The Kit Factory   

“I have worked with Simon as a customer since I first contacted him in 2007 for a high quality prop reproduction of the USS Voyager, from the Star Trek: Voyager TV series. I was looking for something very high quality, not just a painted model kit, but a larger, professional level, lighted, very detailed ship in a large enclosed display case. After much scouring of the Web, I came across the Kit Factory website, where Simon's background and resume, as well as the prior work displayed on his site, were quite impressive, especially his huge, lighted, encased, 1/350th Enterprise Refit display. I made the decision to contact Simon, and the rest, as they say, is history! After several discussions on details of the project, I employed him to build the Voyager reproduction, and he did not disappoint in any aspect! From her lighted and detailed shuttle bays to the incredible 2'+ display case; from the randomized thruster lighting to the "weathered" effect on the hull, she is beautiful, detailed, and crafted with care and precision. It elicits "ooohs" and "aaaahs" from Trek fans and non-fans alike whenever she is lit up, and I always show it new and old guests! It truly is a magnificent, unique piece that I (and others) enjoy tremendously!

From the start of the Voyager project, Simon was incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, honest, and a pleasure to work with. During the build he kept me posted regularly on how everything was going via detailed pictures, emails, web posts, and phone calls. After the Voyager build was complete, I was provided with 4 CDs full of pictures and videos documenting every step of the process from start to finish. It truly adds a huge amount of depth to the piece, knowing the details about her construction. And I did have the pleasure of picking Voyager up in person from the Kit Factory in Florida at the end of 2008, so it was even more exciting to meet Simon in person and have a tour of the Factory floor!

With as happy as I am with Voyager, I have employed Simon again to build a similar professional-quality, lighted, encased Star Trek vessel for me. This time, however, it is on a much grander scale. The 40" Enterprise-E kit that Simon is building currently is a massive undertaking, that I am truly excited to watch take shape over the next year! It will be a truly incredible, one-of-a-kind piece built by someone that truly cares about his craft, as well as his customers. These are works of art, not toys!

As a side note, I would have chosen every single attribute in the "Top Attribute" section to describe Simon and the Kit Factory, but Linked-In won't let me! He does every one of those things; gives great results, is personable, expert, a good value, on time, is of high integrity, and very creative!"

Berg Atkinson    December 7, 2010

Top qualities: Great Results, Expert

 

“Even though I could only pick 3 Attributes (Great Results, Personable and Expert) which describe Simon - I have to add several more: Creative, Good Value and extremely HIGH INTEGRITY. Simon is the master of his craft. People from all over the world recognize his work. Once you say Simon built it for you - they know it is a masterpiece! When it comes to the world of model building, craftsmanship, out of the box thinking....there is only one true - SIMON MERCS!”

  

Gary Stair    December 7, 2010

Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert

 

“Simon and The Kit Factory did a beautiful job in the build of my Space Battleship Yamato model. Not only did he thoroughly research the subject material prior to the build, but his overall workmanship and detail of the finished product are outstanding.

Simon is a great person to work with and the end result was definitely worth the wait! 

Stephen Scott    December 8, 2010

Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative

 

  

“I received a great overall service, when he created a model of the ufo from the tv series "The Invaders" for me. The end product was of excellent workmanship, and finish, just as I had requested. Great communications, I would highly recommend him, and will use again. Many thanks again Simon."

Richard Spencer (UK)    December 19, 2010

Top qualities: Great Results, Good Value

"Simon has completed three major projects for me, including an unexpectedly involved John Long Phaser 1 build-up, each with outstanding results and within the promised time frame. He’s that rare combination of genuine artist and consummate professional, and I recommend him highly."

Derek Murphy, Rochester, NY    December 19, 2010