Some SMMLies are professional model-makers, and to them I take off my hat. But many of the rest of us must have wondered how a model production operation works.
During October 2003, I was fortunate enough to be able to arrange a visit to the factory of Skytrex in Loughborough, UK. This firm casts white metal models in many fields, including many ships both warships and merchies. Most of the lines of ships are available only as completed collectible items, but a growing number are available also as kits in scales 1/350, 700, and 1250, and it is upon these that I focus. All the kits are also available as made-up items, which mean that the kits are designed for rapid assembly by the professional assemblers in the factory - this implies few parts are separate (apart from armament and rigging), and also that where there are many similar but not identical ships in a class, there is some rigidity about which ones can be made up without serious metal surgery. This design method also makes the kits easier for home assemblers too, of course. The website works well in displaying most available ranges, and does permit that mail orders be placed.
Obviously the first step is to cast the pieces from which the ship or whatever is to be built. If the result is to be sold as a kit, the parts and instructions are mated and boxed and that's it, ready to ship. Otherwise, they are assembled and then painted - spray for basic colours (e.g. grey hulls) and by hand for details - the room where the painted models were drying was very spectacular with whole fleets of models in scales 1/350 and smaller sitting there. Models are sold assembled and painted (I bought one of mine this way) but versions are also available plinthed and name-plated. In fact this is currently a major part of sales, as mementoes - one sales outlet is that models of some cruise liners are available on the liner. This is one factor influencing choice of model subjects.
As an indication of how approachable Skytrex were, I mentioned that it was a pity that there were no destroyers in 1/1200 in the current list. My guide remarked that there had been, but they had been de-listed due to poor sales, but there were a few left-over hulls in store for British Ca class (as-at 1945 and HMS Cavalier 1971), and Type 15 and 16 ASW frigate conversions. He went to get them and when I indicated interest, remarked that there were no mast/gun sprues - which were then cast for me on the spot, and handed to me still warm! This was worth every penny I spent just for the experience.
I left Loughborough a poorer but very happy modeller....and very appreciative of the factory visit.