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trebleshot

08-25-2009 09:14 PM

Star Trek Q&A with DST and Art Asylum

Star Trek Q&A

trebleshot

08-25-2009 09:15 PM

From here: Art Asylum Blog AskDST #51 - Star Trek Edition

Quote:

Plenty of Star Trek discussion to scan this week, as DSTChuck answers your pressing Star Trek questions. Will we see 3 3/4 inch figures in Star Trek’s future? What features will be included with the upcoming Wrath of Khan style Phaser? How about more info on that upcoming Klingon ship? Answers to all of these questions are just a click away!

Q:
Shaun Baer
Greetings - I’ve been chatting with other folks online about the Star Trek action figure line and I was curious…if we, the fans, had an idea about commissioning an exclusive figure that would, in part, benefit a charity, how would that work? More specifically…there is talk of a “Women of Trek” line amongst many fans. I thought…why not take it a step further. A kick-off to that line could be as follows. AA/DST, in collaboration with, say, New Force Comics and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Awareness, could release Lwaxana Troi around Mother’s Day. A certain percentage of this figure’s sales would go to the S.G. Komen fund. Is this idea a possibility you would consider and, if so, what would the other organizations have to do to make this opportunity worthwhile? What would sales have to be for you to justify a venture of this nature? I would appreciate a detailed response. If this would be something you would consider, I would be interested in doing some of the volunteer legwork to try and make this happen. But, I’d need to know what that would mean as well before I committed to it. Thank you for considering my idea. All my best, Shaun Baer

A:
DSTChuck: Shaun that sounds like a very nice program and I can’t comment on what the Breast Cancer folks or CBS for that matter would require, so you might want to start with them. For DST’s part it’s something we’d be willing to explore, but you’d have to contact the sales department because they deal with all the sticky details like cost, credit worthiness etc… If you’re already in contact with New Force it would be very easy for him to pitch the idea to his sales guy then once those details are worked out the sales department would get in touch with my sales liaison, who in turn with check with the person on my team that deals with CBS to get their ok, we’d then contact the PM for Trek and see what ideas he had and the cost. Once that’s all set, the PM would send the P&L to me for management review and discussion, from there we go back to sales to tell New Force what we can/can’t do… Is that the kind of detail you were looking for? Good luck.

Q:
JC Alvarez
Hey guys — I just received my Enterprise-D “All Good Things” model and I am so remarkably impressed by how beautiful a job you have done on this very obscure design from “The Next Generation”! What a great buy — it’s a sturdy and wonderfully detailed ship — thank you so much. Keep up the good work and please consider delivering version of the Enterprise as seen in the new feature film!

A:
DSTChuck: We’re all very proud of both version of the “D” -are there things we’d like to change and improve if we could - yes, but all in all we’re pretty happy with it. We’re going to keep going on these ships as log as fans support them.

Q:
Ronnie Conners
Hi There! Just had an idea. Since the TOS Phaser & Communicator were such a hit, why not do a TNG version? A Type-II phaser with a com-badge. That would be cool. Also, another cool (if not predictable) idea: a TNG Tricorder (preferably modeled after the TR-580(see Memory Alpha article: Starfleet tricorder - Memory Alpha, the Star Trek Wiki). Thanks for listening to my ranting!!

A:
DSTChuck: Right now we are not able to do the TNG communicator, it’s considered cos-play and that’s handled by Rubies. As for the other TNG items, we’re just not sure if they are as popular as TOS but time will tell.

Q:
Sean Jiranek
Just received the AGT Enterprise-D and am very impressed- I think its your best ever work. Do you have any plans for any other variants of the D? Personally I’m hoping for either the USS Magellan (which featured the engines of the AGT Ent D, but was other wise the same as a standard Galaxy) or Geordi’s ship in the alternate future, USS Challenger.

A:
DSTChuck: Right now it’s just the two versions, when our inventory runs out, which at current trend might be early next year. We’ll look at a re-run and at that time we plan to review other variants that we might be able to produce.

Q:
Alan Carson
Love the DS9 figures… please keep the line going! Quark, Rom, Nog, Garak, Worf (in S7 uniform) would all be great! Thanks, Alan.

