[Cardinal]

I've just read in the 'Mule' Newsletter that the much awaited 'Jolly Rogers' F14 due later this year has increased in price from $69.99 to $74.99 due to increased production costs.

As much as I like CW products, I honestly think that they've gone beyond what can be regarded as a sustainable price-point ... too expensive for what one gets???

[weiwencheng]

It better be interactive with firing weapons, and pilots that can talk to you.

[Canucklehead]

When I bought my Vandy Tomcat from Hobbylink Japan, I ended up paying nearly $100 for it with shipping. I don't aim to pick up all the CW releases, just a few more Tomcats (VF-1 and something lo-vis, come on CW!), and maybe a Viet Nam lo-vis A-6, and perhaps an A-7 or A-8 if there's a livery that strikes me as cool. I would be comfortable paying what I did for the Vandy for any of the others I've mentioned. The product is of great quality and the price is not overboard for what is being offered.

That said, I'd rather they were cheaper, but the higher price is still worth it.

[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by Canucklehead

When I bought my Vandy Tomcat from Hobbylink Japan, I ended up paying nearly $100 for it with shipping. I don't aim to pick up all the CW releases, just a few more Tomcats (VF-1 and something lo-vis, come on CW!), and maybe a Viet Nam lo-vis A-6, and perhaps an A-7 or A-8 if there's a livery that strikes me as cool. I would be comfortable paying what I did for the Vandy for any of the others I've mentioned. The product is of great quality and the price is not overboard for what is being offered.

That said, I'd rather they were cheaper, but the higher price is still worth it.

I'm looking at the base price, shipping doesn't really factor into the equation given that it is variable and dependent on location ...

[Canucklehead]

Originally Posted by Cardinal

I'm looking at the base price, shipping doesn't really factor into the equation given that that is variable and dependent on location ...

Since I get almost all my models through the mail, shipping factors into the equation for me. Consider the Corgi Lancaster. You can get those for very reasonable prices (near RRP on ebay.co.uk), but you know as well as I do that the shipping is a killer. You set the price you're willing to pay, and I'm thinking that $100 with shipping is my limit for Century Wings product, just as I decided that my limit for a Corgi Lanc is $150 with shipping. The shipping may be a variable, but for me it's going to be a factor in pretty much any die cast purchase I make.

[parsig9]

$60 shipped was plenty for me and now I hope to find one for $70 with a 10% off coupon and free shipping over $100

That should not be too hard really.
I have been thinking prices are getting crazy lately. The HM F-100 is ratailing about $45+/- which seems like alot considering it is about the same as a Mig 21 and I see those for $9.99 to $15 sometimes (under $25 all the time)
I think the Kate and 110 are too much as well. Near $50 shipped
$50+ is why I got out of 1/48 Franklin mint. Now those can be found for under that all the time.

Ramble over

[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by Canucklehead

Since I get almost all my models through the mail, shipping factors into the equation for me. Consider the Corgi Lancaster. You can get those for very reasonable prices (near RRP on ebay.co.uk), but you know as well as I do that the shipping is a killer. You set the price you're willing to pay, and I'm thinking that $100 with shipping is my limit for Century Wings product, just as I decided that my limit for a Corgi Lanc is $150 with shipping. The shipping may be a variable, but for me it's going to be a factor in pretty much any die cast purchase I make.

I fully agree Canucklehead, shipping is relevant with regard to the 'total diecast spend' available to the collector .

All I was implying was with regard to discussing the pricing of CW products we should exclude the shipping debate as the importance thereof varies from collector to collector. (If the price of the CW Tomcat goes up and shipping remains constant - increasingly unlikely - you'll quickly find that the price is beyond your $100 limit .)

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by Cardinal

I've just read in the 'Mule' Newsletter that the much awaited 'Jolly Rogers' F14 due later this year has increased in price from $69.99 to $74.99 due to increased production costs.

As much as I like CW products, I honestly think that they've gone beyond what can be regarded as a sustainable price-point ... too expensive for what one gets???

Absolutely, that is too much -- $69.99 is too much IMHO. If this is indeed true, I may have just bought my last CW model...

I have one of these on preorder already at the $69.99 price (free shipping) - I guess that's my line in the sand. (Wow, I have one! )

[trex0770]

Originally Posted by PappyB

Absolutely, that is too much -- $69.99 is too much IMHO. If this is indeed true, I may have just bought my last CW model...

I have one of these on preorder already at the $69.99 price (free shipping) - I guess that's my line in the sand. (Wow, I have one! )

Steve, I agree whole-heartedly! CW's new prices are ridiculous considering the size of their models and the variety that's out there. I, for one, refuse to pay $69.99 for a 1/72 plane that isn't a bomber. Heck, I can get a GMP with moving parts galore for $50 + shipping. If this kind of crap price increase keeps happening I'll stop buying and wait for the inventory blowout sale! Incremental increases are understandable but what's happening here, IMHO, is just plain old price gouging.

Personally I've got a large enough collection of airplanes in all sizes so I don't need to buy more if it comes down to it. I know there's lots of cool planes still unmade but I'm more than happy with what I've got and will buy only from vendors who are reasonable with their pricing.....btw CW, $69.99 + (and not including shipping & taxes) IS NOT reasonable!!!

Okay I'm done ranting and apologize for it but this just p*sses me off!

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by trex0770

Personally I've got a large enough collection of airplanes in all sizes so I don't need to buy more if it comes down to it. I know there's lots of cool planes still unmade but I'm more than happy with what I've got

Thanks for the moral support Trex -- we're in agreement -- it's in this last statement of yours that you have me beat..... don't know if I'll ever be satisfied with my collection I suspect my purchases will slow down but never stop altogether. I just might be done with jets 'tis all.