[Raven]

My view is that Corgi's price/value equation doesn't work on most of their models and they have priced themselves too high in the market. How can HM and GA offer similar sized models, manufactured in the same country for 25-30% less (and provide more detail and accessories). Why do Corgi Predators sell for a $10 premium over the comparable HM release? Is it $10 more for the flashy box and info I could dig up on the Internet in 5 minutes? The only Corgi planes that I have purchased in a long while have been either at a deep discount or a model that I know no other manufacturer is likely to ever make (Swordfish, Typhoon).

If Corgi wants to continue to charge top dollar and remain a viable enterprise, I agree that they should find the whitespace in the market such as UK-oriented selections and also focus on medium and large aircraft. They need to really research the market to ensure that they are releasing popular models AND popular paint schemes to avoid future dumping. Improvements in mold accuracy, detail and quality are a must. If they want top dollar for their product, they need to deliver the value in the eyes of the consumer.

[Gort]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

Assuming that Corgi's new management is using the current production lull, plus the prospects afforded by new financing, to plan a more rational course for the future, I've got some suggestions.

For one thing, it is obvious that Hobby Master is in a position to single out and exploit targets of opportunity because it, evidentially, has a firm grip on its production facilities, quality control, delivery schedules, etc. This suggests that head to head confrontations between HM and Corgi in the same product genres and/or eras is a risky business for Corgi. Assuming that Gemini and Century will evolve as niche or selective marketers, leaving it to Corgi and HM to duke it out with large numbers of product introductions, Corgi should assess its competitive strengths. The first of these is its core of UK and Commonwealth fans who provide a strong buyer base for palatable RAF/ Fleet Air Arm replicas. The second is Corgi's advantageous positioning as a maker of 1:72nd scale medium and, especially, heavy bombers, transports and flying boats. While Franklin Mint also puts out mediums and heavies, its appetite for further ventures in this area is limited by the financial risks of making molds in 1:48th scale, plus collector price and display space/storage issues. Which means that Corgi can probably contemplate a major expansion into the medium and heavy field in its scale of choice----not risk free, of course, but counting on the understandable reluctance of HM and Gemini to challenge it directly on that particular field of battle.

Putting these two thoughts together, I conclude that Corgi might consider finishing out its UK-oriented selections by adding planes such as the Tempest V, Firefly, Beaufighter, Short Sterling, Hampden, Whitley and a late model Spitfire, coupled with planes like the Hudson and A-20, which would also appeal strongly to US collectors. At the same time, Corgi would go all out in the medium- heavy aircraft range. Now, we are talking about planes like the SM-79, PE-2, Betty, DO-17Z, etc. and larger entries like the FW-200 , Emily, C-46, Mariner and Mavis. Also on the menu might be 1:100th or 1:144th scale versions of the B-29 ( if the 1:72nd scale seems too challenging ), as well as more modern aircraft such as the B-36 or B-47.

Assuming that Corgi adopted the strategy, described above. it would have to go with shorter runs, focus on quality and stop its panicky product dumps. Of course, this means higher prices for collectors, however given a more sensible approach to model selection, much better quality and less product glut, many may be willing to pay more. From a collector's standpoint, a move by Corgi in this direction will allow HM, Gemini and Century wings a free hand to get us those IL-2s, F-105s, Vals, etc. that we have been craving, without everyone competing in endless cycles of "me too" product launches. The obvious ones have all been done, now let's branch out, just as the kit-makers have, and flesh out the hobby.

I'd be interested in hearing the thoughts of other member on this.

I suggest Corgi hire you as a consultant, Epapazian. If the pooch listens to you, they might well emerge—once again— as a heavy-weight (no pun intended) contender.

Indeed, if (and I wish I knew more about this) Corgi is marshaling new financing, they could pursue a number of exciting options (your suggestions are excellent). But I wonder if economic reality will crash the party.

I’m not trying to be a spoiled sport, but let’s face it—spiking oil prices will damage (are damaging) myriad businesses as the dollar crunch and sub-prime fiasco ruin millions of pocket books, decimate credit and trash buying power. Without question legions of credit/dollar victims are (or will be) diecast collectors who would otherwise grow their collections. Leaving Corgi and the like holding the proverbial bag.

In other words, even if Corgi did all you propose and got it right, could they weather a severely reduced buying base? And if so, for how long?

Of course, I base this on conjecture—culled from dour news commentators, grim headlines and sullen forecasters. But given the gathering tempest, will harsh economic reality grow darker and windier and eventually blow away Corgi’s (and other manufacturers’) triumphant comeback?

