[Gort]

I’ve always stood in awe of Russia’s defeat of Nazi Germany. By any measure, the Russians displayed incredible resilience, brawn and fortitude before Hitler’s war machine, right up to Germany’s defeat in Berlin. Which is all the more remarkable, considering Stalin’s pre-war purges (read: murders) of Red Army officers, which cost the Soviet Union dearly during the German invasion of 22 June 1941.

For four unrelenting years, the Red Army not only resisted the German Wehrmacht but ultimately defeated it, mass producing extremely potent tanks, aircraft, artillery and other home-grown sinews of war in the process.

My point is this: Up to now, with few exceptions, diecast manufacturers have all but ignored Russian warbirds. IXO produced a few, and they’re to be congratulated for it. But quality diecast manufacturers like Hobby Master and Corgi and whoever else have essentially pushed Russian machines aside, leaving us Russian afficionados more or less empty handed.

So I’d like to make a pitch for Russian WWII birds. Easy Model made the jump with the Mig 3, Yak-3 and soon-to-be La-5 (7?). They’re terrific little replicas, and I really like them; but, in the end, they’re not diecast. So Hobby Master, Corgi, Witty—anybody—please reconsider. The Russians were every bit as responsible for crushing the German juggernaut as the Allies (maybe more so), and some of their warbirds were, as some insist, just as effective as any Allied aircraft.

May I recommend the following:

Il-2/10 Shturmovik xxxxxxAn unsophisticated but extremely rugged tank buster. Heavily-armed and armored, it was built in greater numbers than any other warplane of WWII.

Lavochkin La-5 & La-7xxxFerocious dogfighters, especially at low level. One of the most effective fighters of WWII.

Tupolev Tu-2xxxxxxxxxxxWith its exceptionally aerodynamic design and inherent versatility, the Tu-2 gave long and distinguished service to the Soviet air force as a dive-bomber, torpedo bomber and armored strike fighter.

[bsmith13]

I like your choices. If we are doing a Russian wishlist, I'd like to add the Yak-3.

[wmosner]

We have been harping for Russian aircraft for quite a while. They can also have some great paint schemes with the medals, dragon killers, etc on the fuselages. I want the La's, Il-2 and Yak 7-9 in 1/48 scale but will not hold my breath waiting.

[jim]

I cannot understand why Corgi never went down this road.
I am certain that the market is there, you only have read the posts on forum to realize that collectors want Russian planes.

I would be ready to buy a selection of Russian birds, the early war stuff in particular.
Mig and Yak 3 most definately, Pe2, and of course the ugly but effective Shturmovik.

Gort , you are right to start this thread, the more we push then the more chance that some one like Hobby Master will one day listen and press the button on these.

[Epapazian]

Be patient a bit longer, guys. I think that HM and even, possibly, Corgi has gotten the message. I'm not so hopeful about Italy's warbirds, though I think that HM may test the waters with a MC-202 fairly soon. As for France, the most likely candidate is a Mirage F-1 rather than a MS-406 or Dewoitine D 520.

Returning to Russia, I'm betting on the IL-2 as first out of the factories, followed by a LA5FN/LA-7 combo, then a Yak-3/9 combo. But a Mig-23 /27 wouldn't be a major surprise.

[Gambit]

No way, not interested at all.

[brunowbe]

Originally Posted by Gambit

No way, not interested at all.

Other than a Shturmovik, I feel the same way.

[Ara1]

Well worded thread.

I am thinking, we need to get the point across to manufacturers that not only is the market there, but collector's have the space as well. I suspect manufacturers believe our so-called limited space is a deciding factor for the market. We need to make the point that we will find the space, or get our models on a box and display rotatation system. Bottom line: don't make plane manufacturing decisions based on a perceived lack of collector space. We will buy what we like and will display it or not, as we choose.

[Berkut76]

Originally Posted by jim

I am certain that the market is there, you only have read the posts on forum to realize that collectors want Russian planes.

Honestly, after reading William's interview I've realizied that there is very little chance that Soviet WWII birds will be made. Manufacturers are listenting to distributors, not collectors. At this point in time, apparently distributors are firmly in the corner that "Russian WWII birds won't sell".

Regards,

Sergey

[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by Berkut76

Honestly, after reading William's interview I've realizied that there is very little chance that Soviet WWII birds will be made. Manufacturers are listenting to distributors, not collectors. At this point in time, apparently distributors are firmly in the corner that "Russian WWII birds won't sell".

Regards,

Sergey

Weren't those distributors the same folks who said that Japanese planes will not sell, following poor results with the deluge of so-so Zeros made by Corgi, Dragon, FOV, Witty and others? Now, the response to HM's first Kate suggests that they were wrong. I believe that HM, as the unchallenged category leader, is inclined to test the Russian waters for WWII warbirds ----- a move, which, if successful, would help it make inroads in the large European market.That's what category leaders in other industries do---they look for ways to expand the overall market, instead of carving out selective, sure fire niches. HM's decision to do a Mig-15, which should sell well, may increase its motivation to dabble some more with Soviet aircraft. I sure hope so.