There have been a few threads and posts on the Forum recently about our releases having slowed down over the past 12-18 months, so I wanted to pop something up to explain a little. In previous years (2011/12/13) we'd normally managed around 200 new releases, all in handy monthly batches, so there was always something new to look at. 2014 had 117 new releases, so a little over half our usual output, and these were released in batches of products for a single range/war. We did also add a lot more third-party products through 2014, like the excellent Total Battle Miniatures stuff, Escenografia buildings and plastic aircraft kits, so there was still a steady stream of new shiny stuff.
Now we tend not to mention personal stuff in relation to the business, as it's not something I'm a fan of doing really. The only reason I'm going to mention it now is because the situation has been resolved and we can look forward to getting things back on track. (You're all sitting on the edge of your seat now aren't you, awaiting some huge revelation like Dave's arms fell off, or Leon's clone army spontaneously combusted...!) :D
The issue has been that Dave's father was diagnosed with dementia a couple of years ago. Dave and his brother took on most of the care duties, basically making sure he was eating/dressed/had everything he needed, and as anyone who's dealt with dementia will be aware, this can be a very difficult undertaking at the best of times.
For those who weren't aware, Dave still works a full-time day job as a college lecturer, so he goes and does the 9-to-5 day job and then comes down to Pendraken to work a 6-11pm shift. With his father requiring care, that meant that four days per week he was going straight there from work to make sure his dad was OK, and by the time he got to Pendraken HQ there wasn't usually much time left and it was all spent casting.
Making a mould requires around 3 hours, as you need to pre-heat the mould, pop the figures in, cook it for 90 minutes, then feed/vent it before it cools. Where he had been able to do 1 mould per weeknight and 2 on weekend days, this was now reduced to only 3 during the week and 1 on each weekend day. Of course if we were away at a show this was reduced even further.
At the same time as his available work time was reduced, our contract casting business picked up hugely, so we suddenly had 4-5x as many moulds needing making for other companies. Unfortunately for Pendraken, these companies' moulds had to take priority as they were paying customers, so we ended up putting a lot of new Pendraken stuff on the backburner.
Back in the autumn, Dave's father had a bad fall and after many consultations the medical people finally said that he needed to be put into a care home instead. He moved into the home back in November, so Dave and his brother have been spending the past couple of months getting his old house sorted and ready to be sold.
And that brings us finally to the good news. With his father happy in his care home and his old house just about sorted, Dave's time is freed up somewhat and we can start to get back to a normal moulding routine around here again. We do still have a lot of contract work coming in, but we're not taking on any new customers until we can clear some of the backlog we've got here on the Pendraken front. And Dave's still working the day job, so it's not quite full steam ahead, but we are moving in a positive direction now.
It's also worth mentioning that we've got a great team of casters here who are flying through the orders at a great rate of knots. This means that my own casting time is greatly reduced and I can focus on getting new moulds sorted and figures ready for release instead.
Thanks for reading and apologies for the long post. It's been a tough slog behind the scenes, for Dave especially, but we're looking forward to getting some new shiny goodies released very soon!
8)
Glad you guys are okay.
Not many companies, especially family run affairs, would be able to cope under that extra pressure. Brave of you to share. Hope all settled soon.
Thank you for the great product and service.
Thanks for the update Leon. Good to know that Dave's Dad is settled now, but can empathise as my late Mum had severe dementia.
Many thanks for the update and it's good to know that things are more settled now. I also have to say that my recent order came in record time so I am a happy bunny!
Empathise with that too, Leon. Have a nasty feeling Mrs Techno's Mum is going that way. :(
Cheers - Phil
Family comes first. Always.
And thanks for the update - it just confirms (again) what a splendid company Pendraken are :D
totally empathize with you Leon, its hard work dealing with a person with dementia my father also has dementia :(
Sorry to hear about Dave's dad, hope the new arrangements make it easier for all concerned.
Personally, I've always been impressed with the quality and diversity of the ranges you produce. I think my bank balance is grateful you haven't produced any more figures than you actually have :)
Good to hear you are happier about the situation now. All the best for the future.
Than you for the update.
As always, I'm amazed at the hours you folks put in. That's a hefty chunk of time Dave spends in the working environment and I don't suppose that Leon does any less. Good luck to you all for the future.
That's a lot to deal with, and a lot of hard work put in :(
I hadn't noticed the lower releases (I can't buy everything, so not every period grips me ;) ), but I did wonder at the production queue that lets seemingly finished ranges (like the Gauls) come up done and dusted and ready to go, then... nothing. And then the Spanish slip out, and the XXX, and I wonder what ever happened to...
