GC Laser Models

newtoscale Jan 19, 2011

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  1. Don A

    Don A TrainBoard Supporter

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    For all the folks making laser kits, you might want to see how Leggo does it. They have many photos of the assembly of a kit such as a complex truck. NO words. The instructions are designed for a child age 5 to 6 and older. If Leggo can do it in photos, I think the laser folks can do it. Jason Alles who no longer makes kits did all of the instructions in CAD-3D and they were GOOD. There is really no difference in a CAD-3D and a series of photos. IMHO.

    ...don
     
    Don A, Jan 23, 2011
    #21
  2. newtoscale

    newtoscale Permanently dispatched

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    Well, I have managed to partially build this GC Laser garage, but I have to be honest, it isn't a picnic trying to determine from the drawings where these parts are, what they look like, separating them from the sprues and how they are to be applied. I don't have all that much left to do on this model, but the one thing I have no idea how to install are these paper strips that are supposed to resemble shingles or some other roofing material. I just can see how they fit let alone where this ridge cap they are refering to, is. The other thing I see no mention of is does one paint the roof first before applying these strips, or after? If there ever was any need for clarification of instructions, it is right there. If anyone has built this model in the past, I sure could use some helpful advice on these shingle things.
    Ken
     
    newtoscale, Jan 23, 2011
    #22
  3. rray

    rray Staff Member

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    I have never seen, nor built the model, and have no clue what the parts look like, but being I design laser kits, I can offer tips:

    As far as shingle strips go, they are always applied in courses starting from the eaves, slightly overlapping the top of the previous course, and working up to the peak of the roof.

    Some may need to be cut to fit, but before applying the first one, test placement and mark courses with a pencil to make sure you have the correct amount of overlap.

    There is one strip that will be different if a cap strip is intended, and you would fold it in half lengthwise then glue on.

    Painting should always be done last, after the glue is well dried. Paint in downward strokes from the top for the most realistic effect.

    You are NEVER obligated to use the provided roofing, that is supplied just for convenience in a kit. I would recommend purchasing a premium roofing material to use with your kits, both for better and custom appearance, so your kit don't look exactly like the other guy's kit after construction. :D
     
    rray, Jan 23, 2011
    #23
  4. newtoscale

    newtoscale Permanently dispatched

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    Interesting idea. I gotta check that out. Thanks.
     
    newtoscale, Jan 24, 2011
    #24
  5. newtoscale

    newtoscale Permanently dispatched

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    I finally heard back from GC Laser regarding my complaint about their instructions and the answer I got was less then helpful. It would appear that they seem less then interested in addressing my concern or offering any suggestions or assistance. Instead I was told to send the kits back to them and they would send me a full refund. That's it. No appologies, no helpful hints, nothing. To say that I was very disappointed would be an understatement. Based on their response I would have to say that GC is a company that just doesn't care about simplicity or being explicit in their instructions, or customer service, preferring to pump out the kits as they are and hope they can make a buck on them. If this sort of thing happened in any company I have worked for in the past, there would have been a massive shakeup in staff and a complete re-org of the company. Oh well! What can you do eh?
     
    newtoscale, Jan 27, 2011
    #25
  6. Loren

    Loren TrainBoard Supporter

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    Wow, that' kind of surprising they would say that. Hope that isn't really what they meant.

    You ever find that sort of situation with Stonebridgemodels, just tell Karin and I'm sure she will slap me up side the head once or twice....
     
    Loren, Jan 27, 2011
    #26
  7. rray

    rray Staff Member

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    I'm on the fence here on this one...

    On one hand, Z Scale sells so little, that rewriting the instructions to make it better might not be worth the trouble, maybe pull the product from my catalog.

    On the other hand, it shows poorly to blatantly not care about your customers concerns, to the point you in effect "Pay them off to just go away"

    What would I do? I think I would look over my instructions and if it was just too hard to re-write, I would build one up and take pictures at different steps of construction to help them, and then offer a, "go ahead and try assembly, I will gladly send replacement parts for anything you might mess up", and if still not happy with your efforts, I'll refund.
     
    rray, Jan 28, 2011
    #27
  8. zmaner

    zmaner TrainBoard Member

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    Robert,

    That would be Total or complete customer satisfaction. We tend to forget, "The customer is always right".

    Chris
     
    zmaner, Jan 28, 2011
    #28
  9. Loren

    Loren TrainBoard Supporter

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    I don't agree Chris. Usually that is the case, but if I detect that the customer is being a total butt, then he can go take a hike and I'd tell him so. Your reputation will back you up and there is always going to be one crank in the crowd no matter how careful or dedicated you are.
     
    Loren, Jan 28, 2011
    #29
  10. shamoo737

    shamoo737 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I think this tread has run its course. Lets get back to trains.
     
    shamoo737, Jan 28, 2011
    #30
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