[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by Folgore

IF Corgi pulls back from the diecast market, perhaps the harrowing of the field will create some space for some of the newer, up-and-coming companies (e.g., Gemini Aces, Century Wings, Carousel 1 et al) to ramp up their production and releases. As I ventured on the Crash and Burn--Or Survive and Thrive? thread, the market may re-orient toward a more niche collectors audience (which I think includes most of us here). There may be fewer companies in the game, fewer releases and higher prices but more quality. Or, of course, the pooch may commit to the Aviation Archive more than ever...

I tend to agree with you and have posted similar thoughts on other threads. As the situation is evolving, it look as if HM and Century Wings, by virtue of a better strategy aided greatly by having a reliable production partner, will take over the market segment once dominated by Corgi and Dragon. This calls for a pseudo-mass production approach which incorporates a good measure of quality, coupled with caution on excessive risk-taking. We may get a Val, Il-2 and even a MC-202 from HM and , perhaps, a F-105 or F-106, from Century Wings, but don't hold your breath waiting for a Walrus, Arado Ar.-196 or a Fokker D XXI from these companies. As a result, there will be plenty of room for one or more---but not dozens----of niche marketers offering short-run, high quality product at a more leisurely pace, but, of course, charging much higher prices. Finally, a third tier will probably consist of mass produced, so-so quality items, covering an ever expanding array of airplanes and armor, at relatively low prices---more or less in the current Altaya/IXO vein. These lines will no doubt focus on smaller scales---1:72nd on down----but this is where our cravings for diversity will be satisfied. Eventually, they will turn out replicas of every aircraft and tank or AFV made.

Where does this leave Corgi, under its new management? I don't really know. However, if the new owners decide to remain in the quality military collectibles arena---even as niche players----I still feel that their best bet is heavies, since HM and Century Wings don't seem inclined to go in this direction.