[dragon53]

From Badcat's blog on Chinese model factories:

Military Toy Reviews, Industry Updates, Opinion and Editorials - Journal

[Gort]

Extremely informative info, dragon. Thanks for posting it.

Makes you wonder which factory Hobby Master uses. Or do they own their own?

[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by Gort

Extremely informative info, dragon. Thanks for posting it.

Makes you wonder which factory Hobby Master uses. Or do they own their own?

You hit it on the head, Gort. HM's got its own factory---which makes all of the difference between it and Corgi, which sold its factory and "went Chinese" a number of years ago. I've said it a number of times, but until the direcast "manufacturers" find more reliable production "partners" than the Chinese piece work mills they are now using to hold costs in check, they will continue to struggle and, ultimately, to fail. Why Corgi, with all of the non-military stuff it cranks out, plus Hornby, with its existing non- military business, can't set up their own factory someplace nearer to the marketplace, is beyond me. If they did this, perhaps in Mexico, for instance, they could develop a trained workforce, maintain some sense of QC, and eliminate the endless rounds of delays and production gaffs that we are so painfully familiar with.

[HotTrap429]

What an informative and eye-opening blog! Thank you dragon for sharing it with us.

What did I learn? I learned that all the pissing and moaning we do about how bad this model is or how the painting had overspray, or these parts had a gap is just a waste of time. The manufacturers (except Hobby Master) really have their hands tied trying to get the best factory to make a quality product for the best price. No wonder so many seem to be going bust. HobbyMaster is miles ahead because when it comes to doing their own manufacturing, they are simply miles ahead. Having direct control is the way to go!

[Gort]

Originally Posted by HotTrap429

What an informative and eye-opening blog! Thank you dragon for sharing it with us.

What did I learn? I learned that all the pissing and moaning we do about how bad this model is or how the painting had overspray, or these parts had a gap is just a waste of time. The manufacturers (except Hobby Master) really have their hands tied trying to get the best factory to make a quality product for the best price. No wonder so many seem to be going bust. HobbyMaster is miles ahead because when it comes to doing their own manufacturing, they are simply miles ahead. Having direct control is the way to go!

One more reason (pretty big reason, to be sure) why Hobby Master is the best. Hey, does Century Wings own their own factory, too?

[Berkut76]

Originally Posted by Gort

One more reason (pretty big reason, to be sure) why Hobby Master is the best. Hey, does Century Wings own their own factory, too?

Century Wings lease Hobby Master facility.

Regards,

Sergey