Well that certainly puts our minor grumbles into perspective, just the hours Dave was putting in, let alone the challenges with his dad
Both my parents suffered from dementia so I definitely empathize, good to hear the way forward looks brighter
So does that mean the British Napoleonics will be out soon?
I think you just need to read this forum to see how much we (the bits in the Pendraken spotted dick) appreciate what you and your band do to assuage the ever rapacious maw of your customer base. My own experience is that orders have been coming as fast and slick as ever, and I would give your customer satisfaction a very high score. I also echo the sentiments of those above who say that family must come first.
Hoping that you have a better work/life balance in 2015.
Regards to Dave.
Take care of yourselves too, guys !
Thanks for sharing chaps.
Having gone through something similar with my grandfather i can both sympathise and empathise.
Hopefully, things will progress in the best way possible for all concerned.
Thanks for the info, but really no need to apolagize!
I saw my grandfather go down the same route, and i know it can be though! Tell Dave to hang in there!
Hopefully 2015 will be better for Dave.
Hope his dad loves his new home.
Hadn't noticed the slowdown now had much money to spend on toys last year.
Regards
Sean
To echo others on here; I hope that things improve for everyone involved. As for the slow down on new releases... family first.... and we are all still here so you must be doing something right :)
Hello Leon
I can quite sympathise with the issues you've had here. I live 2 hours flying time away from my parents and went through a similar time with my dad. I owe my sister a great deal now. Heather's father is also going through this but he lives 3 hours flying time away.
The slowing of new models hasn't affected me greatly because I've fallen behind in creating my lead mountain on what you've released anyway =).
Hopefully it will be a better year for you all.
Cheers
GrumpyOldMan
Hi Leon and Dave,
Glad things are getting sorted out. Familly have to come first. I apprecite some of the dificuties as my Mum went that way. It can be very difficult, both practically and emotionally. I hope things are now on a more even keel.
There is no reason or need to apologise.
Perhaps you should both slow down a bit anyway.
Even with a slow down of the new releases I still have a long wish list, to say nothing of the lead mountain.
Cheers
Orcs
Quote from: Just a few Orcs on 13 January 2015, 11:03:49 PM
Perhaps you should both slow down a bit anyway.
Steady on!
Leon's had at least one holiday last year, and a long Christmas break and at least one unexplained weekend away and ... something else I can't quite put my finger on. Any more and he might actually get a life! Find out her prefers flower pressing to Flower class corvettes, morris dancing to Morris C8 tractors and ... horror of horrors ... real people to the members of the Pendraken Forum. Then where would we be? Hanging around Games Workshop stores, cadging space marines off teenagers.
Well not me.
Not again.
Thanks for the comments, nothing can prepare you for it, the worst parts were the paranoia on the part of my dad. Good news 40 mould discs arrived yesterday on with moulding!!!!!
cheers dave
Dave
Wishing you all the best. My aunt died of Alzheimer's. It's distressing when the people closest to you are suffering. It's good to know that you have the support of your family. There are also some good online forums for discussing caring for family members. It's sometimes good to know you're not the only one.
Michael
It's always distressing and stressful taking care of an elderly relative suffering illness, as my wife and I know all too well. Family always comes first. I'm glad things have settled down for you all. Best wishes for the future.
I'm sorry to hear of your family troubles - fortunately this is one illness my extended family hasn't suffered from. (I feel there may well be a 'yet' lurking at the end of the previous sentence, but lets hope not.)
Great news that moulding can now ramp up - there have been lots of greens of new stuff that it will be great to see coming into production. Along with whatever great new stuff you have in the pipeline for this year.
It's also always interesting to hear more details of the whole moulding / casting process - and the fact that it takes multiple hours to make a mould. Which obviously really limits how many you can make. My understanding from reading various articles over the years is that mould making is a mix of both art and science, and making a good mould is a real craft skill.
Quote from: fred 12df on 15 January 2015, 08:55:49 PM
My understanding from reading various articles over the years is that mould making is a mix of both art and science, and making a good mould is a real craft skill.
It really is, Dave's got 20+ years of experience now so he does all of them. I've watched him do 100's of them but it's not something I'd attempt myself at all.
Quote from: fred 12df on 15 January 2015, 08:55:49 PM
My understanding from reading various articles over the years is that mould making is a mix of both art and science, and making a good mould is a real craft skill.
