[dragon53]

I got this in an email from Flyingmule:

So long to 21st Century Toys

The Flying Mule deeply regrets that we will no longer be carrying products from 21st Century Toys. Despite our best efforts, we have been forced to drop this line by factors beyond our control. We wish 21st Century Toys all the best for the future and we know we'll certainly miss being able to offer these great products to our customers.

[STARMAN 352ND]

I wonder what caused this to happened ?
JP

[dilligafocau]

Just checked the Mule's site, the 21st line are no longer listed. Thought they may sold off the remaining stock in the sale section.

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by STARMAN 352ND

I wonder what caused this to happened ?
JP

Perhaps stocks not moving fast enough at TFM?

[stalag8611]

Hell's Bells, I didn't realize that TFM even carried 21st. It could be a "stock not moving" problem; however, I suspect it boils down to profit, availability, and plastic v. zinc syndrom.

[Canucklehead]

Don't forget space. Having any amount of 21st product ready to be shipped has got to take up a lot of room.

[hworth18]

I had spoken with Martin and he said something about 21st not being able to fill his re-orders.. I didn't know he was planning on dropping the line altogether..

[Epapazian]

Looks like yet another sign of chaos at the Chinese factories---or, possibly, their focusing on certain lines in a "preferential" manner. I wonder if Altaya/IXO is having the same problems.

[Steve1971]

Thats not good for 21st. Maybe its the fact that the interest is just no longer there? I hope not.

[Tundra04]

Originally Posted by Steve1971

Thats not good for 21st. Maybe its the fact that the interest is just no longer there? I hope not.

You may be on to something. While the big scale stuff is impressive due to the sheer size, just how many 1/18th scale aircraft can a collector have? Or better yet, how many 1/18th scale aircraft will a collector's wife let them have!

Granted, they've expanded into smaller scales, but by doing so they now face numerous diecast companies as competitors.

Also, their distribution network seems to be aimed more at brick and mortar stores: Wal Mart, Target, etc., instead of niche diecast websites. Just some thoughts.