[Epapazian]

I've been following the heated discussion regarding Corgi dropping swastikas on its Luftwaffe models with keen interest. It strikes me that this is, in part, an extension of the loud objections raised over Corgi's planned price hikes. But I doubt that Corgi will be intimidated by the protests on this and the UK forum until it feels a meaningful negative impact in the marketplace. So let me pose this theoretical question. Say Corgi announces a really appealing Luftwaffe plane as one of its1:72nd scale new mold choices for 2009. Say, for the sake of argument, it's a FW-200 with anti-ship guided missiles, excellent detailing, etc----but no swastika. And the price is the same as they are now proposing for a Halifax. How many of you would turn this one down----assuming you like the FW-200----just because of the swastika issue? I certainly wouldn't.

[Folgore]

Originally Posted by Lanceforthright

If you want to sell crack loads of CR*P, then flog Fuzzy Wuzzy Bungles and his/her politically correct Nuzzle Buffin friends to Joe public and his PC mates out there...

Awww, man, I collect Fuzzy Wuzzy Bungles and the Nuzzle Buffin Friends.

Other than that, LF, you're right on.

[Gary Kennedy]

Originally Posted by djjeffhall

I think what we have to realise at this point is that we are no longer Corgi's market. I think the way Hornsby is looking at it is that we were their market, and the company failed. If they continue catering to that market, they will continue to fail. They are going to revamp the line and aim at a new market. That is why I'm so curious as to how well their product will sell? Will they find that bigger market? I don't see it developing on this forum and I'm very curious to see how many new folks Hornsby changes bring to the diecast world, and conversly to this forum?

I think that first sentence might just sum the Hornby takeover of Corgi up nicely as far as the AA range goes.

I've tried to be positive, optimistic about the new ownership, and still don't expect a major expansion or series of improvements in the range overnight. But, to borrow an Americanism, this change strikes me as 'Grade A stupid'. We like to collect models of actual aircraft, not approximations thereof. From what I can tell, Corgi had no problems marketing its Luftwaffe AA range around the world showing the markings they wore at the time, so I can't quite figure out what benefit Hornby believe it will bring to not have those same markings. They certainly used to be included with Airfix kits, which I think Hornby also owns - did they drop them from that line as well I wonder?

I love my Corgi planes (even my P51s, no matter what anyone says!), but it really does seem as though HM will be carrying the diecast torch, for the next few years at least. In the absence of real developments from Hornby, the attitude they are currently displaying to dedicated customers does not bode well. I truly hope I'm wrong but it may be the doomsayers were right.

Gary

[Folgore]

Adding to what Gary and DJ JH wrote above, IIRC one of the first statements Hornby put out after acquiring Corgi included something to the effect that they'd be going after a younger and more international market (giving us visions of Thomas the Tank Engine B-24s). Now, ditching the swazi may make it ever so slightly easier to market WWII German planes in a few international markets -- although Corgi never seemed to have a problem with that before -- but does anyone think that benefit is enough to offset the obvious downsides (e.g., making the models less accurate, angering collectors, etc.)? And the price increases will certainly make Corgi planes less appealing to a younger market -- or any mass market, for that matter. So what market is Hornby targeting? Very niche, apparently: Rich collectors in Germany who don't care much about accuracy. It's a market, I guess...


And in response to Epapazian (and at the risk of inviting your slings and arrows): To me, having the swazis is more of a plus than not having the swazis is a minus; otherwise I wouldn't be happy with my Dragon Bf-109s and FW-190s. Of course I prefer that my WWII German warbirds have swazis, but if the lack of the swazi is the only flaw in an otherwise good model, that alone won't deter me from purchasing it.

[Captain Eddie]

Originally Posted by Folgore

And in response to Epapazian (and at the risk of inviting your slings and arrows): To me, having the swazis is more of a plus than not having the swazis is a minus; otherwise I wouldn't be happy with my Dragon Bf-109s and FW-190s. Of course I prefer that my WWII German warbirds have swazis, but if the lack of the swazi is the only flaw in an otherwise good model, that alone won't deter me from purchasing it.

