Rocketry Planet

WORLD WIDE WEB — Set to begin in August, German consumers were to be able to buy the Estes model rocket product line through Revell GmbH & Co. KG of Bünde, Germany. The Revell name is a recognized leader in the distribution of plastic models world-wide.

Estes was well represented under the Revell name at the Nuremberg International Toy Fair, where the Revell Rockets by Estes model rocket line concept was presented at a display featuring known Estes models, all under the Revell Rockets slogan "The Sky is Yours!" Unfortunately, insufficient interest within Revell Germany's current customer base led to the premature end of this project. Photo: Oliver Missbach.

The partnering trial balloon was set aloft at the Nuremberg International Toy Fair earlier this year, setting the stage for Revell Germany to begin marketing Estes model rocket products in late summer under the name Revell Rockets by Estes, using the familiar Revell logo known everywhere.

As the newest acquisition of Hobbico, Estes Industries joined Revell Monogram under Hobbico's banner of hobby-oriented companies last year. Hobbico acquired Estes in January of 2010, after earlier acquiring Revell Monogram in May of 2007, but not before Revell's European business was sold to a group led by Revell GmbH management in September of 2006.

According to the 2007 Hobbico press release, Revell is a world-wide leader in detailed, scale model kits including cars, trucks, ships, and planes. Founded over 60 years ago, the company markets under the brands of Revell and Monogram which were combined in 1986.

Hobbico is the world's leading manufacturer, distributor and retailer of model hobby products, including radio controlled models, plastic model kits, trains and other hobby products. The employee-owned company sells products through hobby shops, toy stores, chain stores as well as its retail subsidiary, Tower Hobbies.

At the February Nuremberg event, touted as the leading toy fair in the world, the Revell Rockets by Estes concept was tested when Estes Marketing Director Michael Fritz introduced the model rocket line at a display featuring known Estes models—such as the Taser, Sky Hawker, Hi Jinks, Patriarch, Rascal, LoadStar, Code Red and others—all flying under the Revell Rockets slogan "The Sky is Yours!"

European Model Rocketry editor Oliver Missbach attended the toy fair, meeting Fritz at the Revell booth, where he snapped photos of the Revell Rockets by Estes display. The Revell-Estes partnership was later mentioned in articles on European Model Rocketry and modellraketen.info, but in the time following the fair the concept failed to gather the necessary momentum.

Representatives from Revell, when asked about the potential partnership stated the display at the Nuremberg Toy Fair was only a test to guage interest in the concept, but the general feeling after the show was that interest within Revell Germany's present customer base wasn't strong enough to take the line into production and distribution. 

None of this is to say Estes products aren't available in Europe, just that the Revell Rockets by Estes concept intended to be distributed through Revell Germany will not be seeing commercial availability at this time.

Reader comments:

#1 Re: Article: Not coming this summer to Germany: Revell Rockets by Estes

Maybe it's just me but the rockets they displayed were starter level rockets which do not appeal to experienced hobbyists. Where was the Saturn V? Tomahawk? How about something European like an Ariane rocket kit? I know the American space program never got folks excited on that side of the pond but why else would you get involved in the hobby? Blow things up?

wooshprez on 06-07-2011 06:16 PM

#2 Re: Article: Not coming this summer to Germany: Revell Rockets by Estes

I think I agree with what wooshpres is saying. Some of the new offerings by Estes might be interesting to mid-level modelers and also there is room (in both the US and European markets, IMHO) for ESA rockets. Sure, I'm a fan of the Saturn rockets, but I wouldn't turn my nose at a European styled kit either.

If those in Germany (and the EU in general) do have ready access to Estes kits, then maybe it was a non-starter, but if Estes kits aren't standard fare, I hope they look at an alternate approach, possibly including some of the great additions since Hobbico became involved.

Good luck to Estes, Revell and European rocketeers in general!

Sandy.

