| The process involved from the design to the | | | | twice per year; if they are extremely popular, they |
| production of a model railroad train replica is lengthy. | | | | may run three or four times. Successful model train |
| From inception to the material list for parts requires | | | | manufacturers are the ones who can build a quality |
| approximately five to seven months, and that is only if | | | | product even with a lapse of several months in |
| everything goes smoothly. | | | | between production runs. |
| After the engineers have checked the outcome of | | | | The time lapse between the initial approval to make a |
| their designs to be sure they were made per | | | | train and the actual production stage ranges between |
| specification and the material choices for each part | | | | 1 to 1-1/2 years. All the design and preproduction costs |
| are confirmed, the purchase orders are ready for | | | | are absorbed before the first train "rolls" off the line. |
| release. The companies who submitted bids for the | | | | The initial sale of a new train line is usually the most |
| materials are notified, and usually the low bidder | | | | successful, and the following releases drop off about |
| receives the award of the contract. | | | | 80%. This makes the pre-sell of the first run critical to |
| Preparing the artwork can take as much as three | | | | the company as well as generating enough cash to |
| months. This is based on how many colors schemes | | | | invest in new model development. Successful and |
| will be used. For instance, the locomotives and cars | | | | timely advertising is crucial for any model train builder. |
| may come in different colors or have different colored | | | | The preproduction costs for a single model train can |
| lettering. Some of this work may take place while | | | | exceed the cost of a new home, so it is foolish for |
| awaiting the delivery of the parts. | | | | any company to have a great many models in the |
| Most of the materials will arrive within two months, but | | | | design phase at one time. Careful planning and timing |
| the motor usually takes three. Every single component | | | | on the development end is as important to a company |
| has to be in hand before production starts on any train. | | | | as the quality of the final product. |
| With all the buildup to reach the manufacturing stage, | | | | Many things go into that little box your model railroad |
| the actual production time for a particular model may | | | | train comes in. Some of the designs are similar from |
| only be a few days. | | | | one train to the next, and that helps some on the |
| If a particular train model is successful, the production | | | | preproduction time, but there are still many hours spent |
| line might restart again during the same year, owing to | | | | by many people just to produce your single model. |
| supply and demand. Most models will run in production | | | | |