[no4mkit]

This is true Jim, though only on the earlier Merlin engined variants (and the one comfort the Halifax crews had was that the Stirlings ceiling was lower still! ) But the more powerful Herc engined Halifax was capable of a more comfortable 24000 ft.

[JETFAN]

I imagine I will end up with a fleet of Halibags; My boyhood days in WW2 were spent in the middle of of 4 Group and 6 Group was close by too, though they later switched to Lancs. In later years, I knew a number of people, both in the UK and Canada, who flew with 158 Sqdn and one even flew Friday 13th on its 100th mission. A typical bomb load was 9 x 1000 lb in the bomb bay plus 6 x 500 lb in the inner wing bomb bays inboard of the inner engines. It will be interesting to see if the Corgi has these wing bomb bays that open.

The Halifax and Stirling were limited in wing span by the 100 foot width of a standard pre-WW2 hanger door. By the time the Lanc came along, most servicing was done outdoors or, if a major was needed, at a Maintenance Unit.

[Merritec]

Originally Posted by JustPlaneNuttz

That is a very interesting point you bring up: : "(as the Corgi 419 Sqn Lanc should have been for the Canadian Warplane Heritage)"

I'm only an hour down the road from the CWHM, and they have no representation of that Mynarski lanc at all in stock. That model should never have been designated as 'limited' and should always be available. Something tells me either CWHM didn't cut an ongoing deal with Corgi or it wasn't offered. I notice RAF Hendon doesn't offer PO•S anymore either. (Maybe in 1:144?) Maybe that could be changed if Trenton gets in touch with Corgi to do up NA337 and have it offered as an ongoing UN-limited item. I could be all wet here, but I get a sense that Corgi isn't the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to marketing ideas, especially when it comes to aviation museums. (That NA337 is sure a fine resortation, though!)

From What I understand, the CWHM had quitew a few of these planes and they flew in the actual lancaster. they were selling them for $400.00. They are sold out now, but still had them late last year. Not bad considering it was release in Oct 2002. So I would assume they had a large number of them if it took them 5 years to liquidate. As far as them being Limited editions, most corgi releases are, and I doubt the museum could move enough planes to warrent doing re run the scheme (which is a min 1500)

[JustPlaneNuttz]

Originally Posted by Merritec

From What I understand, the CWHM had quitew a few of these planes and they flew in the actual lancaster. they were selling them for $400.00. They are sold out now, but still had them late last year. Not bad considering it was release in Oct 2002. So I would assume they had a large number of them if it took them 5 years to liquidate. As far as them being Limited editions, most corgi releases are, and I doubt the museum could move enough planes to warrent doing re run the scheme (which is a min 1500)

Well I have no idea how many they had, but at $400 a piece I can't see those flying off the shelves that fast, save for a few serious diehard collectors and 'Lancaster nuts'. (You say they flew the shipment in the Mynarski lanc? *scratching head*)

I guess the point I was trying to make was -- these models represent the actual museum exhibits. They should always be available in the Gift Shop. Maybe the answer is that these unique museum-based models aren't sold retail elsewhere, and maybe they aren't designated 'limited'. The 'win-win-win' is: Corgi gets a continuing revenue stream from the various museum replicas and is seen as a good corporate citizen by supporting the various museums -- they could advertise that fact too; the Museum gets to merchandise a 'solid' take home piece to sell through the onsite & online Gift Shop -- marked up to reflect reasonable cost with museum upkeep added in; and the Visitor who now can take home a piece of their experience -- and quite possibly become a collector. With visable signage, and some retail marketing know-how, everyone comes out ahead. I agree with your point that 1500 min order may be stiff at first, but I trust Corgi could be a bit more forgiving on pricing, minimum orders, and marketing, given this unique situation. If they really did think about it they could be helping thosands of aviation museums world-wide, simply by adding a Special Unit to their regular retail business. (Another nice way to keep the competition at bay, eh?) Regrettably, I really don't think Corgi has given this too much thought, yet they are happy to promote their term 'Aviation Archive'. Hmmm. . . .

Personally, I would love to toddle up to Trenton, see that great big stunning Halifax in all its glory -- and -- in a perfect world -- because I pre-visited the Museum online, I know I can pick up a Corgi replica of the actual aircraft I saw at this place for $175.00. Gee -- at that price I might even buy two! (I can dream can't I? )

The fact that I can't get PO•S in 1:72 at RAF Hendon online or otherwise is unforgivable, in my view. Take it for what it is . . . just my 2¢ worth.

[Wespen109]

I think it's about time Corgi did a Short Sterling.

[no4mkit]

I'd love a Stirling too Wespen. Let's hope for 2009...

[Spinnaker]

I'll be getting two of the Halifax - one with Bristol's, and one with Merlins. Hopefully I'll only have to pay for one, and the other will come via the Corgi token scheme.

Second (or third, or whatever) the idea of a Stirling - an underated but impressive looking aircraft. And am looking forward to the Blenheim being released next year ;-)

[Wespen109]

Originally Posted by Spinnaker

I'll be getting two of the Halifax - one with Bristol's, and one with Merlins. Hopefully I'll only have to pay for one, and the other will come via the Corgi token scheme.

Second (or third, or whatever) the idea of a Stirling - an underated but impressive looking aircraft. And am looking forward to the Blenheim being released next year ;-)

Yes the Blenheim will be good, so long as it has the Mk. IV nose

[Spinnaker]

Yeah, the Mk. IV/V was a much more attractive aircraft. However, I will still buy an earlier Mark for the collection, despite its lack of visual appeal ;-)

Hope they do a night-fighter version - John Cunningham's machine would make a good choice!

Originally Posted by Wespen109

Yes the Blenheim will be good, so long as it has the Mk. IV nose

[jim]

Originally Posted by Wespen109

Yes the Blenheim will be good, so long as it has the Mk. IV nose

It seems I am the only one that likes the early Blenheims, I agree the mk4 looks pretty but I like the full glazed nose on the mk1.

A very thirties feature.