A:
DSTChuck: Alan, sorry to say right now based on sales of past figures the DST action figure line is taking a break. There are still some figures we’d really like to do, so if we can find a way to make them happen, we will.

Q:
Harry Worthan
Hey Chuck, I just got the AGT and D Enterprises and love both!! I hope you guys can continue with this line as it just keeps getting better and better!! I know you can’t give dates, but can you give us pre-pro art? AA/DST gives us renderings of their Marvel and Minimates stuff, can you not do the same with Trek? I primarily collect the ship line and weapons and I would love to see more of both. Put me down for a Voyager!!! BTW, I read thru the last blog and it seemed like a few people had QC issues with their stuff. I think fans need to realize that these things are mass produced in China and they shouldn’t expect AA/DST to personally examine/test each and every item that comes off the boat. There will always be problems from time to time and these are best handled by the retailer the person bought the item from. (my .02) Thanks for all you do and I look forward to AA/DST’s next release!!

A:
DSTChuck: Sorry Harry our policy is to not allow pre-pro or art out until the final product (or final prototype) is shown. SO what that means is we’re happy to show the process once we’ve gotten there, just not during or before. We’ve made a FEW exceptions to this but I think with the ships, we’re going to keep a low profile until we’re pretty confident we can deliver. We do have a staff in HK that helps us work with the factories to get the best product we can out there, but as much as both of us want to do a perfect item every time, some stuff does slip by. While I do think all of the items we produce give a very good value for the money, I can understand customers wanting a “perfect” item, so we do the best we can.

Q:
Eric Walters
What happened with the (reg) Enterprise-D neck windows… Or lack there of??? The (AGT) Enterprise-D has neck Windows. No Neck Windows are present on (Reg) version Ent-D on Flickr - Photo Sharing! Neck windows are present on (AGT) version IMG_0655 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

A:
DSTChuck: Eric, there was an error in production as the line shifted over to run the regular version, so what we’ve done is created a decal sheet that a fan can apply if they want. We’ll just need them to send in a SASE and we’ll send one right out. Look for the news to shop up on the DST site very soon.

Q:
Chris Coombs
1) Is TOS Wave 5 in danger of not being made with the low pre-orders?
2) How about a 2-pack of Kirk and Roddenberry?
3) How soon will we know is Sisko in chair will or will not make the cut? Keep up the good work.

A:
DSTChuck: Chris if I had to bet I’d say the 5th series WILL be made and hopefully for holiday 2009. We do not have any rights to Mr. Roddenberry so I don’t see that happening. I think I am much less optimistic about Sisko we are holding out hope for a “big fish” or two “medium fish” to come on board.

Q:
Roderick DeHart
Love the Star Trek II Phaser - already have mine preordered. The answers to the following questions might influence me to get more: Is the Type 1 part attached with a magnet or a clip? How does the trigger in the type 2 handle make the Type 1 part light up? Are there electrical connections between the two to transfer the signal? Hoping for a Star Trek 3 phaser….

A:
DSTChuck: Roderick, I’ll do the best I can to answer this and maybe we can get one of those YouTube movies that the marketing folks like so much done.
1)It kind of attaches with both magnets and a clip, like the Enterprise D– it’s very cool.
2) The type one will work when removed. There is nothing you can do with the handle once the type one is removed so– no it will not light up. When assembled the trigger works the item and the light will light up.
3) Yes there is a connection point between both parts.

Q:
James Spry
I will keep it short and simple…are we going to get TWOK phaser AND communicator…or will they be cancelled? THANKS, Love your products! James

A:
DSTChuck: Since we have not even solicited the communicator I can’t REALLY say, but based on sales of past roll play and their long shelf life, we’re going to assume so OR we wouldn’t list them for sale or spend all the money developing it. As for the phaser, I have one in my hand and it’s going on a boat very soon.

