Badcat's 1/18 Wish List for 2011

[dragon53]

From Badcat's blog:


"Wish lists are a bit of a slap in the face when nothing is being made, but with the release of the Pegasus 1:18 X-1 all hope is not lost for 1:18 plastic model aircraft. Here's my updated top 5 and associated reasoning, feel free to agree or disagree, everyone's respectfully entitled to their opinion:

1. Me-163 -- Still at the top of the wish list, the Me-163 could be a low cost (<$75) blockbuster in 1:18 scale. Small and simple to manufacture, the rocket powered Komet would make its way down the supply chain and into the homes of both high-end and budget collectors. This aircraft has many possible paint schemes and was MRC's biggest seller in plastic 1:72 scale. Hard to go wrong here.

2. SBD -- Even though we never had the exclusive, customers have been calling to check-up on the status of the Dauntless for the last four years. Super popular in 1:32 and in 1:72 scales, the SBD lends itself to numerous schemes and is a solid piece of American history. Probably a $100 airplane if produced today, most collectors would be buyers of this subject at this price level.

3. F4 -- With the moderate success of the F-14 despite shortcomings, the F-4 would probably roll-in at the $300 level or more even if mass produced. Nevertheless, the big Phantom has many, many fans worldwide and was done in many schemes. A very popular aircraft in 1:32, 1:48, and 1:72 scales, the 1:18 version would be a "must-have."

4. BBI Me-109 -- BBI's excellent tooling for the Me-109G was used only once on a limited-run -109. Let's see another repaint, this time in the black tulip-nose Hartmann scheme and a low cost, much appreciated aircraft would be born. No guesswork here, while not the most exciting subject, this plane would be an economic success.

5. F5/T38 -- Going out on a limb here in not picking the A-10, but this little airplane has been in the stable of many nations and would be much easier and cheaper to make than the Tbolt-II. It has some combat history in the US and the T-38 version was the main ride of the Thunderbirds for years. Not often modeled in other scales, this is an untested subject that I think would have quite a number of fans."

[snake]

A sensible wish list. No surprises.

My biggest wish in 1/18 is the F-15, and Su27.

[gburch]

Great list and a good idea on the 109 -- it wouldn't be hard for BBI to do some relatively inexpensive repaints.

The F-5/T-38 is a great idea, too. A relatively simple shape and in NASA chase colors it would be a piece to go with my dream 1/18 plane -- the X-15!

[tmanthegreat]

Well, there is an ME-163 available in 1:18 scale... You can either get it as a kit or pay big bucks for the finished version. I have the parts for one stored in my attic for the moment.

[aferguson]

i wish something would happen...

[Folkwulfe]

Love the list and agree with practically every point. I would still love to see the A-4 Skyhawk included, but like you I would have to admit that it probably doesn't deserve "Top 5" status. As an untried market subject, it would be iffy although like the F-4, it could be done in a multitude of markings and configurations. I would die for an Israeli E model or an agressor squadron slick.

[gouchy]

Its a good list

There is strong competition on number 5 though, not sure of F5 appeal compared with P39 airacobra and Harrier. Both are beautiful planes and plenty of combat history. Granted the Harrier would need major work and $

I know whats King on the armor list, but say on the helo list, would a Hind or D-model Huey be top?

[aferguson]

i don't agree at all with the F-5 choice. Aside from having small size on its side it's a total yawner of an aircraft. BBI was going to make one but canned it because of lack of interest and that was back in the hay days of 1/18 when they could be had cheap. Now who would pay over $100 for one? Not I.

A better choice for a smallish plane would be an A-4 or a Harrier.

I have a hunch we'll see a Komet in 2011. And an F-4 eventually.

And God in Heaven, somebody make a new Spitfire!

[NWarty]

Agreed, the F-5 is a complete snooze fest. Harrier on the other hand = good choice

[AMERICAN_GRENADIER]

i agree with Aferg

i wish something anything would happen

but as grampa would say " wish in one hand s__t in the other and see which fills up first"

[456THBG]

BBI 109G Hartman is sheer genius! Once used mold, highest scoring Ace in history, awesome paint scheme, what more can you say? And it should be able to be produced (even by today's standards), at a reasonable price!

[usmcchet9296]

Id like to see more armor but in keeping with the airplane theme id really want some WWI airplanes like a Spad, Sopwith Camel, or Folker triplane

[Dauntless]

The F5 / T-38 is a poor choice. He even mentioned the A-10, and surely that should be in the top 5.

Some would say the Me-163, though a relatively good choice probably wouldn't sell as well as the other choices. Probably we'll see Pagasus do that one though.

Any repaint of the BBI 109 would be welcome and the Hartmann would be the best choice I agree.

Not mentioned, the P-51 B/C and the P-40E/N are sure bets, as would be a later MK Spitfire, because they haven't been done yet and their earlier 21C variants were somewhat successful.

Like to see BBI give the Spitfire the same upgrade as they did with the 109. Start with the MK V.

[HardenSteel]

Ferg has some good points.

I especially would like to see the Harrier.

