Devon,
You most certainly are not the only victim of ‘dwindling disposable income syndrome’. We all suffer from that. As was said above, the number of ‘look what I just bough’ threads have also dwindled.
The way I see the future of large scale moving is back in time to the days of scratch building, kit bashing and kit building. Due to the costs involved, my perspective on the methodology might be different than some, but the distributed sources might be the best method. Phil Dipple has a fair investment in tooling for his business and recovering that cost is built into his kits. I think Ozark is not doing their business any service by having purchased the Hartford line, adding it to their web site, then having no stock. I am personally looking into developing a D&RGW freight truck with another caster that may become available. Having a laser cutter that is willing to do piece work will allow me to build what I want, but within the cost constraints of my disposable income.
From Chester’s point of view, if he is doing the drawings and generating the kits I would then expect a kit that fits and works when I receive it. I am certain that Phil made several ‘prototype’ kits before his kits fit and went together as well as they do (knowledge from others not personal). Chester must make it clear that if he cuts from others files, fitment is the sole responsibility of the supplier of the cutting file. Being a designer by trade, I would accept that up front, others may not. On the flip side of that issue, Chester will need to clearly define how his equipment functions in relation to what file type he is being provided. To illustrate this, a plasma cutter I used to use in my work read DXF files. To determine whether the cutter cut inside or outside the line, the path had to be converted to a polyline and the line had to be either clockwise or counterclockwise. The direction of the polyline determine inside or outside. This will affect fitment.
Chester may choose to quote by project or by material and time. By project would require sourcing all sorts of materials that a customer might wish to use. If allowing the customer to provide material, I would suggest that unless the material is known, a sample would need to be sent to allow Chester to test the cut ability of the material. This statement is brought about by me having a supply of plastic sheeting that was signage for a company my spouse worked for.
Modelers have preferences of material. I happen to prefer wood for my projects. Many prefer plastic. Ray Dunakin is a master at making plastic look like wood. Me, not so much. With a good filler or sanding sealer I can make wood look like steel. These materials cut differently, both is speed and byproducts. Most plastics will produce a fume that MUST BE EXHAUSTED as they are toxic. Wood, depending on whether it is solid wood or laminated (plywood), may or may not be toxic. Phil used to have a tab on his web site on building his shop in Colorado, it had some neat information if you read between the lines.
In Devon’s case, knowing the cars, it is my belief that the seating would definitely be a marketable item. For the hobbyist, the seating is a boring and redundant task. Seating as a kit in 1:20.3 and 1:22.5 and a reasonable price point would sell. A suggestion to assist in justifying price point might be to state that the kit consumes ‘X’ square feet of ‘Y’ material. No dollars required, let the buyer do that homework.
Chester, I surely don’t wish to discourage you, but these are a few of my thoughts on your endeavor. If piece work is something you might be considering, I certainly will give you an opportunity.
Good luck