Q:
Jimmy D
I think DST has done some of the best sculpts in a toy line that I’ve ever seen. That said, since space is an issue, I am unable to purchase and display as many of your figures as I’d like. I would love to see a 3 3/4″ line of figures, which are a better size for buying many figures. I’d especially like to see the original crew in their red jacket movie uniforms, Data, Geordi, and O’Brien, and the Enterprise crew. Some companies scale down their larger sculpts for a 3 3/4″ line, might that be more cost-effective for you than sculpting all-new figures? A red-shirt army builder set would be pretty cool, since you would just need one body with 4 different headsculpts (maybe a good exclusive item). Thanks!

A:
DSTChuck: We are aware there is a following for the 3 3/4 scale but as many times as we’ve discussed it internally, its not something we’re ready to move forward with.

Q:
Stewart Brown
If you were to do a 3 3/4″ line what sort of figures could we expect. Would you do a whole series with a mixture of aliens or would you mix various series up

A:
DSTChuck: There is really no way for me to guess on something like that. Sorry.

Q:
Ray Rodriguez
I am interested in more detailed description of the star trek classic enterprise ncc 1701 distributed by diamond comics. Do the lights stay on or do you push a button intermittently? Also what light effects does this product have? do the navigational lights, dome and interplanetary sensor lights come on, what about the nacelles? Thank you

A:
DSTChuck: Umm, yes, yes, yes, yes? The 1701 does have the push the button and hold down to get the lights to stay on feature. There are several different lighting effects and sound features.

Q:
Donald Shackleford
Ok guys this is truly crappy on several levels I have bought several of your products and so far I was really satisfied till I ordered the medical tricorder from entertainment earth one the company you used did not even put the medical reader in the box that is bad quality control second from the you tube and other reviews I have read only the sound effect works but not the spinning effect you guys could have placed a small direct drive motor in the medical reader and placed the sound effect in the tricorder I have a expensive prop medical reader that I can use it fits in the tricorder nicely. Someone or several people from concept to quality control are relay slipping and for the money that is charged for these props although I am not really complaining about the price since I own several of the master replica props these are great for use with costumes and such. The point is get with it! You guys have done some excellent work in the past and I expected a little better thank you Don Shackleford

A:
DSTChuck: Don I am very sorry if you are not happy with one of the products you have purchased. However there does seem to be some confusion going on here. Master Replicas made actual Trek “Replicas” - those are very high end and exacting. DST makes essentially a “toy”. These are much lower cost and have more of a play value. I would think some confusion could come into play because we put as much attention to detail as is possible, but at some point a cost VS value decision has to be made on each item — or we’d end up with — a replica….Hopefully as a toy the Tricorder meets with your expectations.

Q:
Harry Orton
Congratulations. I am absolutely stunned at the Enterprise-D. It is an incredible model and words cannot express how happy I am. You should be proud of yourselves. If this is a glimpse of what is to come, I eagerly await it and agree with your decision to take the time. It is a gorgeous model and look forward to any others that many join it, Starfleet or no!

A:
DSTChuck: Harry, so glad your happy with your purchase, we love to hear that. Once again we’re sorry for all the delays and we’re trying to get better each time. I think this project was so complicated it caught us all a little by surprise.

Q:
Scott Mark
Hello there, I’m really impressed with the TOS replica phaser you’ve put out; but I was starting to wonder if you have any plans to release a replica Tricorder from TNG,VOY and the movies etc. The quality of work I’ve seen so far is just awesome, and I love to see this released. Thanks, Scott

A:
DSTChuck: Right now I can’t say. I think everyone knows the next roll-play after the TMP phaser is the TWOK communicator. If you are wondering the NEXT item after that, while I can’t say for sure, since we’re not there yet, the leaning currently is a non-Federation roll play item.

Q:
Daryl Bowlin
I have 2 questions. 1st, is it possible to remove the plugs from the Ent-D mounting holes after you put them in? After I put them in mine I realized I didn’t know how to get them back out & the instruction sheet doesn’t say anything about removing them. 2nd, an internet vendor (I don’t recall which 1) claimed that you were re-releasing the Ent-E in Aug. So I was wondering if it had any different features from the original release? Also put me down as 1 of those that would like to see you do a Defiant for ‘11. And maybe you could do Voyager in ‘12. I also wouldn’t mind seeing an Ent-C & Stargazer as well as Reliant. But I understand that since these weren’t hero ships that doing them would be a low priority. But maybe someday you could get to them. Thanks.

