[Louie]

I spoke with Frank the creator of Carousel 1 diecast today. Super nice guy and extremely knowledgable. I thought CEO's were supposed to be pencil pushers concerned with the bottom line. We discussed C1's current 1/48 a/c releases, but mostly the conversation was limited to the WW1 models released. I told him C1 needs to produce the Fokker DVII and Sopwith Camel and get the jump on Corgi. I told him how much it was appreciated that unlike other companies he produced models by famous pilots/aces and not weird obscure liveries. He agreed that was his intention. I also mentioned how badly a Nieuport 17 was needed and not a Flyboy's version. He said he could not go into detail about what 1/48 bi-planes were going to be produced but did say I would be quite happy in the next year or two and that at least one of the types of models we discussed would be done. He basically said more Nieuports will be coming including the 11,16, and 17. He was keenly interested in Corgi's up-coming releases as he likes to collect also. He even said he thought Model Power 1/48 Fokkers were pretty good. I thought so too but told him when he released his beautiful models I was a changed man, a believer that if you expect the best it will come in time and for a price. He said he knows his price cannot compete with Corgi but that was really not his goal. He produces high detail high quality adult oriented models. Even the Spandau machine guns on his Fokkers have photo-etched metal heat shields! I told him with Corgi doing the Albatross and SE5's he really has a chance to carve a niche with DVII's and Camels. He said he would seriously consider my suggestions. He also said he really hopes more collectors buy his WW1 models and really see for themselves the extra detail he put into them. Details like those cost money. I think the C1 planes are the Century Wings of their era. If any of you are reading this and have considered getting at least one Carousel 1 plane be it WW1 or WW2 I challenge you to see if you can find a better model. We all have our favorites and this thread is meant to excite C1 WW1(and WW2) collectors not to invite a GMP vs C1 debate. This guy is for real. He is listening and trying. He just wants to see more interest in what has already been produced before he can justify other molds. Going head-to-head with Corgi who enjoys world-wide distribution is not easy. IMHO it's BMW vs Toyota. Both great but one seems to be ahead in a few areas. You guys be the judge. Buy a Carousel 1 bi-plane and become a believer. Help Frank get his folks in gear at the factories and design rooms to make more models. He said he has not and probably will not make more than 1,800 of any of his models. Therefore they are limited. He watches Dogfights on the History Channel too. We had lots to talk about. This guy cares and produces fantastic models for the discriminating collector even if it seems to be a huge risk financially because he wants others to love subject as much as he has. I will be making some polls and forwarding them to him. Stay tuned and for heavens sake visit your diecast sellers and buy one of the little masterpieces! I am a bargain hunter but sometimes you have to pay a little more to get the best.