[Epapazian]

As most 1:72 scale enthusiasts are painfully aware there are huge numbers of interesting WW II planes that, for a variety of reasons, have not been manufactured in diecast by companies that offer a decent level of quality. In the latter respect I specifically exclude IXO and the occasional Model Power offering in approximately this scale. To stimulate your memories, I've listed some of the most likely candidates by country, below. Which three of these-or any others- would you most like to have in your collection? And, since profitability is a prime concern for manufacturers, which three planes do you think would probably be the biggest sellers? If you can please tell us why as well. U.S.A.: F-2A, TBD, SB2C (Helldiver), SB2U( Vindicator),P-61, C-47, C-46, A-20. Great Britain: Beaufighter, Blenheim, Firefly, Hudson,Whitley, Short Sterling ,Tempest V. Russia: I-15, I-16, I-153, IL-2M, PE-2, SB-2, IL-4, Lagg-3, La-5FN, La-7, Yak-3, Yak-9, Tu-2. Italy: Mc-200, Mc-202/205, Fiat G-55, Re-2001/2002, Fiat G-42, SM-79. Germany: ME-410, ME-163, Do-17Z, Do-217E, HE-177, FW-189, FW-200. Japan: Nate, Tojo, Tony, Oscar, Frank, Nick, George, Ki-100, Jack, Val, Kate, Jill, Betty, Nell, Sally, Lily. Others: Ms-406, Dewoitine D-520, Fokker DXXI, IAR-80, PZL-11, PZL-23.

[mustangdriver]

Add to that the OS2U Kingfisher.

[Kubikali]

And the Fokker G1 .

[swoop]

And the Grumman OV-1 Mowhawk and the F9F Panther.Being post war models of Korea & Nam.

[leeG]

P-40K,L,M and N and the P-36.

[Dan Flynn]

I want a Val, Kate or Jill or float plane. These airplanes have a lot of historical significance. The Japanese WWII planes have lots of character that make for great diecast (exhaust stacks, big cockpits/wheels, etc). They could package them with all those leftover Zeros and sell all they manufactured. IXO ventured out and produced a Grace but I think that was a lame choice.

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

As most 1:72 scale enthusiasts are painfully aware there are huge numbers of interesting WW II planes that, for a variety of reasons, have not been manufactured in diecast by companies that offer a decent level of quality. In the latter respect I specifically exclude IXO and the occasional Model Power offering in approximately this scale. To stimulate your memories, I've listed some of the most likely candidates by country, below. Which three of these-or any others- would you most like to have in your collection? And, since profitability is a prime concern for manufacturers, which three planes do you think would probably be the biggest sellers? If you can please tell us why as well. U.S.A.: F-2A, TBD, SB2C (Helldiver), SB2U( Vindicator),P-61, C-47, C-46, A-20. Great Britain: Beaufighter, Blenheim, Firefly, Hudson,Whitley, Short Sterling ,Tempest V. Russia: I-15, I-16, I-153, IL-2M, PE-2, SB-2, IL-4, Lagg-3, La-5FN, La-7, Yak-3, Yak-9, Tu-2. Italy: Mc-200, Mc-202/205, Fiat G-55, Re-2001/2002, Fiat G-42, SM-79. Germany: ME-410, ME-163, Do-17Z, Do-217E, HE-177, FW-189, FW-200. Japan: Nate, Tojo, Tony, Oscar, Frank, Nick, George, Ki-100, Jack, Val, Kate, Jill, Betty, Nell, Sally, Lily. Others: Ms-406, Dewoitine D-520, Fokker DXXI, IAR-80, PZL-11, PZL-23.

I don't doubt that some of the a/c on your lists will probably be made sometime down the road. It's only a matter of time. At least give Altaya-IXO credit it deserves for starting the trend.

Who knows, maybe these current diecast manufacturers are cautiously looking into Altaya's models to gauge viability and market demand for these other types of aircraft to be made. Ultimately, it all comes down to us collectors support and our deep pockets. It's what these companies will see, evaluate and forecast. After all, it's also about business and the bottom-line. Take that into the bank!

[ZS-VAN]

Originally Posted by mustangdriver

Add to that the OS2U Kingfisher.

Oh yes! And how about the Grumman Duck?

[ZS-VAN]

Originally Posted by flyXwire

I don't doubt that some of the a/c on your lists will probably be made sometime down the road. It's only a matter of time. At least give Altaya-IXO credit it deserves for starting the trend.

Who knows, maybe these current diecast manufacturers are cautiously looking into Altaya's models to gauge viability and market demand for these other types of aircraft to be made. Ultimately, it all comes down to us collectors support and our deep pockets. It's what these companies will see, evaluate and forecast. After all, it's also about business and the bottom-line. Take that into the bank!

I absolutely agree. Much to my own surprise I find more IXOs in my collection than Hobby Master and Gemini Aces! If no-one else is prepared to make certain planes, I'll get them where I can. IXOs service is also outstanding. Way better than GA in my experience for example. I think you need to gauge what you think the majors are most likely to do and get the rest where available. I know plastic models are available but after having seen them in the flesh I still think IXO is a good option.

[Folgore]

Oofah! Too many to choose from! In general, I'd like to see Soviet fighters, Italy's MC-202 Folgore (duh) and anything Japanese that's not a Zero, starting with the Kate and Jill. (I do have IXO's Japanese planes, minus the Grace, but that wouldn't stop me from buying a better model, if one was offered.) If I had more room, the above-mentioned floatplanes would be next on my list.

I don't know what sells with the general public / casual collector, but I'm betting fighters are better sellers than bombers, and given that many consumers are in English-speaking nations, I imagine any US or British planes that haven't yet been offered -- like the Helldiver or Tempest -- would be good sellers. But then, isn't there a large and largely untapped Japanese market? Wouldn't Japanese planes be good sellers? I know there are companies that manufacture small-scale Japanese planes; how would the Japanese market respond to well-done 1:72 offerings?