A:
DSTChuck: Daryl Yes, you can use your finger nails or tweezers to grab a raised circular are.. If inserted the wrong way you can use poster tack or a rolled up piece of tape for removal. We are very much considering producing more Ent-E now that the stock we had is sold out. If we do in fact produce more, I don’t expect we will have any stock until the Oct/Nov time frame. You vote has been recorded.

Q:
Andrew LaRue
During the last Trek Q&A you implied that Sisko with Command Chair still has the potential to be made if he managed to pull in more pre-orders, but that he still has “a long ways to go.” My question is, could you put up some pictures on the blog of the set for people that may still be on the fence, and haven’t seen it? Also, if it were made, what accessories would it come with (if any)?

A:
DSTChuck: The photos of the product gathering orders or in -stock are on the DST site. www.diamondselecttoys.com

Q:
Blair Brown
I’m a huge “Trekker”,and own your first three “Enterprises.” so I was kinda P.O.’ed that you didn’t get the contract for the new “Star Trek” film. Then I got a good look at the new Enterprise. Now I realize you might have gotten off lucky. Keep up the good work, guys.

A:
DSTChuck: To be honest Blair, I kind of like the design and I look forward to maybe some day getting a crack at producing DST’s version.

Q:
Benjamin Rogers
Hi, I have some questions again. On the TWOK Phaser, will all of the lights function, such as the ones on top of the phaser? And also how many sounds will it have? Thanks, and I really appreciate it that you have this section on your website.

A:
DSTChuck: Yes the lights on top of the phaser do function. There are four unique power settings with their own sound effects.

Q:
Roddy DeHart
Will DST make role-play items of the phaser/communicator from Star Trek 3 & 4 next please??

A:
DSTChuck: We’ll see how it goes for the end of 2010.

Q:
Chris Freeth
Hi there I recently brought an enterprise e model of yours from play.com. On the box it says shows the ship fully lit up. Now the model I have been sent most of the ship lights up but the back warp nacelles don’t they do come on red at the front but don’t light up blue behind. This is the second ship they have sent me and is the same as the first. Can you tell me are the warp nacelles supposed to light up blue on this model as no one seems to no about this at play.com Many thanks Christopher Freeth

A:
DSTChuck: I actually do not have an E here to check but I think the LED was only in the front and light bleed was supposed to light the back. You also might want to double check and make sure you do not still have it on Try-Me?

Q:
Mike Cooper
Hi, I heard from a very reliable source that Star Trek Minimates aren’t as dead as we thought. Any hints?…

A:
DSTChuck: There has been not change in the status of Trek MM one way or another.

Q:
Andrew LaRue
A few Toys R Us-related questions: - Toys R Us’ website shows a “Romulan” figure for a fourth wave, is this the same Romulan that was shown off at Comic-Con next to the Commander, or will this be a Romulan without the shawl piece? - The recently shown Kang for Toys R Us’ wave 3 looks amazing with its paint applications and correctly painted disruptor. Are there any plans for Kor to be re-released soon with this type of superior paint application? - Is there any possibility for a “The Trouble with Tribbles”-themed Toys R Us wave with Koloth and a rerelease of Chekov?

A:
DSTChuck: The next TRU wave has a Klingon , Kang and yes he comes with his sash. I don’t think we’ve shown the wave after that, so you will have to wait for more details. I don’t think we’re going to set the TRU waves up like themes. The plan right now is to being back core members of the bridge crew to a potential new audience and mix in new characters as well - like Kang.

Q:
David Chin
Hi. First off, just let me say I love your products, their quality and attention to detail. My questions are regarding the Star Trek: The Original Series Communicator. First, after I pull the little plastic tab, I lose access to the phrase “Enterprise, this is Kirk.” Second, I notice that the lid of communicator doesn’t close all the way, leaving a visible amount of space between the gold lid and the rest of the communicator. Are any of these normal or do is mine just defective?

