[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by William

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.

William, I tend to agree with Elmer and many others on this score. Of course, it makes sense to avoid needless duplication, but I think that it is a mistake to opt for obscure planes, with appeal primarily to one country---such as the Fury--as opposed to those with broader based interest---such as the I-16, I-153, an Early BF-109, Fiat CR-32, Nate, Claude, PZL-11, etc. that were far more significant, militarily, and certainly haven't been done to death yet. I also question your dabbling in the 1:32nd scale with the proposed FW-190A-8. Why not focus on the next most purchased scale, after 1:72nd, namely 1:48th? None of the most popular and salable warbirds has worn out its welcome in this scale. Take the FW-190A-8, for example. All we have is a mediocre, Franklin Mint mold with minimal detail. I think you could sell a ton of HM FW-190A-8s in 1:48th, but relatively few in 1:32nd. I suspect that the same thing would go for an F4U ( including the birdcage canopy ), the P-47, a BF-109E1/3,,a Zero, a Tony, MC-202., and many others. I say this, despite my personal preference for the 1:72nd scale.

[Berkut76]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

William, I tend to agree with Elmer and many others on this score. Of course, it makes sense to avoid needless duplication, but I think that it is a mistake to opt for obscure planes, with appeal primarily to one country---such as the Fury--as opposed to those with broader based interest---such as the I-16, I-153, an Early BF-109, Fiat CR-32, Nate, Claude, PZL-11, etc. that were far more significant, militarily, and certainly haven't been done to death yet. I also question your dabbling in the 1:32nd scale with the proposed FW-190A-8. Why not focus on the next most purchased scale, after 1:72nd, namely 1:48th? None of the most popular and salable warbirds has worn out its welcome in this scale. Take the FW-190A-8, for example. All we have is a mediocre, Franklin Mint mold with minimal detail. I think you could sell a ton of HM FW-190A-8s in 1:48th, but relatively few in 1:32nd. I suspect that the same thing would go for an F4U ( including the birdcage canopy ), the P-47, a BF-109E1/3,,a Zero, a Tony, MC-202., and many others. I say this, despite my personal preference for the 1:72nd scale.

I second Epapazian comments on all counts.

Regards,

Sergey

[Elmer]

And I third all of Epap's comments, except on one point: I am not sure that the I-16, I-153, early BF-109, Fiat CR-32, Nate, Claude, PZL-11, would have much more of an appeal in the U.S. or U.K. at 1:48 than the Fury (although I would prefer most of the above to a Fury, but none of the above to more iconic types).

[dboulais]

William, ignore these nit picking nuts cases who are criticizing your subject and scale choices. The obscure subjects are wonderful. Heck, I never would have dreamt of a Hawker Fury release (mid 1930;s British is obscure to me and my interests), but I'll buy it anyway if it's a good model. That’s why I want a Grumman Duck in 1/48 scale! A 1930’s aircraft that lasted into WW II, bi-plane, seaplane, very uncommon subject, not already made in diecast in any scale, just the right size for 1/48 scale to show great details. For me that makes it an ideal subject. Thank you for your efforts William.

[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by dboulais

William, ignore these nit picking nuts cases who are criticizing your subject and scale choices. The obscure subjects are wonderful. Heck, I never would have dreamt of a Hawker Fury release (mid 1930;s British is obscure to me and my interests), but I'll buy it anyway if it's a good model. That’s why I want a Grumman Duck in 1/48 scale! A 1930’s aircraft that lasted into WW II, bi-plane, seaplane, very uncommon subject, not already made in diecast in any scale, just the right size for 1/48 scale to show great details. For me that makes it an ideal subject. Thank you for your efforts William.

I would love a HE-115 in 1:72nd or a Fairey Battle or an SM-81 or a PZL-37, or a Jake, or a lot of things. The point that some of us are making concerns priorities and, in my humble opinion, at least, plain business sense. The Fury is a nice choice for a niche marketer, avoiding confrontation with the big boys. But HM is the big boy, these days, and, while dabbling can be fun--- sometimes-- there are better ways to expend its energies and excellent manufacturing capabilities. I don't regard that as nit picking. It's just meant as constructive advice.

[PappyB]

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]

It's hard to argue with this but, as I think some of Williams comments alluded to, the hobby is better off with more companies making models. So perhaps with that in mind HM is steering clear from direct competition with others for the time being, and is content to focus on subjectst that haven't been made yet -- as there are plenty of those... FM may not be great, but I'd hate to see them leave the hobby as they are more boon than bane in my opinion -- I it's got to help C1 or EI persuade someone to spend up to $90 on a 1:48 fighter when they can compare it to a FM?

Eventually, I agree, it would be great to get a good 1:48 P-51D ... Corsair, et al. But for now, at least we have something

We need more companies than HM to keep this hobby healthy, and hopefully, as HM continues to pump out great models at attractive prices folks like FM will take notice and up their game. Hey, it could happen!