However, I do like the F5; think of in an Aggressor scheme. We had them in Canada as well.

hd

[ExC17load]

I personally wouldn't be so quick to knock the F-5. It may not be as well known, but it did fill a role and it filled it well. There are also a great number of possible repaints. Its not a bad idea, especially since it would be a lot simpler to make. Just my opinion.

If they made one, I would buy it. Especially since I think I could afford it. I dont think I have the duckets to pay for an A-10, which I think will be at least 5 bills at a minimum.

[Mitch]

Agree on the list with most people above..the F5 is a snoozer, but I would buy one because I have at least one of everything...now, an F4 even at 3 hundo, I'd get two or three over time.

King Tiger King Tiger King Tiger King Tiger get the point?

[CessnaDriver]

I'd really like a Raptor. More so then the F-4.

I also think the A-4 Skyhawk would be an easy one.
Small, tons of paint schemes and the Blues used them for years.

[Jackson]

Hartmanns Feb. '45 G-6 Double Chevron 'Usch' heart in winter whitewash camo has always been my favorite Bubi bird or Barkhorns Double Chevron5 would work for Bbi 109 repaints... something new I would like to see a 105 Thunderchief in any scheme but mostly a T-Bird paint would be the ultimate or the B-25-Me 110.... IMO...TJJ

[Barbarian333]

In order, F-15, F-4, Mig 21

[thatf14guy]

all 1/18 new p-38 schemes maybe a night fighter version.

1/18

more tomcats,
f-117 nighthawk,
b-25 mitchell,
f-4 phantom,
f-15 eagle,
f-22 raptor,
su-27,
mig 29,
new corsair schemes and versions would be nice,
mig 21,
new f-16 schemes,
and a 1/18 b-17 would be nice, i'll keep dreaming!

[tko211]

I have thought a lot about this for the last year. I would be interested in knowing how others felt about the following. I were start a military toy company and offer a new 1:18 scale plastic built, china produced aircraft I think I would choose the A-7 Corsair II. Here are my reasons, but I would like to know your reactions and thoughts.

1. Small plane, not too complex to build.
2. Wing tips fold for storage ability (a growing concern for 1:18)
3. Plenty of schemes.... S1 would be a 78 cruise USS Nimitz Diamondbacks. S2 Air Force Gray. S3 Air Force Camo = multibranch representation.
4. Opportunity for various weapon payloads and missions
5. Great follow-up companion plane to the F-14
6. LOTS and LOTS of schemes and addons for customizers to work with.
7. A completely unique looking aircraft = more excitement into our collections?

I think many of these reasons would place it above an F-5 and perhaps even above the Skyhawk? What do you think? Anyone want to start a toy company with me? We just need about 300k to start!

[aferguson]

i left my wallet at home but your reasoning is sound. However, i don't think the A-7 would have the 'oomph' to sell in the numbers necessary to make a profit. A nice plane but a lot of people would pass on it, or hem and haw and never get around to buying it. In my opinion anyway.

If you're going to do a 1/18 plane, it's got to be something that people can't reach for their wallets fast enough for. There are certain subjects with mass appeal, even though they are historically not overly significant. They either just look right, or were very interesting for some reason etc.

The Komet is one of those planes...and i feel pretty certain we'll see one in 2011. I don't think the Corsair II would have that sort of appeal. I think a Harrier would have more appeal than an A-7 and is even smaller. I think an F9F Panther would have that appeal and also has the folding wings....not so many paint scheme options but i think it would be a 'ding ding' winner.

I also think the Arado 234 Blitz jet bomber fits my criteria. Cool looks, with that big clear nose, cool camo schemes, and cool appeal because it's a german late war jet that was actually used.

There are lots of modern subjects with broad appeal, but they're large and thus difficult and expensive to bring to market.

[VMF115]

F-8 F-8 F-8-F-8-F-8.

1. Small plane, not too complex to build.
2. Wing tips fold for storage ability (a growing concern for 1:18)
3. Plenty of schemes....Make the molds to incorporate different variants
4. Not a lot of payloads to mold which will bring the cost down
5. Great follow-up companion plane to the F-14
6. LOTS and LOTS of schemes and add-ons for customizers to work with.
7. A completely unique looking aircraft = more excitement into our collections?

Way better then then A-7 in fact the F-8 was and still is beloved as an Icon next to the F-14. When Naval Aviators today still regard the F-8 as a "tits machine" as in it was the best fighter of its day!

for gawds sake when making naval aircraft I wish they would include working flaps, slats...I mean how can you do a Dio of a cat launch if the flaps and slats are in the wrong position? and how cool would it be to configure the f-8 in to a dirty take off/landing position?

Besides the F-8 is a money maker!

[mountian-man]

I have to agree, an F-8 would have to be the first choice. It's a bit bigger than the A-7 but absolutely Iconic! "The last of the Gunfighters".

An F9F! I can dream... A Ted Williams Scheme would add collectablity. I wonder how the HM 1:48th scale version is selling?

Do you think Pegasus has it's eyes on an Me-163? I would go nicely with their V-1.

Keep our fingers crossed that we will see anything!

[gouchy]

The A-7 is between classic prop planes and modern jets

It will appeal to some collectors but may not be everyone's cup of tea

I like the A-7 but not high on my 1/18 list of wants, ok to be honest its not on my list at all