When model manufacturers produce a new kit, almost all of the feedback they get from consumers is through sales figures: good sales, the kit must be OK. They seldom hear directly from the buyers and builders. But now that has changed.
In 1999, FineScale Modeler instituted its "Reader's Choice Awards" to reward the manufacturers for their efforts. The ballot was stitched into an issue of FSM and more than 1,000 readers filled it out and sent it in. (Last year's results were published in the September 1999 issue.) FSM staffers handed awards to the winning manufacturers at the National Model and Hobby Show held in October in Chicago.
The ballot was so successful (and the awards so appreciated) that we've done it again. This year's ballot, for kits released in 1999, was included in the May 2000 FSM. More than 1,200 of you responded and voted for your favorite kits in several categories, including "Kit of the Year" for the best kit overall. FSM's ace intern, Brendan Dooley, tabulated the results, and has just handed me a sealed envelope . . . .
Ahem. And the awards go to . . . .