[Gort]

All this talk about Corgi and Hornby, etc., has got me wondering: Is Corgi still the Gold Standard of diecast aircraft models? Or has Hobby Master claimed that distinction?

My take ...

Corgi was the dynast of diecast; but these days the pooch shares its sovereignty with Hobby Master.

That’s not to say Corgi’s quality has plunged—quite the contrary. Recent Corgi models prove otherwise (for example: the AA37202 HP Halifax B.III and AA36301 Fairey Swordfish Mk.I). But Hobby Master is producing masterly models, too (practically everything they make). So I can’t decide which is better.

Am I wrong? Is Corgi still the king? Or has the new kid in town usurped that crown?

[Louie]

Hey man, of the two choices my confidence is in Hobbymaster. Corgi has tenure and has proven as you say that they can kick some serious booty when they want to. Corgi's price increases and spotty QC have caused me to eagerly spend with other makers.

This thread is going to open a can of worms and the guys are going to start plugging their favorite makers so please allow me to color outside the line for a second forgive me my metallic brother.
Corgi is royal but slowing a bit still an excellent company with a huge product range. HM is the new younger stronger male challenging the king for control of the herd.
The gold standard now that's another thing. Although I dearly love my Hm models and salivate at the thought of owning more of these precious models. My "Gold Standard" rating would be with neither Corgi nor Hm so far that can change. My Gold Standard is reserved for C1. I have found not one flaw on any of those planes I own.

[trex0770]

With all due respect Gort, I humbly disagree with your 2 examples of Corgi's quality not plunging. For me, the Swordfish and Halifax are the exceptions and not the rule (kinda like a tease). They were a glimpse of what Corgi is capable of. In reality, we got cancelled models, missed distribution dates and lots of confusion. IMHO, Corgi's reign seems to have run it's course.

If you're truly the "Gold Standard" you better deliver on what you promised and/or previewed, have some quality products and listen to your fan base. Corgi just seems to have missed the mark on all these counts.

For me the "Gold Standard" is Century Wings with HM being a close second.

p.s. I reserve the right to be wrong pending their recent buyout!

[leeG]

Prior to 2005, Corgi was. Currently they are MIA. And don't get me started on their P-51B. Speaking of P-51s, where oh where is the long promised P-51A?

[HotTrap429]

Is Corgi Still the Gold Standard?

As things stand right now - Probably not.

[jim]

It was Corgi got me into this hobby and back then they were the top, but then I discovered Dragon Mustangs and P47s, Carousel, GMP, HM and Gemini came into the picture.

All major competion for Corgi, they should have held their prices and upped the quality, talked to collecters, listenend and generally pushed their marketing.

They failed, to do any of those things, and now we can see the results.

However I don't think its too late yet.
Hornby may well give Corgi a chance to get it right, I truely hope so.
I still have some loyalty for the brand, fingers crossed for the future.

At the moment I am undecided as to how to answer the poll.

[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by jim

It was Corgi got me into this hobby and back then they were the top, but then I discovered Dragon Mustangs and P47s, Carousel, GMP, HM and Gemini came into the picture.

All major competion for Corgi, they should have held their prices and upped the quality, talked to collecters, listenend and generally pushed their marketing.

They failed, to do any of those things, and now we can see the results.

However I don't think its too late yet.
Hornby may well give Corgi a chance to get it right, I truely hope so.
I still have some loyalty for the brand, fingers crossed for the future.

At the moment I am undecided as to how to answer the poll.

While I voted for Hobby Master as the leader, Jim, I too have a sentimental feeling about Corgi. HM is, no doubt, the leader of a much depleted and battered field and I hope it continues to be successful. However, the measure of anyone's success is the nature of the competition and a resurgent Corgi would be good for everyone---Hobby Master--as it would keep its executives on their toes--- and collectors, who want more quality replicas of military aircraft and AFVs than any one company can provide.

[Phantom Phan1200]

Well Corgi are the only ones with a Gold Mustang & a $1299 Gold Spitfire, see here.
Ultimate "GOLD" Spitfire Anniversary Model #008 of 50 - eBay (item 190218982886 end time May-10-08 13:00:00 PDT)

That puts them on top in my book!!!!!

[Nimrod48]

H M are really getting into their stride these days with such excellent models as the Bf110 & the 1:48 Spits & the quality of finish is remarkable for the price, but I will only consider them to be the new kings when their range is as varied as Corgi.

[jim]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

While I voted for Hobby Master as the leader, Jim, I too have a sentimental feeling about Corgi. HM is, no doubt, the leader of a much depleted and battered field and I hope it continues to be successful. However, the measure of anyone's success is the nature of the competition and a resurgent Corgi would be good for everyone---Hobby Master--as it would keep its executives on their toes--- and collectors, who want more quality replicas of military aircraft and AFVs than any one company can provide.

Good point Epapazian, competition is good for the collector and I believe in the long term good for the manufacturers.

I used to work in a very competitive field and it certainly kept my brain sharp, I had to keep investing all the time in new and more efficient machinery in order to stay ahead of the pack.
Plus I spent a huge amount of time trying out new materials, constantly trying to look ahead and see what the consumer (in my case the airlines) might need in a few years time and have that product ready for them.
The company I worked for was the first to develop anti static textiles for the airlines use.

Sadly all that is done in China now and all that remains of the company is a plaque on the wall of a small office.(but thats another story).

But to get back to your point, yes fair competition is good.