[mustangdriver]

I am with you Elmer. Franklin mint needs to update their line. eah they make some cool stuff, but you have no options on how to display it, and some of theri models are not that great, while others are very nice.

[PappyB]

Thanks Elmer!

As for your first point, I would like to see that, too. However -- keep in mind that FM's models are about $30 less than Eagles International. (Average price of a FM fighter being around $50, and EI being $80.) That doesn't matter to me, really, as I'm sure that if EI offered a version of every FM model I have at that premium, I'd probably have all EI stuff. (Though probably a few less, which would be okay, too.)

FM's sweet spot now seems to be the casual collector, judging from the wide range of distribution, and unlimited prod runs, you see these models at. And again, the price points, particularly online, have become much more reasonable than in the past.

If they dramatically increased their quality level, to the EI level, their prices would definitely shoot up, and it would be interesting to see what this would do to sales. I would guess that the hard core collectors would buy more of 'em, but their bread-and-butter mainstream sales would suffer for it. Dunno -- is it better fiscally for a company to sell two or three so-so models or 1 high-end model? Probably...

There could be an acceptable middle ground, too. For example, they could stick with fixed gear and no display stands, but give us some higher overall detail levels, maybe a moving part or two... optional ordnance, and jack up the price a bit. Something!

Hopefully someone else will step up and face FM directly with the same model (P-51D please) and same livery perhaps, too (please, though, no more Old Crows for a while ). And we'll see what happens!

Oh, and yes, some sort of acknowledgement by FM that their approach is now dated would be welcome, starting now. On that point, I totally agree with you.

Who knows where HM will go with it's 1:48 line, and from the sounds of it, EI is going to play a bigger part, too.

Good times.

[Elmer]

Originally Posted by PappyB

FM's sweet spot now seems to be the casual collector, judging from the wide range of distribution, and unlimited prod runs, you see these models at. And again, the price points, particularly online, have become much more reasonable than in the past.

If they dramatically increased their quality level, to the EI level, their prices would definitely shoot up, and it would be interesting to see what this would do to sales. I would guess that the hard core collectors would buy more of 'em, but their bread-and-butter mainstream sales would suffer for it. Dunno -- is it better fiscally for a company to sell two or three so-so models or 1 high-end model? Probably...

Hopefully someone else will step up and face FM directly with the same model (P-51D please) and same livery perhaps, too And we'll see what happens!

I hadn't given much thought to the casual collector, Pappy; your analysis makes a lot of sense. If FM believes this market is its bread and butter there may not be much change on the horizon. It would be nice if FM tested the serious collector market though; they might be surprised.

You have persuaded me I may have harangued against FM a little much; not that I think more of their product. Perhaps we could all harangue a bit on companies that are timid to go head to head with FM.

[Dchage]

Wait till you read this

The Franklin Mint Announces its 2007 Range and Pricing Policy
Here's a general guide as to how the price increase will affect the line:

Items That Previously sold for $49.99 will now retail between $60.00 - $70.00
Items That Previously sold for $59.99 will now retail for $90.00
Items That Previously sold for $69.99 will now retail for $105.00
Items That Previously sold for $119.99 will now retail between $150.00 - $175.00

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by Dchage

Wait till you read this

The Franklin Mint Announces its 2007 Range and Pricing Policy
Here's a general guide as to how the price increase will affect the line:

Items That Previously sold for $49.99 will now retail between $60.00 - $70.00
Items That Previously sold for $59.99 will now retail for $90.00
Items That Previously sold for $69.99 will now retail for $105.00
Items That Previously sold for $119.99 will now retail between $150.00 - $175.00

Whoa, if that's indeed true, and they don't improve the product... they are probably shooting themselves right out of the market. Yikes! Sounds like 1999 all over again! (When I paid $125 for a defective Doolittle B-25!! )

I know I wont' be buying a FM fighter for 70! Not when the same amount gets a Carousel 1 and just another 10 clams gets an EI!

[mustangdriver]

That had better be one hell of a nice Wildcat they are bringing out. And they better bring out some other new molds as well.

[STARMAN 352ND]

Wow it seems the new owners are really shooting themselfs in the foot ..like pappy said.
After all it seems all the other diecast co. have increased their price a little too.
If that is the case they better be putting out a better product then what that have been doing.
FM only has a few that are really good.
JP

[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by Dchage

Wait till you read this

The Franklin Mint Announces its 2007 Range and Pricing Policy
Here's a general guide as to how the price increase will affect the line:

Items That Previously sold for $49.99 will now retail between $60.00 - $70.00
Items That Previously sold for $59.99 will now retail for $90.00
Items That Previously sold for $69.99 will now retail for $105.00
Items That Previously sold for $119.99 will now retail between $150.00 - $175.00

Regrettably, if this is the case, FM will inevitably succumb to the competition. I've noticed that the 'new' pricing appears to already be reflected in the pricing structure of some retailers (which I don't believe is appropriate for 'old' stock ).

I have a soft spot for FM Armour as they do have some nice castings, such as the Me262s, P47s and P38s to name but a few. However, their main competitive advantage was in their pricing (notice I used the past tense ).

Unless they are planning some drastic intervention in the market with regard to innovation, quality and detail there is no way that I will pay the new prices when Carousel 1 and Eagles Inter. are offering far superior models at comparable prices . It is also incomprehensible that existing castings (i.e. old stock) be sold at the new prices and I will be (am) extremely disappointed with retailers who follow this approach ...

All I can say is that I'm looking extremely forward to Hobby Master's new 1/48 range and wish them all the best in proving the value of competition and sensible pricing (combined with great quality and detail) ...

[mustangdriver]

I also have a soft spot for the FM, as I think some of their aircraft are very nice. The only one that really bothers me is the P-51, and I still managed to get a SE P-51 Old Crow. But I think they need to realize that they aren't the only game in town any longer. This would have been a great chance to put themselves ahead by making a Typhoon, a P-61, or a Skyraider. Something that no one else makes at all. Then raising the prices? I wish them all the luck. I can't sat that I won't buy anything else form them, but I more than likely won't be buying anything this year.

[Ara1]

Did I miss the announcement of new or alternate scheme FM planes in 1/48 for this year?

Anyone have a link to a list?