Production process

[Nick Short]

I can't be alone in being very interested in the process by which a model goes from first production plan to finished product. We've all seen the "sample" or prototype models illustrated on the website, and then how the final model differs from that, and I'd love to see an account of the whole process from start to finish.

[timbo333]

Great Idea, Nick. I have seen some photo's on the Scale 1:18 website, but not great quailty shots.

How about it admin....perhaps a web serial over a number of weeks/months?? Maybe even mug shots of the BIANTE team too!:p

[Nick Short]

I suppose Biante just haven't got enough to occupy themselves so this might be a good way for them to pass the time!!!!!! A mate has told me that there might be an article in a future Australian Muscle Cars magazine on exactly this subject, and if so I'm looking forward to it! I don't mind where I read about it, I would just like to know.

[v8coupe]

I also would be interested in seeing the process, from start to finish. Would give us guys a better knowledge of the work involved in getting these cars made for biante.

[chups]

i saw on a website when i was surfing one day, a model show in china or usa or somewhere they had a model car show and some of the companies had some unfinished/bare metal cars and cars at different stages of production (ie original body molds, molded, unassembled bodies, assembled unpainted model, complete finished model.) it was great. i would love it if biante had a series of shots on here like that of like the vy touros or the BA or something.

-Chups-

[Nick Short]

Not only the various stages of body development, but earlier still, to the process of photographing and measuring a mint example of the car to be modelled. I saw an ad in Unique Cars recently, for a virtually zero mileage unregistered Ultra Blue 4 door A9X and was wondering if it was that car that Biante modelled? And of course once the dimensions are taken it's a fairly easy process to produce the model in various body and trim colours. That's the road cars, but with the race cars I guess it may be less easy, as some no longer exist. I suppose Biante would have to get the body shape from an existing car and then produce decals and other features from archive photos. Whatever, it would be fascinating to discover just how much effort goes into producing the final model that sits in pride of place in our cabinets!

[thekid_600]

somehow i think there is a certain degree of secrecy in the process..... biante wouldnt show us everything - some of it might be brilliant ideas they dont want plagerised.......

[Andrew]

Regarding the production process, if anyone has seen the iXO catalogue (1:43 range, rally cars, Le Mans etc.) then there is a two page spread of some production photos of the moulds, painting, decal attaching process of making a Lancer Evo VI rally car. It is very interesting. Might be worth a look. But somthing coprehensive on the Biante process would be fantastic. Maybe a 5-6 page catalogue that could be sold for $5-$10? Showing the process of construction from measuring up to computer, to mould, to cast (including the type of metal used), to deciding how much of the vehicle should be plastic etc. The only thing would be, as others have said, that Biante might be giving away the secrets to their incredible success! And I wouldn't want poachers taking their ideas and hard work.

[admin]

If you get the next issue (due the 26th I think) of Chevrons Muscle car mag, the final expose of the VR development is in there.
While this is a very condensed version of how it happens, its a pretty good insight.
At the moment, we are so busy its crazy, but I may do a series of "How it all happens" stories on the site.
I am not worried about anyone copying our techniques as it is all fairly basic stuff. Its just that the more that I, the engineers and the production staff put into it, the better the model.
Anyone who is over in Perth for any reason is more than welcome to come to our showroom and there we have several cars displayed showing the whole procedure from the 1:12th handmade model, right trhu all the process's to the finished article
Who would be interested in an article?

[chups]

where abouts is the showroom? is it at the warehouse in belmont? i spoke to my model retailer and he said that it was by invitation only and that there were only normal models there?

i think a Biante meusem/gallery would be great, with a 'production timeline walk' which through pictures and models, take you from idea to released model.

just my thoughts
-Chups-

[lachlan]

ME!!!
I don't think I will be able to pop in for a look, its just a bit to far for a sunday drive.
How about some pictures of the whole Biante team and outside shots of the building? I would love to see were all my pay ends up!:)

[Nick Short]

Me too (obviously...). When I'm next in Oz I'll try and make it to Perth, and my wife will be delighted to be taken there after Bathurst....

[Andrew]

I too would love an article on the whole process. And I would dearly love to visit the Biante showroom too, but Hobart to Perth is a bit far... Maybe I'll get there when I finally get to see Rally Australia.

[loste_treasures]

im just going to take this post abit further.....

all the pre-production models. what happens to them? it would be a shame if they were just destroyed.

why not run a competition of some sort and offer them as prizes to valued collectors

[Andrew]

I thought Biante had already done that in the past.

[loste_treasures]

thats news to me!!!

can admin clarify this??

[v8coupe]

One was actioned off to raise funds, which really was a great idea. Was a lowndes model prototype from memory.

[admin]

It was for the NSW bushfire appeal last year and raised $2400.00.
We have also given away the very first Kmart model we made, a set of HRT minicars signed by John Crennan and in 1999 we gave the second ever prototype Track Red XY with certificate to that effect to the Falcon GT Club for their national club meet and that went for about 2,500 from memory.
There has been a few others as well.
All those who let us use their cars for research. also get the second sample.