[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by bandit95

Yeah you have to admit Hobby Master is by far the best listener out here......PROBLY WHY THEY ARE DOING SO GOOD!!!!!

Agree! Hobby Master seems to be the only one actually considering input from it's customer base. The others definitely need to step up.

[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by Ara1

Missing in this discussion is how C1 and Eagles Int'l are being whiffed in the batter's box. We're counting on HM for so much, so many scales and requests are clamoring for one company's attention. C1 and Eagles were the new hot players.

Also missing is Corgi, Ara. Oh how the mighty have fallen.....but will Corgi rebound? I suspect that its new owners will make the attempt before conceding total defeat. I, too, believe that competition---when held to reasonable limits----is good for everyone, including HM, as it helps to broaden the overall collector base.

[bandit95]

yeah, I only wish HM would put more aircraft out faster....im sure thats what everyone wants and I know its probably not possible but man I just cant seem to wait for news and new releases!!!!! Anyone know about the possible F-106?

[mapleflag]

My greatest hope is that, when the time comes Hobby Master has the ability and objectivity to resist buying Corgi at bargain basement prices. Hornby will, I'm sure put up a gallant effort but I'm very skeptical about Corgi's future. The dies are tired and for the most part, at least in 1/72nd scale, most of the WWII subjects have been done better by other manufacturers.

[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by mapleflag

My greatest hope is that, when the time comes Hobby Master has the ability and objectivity to resist buying Corgi at bargain basement prices. Hornby will, I'm sure put up a gallant effort but I'm very skeptical about Corgi's future. The dies are tired and for the most part, at least in 1/72nd scale, most of the WWII subjects have been done better by other manufacturers.

Regarding Corgi's old 1:72nd scale fighter molds, I agree with you. Still, there's nothing to stop Corgi from revisiting the BF-109E and F4U, putting out new, higher quality molds with built in adaptability ( a BF-109 E-1,E-3, E-4 and E- 7 from the same basic mold, for example ). Given a sensible selection of liveries, plus add-on parts like drop tanks, rockets for the F4U, etc., I think that these two planes would be big sellers. If Corgi has the sense to broaden its scope---especially with more American warbirds---like the A-20, and, perhaps, some Russian planes as well as still missing UK and German candidates , such as the Tempest Mk V and DO-17Z, a revival of fortunes is still possible. Anyway, I hope so.

[Spinnaker]

Originally Posted by mapleflag

My greatest hope is that, when the time comes Hobby Master has the ability and objectivity to resist buying Corgi at bargain basement prices. Hornby will, I'm sure put up a gallant effort but I'm very skeptical about Corgi's future. The dies are tired and for the most part, at least in 1/72nd scale, most of the WWII subjects have been done better by other manufacturers.

Have to disagree with this "blanket" statement. Which dies do you mean? If you are referring to ther Spitfire, Mustang etc there may be some merit in your pronouncement. Those are old molds, from the early days of diecast aircraft. But Corgi had long ago announced they would only be used for Warbirds releases into the future.

However, when it comes to later moulds such as the B-25, Swordfish, Typhoon, Gladiator, Halifax, Ju 88, Ju 52 etc etc etc I would beg to differ. Which of these WWII subjects are available from any other manufactuerer? And IMHO they are excellent molds which have plenty of life in them yet. I for one sincerely hope that Hornby can revive the Corgi brand and resume delivering models of the quality that most of their recent releases exhibit.

[parsig9]

Originally Posted by bandit95

yeah, I only wish HM would put more aircraft out faster....

We thought that about 5 years ago but the company was Corgi and then, the deluge! Everybody and their bother started making planes and we were flooded and the dumps began. Some said that there were no planes left to make that would really sell that well. That was always doubtful, but what we were witnessing was collector burnout. Too many new molds and schemes in too short a time, and doom is imminent for collector's appetites and etailers warehouses. What we are seeing now is a crazy fast series of new molds and releases. Any faster and I'm gonna get a headache. We want this to go on and slowly. Patience and anticipation of new models make this a very fun hobby. IMO
I think HM is pushing the limit of what we can take. I know the F-104 is very popular but show me one that is sold out and hard to find, yet they keep pumping them out. I love HM but I much prefer the Century Wings schedule. What's wrong with it taking years to get the models we want as long as we have good reason to believe they're coming?

[Rush104]

Originally Posted by parsig9

We thought that about 5 years ago but the company was Corgi and then, the deluge! Everybody and their bother started making planes and we were flooded and the dumps began. Some said that there were no planes left to make that would really sell that well. That was always doubtful, but what we were witnessing was collector burnout. Too many new molds and schemes in too short a time, and doom is imminent for collector's appetites and etailers warehouses. What we are seeing now is a crazy fast series of new molds and releases. Any faster and I'm gonna get a headache. We want this to go on and slowly. Patience and anticipation of new models make this a very fun hobby. IMO
I think HM is pushing the limit of what we can take. I know the F-104 is very popular but show me one that is sold out and hard to find, yet they keep pumping them out. I love HM but I much prefer the Century Wings schedule. What's wrong with it taking years to get the models we want as long as we have good reason to believe they're coming?

I agree with this; I don't want to see HM become a victim of it's own success. If that means slowing down the rate of new releases, I'm all for it.

[leeG]

Originally Posted by Rush104

I agree with this; I don't want to see HM become a victim of it's own success. If that means slowing down the rate of new releases, I'm all for it.

I think HM is taking advantage of the vacuum created by Corgi, Dragon and Gemini Aces current hiatus. Make hay while the sun shines. They can alway slow down if needed if/when these other manufactures come back to the table. But keep in mind, a large part of HM's success has been bold subject choices the other manufactures declined to take a chance on.

[mapleflag]

My statement regarding the WWII dies was aimed directly at the Spitfire, Stuka, 109 Mustang and Thunderbolts of Corgi's recent history. The fact that P47's were shown in
literature to be bubble canopy and released as Razorbacks, Mustangs, the same and poor fit and finish on a lot of models left many of us wondering what we were paying for.
Furthermore I will gladly acknowledge that some of their recent releases are exceptional,the Swordfish and JU88 come to mind, I can't, in my wildest dreams justify what
they want anyone to pay for that piddly piece of crap Vampire. Corgi-Hornby or Hornby -Corgi or CORNBY should get back in the game or get out.
I don't want more releases but I would like well-researched and executed replicas of the subjects that we, as hobbyists indicate we would like. Hobby Master is returning the loyalty to us that we have shown them. Corgi on the other hand doesn't give us the time of day to respond to simple emails when requesting replacement parts and seldom seemed to ever solicit sugestions from the ranks that built them to their former strong business state.