[dboulais]

Hi Epapazian. What I'm wondering about the health of Hobby Master, is are there anough of us fanatics to keep them afloat and happy? Do they sell into Wal-mart? If not, then their distribution model is to hobby stores and their volumes are not in the tens of thousands for any one release. This limited distribution lets's them maintain their prices. Not that their stuff is over priced! If they can keep luring the 5-10 thousand serious collector's out there to purchase a significant percentage of their stuff, is that enough? I think they are really on a roll and at this moment, have a bunch of things going for them;
1.) Limited competition in subject matter (by their smart choices in what to make.)
2.) Competitive pricing of products in a down economy (they are as value priced, cost vs. quality as anybody)
3.) Good and getting better on model quality (William is paying attention and they do try to make ammends when crap happens)
4.) Limited releases by their competition to funnel the fanatic collector's money away from them (everybody else seems to have suddenly gone to sleep).
When and if the big manufacturers come back into the market, do we expect Hobby Master items to be priced more expensive than they are? I don't think so. When or if the big guys come back, do we expect them issue a flood of new titles? I think those days are long gone. Two years ago was the peak. So, can Hobby Master do well against competition that have product ranges that are more sized like they are in share of the diecast market? Heck yeh. They don't need to try to replace the big guys. Look what happened to Corgi. If they stay focused and within their scope of what they are comfortable handling, then they could be around till Hades freezes over. And we will still be buying their stuff until that happens.

[forcerecon85]

I'm with William, Hobby Master has a nice niche with more sought after but often ignored aircraft. I think if you want a larger scale version of the more common planes, tell the company that originally made it in 1/72 (Corgi/Dragon, Etc). It would be great of Hobby Master could fill all our dreams and wishes on all aircraft and all scales but you can't please everybody at all times. They are big but they might not have the size to churn out everything we want. Maybe in the future but who knows.

[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by dboulais

Hi Epapazian. What I'm wondering about the health of Hobby Master, is are there anough of us fanatics to keep them afloat and happy? Do they sell into Wal-mart? If not, then their distribution model is to hobby stores and their volumes are not in the tens of thousands for any one release. This limited distribution lets's them maintain their prices. Not that their stuff is over priced! If they can keep luring the 5-10 thousand serious collector's out there to purchase a significant percentage of their stuff, is that enough? I think they are really on a roll and at this moment, have a bunch of things going for them;
1.) Limited competition in subject matter (by their smart choices in what to make.)
2.) Competitive pricing of products in a down economy (they are as value priced, cost vs. quality as anybody)
3.) Good and getting better on model quality (William is paying attention and they do try to make ammends when crap happens)
4.) Limited releases by their competition to funnel the fanatic collector's money away from them (everybody else seems to have suddenly gone to sleep).
When and if the big manufacturers come back into the market, do we expect Hobby Master items to be priced more expensive than they are? I don't think so. When or if the big guys come back, do we expect them issue a flood of new titles? I think those days are long gone. Two years ago was the peak. So, can Hobby Master do well against competition that have product ranges that are more sized like they are in share of the diecast market? Heck yeh. They don't need to try to replace the big guys. Look what happened to Corgi. If they stay focused and within their scope of what they are comfortable handling, then they could be around till Hades freezes over. And we will still be buying their stuff until that happens.

I think that the size of the diecast warbird market has yet to be determined. For every one of us fanatics, there are probably ten who dabble, buying one or two models every once in a while. In addition, there are countless might be, or latent collectors, who are currently into kits, diecast airliners or AFVs, or are just military history buffs. The guys at Hobby Master haven't run their business plan by me, so I can only speculate that they relish the role of category leader that their own skills, coupled with the ineptness of the former biggies--Corgi , Dragon and Armour---has thrust upon them. And more power to HM. I am a big fan.

I also understand the temptation to have fun with an up and coming business, having done the same thing myself on three or four occasions. The danger is losing focus and ,thereby, giving would be competitors an opening. If HM was prepared to make 25-30 new molds per year, which at this point would be, too much for the underdeveloped diecast warbird market to absorb, I would say, "Ok, have some fun and set aside several of these molds for experiments with open wing flaps, folding wings, ejection seats and niche airplanes". However, they are planning about a dozen new molds per year, and I think it is wasteful, in view of all of the planes that might be selected, not to go after the areas of strongest interest or need.

Even though I prefer the 1:72nd scale, as do many others, I would take a long and hard look an an HM FW-190A-8 in 1:48, as well as a number of other famous planes in the same scale that are not well represented by what's out there now. Clearly, 1:48 is, the second most important arena that needs servicing. Does it make sense to leave this potentially fertile ground---one whose development might turn many latents into dedicated collectors---for others to cultivate? In the same vein, If HM wishes to offer a series of Interwar era planes---an idea, I heartily endorse---shouldn't it start with the most significant warbirds---the I-15, Fiat CR-32, etc. rather than the Fury?

I think that's what a number of HM's "critics' are really saying. Even though I would like to have a lot of niche models in my diecast collection---I satisfy this craving now with plastic---I'm willing to wait on them a bit longer if I can improve the quality of my significant warbird collection in the process. It's just my opinion, that's all.

[Elmer]

Originally Posted by dboulais

William, ignore these nit picking nuts cases who are criticizing your subject and scale choices.

I am sure you would be a "nit-picking nuts cases" (check your spell checker dude) if HM or any other company wasn't offering choices that perked your interest. No apologies necessary on your part.

As far as nit-picking, William is a big boy and Hobby Master is a big company. They can take a little constructive criticism... it will probably make them stronger. All this HM "rah-rah" can't be healthy for the hobby. There needs to be some competition and criticism.