Oh....It
certainly is. X_X.
Cheers - Phil
Quote from: Leon on 15 January 2015, 09:34:08 PM
It really is, Dave's got 20+ years of experience now so he does all of them. I've watched him do 100's of them but it's not something I'd attempt myself at all.
So what are you going to do when he decides to retire? :-\
Quote from: Hertsblue on 16 January 2015, 09:54:29 AM
So what are you going to do when he decides to retire? :-\
Chain him to the mould making machine in the unit so he cant retire - then to explain his absence, tell all who know him he has run off with a 20 year old Nyphomaniac from Essex. ;D ;D
After 6 weeks (probably less) they will all think that she has worn him out and he is no more. he can then be kept making moulds till he leaves this mortal coil and goes off to join the Norwegian Blue
Hey! My mum was from Essex, although she was half Welsh.
Quote from: Hertsblue on 16 January 2015, 09:54:29 AM
So what are you going to do when he decides to retire? :-\
He's not allowed to... :D
He's got a fair few years left in him yet, but when it came to it then we'd either hire someone to take on that job fulltime or I'd get properly trained to do it.
Quote from: Leon on 16 January 2015, 03:55:37 PM
I'd get properly trained to do it.
Didn't think you COULD be trained Leon :D
IanS
Quote from: ianrs54 on 16 January 2015, 05:01:36 PM
Didn't think you COULD be trained Leon :D
It's more 'fine tuning' really as I'm so naturally talented at everything, you see... :^o
Take care Dave !
Yep - family first.
Thanks for the update, Leon, and hope that balance improves in 2015 :)
Just popped in and caught this. My deepest sympathies and understanding to Dave, and thank you for the clear and concise summation of the events. I know what it's like to have one's life derailed by unforeseen events. Thank you and all the best to everyone in 2015.
And you Ashley !
Nice to see you back.
Cheers - Phil
Hi Ashley! :)
Yeah, well my life got a bit derailed when my contract went tits up. Can I say that? I guess I have. ;-)
Now I am an aspiring author of military SF.
Quote from: Paint it Pink on 03 February 2015, 03:49:38 PM
Just popped in and caught this. My deepest sympathies and understanding to Dave, and thank you for the clear and concise summation of the events. I know what it's like to have one's life derailed by unforeseen events. Thank you and all the best to everyone in 2015.
Thanks for the post, good to see you back! We'll get that order sorted out asap as well. 8)
Quote from: Techno on 03 February 2015, 03:56:33 PM
And you Ashley !
Nice to see you back.
Cheers - Phil
Ditto 8)
Cheers everyone. I will stop by the stand at Salute and have a chat, I've been a bit of a recluse of late.
69 new releases so far this year, nice to be moving forward again! Plus the Nap Brits to come very soon, containing 35 codes of loveliness!
Pretty busy then! ;)
Pendraken will soon have to update their homepage:
"We now have over 200 ranges and over 3000 individual products"
Although this of course will remain technically correct I think it will have to revised to show the growth in those numbers. :)
Quote from: Fig.ht on 13 April 2015, 05:49:27 AM
Pendraken will soon have to update their homepage:
"We now have over 200 ranges and over 3000 individual products"
Although this of course will remain technically correct I think it will have to revised to show the growth in those numbers. :)
One thing Pendraken really, really needs to work on is to put pictures up on their site of the miniatures. People wont buy as many miniatures with no pictures. They want to see what they are getting. It would help your sales.
Quote from: Bloodaxe on 13 April 2015, 10:25:13 AM
One thing Pendraken really, really needs to work on is to put pictures up on their site of the miniatures. People wont buy as many miniatures with no pictures. They want to see what they are getting. It would help your sales.
You are, of course, absolutely right. And members could assist by posting pictures of their relevant models in the "comments" section.
Quote from: Hertsblue on 13 April 2015, 10:35:47 AM
You are, of course, absolutely right. And members could assist by posting pictures of their relevant models in the "comments" section.
That would be nice too, but having a pic right next to the model listing & price is really necessary. Just like what is happening with Warbands.
Quote from: Bloodaxe on 13 April 2015, 10:25:13 AM
One thing Pendraken really, really needs to work on is to put pictures up on their site of the miniatures. People wont buy as many miniatures with no pictures. They want to see what they are getting. It would help your sales.