Sandy H. on 06-07-2011 07:36 PM

#3 Re: Article: Not coming this summer to Germany: Revell Rockets by Estes

I think the issue that Revell and Estes is facing is the same thing the hobby itself is facing: not enough new youth involvement. While NAR and TRA can be proud of initiatives like TARC, Battle of the Rockets and other contests, the reality is that outside of those venues, young people are not really interested in rockets, specifically, or modeling, in general.

In speaking with the president of Revell US, I learned about the long dry spell modelling has experienced in general and the declining interest of young people. Until that rectifies itself, it's going to be hard for experienced companies like Estes and Revell to commit to new ventures that may not produce a return. We often forget, as experienced modelers, the business approach required by large companies: if it isn't going to make money, we aren't going to do it. So their market probably is not us experienced modellers, rather it would be 10X-100X the experienced modellers out there with Xbox and Wii controllers in their hands.

ddmobley on 06-07-2011 07:46 PM

#4 Re: Article: Not coming this summer to Germany: Revell Rockets by Estes

Main problem is that in Europe even for a Model Rocket motor you will need a explosive license from 2013 and all motors need to be CE certified. That is also why we put it down when it was offered to REBEL Space, and the market is just too small for a line like Estes. Sad, but it just is not possible under the current legislation that will only become tighter the coming years.

Frank De Brouwer

REBEL on 06-08-2011 03:10 AM

#5 Re: Article: Not coming this summer to Germany: Revell Rockets by Estes

It seems to be the European nature to want to regulate things aimed at the general public. Getting a driver's license in Germany is such a major accomplishment the recepient throws a party when its issued.

soccerdad on 06-08-2011 10:27 AM

#6 Re: Article: Not coming this summer to Germany: Revell Rockets by Estes

Perhaps Revell could expand their product line to include the German made V-1 and V-2 missiles, technology which ultimately led to America's space program?

tmacklin on 06-08-2011 10:55 AM

#7 Re: Article: Not coming this summer to Germany: Revell Rockets by Estes

Quote:

Main problem is that in Europe even for a Model Rocket motor you will need a explosive license from 2013 and all motors need to be CE certified. That is also why we put it down when it was offered to REBEL Space, and the market is just too small for a line like Estes. Sad, but it just is not possible under the current legislation that will only become tighter the coming years.

Frank De Brouwer

This report is SAD ! The trial balloon by Estes/Revel is doomed no matter what the case may be. First, I do not see any kid in the EU getting an explosives license !

Second, the Europeans seemed to be more into any type of scale. Alpha-3s and Big Bertha rockets are not the European style. A flying model of a Little Joe ONE from 1959 would have attracted more interest. That rocket is one that does not seem to have been ever made in kit form in the US.

Overall, Europe is a dead market if the EU passes this regulation. Even Internat rocketry will have to go underground.

What prompted this legislation ?

Astrosaint on 06-08-2011 06:35 PM

#8 Re: Article: Not coming this summer to Germany: Revell Rockets by Estes

Not a big deal, but Mike Doffler reported the Ariane Kit was ready for production many years ago, but the French wouldn't allow it without paying a license fee. He said they never paid a fee for any of the scale kits, and wouldn't start now. The tooling and the completed kits were destroyed.

jctrame on 06-10-2011 08:57 PM

#9 Re: Article: Not coming this summer to Germany: Revell Rockets by Estes

Quote:

Second, the Europeans seemed to be more into any type of scale. Alpha-3s and Big Bertha rockets are not the European style. A flying model of a Little Joe ONE from 1959 would have attracted more interest. That rocket is one that does not seem to have been ever made in kit form in the US.

Scale kits are a niche market even in Europe. The main issue is that rocket engine sales are overregulated in some countries, specially in Germany. In the US, any local dealer can offer at least standard engines. In Germany, for example, a local dealer can only sell A-C engines (currently - the EU may re-regulate it even worser in the future, see other discussion). And to do so, he has to struggle around with the authorities. So very few dealers are interested to offer model rockets.

Oliver

oliver on 09-23-2011 04:11 PM

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