[warbirdman]

I'll buy at least one P-61 and maybe two. I've always liked that aircraft!

Dennis

[jim]

That planes a beast, no WW2 collection is complete without one ,put me down for 2. Oops sorry Cardo I meant one!

[Raven]

The key to success for the P-61 is not how many schemes but picking the RIGHT ones. Put out 5 jet black P-61's with the right nose art (Sleepy Time Gal II, Little Audrey, Lady in the Dark) and you will sell every one. Pick some lame schemes and they will sit on the shelf.

See here:

http://wp.scn.ru/en/ww2/f/775/3/0

TIME TO RANT....

I just don't get why diecast manufacturers pick lame or just plain ugly schemes at all. It's not like they have ever run out of schemes to produce. IMHO, most manufacturers end up killing great models because they pick lousy schemes, sales drop and they think that the casting has run its course. The Corgi F-4 is a prime example and I fear that HM's wonderful F-104 and MiG-21 may be following suit. I also have still not picked up a Catalina becasue Corgi still has not been smart enough to put out a pre-war bird or a true 3-tone USN patrol plane. The model is beautiful but the schemes have not been to my taste....

Here's a thought - You have some of the most hard core and knowledgeable diecast enthusiast and collectors right here on this board (and at a limited number of other sites). Why doesn't HM, or DM or even Corgi come to us (and the other sites) when selecting schemes and let us a) suggest some and b) take a formal poll on them to see which ones are most popular. Given that we are the consumers, I would think that we would be pretty accurate predictors of successful models and schemes. Keep it limited to members or even be more selective and swear them to secrecy - just ask those who will be putting down their hard earned cash to buy these models. That way the manufacturers can avoid TM dumps or retailers blowing out great planes for $12.

OK, I am done. I relinquish the floor....

[djjeffhall]

Raven,
Hey there.

I agree that many of the schemes released by manufacturers leave me scratching my head. I understand that in many cases its bases on plastic kits that have been out, but even then, why did the kit manufacturers pick those schemes?

Eitherway, I agree that the P-61 will sell a bunch. It's way to striking a bird to pass up. Despite the fact that it is not as well know as the P-51, P-47, etc it has that ever elusive "presence" that was discussed on another thread. I may be speaking from personal bias, but I think its the kind of plane that will draw in the casual customer, if only due to the, "What The Hell's That?!?!?" factor.

[hawkonevoodoo]

Originally Posted by Raven

The key to success for the P-61 is not how many schemes but picking the RIGHT ones. Put out 5 jet black P-61's with the right nose art (Sleepy Time Gal II, Little Audrey, Lady in the Dark) and you will sell every one. Pick some lame schemes and they will sit on the shelf.

See here:

http://wp.scn.ru/en/ww2/f/775/3/0

TIME TO RANT....

I just don't get why diecast manufacturers pick lame or just plain ugly schemes at all. It's not like they have ever run out of schemes to produce. IMHO, most manufacturers end up killing great models because they pick lousy schemes, sales drop and they think that the casting has run its course. The Corgi F-4 is a prime example and I fear that HM's wonderful F-104 and MiG-21 may be following suit. I also have still not picked up a Catalina becasue Corgi still has not been smart enough to put out a pre-war bird or a true 3-tone USN patrol plane. The model is beautiful but the schemes have not been to my taste....

Here's a thought - You have some of the most hard core and knowledgeable diecast enthusiast and collectors right here on this board (and at a limited number of other sites). Why doesn't HM, or DM or even Corgi come to us (and the other sites) when selecting schemes and let us a) suggest some and b) take a formal poll on them to see which ones are most popular. Given that we are the consumers, I would think that we would be pretty accurate predictors of successful models and schemes. Keep it limited to members or even be more selective and swear them to secrecy - just ask those who will be putting down their hard earned cash to buy these models. That way the manufacturers can avoid TM dumps or retailers blowing out great planes for $12.

OK, I am done. I relinquish the floor....

So if I'm correct about your choice of nose art it is based on the fact that sex sells. I'm not knocking your choices, I think they are excellent but do you think mom and dad would approve of little Johnnie buying a plane with a naked lady on it? Well maybe dad would. On the other hand these models aren't sold by Wally World or TRU so maybe these will be the choices. All I can do is suggest these schemes.

As for asking us what we want, Hobby Master has had me do numerous polls to find out what we want. Also somewhere on the forum it was talked about all the factors other than us that manufacturers have to consider. Sometimes we question why a certain model or paint scheme was chosen and part of the answer could be that we are so conditioned to expect the same models and the same paint schemes that it comes as a shock when something different is offered. No company is going to hit a home run every time with every model. They go with what information they can gather from many sources and try to come up with good sellers. Sometimes they miss and the first company that can come up with a system of predicting absolute winners and losers they will make a fortune. Part of the problem too is geography, what is popular in North America may not be popular across the pond or in Asia or Australia. A lot of times the popularity of a model depends on when and where the real plane flew. People are more apt to buy a model they can relate to for whatever reason. There are some people who like special paint schemes only, some who like grey paint schemes, some green. It's like everything else we don't always like the same things so if a particular model doesn't suit us it probably suits someone else. I imagine it is a fine balancing act to try and please the majority of customers with every release.
As for these 3 choices of P-61s I have had several emails with suggestions of which schemes to make. A few never even mentioned these 3 some mentioned 1 or 2, so there is a varied opinion just on this one plane in this one place and it is the same for each and every model.
I think Hobby Master has offered a wide variety of models with something for everyone.