We do, and it's something we're working on as quickly as possible. Unfortunately we didn't have any photos at all before we launched the new website in 2010, so we suddenly needed to find pictures of 2500 products. We've added a lot of images since then, but we've released another 1000 products as well!
The main problem is finding the time to do them. Getting the pictures for just 20 products can take 5-6 hours of time, which is spent casting them, glueing them on strips, blackwashing, taking the photos, editing them, and uploading to the website. For the 2500 or more products still requiring pictures that means 600-700 hours of work. Even if we could manage 5 hours per week that's nearly 3 years to get them all done.
We have started outsourcing the painting instead, so we've got people working on painted display figures at the moment. The first of these can be seen in the Warband ranges, or the 16th Polish. We've currently got the Ottoman Turks and ACW's away being painted up to be added to the website. Plus the Nap French and SYW Austrians will be going away to another painter in the coming weeks. It's a long job, but we'll keep plugging away at it as quickly as we can.
8)
That's interesting.
Quote from: Leon on 13 April 2015, 12:26:21 PM
We do, and it's something we're working on as quickly as possible. Unfortunately we didn't have any photos at all before we launched the new website in 2010, so we suddenly needed to find pictures of 2500 products. We've added a lot of images since then, but we've released another 1000 products as well!
The main problem is finding the time to do them. Getting the pictures for just 20 products can take 5-6 hours of time, which is spent casting them, glueing them on strips, blackwashing, taking the photos, editing them, and uploading to the website. For the 2500 or more products still requiring pictures that means 600-700 hours of work. Even if we could manage 5 hours per week that's nearly 3 years to get them all done.
We have started outsourcing the painting instead, so we've got people working on painted display figures at the moment. The first of these can be seen in the Warband ranges, or the 16th Polish. We've currently got the Ottoman Turks and ACW's away being painted up to be added to the website. Plus the Nap French and SYW Austrians will be going away to another painter in the coming weeks. It's a long job, but we'll keep plugging away at it as quickly as we can.
8)
Put like that, for a small business, you can see the enormity of the task. :o
When the new website launched - there was a flurry of activity to add photos by us customers - but what I found was that its actually quite hard work. Because you often use figures in a mix from different packs. Or you can't quite remember which pack different figures came from. And once the figures are painted they look quite different, so its good to have photos of both bare metal and painted figures.
I now have a much better feel for how big a task this is.
Its really good to see that figure are being outsourced to get them painted and photographed. Are you getting the painters to take photos of bare metal (or black washed) figures too? Its good to see both.
Quote from: fred 12df on 13 April 2015, 01:12:29 PM
Are you getting the painters to take photos of bare metal (or black washed) figures too? Its good to see both.
Not at the moment, as most folk we spoke to didn't want to paint on top of a blackwash, so it would mean sending two lots of every figure away to them. The painted ones will take a lot longer to get done, so I'll be adding blackwashed ones at this end to fill the gaps while the painted ones are in progress. The end result will be fully painted pics of everything on the website. If we can do it, we'll ask Matt to add a secondary image section, where we can add blackwashed pics as well, but that would be further down the line again.
Quote from: fred 12df on 13 April 2015, 01:12:29 PM
... but what I found was that its actually quite hard work. Because you often use figures in a mix from different packs.
That's also something we find, we've had some fantastic painted pics sent through to us over the years, but so many of them have got multiple codes on the same base, or they're in the middle of a game with other stuff in the background, or there's another company's tank next to them, etc.
Exactly what Fred says - I thought I'd pop some pics on as I had them ready to go, then of what I thought would be a dozen plus pack codes I had about three usable photo!
This is a titanic task.
HAve you consider a system interactive with the users. We upload/post the pictures (bare meta, wash, sieze, different types of painting, comments to warband or BKC utility of the figures), not great qualitiy in some cases, but if people collaborate and there is a place to request fotos and add it to the central catalogue.
You know I did something similar in a forum format. First in spanish forum, then in english forum (expecting more collaboration).
The truth is that (as I understood), lots of people think is useful but it is not easy to collaborate with the catalogue. Maybe if something similar is directed by you in this forum, people could be more willing to collaborate.
A report botton or threat can be made to spot errors or comments. Then you should only be aware of this trhreat to search solution to errors instead uploading to the webpage 3000 images.
Last point is you could attract new followers to the forum, if people try to search for an image and is redirected to the forum.
Just a though, hope it helps and I could explain myself (it is 7 in the morning here, I barely sleep tonight, adn I enter at work at 8 I am not going to check grammar so FK it is up to you to start joking)