I feel like I need to post this in multiple threads.
Bachmann obviously has a process. It's nothing personal against the fans that Oliver isn't released yet. Allow me to speculate about what goes into making a Thomas model.
1-Some suits around a table come up with some products they'd like to introduce.
2-They get a license from the rights holders, (who probably had a say in who was picked)
3-They go into the design stage. Blueprints, C.A.D. and the like.
4The designers run it by some suits, who run it by Mattel.
5-It goes through a second draft
6-Repeat step 4
7-One the design is decided on, they prototype it. First, second, third, fourth.
8-Once the long process of prototyping is complete, they will do an engineering sample, to test out the manufacturing process.
9-Along the way, they have to get approval after approval from HiT and Bachmann executives. They even have to get FCC approval, that it will not interfere with radios ETC.
10-They have to design an insert for the packaging.
11- They have to send instructions to the factory in China, manufacture one, send it to PA, have it approved by all the people, take a picture, and giv the ok to produce more.
12-The factory has to make a batch, test, quality control, package, pick and pack, stick in container, ship it to PA.
13-They then distribute it to stores for us to buy.
It is not a wham-bam-thank-you-mam process. It takes a tonne of hard work and time. I doubt they are standing around. That is also why they have to be choosy about what products get produced.
It's probably astronomically expensive too.
I'm done hearing complaints about how long it is taking. Seriously.
Bachmann obviously has a process. It's nothing personal against the fans that Oliver isn't released yet. Allow me to speculate about what goes into making a Thomas model.
1-Some suits around a table come up with some products they'd like to introduce.
2-They get a license from the rights holders, (who probably had a say in who was picked)
3-They go into the design stage. Blueprints, C.A.D. and the like.
4The designers run it by some suits, who run it by Mattel.
5-It goes through a second draft
6-Repeat step 4
7-One the design is decided on, they prototype it. First, second, third, fourth.
8-Once the long process of prototyping is complete, they will do an engineering sample, to test out the manufacturing process.
9-Along the way, they have to get approval after approval from HiT and Bachmann executives. They even have to get FCC approval, that it will not interfere with radios ETC.
10-They have to design an insert for the packaging.
11- They have to send instructions to the factory in China, manufacture one, send it to PA, have it approved by all the people, take a picture, and giv the ok to produce more.
12-The factory has to make a batch, test, quality control, package, pick and pack, stick in container, ship it to PA.
13-They then distribute it to stores for us to buy.
It is not a wham-bam-thank-you-mam process. It takes a tonne of hard work and time. I doubt they are standing around. That is also why they have to be choosy about what products get produced.
It's probably astronomically expensive too.
I'm done hearing complaints about how long it is taking. Seriously.
