[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.

[Cardinal]

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.

Excellent post Epapazian - sound logic, let's hope Corgi listens .

[chrisdamage@gmail.com]

This is just wishful thinking, but wouldn't it be awesome to have 1:72 B 29 Superfortresses, and maybe, just maybe an extremely limited run of B 32 Dominators in 1:72? I would easily pay $175 for a B 29 and up to $300 or $350 for a limited run B 32.

[planenutsfrog]

Some safe suggestions : Do 17, Tempest, Beaufighter, D3A, G4M ; and a not so safe one : Barracuda.

[Nimrod48]

As far as 1:72 scale medium & heavy bombers go Corgi are realy out on their own, while other manufacturers steadfastly ignore these important catagories it does give Corgi the opportunity to steal a march on the others by producing beauties such as the He177, He219, Fw200 & B29.

[Nimrod48]

Originally Posted by Agent X20

Corgis future has nothing to do with what models it produces, its all about how they are bringing them to market.

In the front of the latest (UK) catalogue they show their list of gold plated dealers.. I have about as many fingers on both hands... that is disgraceful..

No.... they have to present their models in a format where they can take them to the likes of Toys'RUs and get them back into the mainstream market. Esoteric model producing will never get the numbers away that they wanto/have to produce.

They have some nice subjects that they could tart up, get them into kiddie.... (14 plus.. why 14.. these models are far more dangerous to us old short sighted gits..) .... friendly packaging and the world will be yer lobster...

The market that they currently have is in terminal decline in that most of us now have a bellyfull of diecast and little loft space....

You have to change the input if you want a different outcome...

Nurse.... more Californian Merlot..... now.... my god you're beautiful... ding dong..

At the neck oil again Agent!! Good points though........cheers!! HIC!!......BURP!!

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by planenutsfrog

Some safe suggestions : Do 17, Tempest, Beaufighter, D3A, G4M ; and a not so safe one : Barracuda.

Some good looking planes on that list. The Do 17 would high on my wish list.

[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by Agent X20

Corgis future has nothing to do with what models it produces, its all about how they are bringing them to market.

In the front of the latest (UK) catalogue they show their list of gold plated dealers.. I have about as many fingers on both hands... that is disgraceful..

No.... they have to present their models in a format where they can take them to the likes of Toys'RUs and get them back into the mainstream market. Esoteric model producing will never get the numbers away that they wanto/have to produce.

They have some nice subjects that they could tart up, get them into kiddie.... (14 plus.. why 14.. these models are far more dangerous to us old short sighted gits..) .... friendly packaging and the world will be yer lobster...

The market that they currently have is in terminal decline in that most of us now have a bellyfull of diecast and little loft space....

You have to change the input if you want a different outcome...

I agree with you that our rather selective corner of the diecast market is glutted with "me too" product and not growing quickly enough to support Corgi in the fashion it was accustomed to. I also agree regarding Corgi's shortcomings on the marketing and distribution end. And, certainly, it makes sense for Corgi to try to pump up its business, volumetrically, by going more in the mass marketing direction, albeit with dumbed-down , low price merchandise. However, that doesn't mean that they should give up on producing and marketing smaller amounts of high quality and higher priced replicas to more selective buyers as many of us seem to be. And, as many of us have said, it behooves Corgi, if it doesn't abandon the field entirely to Hobby Master, to do a lot more to develop a new generation of quality conscious collectors. If Corgi opts to continue to compete in the military diecast collector market---and that is, of course the question--- I think that product selection will be an important factor---along with others---in determining this company's success. That was the basic idea I had when I started this thread.

Nurse.... more Californian Merlot..... now.... my god you're beautiful... ding dong..

[Shawn 507]

I suggest these the PB4Y-1 and -2

[Cavtanker]

I'd be in favor of the A-20.