauders 03-04 :banana:

[hitchhiker]

:cool: Any know of any diecast models of Marauders 03-04 :banana:
Yes, on ebay.

None listed at this time, but they are there often.

Best Regards,

David

[bigslim]

Check my gallery. I got both of mine from the guy that sells them on e-bay. I will PM you with his info. He has 1/25 scale and 1/18 scale.

[BruteForce]

Check my gallery. I got both of mine from the guy that sells them on e-bay. I will PM you with his info. He has 1/25 scale and 1/18 scale.

If it isn't too much of a bother, could you send the contact info to me as well?

[hitchhiker]

If it isn't too much of a bother, could you send the contact info to me as well?
Why not just post it?

I would like to know too.

Thanks,

David

[Patrick]

If it isn't too much of a bother, could you send the contact info to me as well?

Me too!! :up: :up: :up:

[SouLRioT]

not trying to knock they guy who made these, but they are not true Marauder models. I'm not sure if it was a PI or GM first. I know there were people trying to get ture MMs made by a company, but a lot of money is needed to get a die made and then you have to deal with mercury letting you use their name and car. I was actully looking yesterday at different companys that make cars. Jakkspacific (roadchamps) does not take outside ideas for cars. If anyone new to the site has a inside track on getting a car made please let us know.

[bigslim]

I will put them in your PM's. I don't know if Logan will allow it since he is not a vendor.

[QWK SVT]

You know, I can't beleive that there isn't a market, for Diecast Marauders... I mean, 75% of the work is already done, with the Crown Vic police cars forming the basis.

The guys that make the ones on eBay are usually getting $60+ for the not quite accurate models... You would think one of the bigger companies that already have the Vic license would pick up on it, by now...

Fuel to the fire - Is there really more market for this car? The police version was already around, so it was just some tweaking, to get the job done...
http://www.idcow.com/mst2096.html

[SouLRioT]

WTF, theres a SS already?!? The Model companies dont know about the MM just like the regular public.

[Bluerauder]

Check my gallery. I got both of mine from the guy that sells them on e-bay. I will PM you with his info. He has 1/25 scale and 1/18 scale.
My son and I have picked up some models from E-bay and from Exoticar. Here's my Blue and a Black Marauder, the old and new Bullitt Mustangs side-by-side, the Marauders with a County Police car that my son is working on now, and for BillyGman ---- tah da .... the Ford GT. Hope they show well.

[Silver_04]

I have sent messages to Hot Wheels (sorry we don't take ideas-blah), Revel (no reply), Exoticar (no reply) and others asking, no...begging them to make a Marauder die cast. It can't be that hard for them considering they already make CVPI's (gives us the body) and Mach 1's (gives us the engine). All they need to do is tool up new wheels and bumpers and presto...a Marauder is born. And it's not like they have a lot of colors to stock up on either.

Let's just pick a die cast company, bombard them with requests and show them the green up front.

[QWK SVT]

I have sent messages to Hot Wheels (sorry we don't take ideas-blah), Revel (no reply), Exoticar (no reply) and others asking, no...begging them to make a Marauder die cast. It can't be that hard for them considering they already make CVPI's (gives us the body) and Mach 1's (gives us the engine). All they need to do is tool up new wheels and bumpers and presto...a Marauder is born. And it's not like they have a lot of colors to stock up on either.

Let's just pick a die cast company, bombard them with requests and show them the green up front.
I sent a message to AUTOart (http://www.autoartmodels.com (http://www.autoartmodels.com/)), a couple of days ago. They make some nice models, and have 1:18 Crown Vics and Mach1s in their lineup, already. Here's the message I sent them (awaiting reply):


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AUTOart,

Let me preface this note, by saying that you are well know, for extremely high-quality and high-detail work, which is why I am sending this, to you.

I own a 2003 Mercury Marauder. As both an owner of this vehicle, and a collector of diecast models, I would love to be able to find an accurate representation of my vehicle, to add to my collection. Unfortunately, there is not a model currently available on the market, for the 2003 - 2004 Mercury Marauder.