You'll get no slings and arrows from me on this, even IF I disagreed with you. Now, when it comes to politics, however........

[23enigma61]

i have been following this discussion,over swastikas,or lack of,with interest.I for one like to think im buying historical accuracy ,over something of a fantasy item.I have a really small collection in comparison to my fellow hangers,but i have only started,so some of my collection may have some inaccuracies and i wouldnt know,but i know i wouldnt buy a german aircraft without a swasi,unless i received evidence to the contrary,that the actual aircraft had no swastika.As chance would have it ,i received a new addition today,and before i opened the box i noticed the following,mission statement from corgi "DETAIL,AUTHENTICITY,HISTORICAL ACCURACY,THE WORDS THAT DEFINE CORGIS COMMITMENT TO MAKING THE FINEST DIECAST MODELS IN THE WORLD",perhaps someone should remind hornby,what they bought into when buying corgi and then hornby should consider,that the ordinary collector bought into that mission statement,long before they came along,and long before i came along.Seeing those words made me chuckle,i hope it will make others chuckle too ?

[derhamburgerjung]

Ha! So now guys, you can experience how model collecting is going on over here in Germany
Always look out for the > Historisch Korrekt < HK for Hakenkreuz ( Swazi ) offers on ebay

Or pick up models like this

[ZS-VAN]

Originally Posted by derhamburgerjung

Ha! So now guys, you can experience how model collecting is going on over here in Germany
Always look out for the > Historisch Korrekt < HK for Hakenreuz ( Swazi ) offers on ebay

Or pick up models like this

Now that is just plane nasty! What a con. Thanks for the tip, I wouldn't have been aware of that. Sometime I do visit German ebay when looking for some items.

[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

I've been following the heated discussion regarding Corgi dropping swastikas on its Luftwaffe models with keen interest. It strikes me that this is, in part, an extension of the loud objections raised over Corgi's planned price hikes. But I doubt that Corgi will be intimidated by the protests on this and the UK forum until it feels a meaningful negative impact in the marketplace. So let me pose this theoretical question. Say Corgi announces a really appealing Luftwaffe plane as one of its1:72nd scale new mold choices for 2009. Say, for the sake of argument, it's a FW-200 with anti-ship guided missiles, excellent detailing, etc----but no swastika. And the price is the same as they are now proposing for a Halifax. How many of you would turn this one down----assuming you like the FW-200----just because of the swastika issue? I certainly wouldn't.

A difficult proposition Epapazian ... To be honest, as upset as I am with Cornby/Horgi at the moment I would possibly 'bite the bullet' and buy it given that the FW200 is one of the most aesthetically pleasing designs ever made. I'll also design a stencil (cut the design out from Tamiya low tac masking tape) and paint the historically correct markings on .

[jim]

Originally Posted by Cardinal

A difficult proposition Epapazian ... To be honest, as upset as I am with Cornby/Horgi at the moment I would possibly 'bite the bullet' and buy it given that the FW200 is one of the most aesthetically pleasing designs ever made. I'll also design a stencil (cut the design out from Tamiya low tac masking tape) and paint the historically correct markings on .

I must agree on your comments about the FW 200, it is certainly a beautiful plane.

I cannot understand Hornby at all, its seems that they have a touch of arrogance that can only harm their image.
Just when they should be doing all they can to improve their image or should I perhaps say Corgis image they give the impression of telling collectors take it or leave it.
For my part I will leave it thank you, but I know that some time in the future they bring out a stunning diecast plane that I will just have to have.
However Hornby it will have to be stunning because after the recent failure to honour Corgis promises and the dreadful lack of communication plus the price increases (they didn't have a communication problem there) from them I shall always look elsewhere first.