ADMIRAL TOYS UPDATE

Dauntless · Post by **Dauntless** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 11:14 am

I like the idea of optional folded wings and gear down. As long as the models look accurate, I don't mind these cost cutting measures.

I recycle religiously. Too bad I can't send my plastic directly to Admiral Toys. I would do that if I could.

Jason of Admiral Toys · Post by **Jason of Admiral Toys** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 12:35 pm

First, I would like to thank Birdog for posting our conversation. It was great to see you, as always, and I look forward to meeting with you later in the month.

I said that I would not be on this forum to answer question, but I feel it is right to comment on this thread and further explain our decisions and what is next for our company in this hobby. What I meant is that I will not sit here and answer the ubiquitous questions such as “will you produce this?”

Articulated landing gear vs. fixed optional landing gear:
As many of you have stated, the reason for the landing gear was a sound design decision. I like how FieroDude summed it up: “If it will improve visual accuracy, speed time-to-market, and improve durability while reducing costs, I'm all for it.” These are the four principals upon which this design decision was made.

A very costly aspect of manufacturing 1:18 models is quality control. I have read threads, received emails, talked to customers, listened to retailers and by far the most common complaint in this scale is the landing gear. As Rob Miller once stated, most of these model’s landing gear would not stand up to two minutes of play by a child or adult. So to limit ones quality control issues address the issue directly. By using detachable landing gear we can help to prevent quality control issues, give a more accurate model, reduce cost (marginally, cost does not reduce all that much. We will have more detail, paint and parts) and help to speed up production. And for those that say they will lose the parts… take a look at your kid’s Bionicals, Lego, etc. if a child is expected to keep track of no less then 100 parts, you should be able to keep track of two.

And to give you the real “skinny” on the more accurate aspect… just look at the left main gear vs. the right in the photo below. This is why removable landing gear will be great for the hobby. The left main fits in the wing. The right main does not:

As for articulated wings:
The prevalent quality control issue with aircraft produced in the past that have folding wings is the joint and folding mechanism. Many do not like the way the wing looks or angle when it is folded, many do not like the droop when in the flight position; many wish the hinge was more detailed and accurate. I am willing to bet that every person here that owns a Corsair or Avenger have looked at it and thought, or very vocally stated on this forum, how they would have done things differently because of some aspect of the moving part. Whether they were afraid it would break when moving it, or don’t like the look of the hinge, or don’t like the angle in folded position or sag in fixed position. I have read the post and do not want to read the same kind of posts regarding models we have designed.

During manufacturing, the wing assembly will spend approximately 30 seconds in front of the person putting it together and then moves on to the next person in the line. If these were made by a single person all the way through the process and that person was able to check and recheck his work then yes, I would expect a better working part. But that is not the reality of production on this scale. We have to work with the manufacturing environment and furthermore realize that manufacturing is a means to the end of placing the product in the hands of a collector. With all these issues riding on each and every model we produce the wisest decision is to keep the process as simple as possible. This is what we have done and we are very happy with the decision. As many here have stated… the vast majority display these models in a flying or parked position. We are still giving you both options. In my opinion, there will not be a lot of people flying their three foot wingspan Skyraider around and working the landing gear as they go.

I did not say anything about the SBD having optional gear. All the parts on the SBD will move. We are way to far in production to even think about changing that aspect of the model.

We also have the Hartmann working and “hope” to have production finished by the end of the year. You have seen the photos of the Hartmann and these photos are not of the final product. We have changed the paint technique on this aircraft and are very happy with the way it has turned out. I am sorry that I do not have a photo of the finished product. I did not take my camera with me to China during the last trip. But here is a close representation of the Hartmann, as you may have seen in the past:

Another aircraft that I have mentioned on this site will be out around the same time as the Hartmann. It is the El Diablo (which is Spanish for fighting-chicken or something) This is just a very rough initial mockup of the aircraft and will also contain a new paint process:

I also know you want to hear about any new projects that are in the works. You know I cannot tell you at this time what they are, but we have decided on two new 1:18 scale aircraft that will be produced and hopefully some ground equipment. I will leave it at that.