You currently produce a model, that is very similar, to the vehicle in question. There are limited changes that would be required, to make a Marauder based off of the Crown Victoria platform, you currently use to produce a number of Police vehicles.

The major changes that would be required to make a Marauder from the Crown Vic are:
- Front bumper (minimal shape, and fog light changes)
- Front headlight change
- Front grille change
- Rear bumper (minimal shape, with MARAUDER labelled)
- Dual exhaust, with stainless steel pipes
- Wheels and tires are different
- Slightly different interior (gauges and colors), with shifter on console, between seats
- Minor engine bay differences

None of the above appear to be huge differences. The only thing required to make an accurate business case would be to 1) assess licensing costs from Ford and 2) assess market interest.

There is demand, for such a product, evidenced by the following links:

Questionable quality, hand-built versions of the Marauder often sell on eBay (typically for $60+ USD)
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=759&item=6910678408&rd=1

There are also numerous threads on the Mercury Marauder message board, where owners have discussed interest in obtaining such a model, as well as a chance for you to further understand the vehicle, and it's owner base.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/)

What would need to occur, for such a model to be produced? I realize that this email is relatively high-level, and I'll be the first to admit I do not know your business model (cost, revenue drivers, investment required, timelines, etc.). Having said that, it doesn't appear to be a terribly daunting task to complete, and at first glance, there appears to be interest in such a product.

What could be done, to help try to bring a Marauder model to the market?

I look forward to your response,

[Bluerauder]

I sent a message to AUTOart (http://www.autoartmodels.com (http://www.autoartmodels.com/)), a couple of days ago. They make some nice models, and have 1:18 Crown Vics and Mach1s in their lineup, already. Here's the message I sent them (awaiting reply):

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Hope you have some luck with AutoArt. Keep us posted on any reply from them. There was a guy here on the MM Net several months ago who was working a deal with one of the major model companies to do Marauder models (with Action Models, I think). But, the deal/contract fell though for some reason.

[SouLRioT]

Q. I have an idea for a new product. Does JAKKS accept outside submission ideas? How can I present my idea to JAKKS?

A. As you can imagine, we receive many inquiries regarding new product idea submissions, and while we appreciate interest in our company, we must advise that we do not accept any unsolicited submissions for review.

For many years it has been and remains our company's policy to decline offers to consider unsolicited external ideas or suggestions. We depend on our employees and other organizations with whom we deal on a regular basis for such ideas. Also, the toy and game industry has had the unfortunate experience of lawsuits being filed by individuals who allege misappropriation of their ideas as a result of a company's consideration of even the most general concept. We simply cannot assume such risks. Therefore, we do not encourage the submission of ideas by individuals who are not directly associated with our company or its agents.

You may wish to contact a toy and game broker or the industry's trade association, Toy Manufacturers of America. This type of broker introduces and helps sell the concepts/prototypes or other inventions to the broker's personal contacts at various toy and/or game manufacturers. While we cannot make a specific recommendation, and DO NOT ENDORSE ANY PARTICULAR BROKER ON THE LIST, you may call 1-800-242-7276, ext. 7011 to request a list of names and addresses of toy brokers who have given their permission to release their names. Alternatively, there is a similar list of brokers in the "Who Makes It Directory" issue of Playthings magazine each year from which you may wish to make a selection.

The Toy Industry Association is located at:

Toy Industry Association
1115 Broadway
New York, NY 10010-2803
USA
Their telephone number is (212) 675-1141, option 6. They may be able to refer you to brokers who are members of the organization.

We wish you the best of luck with your endeavor.

Monday I'm going to try and call them, and see what happens from there.

[FastMerc]

:rock: Yes I thought there would be a lot of interest in models of 03-04 Marauders,Lets hope one of the model companies takes notice. After all they did do one of a 49 Ford,a car that was never mass produced for the public.

[QWK SVT]

Here is the response, from AUTOart - I'm less than impressed by their quick (lacking real substance) reponse, and the whole "BTW, why don't you buy something from us" paragraph...

I wonder how much interest would be required, to warrant the build of a model... I mean, the eBay sellers have set the bar - at $60 a shot. Even in a limited run, of say a couple thousand units, I would think it wouldn't be too hard to recoupe the costs.

