[Captain Eddie]

Glen, I have several of their Japanese 1:72 models, and I'm happy with them. I am, of course, not as descriminating as some, but I feel there are plenty of others like me.

[Epapazian]

Whether you carry the older 1:72nd scale line, which consists mostly of single engined WW II fighters ,or you opt for the new 1:144th scale Bomber/ transport/ flying boat line,the primary advantage is the inclusion of many types that regular diecast makers, so far, haven't touched. This, in itself, makes these planes a worthwhile addition, promotion-wise.

As for quality, the 1:72 line is a mass produced concoction designed as a magazine publisher's promotional give-away. As a result the designers took every short cut they could come up with to reduce the cost of production , assembly and detailing. Many of these models are missing important parts or have serious errors built into their molds. Furthermore, their paint schemes and insignias, lettering, etc. are also off---although the extent varies from model to model. As others have commented, the Japanese and some of the Russian, Italian and German planes are fairly decent, considering the way their production was handled. On the other hand, the U.S. planes are pretty awful.

The newer 1:144th scale line represents a fairly big improvement in quality, however these models are also designed for mass production so there are issues from plane to plane. Also, many collectors continue to resist the smaller size and are put off by the heavy reliance on plastic ( the wings as well as the tails on most models).

I have many of the models from both lines and frequently rework them into passable shape. I plan to continue buying the remainder of the 1:144th scale models---except for those already done by Corgi in 1:72nd. There seems to be some interest developing as unusual entries like the Short Sterling, FW-200, etc. appear, so lot of vendors are carrying this series, but it remains to be seen whether they garner the sales that are hoped for.

[Gort]

Originally Posted by hworth18

IMHO, don't waste your time or your money.

Up front, kingpin, I’m not an IXO fan (though I own a bunch and I've sold a bunch). I agree with hworth: some IXO models are adequate, some are less than mediocre, and others are just downright grotesque.

If your store caters to kids and not-so-serious collectors, I’d carry them. If you favor discriminating clientèle (like serious diecast collectors), I’d avoid them utterly.

[kingpin]

Thank You!

I am learning to say the least! Probably work on both 1/72 and 1/144 they dont take up much room to store inventory..

I have ordered in a Yak-3, LA-7, And a Ki-61 Hien and they do not look that bad! I agree the Japanese planes look good!

Glen

[STARMAN 352ND]

Just as Harry and others have said before in another post some where deep in the forum they make good Gap fillers.
I do have 3 of the Japanese planes and a Russian Yak 9 which are nice looking and my friend gave me his Bf-110 the other day
because i love that nose art....But really hate the way they built that Bf-110 could of been a little better i think.
HM blows them out of the water by far with their own Bf-110.
I only have these Japanese planes until someone like HM may comes along and makes them someday.
JP

[Cruver Collecter]

The major plus for IXO is that it does produce quite a few aircraft that have so far gone untouched. Italian and French aircraft would be a good example,

[djjeffhall]

With rare exception, most IXO's end up in a dump sale so I wouldn't recommend them for your store. At least not in bulk.

Some of their planes are pretty nice, as stated above. The French, Italian and Russian birds, most of the Japanese birds and some of the late war German birds are IXO only and likely to stay that way. That is the good part. Conversely, few people want those planes (The late war German planes being one of the exceptions.) so they move slowly.

If you bring them in, I would pick and chose what planes to carry. Of course, the planes to carry are also the hardest to find for customers, and I presume the hardest for you to get as a retailer also.

All in all, you are better off not bringing them in.

[BIFFO]

Originally Posted by kingpin

I am thinking of bringing in some IXO's in the store. What is everyone's opinions of this brand? I have seen a couple and they dont seem to to bad for the price.

Thanks for the help..

Glen

I HAVE COLLECTED MOST OF THE AXIS PLANES (AND RUSSIAN)AND FIND THEM GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY AND UNUSUAL TYPES I AM JUST STARTING TO COLLECT THE 1/44 AND SO FAR VERY HAPPY WITH THEM!

[Berkut76]

Originally Posted by djjeffhall

With rare exception, most IXO's end up in a dump sale so I wouldn't recommend them for your store. At least not in bulk.

I detest IXOs, but with an exception of planes made to a higher standard by someone else (Mosquito, P-51, Ju-87, etc), I have seen none of the rest of IXO aircraft on clearance sales even from model cars vendors. For what they are, IXO planes did exceptionally well at retail level, so I guess it'll be up to Glen to decide whether his customer base is interested in IXO variety, which comes at expense of everything else.

Regards,

Sergey

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by kingpin

Thank You!

I am learning to say the least! Probably work on both 1/72 and 1/144 they dont take up much room to store inventory..

I have ordered in a Yak-3, LA-7, And a Ki-61 Hien and they do not look that bad! I agree the Japanese planes look good!

Glen

The new 1:144 line looks interesting, however I have a steadfast "no more IXO" rule I am actually adhering to... I'm just always disappointed with 'em when they arrive so it's just not worth it anymore. I want an IL-2 in my collection badly, but not badly enough to "go there" again. No offense, just my taste -- the panel lines and crude small plastic bits is what I have a problem with. This was easier to accept when they were cheaper.