I hope this sheds some light on the decisions made and gives you a modicum of hope that the future of this hobby stills has light at the end of the tunnel.

Now I am signing off from this sight until I have concrete news to give you. What I have stated is all I have for you at this time. Hope all is well.

Regards,
Jason

vulgarvulture · Post by **vulgarvulture** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 1:04 pm

Oh, man. The F-4 prototype again. Someday!!

Thanks Jason & Birddog for all the info.

Birddog · Post by **Birddog** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 1:38 pm

Thank you as well Jason.

I appreciate the opportunity to spread the word on the great work ya'll do.

hworth18 · Post by **hworth18** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 4:49 pm

Welcome back Jason!
Thanks for putting collectors minds at ease, and we look forward to seeing new items from AT soon!

Quixote511 · Post by **Quixote511** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 6:12 pm

Woot Woot!

I am with the plug and play landing gear. While I think that the functionality of retracts is way cool, I have to agree that I have never displayed a plane with gear fixed half way. I wish AT all the best, and I want to see them do well.

B-29 · Post by **B-29** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 6:37 pm

double post

B-29 · Post by **B-29** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 6:40 pm

Thanks for the explantion Jason. I will be getting one of each now, regardless of the spad's gear. As for the folding wings, my flight 19 avenger has no sagging at all, so I don't know why everyone complians about..

GooglyDoogly · Post by **GooglyDoogly** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 7:10 pm

B-29 wrote:Thanks for the explantion Jason. I will be getting one of each now, regardless of the spad's gear. As for the folding wings, my flight 19 avenger has no sagging at all, so I don't know why everyone complians about..

Maybe you could trade your Avenger with a member who has Avenger sagging problems, so you'll know why they're complaining about it.

Website · Post by **Teamski** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 7:14 pm

Great update! Thanks Jason.

-Ski

Folkwulfe · Post by **Folkwulfe** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 7:30 pm

Jason...as always a ray of sunshine in an otherwise darkened room. It's nice to know that you guys are plugging away...and I for one am appreciative. I'm not very far away from Denton (actually just south in Arlington) so maybe I can kick some life into the iron horse and visit the area soon.

By the way guys (and I hope I'm not spoiling anything) but did anybody happen to look in the background (over the right wing) of the F-4 prototype?

Grilledcheese · Post by **Grilledcheese** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 8:05 pm

Yeah, I did. But I don't know what I'm looking at...

Jeffrey

Dauntless · Post by **Dauntless** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 10:55 pm

OMG! that's the 1:18 F4 prototype.
I haven't been here that long so I've never seen it.

Looks like the SBD behind it.

It's so cool that Jason keeps us up to date.

immeww2 · Post by **immeww2** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 11:03 pm

Very gracious of Jason to post his discussion of what's up and coming in the 1/18th world. Glad to hear that they also are considering ground equipment. Can't wait to hear what that may be.

Jason of Admiral Toys · Post by **Jason of Admiral Toys** » Sat Oct 04, 2008 1:20 am

Folkwulfe wrote:I'm not very far away from Denton (actually just south in Arlington) so maybe I can kick some life into the iron horse and visit the area soon.

Folkwulfe, you are always welcome. The doors are open most ever day but Wednesday. I will let you know on this forum the next time I will be in Denton. I reside in Houston and try to make my way up north on a monthly basis. You will like our warehouse. It has a lot of collectibles. Admiral Toys owns a retail store as well and has a little of everything you would ever want. I do not mention it on this website because I respect the rules of the site and do not like to advertise.

By the way, I used to live in Arlington. We lived in Enchanted Lake Estates on Lake Arlington. I spent 9 years of my life in your neck of the woods (which is well over half my life

). I am just kidding.