Oh well... Time to move on to the next manufacturer. If there's demand, someone will pick up on it.


<!--StartFragment -->
Thank you for your inquiry.
It is too late for us to develop this car now. Also, besides the changes he listed we must do, we will have to upgrade all the molds because the specification of the Crown Victoria is not as high as our current AUTOart standard. That quality standard is out-dated. Therefore, the investment is too large.
By the way, we would like to inform you that we have added the AA Collection, the on-line Autoart shopping center. Here you can explore the full range of Autoart's renowned die-cast scale model cars, discover details of upcoming introductions and investigate the ingenuity of our collection of automotive design sundries. Browse, select and shop. It's all here at www.autoartmodels.com (http://www.autoartmodels.com/) <?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p>
We look forward to receiving your order soon.

[Bluerauder]

Here is the response, from AUTOart - I'm less than impressed by their quick (lacking real substance) reponse, and the whole "BTW, why don't you buy something from us" paragraph...

I wonder how much interest would be required, to warrant the build of a model... I mean, the eBay sellers have set the bar - at $60 a shot. Even in a limited run, of say a couple thousand units, I would think it wouldn't be too hard to recoupe the costs.
When my son ordered mine from the E-Bay folks, he paid $100 for the Blue MM (special order) then got a Black MM for himself at $75 (included S&H). So, the bar may be a little higher than $60 for the 1:18 scale Marauders.

Sounds to me that AutoArt doesn't like the existing CrownVic model (not up to AA standards). Therefore, they say that the cost of designing and building the Marauder from scratch is a major investment. Reading between the lines, I hear "limited demand" (i.e. not enough to make the upfront investment worthwhile for them.) I don't know the model business well enough -- but their rationale seems pretty logical.

I suspect that the sales come-on is a part of every letter sent back to customers and inquiries. Good luck with some of the other model manufacturers.

[fairlane347]

I collect 1:18 scale alot. there are no production MM. the one on e-bay are expencive and they are not good quality. the detail is average but the wheels don't fit right and the paint is not good. the exhaust is so so.

[2003 MIB]

I collect 1:18 scale alot. there are no production MM. the one on e-bay are expencive and they are not good quality. the detail is average but the wheels don't fit right and the paint is not good. the exhaust is so so.
I saw my first one in person last Saturday. Rodster has a DTR that he displayed on his upper intake during a cruise night. I thought it looked cool but I'm not a model expert by any means. People seemed to take notice.

[QWK SVT]

When my son ordered mine from the E-Bay folks, he paid $100 for the Blue MM (special order) then got a Black MM for himself at $75 (included S&H). So, the bar may be a little higher than $60 for the 1:18 scale Marauders.
All the more reason you would think the companies would take notice. For that price, you can get some really high quality models. With a price point like this, the mark up should, in theory, make up for the costs a lower production run (assuming that was the case).


Sounds to me that AutoArt doesn't like the existing CrownVic model (not up to AA standards). Therefore, they say that the cost of designing and building the Marauder from scratch is a major investment. Reading between the lines, I hear "limited demand" (i.e. not enough to make the upfront investment worthwhile for them.) I don't know the model business well enough -- but their rationale seems pretty logical.
I understand the rationale, to a degree. I still think that the current model is of reasonable quality, and feel the "limited demand" is actually the reason. This is what bothered me, really. Why make a potential customer read between the lines? Call it like it is, rather than BS :confused:

Either way, it's time to move on, but the list of companies that produce a Crown Vic is limiting. I think it's a safe assumption to make that NO ONE would even think about porducing an MM, without that as a base...

[QWK SVT]

I saw my first one in person last Saturday. Rodster has a DTR that he displayed on his upper intake during a cruise night. I thought it looked cool but I'm not a model expert by any means. People seemed to take notice.
I think they look good, for what they are... I'm just anal, when it comes to this sorta thing. I'm still trying to find a model of the Lightning. I have a handful of the Bburagos, but it's a 1999 - noticeably different wheels and lights.:cry:

Having said that, I'll probably end up picking one up, sooner, or later.