[Epapazian]

Whenever Anyone posts anything positive about the Altaya models , their derivitave IXO planes or the Atlas and DeAgostini "lines", this spurs a lot of complaints that such planes are "toy-like", "crap", etc And, generally speaking, I agree with this assessment. But that's not the point. The Altaya replicas are toy-like, primarily because of the underlying business plan that brings them to the marketplace. Here's how it goes. The publisher decides to launch a magazine about WWII air battles. To stimulate initial subscriptions, the publisher gives away models of WWII bombers. These are made by Chinese factories who like big volume sales. When the publisher contracts for the manufacture of 30 or 40 different planes at a time, with production runs of 5000-10000 per model, the total order may call for 300000 items. The Chinese like that. The trade-off, however is price. To make such deals work the cost per plane to the publisher can't exceed $3-5. Hence the production shortcuts, heavy use of plastic, etc. Later, as the subscription sell proceeds, there are a number of surplus planes in the publisher's inventory. These are probably sold to eBay sellers and others for $6-12 per model---helping to defray the publisher's production costs. The eBay sellers, in turn, market the planes for $20-40 to anyone who will buy them.

The basic reason I acquired the Altaya B-17 was to evaluate the quality of this new series of promotional replicas. I could care less about Altaya's version of the B-17 and the same thing goes for the JU-52, HE-111, B-24 and Lancaster, which are also included on its menu. However, I would very much like to add a JU-290, FW-200, HE-177, Emily, Piaggio P. 108, and many other rare birds to my collection---even if they are made in 1:144 not 1:72 scale and are heavy in plastic composition. It's possible that Corgi will eventually make a Short Sterling or a FW-200 in 1:72 and these will certainly make Altaya's 1:144 mass produced versions seem toy-like by comparison. But how long are we willing to wait? As for the other planes on Altaya's list, no diecast maker in his or her right mind will even consider attempting to market such unfamiliar planes. The financial risks are too great.

After looking over the Altaya B-17, I am now satisfied that the Chinese have improved their molds, plus their manufacturing ,detailing and assembly practices to the point where it's worth taking a shot on the Altaya bombers that I really want, including those named above. Even if I have to make needed "corrections" to bring these up to speed, and despite their- toy like aspects, they will add some much prized diversity to my collection. I wonder if anyone agrees with me on this?

[BIFFO]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

Whenever Anyone posts anything positive about the Altaya models , their derivitave IXO planes or the Atlas and DeAgostini "lines", this spurs a lot of complaints that such planes are "toy-like", "crap", etc And, generally speaking, I agree with this assessment. But that's not the point. The Altaya replicas are toy-like, primarily because of the underlying business plan that brings them to the marketplace. Here's how it goes. The publisher decides to launch a magazine about WWII air battles. To stimulate initial subscriptions, the publisher gives away models of WWII bombers. These are made by Chinese factories who like big volume sales. When the publisher contracts for the manufacture of 30 or 40 different planes at a time, with production runs of 5000-10000 per model, the total order may call for 300000 items. The Chinese like that. The trade-off, however is price. To make such deals work the cost per plane to the publisher can't exceed $3-5. Hence the production shortcuts, heavy use of plastic, etc. Later, as the subscription sell proceeds, there are a number of surplus planes in the publisher's inventory. These are probably sold to eBay sellers and others for $6-12 per model---helping to defray the publisher's production costs. The eBay sellers, in turn, market the planes for $20-40 to anyone who will buy them.

The basic reason I acquired the Altaya B-17 was to evaluate the quality of this new series of promotional replicas. I could care less about Altaya's version of the B-17 and the same thing goes for the JU-52, HE-111, B-24 and Lancaster, which are also included on its menu. However, I would very much like to add a JU-290, FW-200, HE-177, Emily, Piaggio P. 108, and many other rare birds to my collection---even if they are made in 1:144 not 1:72 scale and are heavy in plastic composition. It's possible that Corgi will eventually make a Short Sterling or a FW-200 in 1:72 and these will certainly make Altaya's 1:144 mass produced versions seem toy-like by comparison. But how long are we willing to wait? As for the other planes on Altaya's list, no diecast maker in his or her right mind will even consider attempting to market such unfamiliar planes. The financial risks are too great.

