[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by Celtic

Great interview on the Hobby Master Collector with Mr. Liu of HM. Interesting pictures of the manufacturing process, also. Thanks to Mr. Liu for giving his insights, and thanks for passing on his passion for the hobby. (I was surprised to learn that the F-104 was HM's best seller!)

I agree, this was a very interesting and informative interview. One thing, however. The interview was apparently initiated by the Motor Pool, an online vendor, who should be properly credited for its contribution. I wonder whether future interviews of this nature, perhaps with Carousel 1, Gemini and, dare I even think it, with Corgi, might be orchestrated by this forum. What do you think?

[Lakota Mechanic]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

I agree, this was a very interesting and informative interview. One thing, however. The interview was apparently initiated by the Motor Pool, an online vendor, who should be properly credited for its contribution. I wonder whether future interviews of this nature, perhaps with Carousel 1, Gemini and, dare I even think it, with Corgi, might be orchestrated by this forum. What do you think?

I think that'd be great. Maybe we could find out what is going on with Century Wings and why they don't listen to their customers.for example a USAF/Ang A-7. I think the 1/144th scale might be a bust for them especially at $45.00 a pop and of the same aircraft they already have done.in 1/72.

[Celtic]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

I agree, this was a very interesting and informative interview. One thing, however. The interview was apparently initiated by the Motor Pool, an online vendor, who should be properly credited for its contribution. I wonder whether future interviews of this nature, perhaps with Carousel 1, Gemini and, dare I even think it, with Corgi, might be orchestrated by this forum. What do you think?

Sorry about leaving out the attribution, but I figured everyone would see that when they followed the link. I agree, it would be very helpful to the hobby to have more of these interviews and discussions. It's like making personal connections within the community...

[1250ships]

Originally Posted by Lakota Mechanic

I think that'd be great. Maybe we could find out what is going on with Century Wings and why they don't listen to their customers.for example a USAF/Ang A-7. I think the 1/144th scale might be a bust for them especially at $45.00 a pop and of the same aircraft they already have done.in 1/72.

I don't really follow the Century Wings news but I thought I read somewhere that the 1/144 models weren't initially planned to be sold in the US and they only decided to send some here because of the interest they were getting. If that is the case the US price might be meanless if they are priced effectively in the markets they were intended for. Any US sales would be a bonus.

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by 1250ships

I don't really follow the Century Wings news but I thought I read somewhere that the 1/144 models weren't initially planned to be sold in the US and they only decided to send some here because of the interest they were getting. If that is the case the US price might be meanless if they are priced effectively in the markets they were intended for. Any US sales would be a bonus.

That is correct. The 1/144 was intended for the Japanese market only due to the greater interest in that scale over there. If CW didn't listen to customers, we wouldn't have had the F-8 release. But they tend to favor USN schemes more as it is probably a lot more popular than USAF schemes in Japan.

[wurger_high]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

I found this interview most interesting, William. I agree with you that it is pointless to put out new versions of planes like the P-51, BF-109, etc. that everyone else has already manufactured. Your interest in exploring more detailed models in 1:32nd scale, while not my preferred direction, will certainly appeal to other collectors.

Well, I definitely want to see a Bf-109 G-10 or K variant, which isn't produced by any1 other than easy model, but easy model does gear down only, and it's plastic....and a Fw-190 A8 or D9, dragon's attempt at them are just shocking....

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by wurger_high

Well, I definitely want to see a Bf-109 G-10 or K variant, which isn't produced by any1 other than easy model, but easy model does gear down only, and it's plastic....and a Fw-190 A8 or D9, dragon's attempt at them are just shocking....

I thought Dragon's Fw-190's were good?

[lanslide]

Originally Posted by wurger_high

Well, I definitely want to see a Bf-109 G-10 or K variant, which isn't produced by any1 other than easy model, but easy model does gear down only, and it's plastic....and a Fw-190 A8 or D9, dragon's attempt at them are just shocking....

wurger_high, what's wrong with Dragon's Fw-190s? I thought they were good too!

[Elmer]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

I found this interview most interesting, William. I agree with you that it is pointless to put out new versions of planes like the P-51, BF-109, etc. that everyone else has already manufactured.

I agree with this statement... only as it pertains to 1:72 scale. I strongly disagree as it pertains to 1:48 scale. Almost all aircraft types... including and especially types like the P-51D or later model Me 109s would be most welcome. Certainly more so than a Hawker Fury or an I-16. HM is missing an opportunity to take advantage of FM's "miss" attempts (for lack of a better word). The 1:48 market is wide open. All it needs is someone to step in and take advantage of the void. HM isn't going to fill that void with only three molds per year, especially while it is demonstrating a propensity to go after obscure aircraft types.

[William]

Originally Posted by Elmer

I agree with this statement... only as it pertains to 1:72 scale. I strongly disagree as it pertains to 1:48 scale. Almost all aircraft types... including and especially types like the P-51D or later model Me 109s would be most welcome. Certainly more so than a Hawker Fury or an I-16. HM is missing an opportunity to take advantage of FM's "miss" attempts (for lack of a better word). The 1:48 market is wide open. All it needs is someone to step in and take advantage of the void. HM isn't going to fill that void with only three molds per year, especially while it is demonstrating a propensity to go after obscure aircraft types.
[/indent]

Good advice.

We have seen that even something that had already been done can be a good seller like the F-4 in 1/72 (given that it is not done to death yet).

But our basic approach is still to make something new for the market.