Tracking kit releases

[strobez]

Besides whiffing away my time Here with you gents, I also spend a fair amount of time on Scalemates.com and I've grown quite fond of the kit release timelines.  I'm not sure why, but it fascinates me to see which kits are repops of older toolings (sometimes surprisingly so).

Anyway, I've been doing my best to put my Korean language skills to good use to deduce the origins and timelines for a bunch of Academy kits, but it's surprisingly difficult.  Unlike my other passions (like comic books and football/soccer) it's extremely difficult to track any release information. Most kit instructions have, at best, a copyright that dates back to the original boxing, but little else.

So, while I'm not expecting a magic bullet solution, I'm wondering if any of the more experienced modellers here have any suggestions.  Even though I suspect the only answer is "meticulous research and some educated guesses, perhaps there's some bit of information I've overlooked.

[rickshaw]

Have you thought of asking the kit manufacturing companies?

[zenrat]

I would suggest carbon dating but that is probably only viable with older Airfix and Hasegawa releases.

[Rheged]

I would suggest carbon dating but that is probably only viable with older Airfix and Hasegawa releases.

I agree that archaeology and a close study of the fossil records might help.

[NARSES2]

Besides whiffing away my time Here with you gents, I also spend a fair amount of time on Scalemates.com and I've grown quite fond of the kit release timelines.  I'm not sure why, but it fascinates me to see which kits are repops of older toolings (sometimes surprisingly so).

Must admit I quire enjoy looking at them as well

[Gondor]

How about checking for publication/printing dates on the instructions or boxes?

Gondor

[PR19_Kit]

Some REALLY ancient kits have the original design date moulded onto the inside of one of the larger parts, one wing usually.

And some even older ones have them moulded on the OUTSIDE, Aurora being the prime candidate as I recall!