[1250ships]

I already produce a few 1/1250 scale ships, but if I did aircraft I'd do the following:

1/72
---------
TBD Devastator
Val
Kate
Betty
MiG 15

1/32 (in metal similar to Corgi's)
---------
Corsair

I think all of these would sell enough to make them economically viable.

[PH-LKK]

Hmmmmm, what are my dream airframes? What are my dream periods?
I'm dying for a diecast 1/72 scale F-105 Thuderchief, but if I were going to be doing an entire line of models, I'd probably focus on something a little different. I've always thought it would be neat to match classic GA airframes to existing diecast passenger cars. And because most of my diecast cars are 1/43 scale, I'd do a line of GA airframes in the highly unusual scale of 1/43!

The line would include (in order of appearance):
Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing
North American/Ryan Navion
Spartan Executive 7W
Cessna C-190/C-195
Stinson SR-9/SR-10 Reliant
Grumman G-21 Goose
Globe/Temco Swift
Piper J-3 Cub
Cessna C-120/C-140
Piper PA-28 Cherokee/Arrow ("Hershey bar" wing & tapered wing)
ERCO 415-C Ercoupe
Cessna C-172 Skyhawk
Piper PA-22 Tri-Pacer
Cessna C-337 Skymaster ("Huff and Puff")
...

Oh, I could go on and on. With a level of cabin and engine detail to match 1/43 cars from Minichamps, Kyosho and such.

While I'm dream'n, I'd throw in a line of 1/87 ("HO scale") diecast airliners: Connie (standard and "Super"), DC-3/4/6/7, and flying boats, just for starters, to market to the model train crowd. Again, ideally, the level of detail would match the brass locomotives and rolling stock collectors vie for.

[JustPlaneNuttz]

OK. You guys make the planes, but somebody has to do the GSE. I need GSE for 1:144 and 1:72. Generators, tractors, fuel trucks, bowsers, passenger ramps, etc, etc -- finished & unfinished. Nice quality stuff that has detail with a bit of cost. The stuff I want but isn't available and no one has stepped up to make it (Corgi -- I'm looking at you). Military (WWll / Cold War) and Civil Airliners.

Rush104: Martin Seaplane -- I'd like a copy of that too, please!

[Rush104]

One other model I'd make is the C-5. Yes, both ends would open. And to give it that really authentic look, I'd provide some hydraulic fluid to spread around underneath it...

[Epapazian]

Assuming that I was trying to make a profit and differentiate myself from the current pack of diecast makers, I would focus on quality above all and seriously consider a twin engine plus line in a relatively unusual scale---most likely 1:100. This approach could be tested by mock sales to representative samples of collectors. The research would determine which planes were in demand, investigate price sensitivity, and other relevant issues. The planes I would consider as the most likely candidates might come from any era and could include these: FW-200, Short Sterling, Betty, Nell, Emily, Mavis, B-47, B-36, Mariner, Hudson, Beaufighter, DO-17, SM-79, PE-2, C-46, and many others that we keep waiting for in 1:72 scale. Why 1:100? Simple. It reduces costs, hence risks, while still providing enough size and detail for most of the planes considered. How many planes would I do a year? Probably two the first year and then three or four per year, so long as demand holds up. Having dabbled in this area , checked out alleged reps for various Chinese and Korean factories and done the math, I know that this--or any new diecast venture---would be very iffy, especially with so many competitive manufacturers out there vying for sales from a highly price-conscious buyer base. Still, it would be great fun doing the research, reviewing the mold-making plans, detailing schemes, packaging, promotional effort, etc. I've actually gone through this exercise twice and found it most interesting, albeit often frustrating. Fortunately for my bank account, I never pulled the trigger on these schemes---which is why I can afford to buy so many diecasts from Corgi, Hobby Master, Dragon, etc.

[Rush104]

If I ever hit the Powerball or MegaMillions, I would definitely set up my own diecast company.

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by PH-LKK

Hmmmmm, what are my dream airframes? What are my dream periods?
I'm dying for a diecast 1/72 scale F-105 Thuderchief, but if I were going to be doing an entire line of models, I'd probably focus on something a little different. I've always thought it would be neat to match classic GA airframes to existing diecast passenger cars. And because most of my diecast cars are 1/43 scale, I'd do a line of GA airframes in the highly unusual scale of 1/43!

The line would include (in order of appearance):
Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing
North American/Ryan Navion
Spartan Executive 7W
Cessna C-190/C-195
Stinson SR-9/SR-10 Reliant
Grumman G-21 Goose
Globe/Temco Swift
Piper J-3 Cub
Cessna C-120/C-140
Piper PA-28 Cherokee/Arrow ("Hershey bar" wing & tapered wing)
ERCO 415-C Ercoupe
Cessna C-172 Skyhawk
Piper PA-22 Tri-Pacer
Cessna C-337 Skymaster ("Huff and Puff")
...

Oh, I could go on and on. With a level of cabin and engine detail to match 1/43 cars from Minichamps, Kyosho and such.

While I'm dream'n, I'd throw in a line of 1/87 ("HO scale") diecast airliners: Connie (standard and "Super"), DC-3/4/6/7, and flying boats, just for starters, to market to the model train crowd. Again, ideally, the level of detail would match the brass locomotives and rolling stock collectors vie for.

List you put out almost begs for a Monocoupe, Stinson Voyager, and a Piper Cub. (You already have a Cub, how about the Piper Pacer then.).
Better yet, a Bellanca Cruisair Senior!

[Shawn 507]

I'd go with WW2 Allied Fighter Aces in 1/72nd. And then Navy dive/torpedo bombers of WW2. So I guess that would cover several on the most wanted list. Then some famous WW2 bombers, moving toward the B-36/47/52/58 in 1/72nd scale. But there would be no Axis, or post war Commie birds. Then I'd produce US 50s and 60s era aircraft that I liked.

[HotTrap429]

Originally Posted by Rush104

As the title says- if you had the resources to start your own diecast company, what models would you make? What eras/subject areas would you specialize in?

If the goal is to make money, I'd stick to WWII and early version jets in 1/48 scale. While I don't collect this scale myself, this seems to be where the most pent-up demand appears to be. I'd also make these museum quality with folding wings, retractable gear and removable pilots. I'd limit production to 500 per each scheme released as well - something akin to the philosophy that Carousel 1 follows. My first releases in 1:48 scale - Corsair, Mustang, Fw190, Spitfire XIV, F9F Panther, F-8 Crusader and a Mig 17. P-61, Hurricane and a really, really nice F-86 would be later on.

[flaps]

I would not make things that already exist , does not make sense. We got enough P-51's, Corsairs and more.

I would make some of the Jets not represented from the Cold War Error and there are some real gems some super cool looking Jets from many different Countries.

Vought A-7 Corsair II

Convair B-58 Hustler

Grumman F9F Panther

North American F-100 Super Sabre

Northrop T-38 Talon

Flaps