A:
DSTChuck: The little plastic tab is suppose to be removed to take the item out of try me mode. Once removed you should get MORE phases and sound effects not less. So if that’s the case you have a defective item and need to contact customer service so they can assist you. I am aware that some of the lids did not 100% lay flat on the base part of the communicator, that’s a result of insufficient cooling time for the plastic, another issue CS can help you with if you think the gap is too pronounced.

Q:
Justin Snead
When I hear that a figure has been canceled due to lack of pre-orders I feel very conflicted. I do not buy my figures on line. I prefer to patronize my local comic dealers. Plus, I love finding the figure I want on a store rack. It brings back childhood memories of calling local department stores to see if they carry the new Galoob or Playmates lines, then having my dad pile my sibling and cousins in the car, and then walking out of the store with as many cardboard, bubble-plastic packages as our arms could carry. I love that toys-r-us is carrying the lines (last month went looking for Cage Spock and also bought dress uniform Kirk, which I probably would not have if I made the purchase on line.) My question: when I see a figure for pre-order on line that I really want (like Kruge/Maltz), should I pre-order it? Or will my one vote not make a difference in the long run?

A:
DSTChuck: Justin, its not something a fan has to or can directly fix. When DST says pre-orders, it’s orders from retailers. It can be a large chain like FYE decides not to buy an assortment or an international distributor dropping a line. Sometimes it’s all of that OR several smaller/ medium sized retailers dropping their quantity. If you let the place you buy your figures from know you’ll buy them when they come out, most times the retailer will take that into account, but they might be worried about a more casual fan stepping in and buying the rest of the figures in a case. When times are good whether it’s the sales of the line or something like the economy, then the retailer might be willing to risk their cash flow but if times are tight or the line is not blowing out, they might be more hesitant. If you let your retailer know you support a line and they can count on you, in most cases that’s all you need to do. As for supporting TRU — good that just what we want to hear. Ideally, each channel support each other and the line builds in a very natural way.

Q:
Roderick DeHart
I love the Romulan Commander you guys have made! When is he going to come out?

A:
DSTChuck: We’re hoping to get some Romulan figures in fans hand before the end of the year.

Q:
Steve Milton
Hello I love your action figures and I try to purchase everything from Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica. Recently I’ve noticed a lot of cancellations. This is really upsetting. Now I see that the Star Trek TOS Series 5 has been pushed back to Dec.31. Please tell me that this series will at some point be released! I have waited far too long for Chapel and Rand to have them snatched away at the last minute. That would be way too cruel for us loyal fans. The BSG Adama/Roslin/Cain series has also been pushed to Dec.31. Will this series see the light of day? Please give me some hope! Thanks, Steve

A:
DSTChuck: We were very shocked as well to see the orders for Trek 5 and BSG 4. Both seemed to us to contain many fan requested figures. If I was sure we would not be able to get those figures out, I’d have just canceled them and not delayed them SO I, like you, think these need to get out to fans. We’re just making sure we that the best way possible for all involved.

Q:
Damon K
Hi I was wondering if there’s any news or new images of the Excelsior and Enterprise B ships….Also I was curious how you select future ships for the toy line and with out giving out the details on future releases cause we know there’s a Klingon ship in the works is it likely that after these 3 ships there could be another federation ship or like a arch enemy series of alien ships…Personally I really would like to see ships outside the original series and get to see fresh ships like Deep Space 9’s Defiant…and eventually The Wrath of Khan’s Reliant…I know if these ships are done they’ll sell like crazy and will be immensely popular. Hope to hear some news! Damon

A:
DSTChuck: I think the plan right now for the next ships and roll-play is to say as little as possible until we’re sure we can deliver. I can imagine it’s very frustrating but it’s better then lots of delays once we’ve announced an item.

Q:
Jeff Norred
I have a set of Star Trek Original Series Action Figures: Wave One There is Kirk, Spock, and McCoy. They have never been taken out of the plastic packing. Is there any value in these pieces or potential value to this set?

A:
DSTChuck: From what I understand the original set Art Asylum did, is pretty hard to find. That’s one of the reasons we went back intro production on the bridge crew. DST has nothing to do with secondary value so for its exact worth I would think you would try and online auction site.

