[Ara1]

Hey guys,

I just pre-ordered all four USN versions of the Buffalo, stock no's HA 7001, 7003, 7005, 7006. I'll be picking them up in January, will post a photo review then.

I saw the Netherlands version at a Diecast show last week and really loved the detail!

[Elmer]

Geez, Ara! Don't be timid... the water is warm... you can put more in than that big toe... why don't you dive in headfirst!

[lanslide]

Ara1 - that will make a really cool line up! Now ya got me thinking...darn it!

[Ara1]

Hiya buddies!!!

I regret not picking up the Netherlands version last week for $29 at the show in Wilmington, MA. I hemmed and hawed and decided that if I was going to get the Buffalo, it was going to be the US version.

All four US offerings look great though, don't they? The plane isn't THAT big, so why not have all four? I'm already anticipating the line up and where they'll go.

I was looking at the box and was wondering how something like this sells for $29. And less, if you look. Granted I have ten years of manufacturing management experience. I'm looking at the box and it has the clear plastic window, fold-over cover with full color graphics, and velcro holders to keep the fold over in place until the window-shopper decides to give it a rip and look inside. This box isn't cheap, folks. I'm guessing it's in the $2-3 range.

How does a company make a model like this for retail prices in the $20's and $30's? Putting my manufacturing hat on again, the price can be set if tens of thousands of units are sold. But these are limited to a couple thousand each. Is labor that good and that cheap? These are fine models, clearly researched and made with care. SOme on this board have said these are the finest 1/48's they'd ever seen! How is the money made?

[hworth18]

Originally Posted by Ara1

Hiya buddies!!!

I regret not picking up the Netherlands version last week for $29 at the show in Wilmington, MA. I hemmed and hawed and decided that if I was going to get the Buffalo, it was going to be the US version.

All four US offerings look great though, don't they? The plane isn't THAT big, so why not have all four? I'm already anticipating the line up and where they'll go.

I was looking at the box and was wondering how something like this sells for $29. And less, if you look. Granted I have ten years of manufacturing management experience. I'm looking at the box and it has the clear plastic window, fold-over cover with full color graphics, and velcro holders to keep the fold over in place until the window-shopper decides to give it a rip and look inside. This box isn't cheap, folks. I'm guessing it's in the $2-3 range.

How does a company make a model like this for retail prices in the $20's and $30's? Putting my manufacturing hat on again, the price can be set if tens of thousands of units are sold. But these are limited to a couple thousand each. Is labor that good and that cheap? These are fine models, clearly researched and made with care. SOme on this board have said these are the finest 1/48's they'd ever seen! How is the money made?

This is the way Chinese marketing typically runs.. Just like the cheap Dragon Armor we once enjoyed and now pay over $20 for a hunk of plastic.. HM is the same way, making A/C cheap in the beginning and not making a profit to draw in buyers, then gradually increasing prices over time that will eventually recoup their initial investment.. The first 1/72 HM planes were cheap, and so are the first 1/48, the next 1/48 (Spitfire) won't be so cheap so enjoy the Buffaloes while you can...

[kgonline]

Ara1, Where was the show in Wilmington?, I live just over the border in Exeter, New Hampshire, and didn't here about it. No one carries diecast in my area, It would be nice to see it before it's on my doorstep!.

[Ara1]

Hey kgonline,

The show was at the Shriner's auditorium; I think it runs every year. There only 3 diecast airplane/trank dealers there; it was mostly trains.

[Cruver Collecter]

Currently have the four Buffalo models that are out and have pre-orders on the last two Lexington Buffalos. The HM Buffalo models are fantastic and I think you will be pleased with them. Shame you passed up on the Netherlands bird at that price, the one I have looks great sitting next to the Singapore one.

[Ara1]

I know, I am not happy that I passed it up either!