[DADoser]

Originally Posted by skidmarksdiecast

Diecast models are made from ZAMAK, an alloy of zinc, aluminum, magnesium, and copper. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZAMAK

So do the percentages of those metals (making up ZAMAK), vary from manufacturer ro manufacturer? Or is ZAMAK consistent (diecast) industry wide?

[flaps]

Originally Posted by DADoser

So do the percentages of those metals (making up ZAMAK), vary from manufacturer ro manufacturer? Or is ZAMAK consistent (diecast) industry wide?

Thats the only issue with Corgi's statement, how can Hobby Masters or IXO or Witty Wings make there models with the same stuff and be so much more reasonable. I am willing to pay a little more for a nicer overall product with nicer packaging, but most P-51's are $ 25.00 or less, Corgis upcoming ltd P-51s are $59.00, even discounted they are $45.00, not too many people aregonna pay that, dont they take time to look at what the competition is doing price wise and even model wise????


Flaps

[hworth18]

Well, considering the fact that Witty, Hobbymaster and Dragon are all HongKong/Chinese based companies, I would think it is cheaper for them to produce diecast when they don't have to contract a factory to do it.. As the old saying goes, "The milks cheaper when you own the cow"......
Regardless of the price of zinc increasing/decreasing, Corgi's on the right track with limited releases and increased prices since they haven't had a significant price increase in 7+ years.. Limiting release numbers will get this hobby back on track with the "true" collectible, versus the mass produced diecast worth little other than asthetic value..

To say that people won't buy higher priced diecast is not real accurate..
Many people laughed at the idea of Corgi selling "THE CONNOISSEURS COLLECTION" at outrageous prices, but look around, many are SOLD OUT, and Corgi has also SOLD OUT (at factory level) a large portion of the upcoming catalog before they are even produced..

[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by hworth18

Well, considering the fact that Witty, Hobbymaster and Dragon are all HongKong/Chinese based companies, I would think it is cheaper for them to produce diecast when they don't have to contract a factory to do it.. As the old saying goes, "The milks cheaper when you own the cow"......
Regardless of the price of zinc increasing/decreasing, Corgi's on the right track with limited releases and increased prices since they haven't had a significant price increase in 7+ years.. Limiting release numbers will get this hobby back on track with the "true" collectible, versus the mass produced diecast worth little other than asthetic value..

I enjoy this hobby for the aesthetic value of the model aircraft as well as their historical significance (both combat history and engineering). In my opinion limiting release numbers may have similar consequences to what is likely to occur with Admiral Toy's 1/72 armour line i.e. become 'exclusive' for those with deep pockets.

Perhaps I'm not a serious 'collector' as some of the models I enjoy the most are 'non-limited' and I'm not prepared to pay a fortune for something that is definitely not the wisest investment opportunity out there anyway. Whatever their reasons (the zinc reason is BS), Corgi run the risk of a continued decline unless they are competitive with their pricing and offer good value as do some of their competition - they're no longer the only player in town and as much as I like some of their products, I'm not prepared to convert into a 'serious collector' to drastically increase their profits.

[bsmith13]

Originally Posted by flyXwire

LOL!!! That's a good one, bsmith!

Glad you liked it!

I am concerned about zinc prices, but it's not likely to influence my collecting habits too much...

[skidmarksdiecast]

Originally Posted by DADoser

So do the percentages of those metals (making up ZAMAK), vary from manufacturer ro manufacturer? Or is ZAMAK consistent (diecast) industry wide?

ZAMAK #3 is ZAMAK #3 regardless of the whether it's Corgi, HM, Witty or Dragon. The manufacturers receive it in ingot "bars" that are melted down and poured into the tooling molds. http://www.eazall.com/diecastalloys.aspx

There's a variety of reasons for price differences among manufacturers. First is labor costs. Except for a few colloborations between HM and Corgi, manufacturers do not outsource production to the same factories in China/Hong Kong. Differences in the "completeness" of the model is also related to labor cost and price. Corgi's stuff comes with all the bombs, missles and fuel tanks glued in place. With Dragon and HM, you have to put those items on. Also, materials costs vary among manufacturers based on the number of parts made from metal vs plastic.

Packaging costs are another factor affecting price. Compare Corgi's 2007 boxes with HM's boxes. Corgi's boxes are obviously going to be much more expensive both in materials cost and printing. Also, Corgi planes come with more expensive stands than HM or Dragon. Witty's don't come with stands at all (with the exeption of one or two models).

[landrocket]

Originally Posted by flyXwire

Looking at this statement from another point of view (at least my own), everyone seems to be using the same model by the Oil Industry as justification
to raise prices and gouge us unsuspecting consumers. It's pure highway robbery from a simplistic point of view/analogy. Just sucks!!!

Comrades, comrades... Capitalism is the evil behind this both the fact that the planes are produced at all, AND that they can overcharge because there is demand for their product... How sinister!

[Celtic]

The statement says Corgi merged with two other companies. I know I'm missing something ( ), but who are the other two...HM and ??

By the way, I can't believe the price of zinc is the culprit. Fact is, China has become THE manufacturing powerhouse on the planet, and everyone there from management to labor now wants a piece of the action...and not necessarily a miniscule piece. In addition, our nation's business leaders are now working diligently to send not just manufacturing, but development work to China et al. Right now, we are just starting to see the increase in prices...and our corresponding stagnation in incomes. Get 'em now while you can...even those outdated Corgi Mustangs!

(Louie, we haven't crossed threads for some time! Hope all is going well...)

[parsig9]

Originally Posted by flaps

Thats the only issue with Corgi's statement, how can Hobby Masters or IXO or Witty Wings make there models with the same stuff and be so much more reasonable. I am willing to pay a little more for a nicer overall product with nicer packaging, but most P-51's are $ 25.00 or less, Corgis upcoming ltd P-51s are $59.00, even discounted they are $45.00, not too many people aregonna pay that, dont they take time to look at what the competition is doing price wise and even model wise????


Flaps

First of all, I have no idea who buys up all the Corgi Mustangs. They make a ton of them and I just don't get it. I have 2 and paid next to nothing for them.

The Corgi packaging is nice this year and I like it (esp. the Predators) but it's a bit over the top for me after some cost/benefit analysis. Do we really neeed the decorative sleave over the standard box? I got the Best SBD for $25 and thought that was fair but would not pay much more than that. $59 is a lot for a 1/72 fighter and...well...you know. There's too much nice product for that kind of $$

[hworth18]

Originally Posted by flaps

Corgis upcoming ltd P-51s are $59.00, even discounted they are $45.00, not too many people aregonna pay that, dont they take time to look at what the competition is doing price wise and even model wise????
Flaps

Flaps, Where are you getting $59.00??? The most I have seen any 07' 1/72 fighter selling for is $34.99 and I have checked quite a few sites..