"SDD: Out to Lunch?" Topic

I'm wondering if anyone knows what is up with SDD Models at:

link

I was happy to see them put up a website recently, but 4 e-mails in the last 7 weeks have gone unanswered. I had some questions about their spaceship lines and wanted to know which credit cards they accept. Has anyone done business with them lately? Does anyone know Brian Gosling (the person whose name is in the e-mail address)? I find it an odd business practice to put your products up on the web, then ignore inquiries concerning your product lines and payment methods. It could be that the folks there got called to active duty due to the war or have an extended personal emergency, but 7 weeks is a bit long in any case.

And thanks in advance to anyone suggesting Brookhurst Hobbies as a source for the SDD Spaceship lines. I've tapped them out on their available stock but there are still some minis that they can't seem to get back in stock that I want to get from the source. Thanks in advance.

The last I heard SDD was essentially defunct and the moulds were up for sale. I haven't seen tham at a show for two years now.

Cheers
Martin

I had the same experience a few years ago when I was trying to find and buy some SDD 15mm pirate ships. Brookhurst was out of stock and did not know when they would be getting more. I emailed SDD, sent a letter and even called (left a message on his answering machine telling him to call me collect!). But no response. The word was that SDD was a typical small UK minis business -- they cast up a bunch of stuff to cover all the weekend shows/conventions that happen throughout the summer. Anything left *may* go to fill US orders. Sure enough -- that Fall, I was able to get one more (but still not all I wanted). I, too, was surprised and happy to see an official SDD website, but it sounds like their operating practices have not changed.

Chuck

SDD will be produced by Stronghold Miniatures in the future.

I expect full production to start by May, and I have kept the web site going to keep the product listing on the web.

I have asked Brian to update the pages on the site because he hasn't given me the access codes. I have even sent him an xhtml page to upload but so far nothing has happened.

Eventually it will be on my own web site at www.stronghold-miniatures.co.uk for secure ordering.

If you want the spaceships please email me directly at mike@strongholdminiatures.co.uk or ask Larry to replenish his stock of them.

I have identified the moulds for the spaceships, so now just have to identify which one is which because the samples I have are broken off the show stand and Brian had put them very carefully in a box without any labelling.

I can now also put my hands on the Winners Eye view things.

Let me know if I can help you any further.

Regards
Mike

I'm not sure I agree with Schogun's comment that all UK companies work on local shows first and send what's left to the USA. I am aware that Peter Pig ships large quantities to Brookhurst on a regular basis (despite frequent comments from customers to the contrary) and are certainly only a small company. It is always a problem when demand outstrips supply.

We (LKM Direct, inc QRF) are currently shipping regular monthly shipments to several US sources, despite actually comprising only 4 people, only 1 of which is actually doing the casting!

Brian has not been behind SDD for some time and Brrokhurst have had extended problems getting hold of stock (as have most customers). We haven't seen him at shows for a long, long time, even though he does seem to have booked into some of them.

Mike, I don't envy the amount of work you are having to do to sort out the moulds and can fully empathise with trying to identify things from moulds, having spent the last 3 months doing the same with the Freikorp range! Good luck!

Geoff
LKM/QRF

Thanks for the support Geoff!

I had heard you had visited Brian, so maybe you are in one of the strongest positions to appreciate the two van loads of things I have hauled up to Scotland that comprise SDD.

I am hoping to have some stock for Salute (no SDD display stand as that is beyond repair) but this will be limited as the space was originally booked for the Village Green stock alone.

Regards
Mike

Thanks Mike! I appreciate you clearing up what's going on with SDD's IP and your company. Glad to hear that the SDD miniatures lines haven't disappeared and will be available again soon. I'll drop you an email.

Thanks, Mike. When and if Brian Gosling's SDD "Air Power" range of 1/300 WW-2 aircraft also becomes available again, please consider posting word of it over on the WW-2 Air board, here on TMP.

I will then update the link on the "Air-Pirates" Yahoo group (WW-2 air-gaming enthusiasts) to point to your Stronghold Miniatures. Thanks. //Paul in Seattle

I have never used SDD range of 1/300 WWII aircraft but I do
order from NAVWAR and Scotia Grendal on a regular basis.
I just got a shipment in yesterday about 29 aircraft) and
will be "making" the Fw190 torpedo bomber and He111 torpedo
bomber.