After looking over the Altaya B-17, I am now satisfied that the Chinese have improved their molds, plus their manufacturing ,detailing and assembly practices to the point where it's worth taking a shot on the Altaya bombers that I really want, including those named above. Even if I have to make needed "corrections" to bring these up to speed, and despite their- toy like aspects, they will add some much prized diversity to my collection. I wonder if anyone agrees with me on this?

Yes i agree 144 is the thing for me bomber wise, a matter of space, plus Altays courage to go a bit more out on a limb than the rest. i wiil be adding quite a few to my list of models, as for China corgi and dragon are made in China!

[pulqui]

I fully agree with Epapazian's comments. Some people keep on talking about the "toylike" aspect of these lines but lets not kid ourselves. All diecast models of any sort are in the end toys. Toys for "boys" that have a lot more money than the real boys. How does the saying go? Men are differentiated from boys by the price of their toys!

Most "serious and accurate" diecast models from established manufacturers have panel lines depicted by grooves that in actual scaled size would let a hand through, and nobody says anything about it.

I'll rather have diversity than a hundred similar B-17's, P-51's, P-47's, P-40's, Spitfires, Bf-109's and FW-190's!!

[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by pulqui

I fully agree with Epapazian's comments. Some people keep on talking about the "toylike" aspect of these lines but lets not kid ourselves. All diecast models of any sort are in the end toys. Toys for "boys" that have a lot more money than the real boys. How does the saying go? Men are differentiated from boys by the price of their toys!

Most "serious and accurate" diecast models from established manufacturers have panel lines depicted by grooves that in actual scaled size would let a hand through, and nobody says anything about it.

I'll rather have diversity than a hundred similar B-17's, P-51's, P-47's, P-40's, Spitfires, Bf-109's and FW-190's!!

Talk about unusual planes, if you look at the little window on Altaya's website where they show a brief promotional video touting these new planes, one of those shown , but not listed in the initial offering, is a SM-81. I can hardly wait for this "toy" to show up.

[Epapazian]

I am in the process of acquiring ( I hope ) an Altaya FW-200 Conder from its new series of 1:144 scale WW II bombers and flying boats. If I am successful, I'll post pictures and a review. Also, while I have assumed that these models would be available only via eBay, one of the regular online sellers contended just recently that they may be sold via non eBay distribution at a low price of $30 per plane. This is supposed to be confirmed shortly. If this speculation is true, the line will come in under the IXO banner. I'll keep everyone informed of developments.

[Hornchurch]

Originally Posted by pulqui

Most "serious and accurate" diecast models from established manufacturers have panel lines depicted by grooves that in actual scaled size would let a hand through, and nobody says anything about it.

I'll rather have diversity than a hundred similar B-17's, P-51's, P-47's, P-40's, Spitfires, Bf-109's and FW-190's!!

Well said - I totally-agree on both points !

[1250ships]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

I am in the process of acquiring ( I hope ) an Altaya FW-200 Conder from its new series of 1:144 scale WW II bombers and flying boats. If I am successful, I'll post pictures and a review. Also, while I have assumed that these models would be available only via eBay, one of the regular online sellers contended just recently that they may be sold via non eBay distribution at a low price of $30 per plane. This is supposed to be confirmed shortly. If this speculation is true, the line will come in under the IXO banner. I'll keep everyone informed of developments.

I almost pulled the trigger on one of these 1/144s on Ebay but the cost was so high that I decided not to. If these get to dealers at around $30 I'll be looking at several of them.

[SkyBuffalo]

I've been wondering how to get hold of some of these babies. Haven't really been patrolling E-Bay, so may have to do that a bit more. But an actual online store selling them would be great! I've been dying to get the "Emily" and maybe the FW 200 Condor, too, plus possibly a few others like the Heinkel He-177 and the "Betty". And $30 would be decent - just have to watch for the shipping from Europe. Yikes!

[flyXwire]

This just in from the Motorpool newsletter....

IXO Screams, 'Bombs Away!'

Working from a pre-existing range of Altaya color aircraft, IXO Models color will soon be rolling out their 1:144 scale 'heavies' for 2008. While pricing is still sketchy, and we expect they'll retail for around $30 apiece, the new range of multi-engine bombers, seaplanes, transports and other rarities can be ogled on the french Altaya web site, which can be found here. We'll begin listing the new range over the coming days and anticipate a formal announcement from our distributor shortly....[posted 12/11/2007]

[planecrazy]

Did anyone see the Arado on altaya's site?Pretty cool .