[Raven]

I ended up checking out at least a dozen F-86 Huffs before I found one that didn't have an obvious paint issue you could see through the packing. Got it home and discovered it had messed up silver paint on the side I couldn't see in the box! Decided to cut my losses and keep it (I just don't look at that side).

I understand the whole "toy thing" but with these planes in the $55-70 range (+ shipping) at on line retailers and expected to get to the $100+ range with the B-25 and F-4, 21st better step it up with their quality. For that kind of money, I expect a product that is free of fingerprints, smudges, loose pieces etc. - toy or not...

[SKUNKY]

YIKES!...didn't know they were commanding that kind of bread these days...I recently saw a whole pallet load of Avengers in the middle of the floor in Wally World with a big $30.00 sign over them...I thought that was a bit steep!

[hworth18]

Originally Posted by SKUNKY

YIKES!...didn't know they were commanding that kind of bread these days...I recently saw a whole pallet load of Avengers in the middle of the floor in Wally World with a big $30.00 sign over them...I thought that was a bit steep!

I bought my Atlantic Avenger for $18 on clearance at Walmart, and although these are toys, the details/quality are getting better and aimed more for the adult collector.. I talked to a 21st rep and he stated to me that the F-4 will be priced no more than the Avenger was, so expect a 1/18 Phantom for $70!!!

[Alph]

Hi All,
I fully appreciate where your all coming from. I've always examined these models prior to making any decisions to purchace. As I've said paint problems are my pet pieve. So it's natural to expect a decent product for the price. HobbyTown is over inflated for the same models we get at Walmart. Out here in Washington we enjoy seeing lots of new models from 21st but most months after you all see them. Also our WM's are putting these higher on shelves because of kids kicking them. I really haven't found any problems I couldn't fix. We'll see where 21st is going with their QC in the future. Hope everyone is staying COOL where ever you are.Alph

[STARMAN 352ND]

Originally Posted by hworth18

I bought my Atlantic Avenger for $18 on clearance at Walmart, and although these are toys, the details/quality are getting better and aimed more for the adult collector.. I talked to a 21st rep and he stated to me that the F-4 will be priced no more than the Avenger was, so expect a 1/18 Phantom for $70!!!

Well that's a good price for a F4 Phantom ....Only problem is..... when are they coming out ??? Next year ???
JP

[Raven]

Originally Posted by SKUNKY

YIKES!...didn't know they were commanding that kind of bread these days...I recently saw a whole pallet load of Avengers in the middle of the floor in Wally World with a big $30.00 sign over them...I thought that was a bit steep!

You know, it seems that the more out of the way a Wal Mart is, the more great planes they get (no offense, Skunky). I scoured 6 St. Louis area WM's and came up zero on F-86's. I stopped into a store 25 miles west out in the country and they had 2. I stopped at a store in Peoria, IL while on a business trip and they had 8 of them (and 8 F-104's)! The stuff isn't selling out quickly in STL, they just never get the merchandise in any quantity in the first place. The only thing my store's in STL seem to have a lot of are North Korean MiG-15 - you can guess the level of demand for that piece.

If WM could only get their act together on distribution...for one they wouldn't have to clearance these models for $15-30.

[swoop]

As a diecast collector I wouldn't be interested in their products. As Skunky previously stated, "THEY ARE TOYS'......I don't think for one second, there are guys on this Forum who have less than $1000 invested in their collections.(recent indulgers are excempt) Why cast swine amid the pearls of your satisfactory pursuits. Forget 21st Century and relegate their status to those of 5+ years.

[swoop]

For those with interest in plastic replicas, I came across a site promoting a new line from a company named Merit International. There are only 4 models available at this time. All are in 1:24 scale. The models are Mustangs...Eagleston & Shangrila...... BF 109s Hartmann & white 7(one with the googly eyes). They can be viewed at www.militarytoyshop.com....all the same price of $49.99. Look it over guys, I wouldn't be surprised if you liked them.....I did.

[Steve1971]

Originally Posted by swoop

As a diecast collector I wouldn't be interested in their products. As Skunky previously stated, "THEY ARE TOYS'......I don't think for one second, there are guys on this Forum who have less than $1000 invested in their collections.(recent indulgers are excempt) Why cast swine amid the pearls of your satisfactory pursuits. Forget 21st Century and relegate their status to those of 5+ years.

Yes they are toys but they are being bought more by collectors like us then kids. Me personally I always do upgrades on my "toys" to make them look better and more correct. I did this to my Hurry Home Honey P-51, Ridge Runner 3 P-51, and now to my BBD P-51. BBD got the best treatment due to its my favorite paint scheme on any P-51 that either BBI or 21st has come out with.

That being said I was just told by a 21st insider that BBD was supposed to come in a limited edition box! And when and if they do a re-run of BBD in the future they will be in those limited editon boxes that we were supposed to get in the first place, but it was a mixup by China. I wont comment on this any further because what I may say might upset some people and it aint directed at China either but at 21st Century Toys.

[hworth18]

Originally Posted by swoop

For those with interest in plastic replicas, I came across a site promoting a new line from a company named Merit International. There are only 4 models available at this time. All are in 1:24 scale. The models are Mustangs...Eagleston & Shangrila...... BF 109s Hartmann & white 7(one with the googly eyes). They can be viewed at www.militarytoyshop.com....all the same price of $49.99. Look it over guys, I wouldn't be surprised if you liked them.....I did.

I have the Hartmann 109 and it is okay.... But, I had to do some modifying to it to make it better..