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by Raven

The key to success for the P-61 is not how many schemes but picking the RIGHT ones. Put out 5 jet black P-61's with the right nose art (Sleepy Time Gal II, Little Audrey, Lady in the Dark) and you will sell every one. Pick some lame schemes and they will sit on the shelf.

Originally Posted by Raven

See here:http://wp.scn.ru/en/ww2/f/775/3/0

I really like those nose art selections for the P-61, and thanks for posting the link, Raven.

At least those painted ladies are a bit 'tame' in comparison to Corgi's P-47 "Rossie Getz" bossom-baring lady.

[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by jim

That planes a beast, no WW2 collection is complete without one ,put me down for 2. Oops sorry Cardo I meant one!

What's that about Jim? Of course you should only get one P61 as will I - you need to use the other funds for getting yourself the objet d'art that is the Corgi 'Black Cat' PBY Catalina .

[Raven]

My point was that if Hobby Master wanted to maximize its sales on a plane with limited paint schemes, it would be more successful with attractive women than with Disney characters. Of course, if there are historically significant planes (aces, missions), then those schemes would likely be popular also. As for little Johnie, I doubt he has $80-$100 to drop on a P-61 diecast plane (or a couple of thousand dollars for a whole collection). He's more likely to buy a Nintendo Wii, PS3 or iPod. I suspect that the main dempgraphic is male, aged 30-55 of a certain HH income and with an avid interest in aviation/history.

As for the P-61, I know what has been suggested by the forum and many of the schemes are winners. Whether they will end up as actual released schemes is yet to be seen. If so, we should all be very happy campers.

As far as other schemes (mainly the jets that may not have aces or obvious choices), I was referring to a more official polling process, not just memebers posting their favorites, the rest of us chiming in, and then waiting to see what gets released. Post 10-12 potential scheme options and hold an actual poll (with say 3-5 votes per member). The most popular schemes will very likely rise to the top and will be a great indicator of what will sell well. Collectors are happy and HM makes money - we all win.

I am just trying to make a helpful suggestion and not to offend - I think that HM produces great models and I want to see them be successful. If they do well financially now, we are likely to see more releases going forward. As for the status quo, it's really no skin off my nose if HM wants to crank out great models with special, one-off paint schemes. I'll just bide my time and buy the operational schemes I prefer.

[hawkonevoodoo]

Originally Posted by Raven

My point was that if Hobby Master wanted to maximize its sales on a plane with limited paint schemes, it would be more successful with attractive women than with Disney characters. Of course, if there are historically significant planes (aces, missions), then those schemes would likely be popular also. As for little Johnie, I doubt he has $80-$100 to drop on a P-61 diecast plane (or a couple of thousand dollars for a whole collection). He's more likely to buy a Nintendo Wii, PS3 or iPod. I suspect that the main dempgraphic is male, aged 30-55 of a certain HH income and with an avid interest in aviation/history.

As for the P-61, I know what has been suggested by the forum and many of the schemes are winners. Whether they will end up as actual released schemes is yet to be seen. If so, we should all be very happy campers.

As far as other schemes (mainly the jets that may not have aces or obvious choices), I was referring to a more official polling process, not just memebers posting their favorites, the rest of us chiming in, and then waiting to see what gets released. Post 10-12 potential scheme options and hold an actual poll (with say 3-5 votes per member). The most popular schemes will very likely rise to the top and will be a great indicator of what will sell well. Collectors are happy and HM makes money - we all win.

I am just trying to make a helpful suggestion and not to offend - I think that HM produces great models and I want to see them be successful. If they do well financially now, we are likely to see more releases going forward. As for the status quo, it's really no skin off my nose if HM wants to crank out great models with special, one-off paint schemes. I'll just bide my time and buy the operational schemes I prefer.

I guess it didn't come across like I meant it when I referred to little Johnnie, it was supposed to be a little humor but I guess it was so little it wasn't taken that way.

As for the poll I have no problem with taking more if you want to set it up. I ran one poll where I think people could provide their top 3 choices and when it was over I compiled a list of about 50 different planes and organized them by most requested on down. Then when I had everything done I sent it to Hobby Master. The problem with making a list of 10 or 12 models is that invariably some people will want certain models added to the list. Or they don't like some of your choices and some will find that 3 - 5 votes aren't enough. I'm not trying to discourage you from a poll I'm just letting you know what I found and you will probably run into. Choices probably have changed in the last 6 months so a poll probably isn't a bad idea so I hope you do set one up.

I didn't take anything you said as offensive, I took it as voicing your opinions and ideas. If I came across as being offended or offending I apologize, I thought I was just let you know what has already been done and possible views from another angle. Expressing opinions and views is an excellent way to find out what people are thinking and want so keep it coming.