At Hole in the Ground Productions, I have long wanted to create a modular playset system. However, my previous designs would have required very expensive tooling costs and the unfortunate reality of requiring the production be done overseas.
Recently, while designing a model kit for a different small building, it occurred to me that I could use a similar construction method to make a variety of buildings with a similar aesthetic. That someone could essentially build a small town if they chose.
Using this design, we can resin cast the components as I do almost all of Hole in the Ground's model kits. The great thing about this is that everything can be made in-house, with no need to rely on an overseas production facility. This is also means our funding goal can be at a reasonable level.
Keep in mind our kits are not like a product you buy in the store (and likely made in China). You have to do some finishing work yourself. There is a downside in that it will not "snap together" and apart again. Parts will require gluing and if someone wanted to change around the parts, they'd want to use a non-permanent or removable glue (see the FAQs). However, this is no different than almost all our other model kits. The parts will come unpainted and un-assembled. Again, this is normal for all our other model kits. One nice thing is that after the primary parts are created, I can then create additional parts that work with the system in the future.
A majority of parts will be cut via CNC machine from plastic while others will be modeled, printed via high quality resin printer, and then molds will be made with which to replicate all the parts. I've been creating props and model kits for 17 years and upon completing project funding, things will move into production fairly quickly with no need for involving other parties for the work.
This building system is designed to look good with a variety of 3 3/4" (or 1:18) scaled action figures such as Star Wars, GI Joe, Halo, Maurader, Joy Toy, Acid Rain, Fortnite and many others.
Please keep in mind the pics are using rough prototypes and will not reflect the quality of the final product.
Stretch Goals
More parts! The more successful the campaign, the more parts I'll produce. Small accessories like spotlights or large ones that I'm working on such as an elevator with open wall structure. Another would be ramps for small vehicles. The pics are a work in progress and do not show the full detail of the final products.
Risk/ Challenges
There's always an upfront risk simply not getting enough eyes on the project. That shouldn't be too difficult as Hole in the Ground is already established as a top tier diorama kit maker. However, most of my followers are solely Star Wars collectors and may or may not be interested in an "original" creation. This means I'll have to focus promotion on a broader 3 3/4" action figure demographic. Some people in this demographic may have never had a Hole in the Ground Productions kit before which may make them hesitate backing a kit where they must paint and assemble it. With thousands of customers from all over, including notable people in the collecting community, I have no worries that backers will not be satisfied with the project.