Realistic Invention Rule

[johndallman]

Originally Posted by korbeau

For the expense, I understand you need a lab of at least 250 000$ for building a Complexe device + the retail price of it, where it should be less than 1 million.

If the motor cost 100 000$ (yea, it's a complexe motor), the initial cost should be 350 000$ and if you fail, it cost you 100 000$ each time for making the prototype.

I haven't worked the numbers, but those figures are pretty plausible for a basic lab for TL8 automobile engine development.

The big manufacturers spend a fair bit more, but (a) they suffer from the problems of large corporations and (b) they have a lot of competition and are willing to spend money in the hope of doing a better job (in GURPS terms, buying better-quality facilities to get bonuses to their rolls).