The answer, of course, is to damn the torpedoes and cruise full speed ahead. Somehow, someway, Corgi will plow through a very troubled, very choppy market, given its fanatic, loyal collector base. But, like you suggest, Corgi will have to raise their prices, reduce their production numbers, thin their catalog and focus on models collectors will actually buy.

Hey, come to think about it, I would definitely go for an SM-79, a Betty and an FW-200. Oh, yeah!!!

[chrisdamage@gmail.com]

I like the idea of the A-20. Cool aircraft and an interesting history. I still have my fingers crossed on a B29. I really like the Navy variants of the B 24. That would also be a good one.

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by chrisdamage@gmail.com

I like the idea of the A-20. Cool aircraft and an interesting history. I still have my fingers crossed on a B29. I really like the Navy variants of the B 24. That would also be a good one.

How about a PB4Y-2 Privateer?



I would not mind having one of these.

[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by Agent X20

Mr E.......

Quotes within quotes.. trying to fool us old uns eh..?

Product selection is not going to be the way forward for Corgi... they have to get out greet and meet their customers.... lay some roots...

Look at Hobbymaster, it is clear they have a global network that they have sown that they distribute through, along with some damn fine operatives that I guess dont get paid a bean for doing so... but it is their passion..... My guess is that they have nothing like the overheads of Corgi... you just have to work smarter...

Hobbymaster introduce one model after another... Corgi its all, then nothing.... they have to get away from the sixties catalogue mentality...

There is no way that Corgi will survive full stop if they keep doing what they are doing. This is a major diecast producer that so far this year has come up with nothing apart from jerking off all their real loyal guys by not * honouring a commitement regarding token exchange.. a strong personality from the Head Kennel could have sorted this, but no, they swill around in the cesspit they they themselves have created and I for one will be mightily pissed off to see them go cos when they are good they are very very good....

I still agree with just about every thing you said, except for the product selection part. No one is suggesting that Corgi doesn't need to drastically change its ways, and your catalog mentality point is certainly right on target. Gone are the days when you can plot everything out 9-15 months in advance, as a way to organize those who sell your products to the public, without responding to changing market conditions, consumer demand and the inroads of competitors.Things move much too quickly now for that kind of thinking to be effective. However, even if Corgi makes a serious effort to address all of the issues you have raised, it still needs to make more rational product selections. It can no longer operate in a void---as if other players weren't offering stiff competition and the market wasn't glutted with P-51s, Spitfires and BF-109s, while clamoring for diversity. Therefore, I still maintain that product selection---including critical decisions about the degree of quality to be provided---has to be one of the key factors driving any Corgi resurgence. Also, Corgi must cater more to a world-wide consumer base, especially considering the interests of U.S. collectors and, again, I contend that making the right product choices is a vital part of this equation.

* so far

.. Matron... another bottle......

[Cruver Collecter]

Some really interesting points have been expressed here. Just curious, have any of these suggestions or concerns been passed on to the folks a Corgi and if so, has there been any responce back from them?

[Art LeBrun]

Originally Posted by Cruver Collecter

How about a PB4Y-2 Privateer?



I would not mind having one of these.

I would like to see a PB4Y-2 also and those waist blisters that removed the need for bottom turrets. I wonder how well that worked in practice...perhaps the lower
Pacific flight altitudes helped deter bottom attacks.

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by Art LeBrun

I would like to see a PB4Y-2 also and those waist blisters that removed the need for bottom turrets. I wonder how well that worked in practice...perhaps the lower
Pacific flight altitudes helped deter bottom attacks.

It did have some neat looking waist blister gun positions and like the two dorsal turrets. The tall vertical stabilizer is another interesting looking feature on this aircraft.

[Art LeBrun]

Originally Posted by Cruver Collecter

It did have some neat looking waist blister gun positions and like the two dorsal turrets. The tall vertical stabilizer is another interesting looking feature on this aircraft.

Don't forget an honorable mention to the front and rear ERCO turrets. Recently there was most of a fuselage sititng in the yard at Gillespie Field where the San Diego Air and
Space Museum has an aircraft display and restoration hanger. Post war modified, of course.

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by Art LeBrun

Don't forget an honorable mention to the front and rear ERCO turrets. Recently there was most of a fuselage sititng in the yard at Gillespie Field where the San Diego Air and
Space Museum has an aircraft display and restoration hanger. Post war modified, of course.

It definitely packed quite a bit of fire power. About 14 years back I remember seeing a Fire Bomber version of one of these flying over Las Vegas. I wonder what happened to those that were converted to Fire Bomber Tanker roles.