Q:
Derek Marchese
Are you still looking for some way to release the 7of9 and Borg Queen figures? What a shame not to have those released! Are you considering other options? 2-packs? Great job with the Ent-D! Amazing! But, what happened with the windowless neck?

A:
DSTChuck: Yes for sure we are. We’re very excited about how the Borg figures were coming together and there has to be a way to make that line work. Glad you like the D, please look a little further back in this Q&A for our position on the windows.

Q:
Ash Wallis
He Guys Just to say a big thank you, from a happy UK buyer of your trek ships/replicas. Just brought the Ent D and its truly awesome. Just wanted to know a bit more about the wrath of Khan phaser. Does your version have the scanning lights on the top when its turned on. There’s not really much info on what sound, or light features it has/will have. Just curious. And also, really happy to hear about the klingon ship in the works as well. I don’t care if dates are delayed for your stuff as its definitely worth the wait. Great job guys. Ash

A:
DSTChuck: Hopefully we can get that YouTube movie up, seems like we’re getting lots of detailed questions as the release date gets closer. Glad you still support us even if the date slips and ultimately that’s what we hope will happen, that we’ll make a good item that fans want, now if we can just get back to shipping more on time…

Q:
Terry Jacobs
I love the trek items and the original series is my favorite. But I do like some of the newer stuff as well. I think the original series stuff sells very well to the point you can not get it sometimes. I speak for many trek fans do an original series klingon d7 battlecruiser lights and sound make it at least 16 inches as to match the rest of the line. Lots of us wonder why this was not done ..there are really none around just the small model version polar makes. They would sell out I say. Thanks

A:
DSTChuck: Terry I think everyone has their own favorite Trek and TOS certainly has a soft spot with but, as I have said DS9 was my favorite. You are correct though, we’ve tried to do some product from as much of Treks 40 year history as possible and TOS does come out on top. Now why no Klingon yet? We’ll the Enterprise class ships seem to hold a dear spot in most collectors’ hearts and are some of the most recognizable to the general public. We’ve heard lots of fans say a Klingon ship would blow out at stores. We’ll see soon enough and if it does as well as we hope, it will open the door for other ships outside the Federation.

Q:
William Purcell
My question is about the star trek medical tricorder. The instructions say that the medical scanner spins automatically when the button is pressed. My scanner has a wheel that I must turn to make the spinning action. Is Can I get a replacement medical scanner that functions the way the instructions say it should?

A:
DSTChuck: William I am very sorry but the instructions were done at a stage when we were hoping to have that feature included but as the project progress the cost rose beyond what we had budgeted so the feature had to be removed.

Q:
Andrew Lehtola
I read on one of the blogs you are finishing up your Star Trek run. Is this true? Will you no longer be producing Star Trek toys?!

A:
DSTChuck: I have no idea where you would have read that. Coming off the Enterprise D and Tricorder and new waves shipping to TRU quarterly, we think we’re just finding a good direction for this franchise in these times and hope to be making Trek product for some time.

Q:
Captain Alex
First off I want to say that the TWOK phaser looks awesome… why it was delayed (to Sept 23)? Also, can you give us any info on the TWOK communicator? Thanks!

A:
DSTChuck:My dear Captain, I really wish I knew WHY this current delay happened. We had been very close to being done with this project for some time. We reached an agreed upon ship date with our factory, based on the latest sample. Heck we even started a count down, marking off the weeks before it would ship. About half way through that countdown we were notified of the new ship date, and the reason given was, the factory was entering into peak season. Now I can speculate on what might have happened, but our factories work very hard for us and do produce an amazing product at a very good price, I view them as partners so in that spirit we’ll leave it — they are entering a very busy season and are going as fast as they can. The TWOK communicator still has a ways to go before we’re ready to officially unveil it and look for orders.

Q:
Will Shane
I recently came across some pictures of your Enterprise B and Excelsior toys from the 2009 Toy Fair. Any idea yet how soon I can buy these?

A:
DSTChuck: Hopefully we’ll be able to get the Klingon ship and B class Enterprise in 2010.

sapphireneonut

08-26-2009 05:28 PM

to boldly go into deana's bedroom.

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