[Raven]

Spotted two N. Korean MiG-15's at my local Wally World yesterday. Cool looking model and for once the box wasn't destroyed and the plane wasn't damaged (yet). Don't know if I will part with the $40 to pick one up - would like to save my pennies to get my hands on an F-86 first.

[STARMAN 352ND]

I have seen the all silver USSR Mig-15 with the red lightning bolt on the tail.
That is a sweet looking Mig.
JP

[hworth18]

The Tigerstriped Chinese MIG and North Korean Mig are in my local Walmarts now, along with the "improved" Avenger..

[Raven]

So after telling me that they would not carry 21st Century 1/18th planes (mainly because they could not compete with Wally World), my local hobby store is now carrying the new F-86 and MiG-15 models. The problem is that their initial assumption was correct - Wal Mart has the jets for $39.95 while just 2 miles away, my hobby dealer has the same merchandise for $59.99 (same as most on-line retailers). That's a 50% increase in price!!!!! I like to support my local store but that's a big pill to swallow.

Is Wal Mart's buying power that great?

In the long run, however, it will probalby work to the hobby store's advantage. Wal Mart's selection of 21st Century merchandise in my area is hit or miss at best and 75% of the time the box is crushed and the planes are damaged. I guess I will ultimately pay more on some models for availability, selection and undamaged goods. It will also help keep my local diecast dealer in business.

[Heavy Jet]

Has anyone seen the F-86's at Walmart?

[hworth18]

Originally Posted by Heavy Jet

Has anyone seen the F-86's at Walmart?

Yes, they are showing up in Walmarts.. One in my AO got them in but sold out pretty quick.. No more yet, I guess we'll have to wait for the spring re-set..

[fug202]

Originally Posted by Raven

So after telling me that they would not carry 21st Century 1/18th planes (mainly because they could not compete with Wally World), my local hobby store is now carrying the new F-86 and MiG-15 models. The problem is that their initial assumption was correct - Wal Mart has the jets for $39.95 while just 2 miles away, my hobby dealer has the same merchandise for $59.99 (same as most on-line retailers). That's a 50% increase in price!!!!! I like to support my local store but that's a big pill to swallow.

Is Wal Mart's buying power that great?.

Yes, Walmart's buying power IS that big. I know the main person responsible for 21st CT products, and according to him, no other supplier even comes close to Walmart in terms of order volume. On the other hand, distribution at Walmart is often hit and miss across the country, so the scheme you are interested in may not show up in your local Walmart. In such cases, buying online at places like "Badcataviation", or at your local hobby shop, is a good alternative.

- Ian

[Tyler109]

The Wal Mart by my work had several of both MiG-15's 3 or 4 F-86's and a Me-109. I picked up the MiG and will probably go back for the F-86

[Heavy Jet]

Thanks Tyer109 for the info.
What F-86's did Walmart have?
Looking for "the Huff" here in Mich.

[Tyler109]

Originally Posted by Heavy Jet

Thanks Tyer109 for the info.
What F-86's did Walmart have?
Looking for "the Huff" here in Mich.

They only had Mitch's Squitch in stock here