[chiefs70]

Originally Posted by Spinnaker

You are joking, aren't you...? HM might not have released quite as many models as Corgi yet, but their quality is certainly as good as, if not better than Corgi's. (And this from a loyal Corgi collector .)

I must concur with Spinnaker. I personally haven't had any quality issues with a HM aircraft and own all of them thus far released. To compare them with IXO is way off base taking my collection into account. Lately, however, the Corgi's are showing a few issues, albeit nothing major, so they certainly aren't perfect. I love Corgi's- they make up 80% of my collection - but they have their flaws as well.

Hobby Master stands shoulder to shoulder with Corgi and Dragon in my experience. Corgi gets definite points for the swazis and lack of fiddly bits (which HM shares) but I haven't seen much separation overall by the longtime companies. HM's strength lies in their variety and unique offerings and if they are going to rise to the top they'll need to leverage that strength.

As far as the poll, until the GA's arrive it would be hard to choose. I have all three on pre-order so I am definitely excited but I'll need to get them in my hot little hands before I make a call.

[Celtic]

HM gets my vote until GA actually produces results. If GA is as good at 1/72 as they are at 1/400, though (I own 45 of their airliners), they could take over the market. Of course, that would be way down the line, and HM could play some trump cards (or GA could make some critical marketing errors) that could change the results. Personally, I'm cheering for both, and I'm still buying Corgi because I love the little things. The question is, how long can my budget stand the strain of three manufacturers sharing the top of the market...

[Louie]

dude you're not kidding (about budget) I am trying to sell off stuff I thought I would always keep to fund all this new stuff coming out/up! I will buy the Gemini Galland to see for myself the quality and I need a good 109 with wheels. If it cuts the mustard I'll try another. I wish everyone would stop with the Stukas ( just in case they are also planning some) I have too many....... HM is the event because up till now we have product and the year is almost done. I think Corgi does deserve honorable mention for it's Swordfish, Gadiators, PBy's, Ju-88's, UH-60's,Typhoons, and P-38's. How sweet is it going to be when the bulk of those start arriving! If this trend continues my entire collection from 6 months ago will have been replaced by newer models as choices and quality and availability increase. The overall quality of any given model in my collection is getting better. I can't wait to dump my Corgi P-47's, Mustangs, Corsairs, Spits, 109's, 190's, P-40's, and Hurricanes oh and those toyish Phantoms for better models. I am o.k withthe ones I have but truly do want HM type detail, and pricing. That was a mouthful...
EVENTS OF THE YEAR 2006
1) HM new line emerging all scales
2) Corgi 2006 line-up (FM exclusives incl.)
3)Witty modern jets offerings
4) Dragons Hellcat, Wildcats,and Stukas out
5) Gemini press release of future releases.

[landrocket]

Hobby Master certainly did it for me. However, I think Corgi deserves a ton of credit for their ambitious program to celebrate their 50th, in addition to the models that have already been talked about which are serious and complicated undertakings themselves. To be honest, when you look at their production schedule across their diecast world, I am surprised that they are not more behind than they are.

[kabelace]

HM is putting out a good product but until they place a swastika on the tail of a plane instead of a 2 piece decal that you the consumer have to apply they will still be 2nd in my books, along the line of Dragon. That is a very large piece to be missing if you are making an authentic/accurate model in my opinion. Politically correct or not if Corgi does it why doesn't anyone else? I would also be more inclined to like Hobby Master more if there were pilot figures. If you display wheels up I think it looks a little silly that there is no pilot figure, wheels down no problem. I will purchase some HM aircraft to fill in the holes in the collection, but right now they are not really making anything I want as I am trying to concentrate on WWII ETO aircraft.
Every manufacture has there good points and bad, unfortunately I don't think any of them have got it perfect and probably never will. Some will be closer than others its just a matter of what us the individual consumer wants and is willing to pay for.

[mhackl]

I think that we need to amend this poll by adding the Corgi 07 release.

[Tyler109]

Originally Posted by mhackl

I think that we need to amend this poll by adding the Corgi 07 release.

Yeah I can agree with that...Corgi dropped a big bombshell with that. I did vote for hobbymaster because they really have exceeded my expectations...Now if I can only get me "Really George" and Soviet MiG-21 I'll be a happy camper

[PappyB]

I dunno, I sort of think the poll should only include things that actually happened in 2006, rather than product announcements for 2007 that -- while impressive -- could turn out to be 2008, 09, etc reality. ??

My $.02

[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by mhackl

I think that we need to amend this poll by adding the Corgi 07 release.

There is the option for "Other" .

[admin]

I think it's time to resurrect this poll? However, I'm having difficulty finding the actual poll. Maybe this is just as well. I think that enough has happened since original poll that we'll need a new one. What do you think were the top five diecast related events in 2006?

Don't bother with ranking them. This question is posed so that I can populate the actual poll.