Regards,
Jason

Tinman · Post by **Tinman** » Sat Oct 04, 2008 6:27 am

The "options" approach to gear and wings works for me. Bring on the A-1!

Gusthebus · Post by **Gusthebus** » Sat Oct 04, 2008 8:35 am

Could that be a B-25 over the F-4 wing? It looks bigger than the F-4.

olifant · Post by **olifant** » Sat Oct 04, 2008 9:31 am

Thank you for your post Jason. Your intel has always been fair, balanced and truthful. I have only one complaint though: I am tired of spending my money on smaller scale planes! Get these babies out so I can line your pockets! Wouldn't you rather have it than Corgi?

Thanks again.

Jericoeagle1 · Post by **Jericoeagle1** » Sat Oct 04, 2008 1:53 pm

I think Admiral has some great ideas. I for one after the initial newness of a purchase sets in rarely if ever fold the wings or move the landing gear of any of my aircraft. In fact, I think its been only once since I bought my Avenger that I've ever actually folded the wings. So I'm pretty indifferent to seeing these features. In fact I think there was a thread long ago where we talked about this. Anyway, I think these are good moves and I am feeling optimistic about the hobby's future again.

B-29 · Post by **B-29** » Sat Oct 04, 2008 2:05 pm

Gusthebus wrote:Could that be a B-25 over the F-4 wing? It looks bigger than the F-4.

I don't think so. Looks like the dauntless or maybe a Kate...

scbvideoboy · Post by **scbvideoboy** » Sat Oct 04, 2008 5:54 pm

I just a GREAT idea for AT to come up with some quick cash!!

Set up a booth at a convention center, set the F4 prototype on a stand and charge 10 bucks for all the guys to come and fondle it for say 5 minutes!

DH

AlloySkull · Post by **AlloySkull** » Sun Oct 05, 2008 10:20 am

Haha! I got to see it at Wings Over Houston last year! It was soooo beautiful... You don't even know!

Jason, are you and the gang going to show at Wings Over Houston again this year? I've been every year since I was 8 (IIRC), so this will by my 11th year, and I'm hoping I'll see you again.

AlloySkull's wishlist so he can buy stuffs at WOH and support AT:

1:32 Planes and tanks!
1:18 Jets! (Sabre and Me-262)
A-1 prototype, F-4 prototype, and SBD prototype (or at least an exact replica so I can marvel at it and take pictures for the forum guys)

Last year you guys had that Luftwaffe F-86 for cheap! I should have bought it!

Just had to have the 1:32...

Seriously if ya'll don't show up, I'll find you. I'LL FIND YOU JASON!

Remember, it's coming this month!

I'm serious, I'm looking forward to seeing you again. Even though you don't remember me, haha.

DocTodd · Post by **DocTodd** » Sun Oct 05, 2008 3:43 pm

Good to hear from you Jason. I hope you go to the Houston show. I seem to remember you saying that you were working on non toy items saying there was more profit in those items, which as a business owner I certainly appreciate. Sure hope the situation gets better soon for 1/18th.
Todd

Jason of Admiral Toys · Post by **Jason of Admiral Toys** » Sun Oct 05, 2008 9:48 pm

AlloySkull wrote: Jason, are you and the gang going to show at Wings Over Houston again this year? I've been every year since I was 8 (IIRC), so this will by my 11th year, and I'm hoping I'll see you again.

AlloySkull, I think I do remember you. We use screen names on this website and therefore it is difficult to keep names and faces straight. You were there with your father and we talked for quite a while last year? I think I have the right creative "drawing" guy.

I wish more people used their real first name on this site. I know Birddog, Digger, DocTodd and a couple more by face and name, but it would be very nice to reveal the face of anonymity and put yourselves out there; heck, you all know my name! I think we should have a "my screen name is _____ but my real name is____ " thread.

Any who, to answer your question, yes, we will be at WOH and hope to see you, Jason, Doc and a couple more this year.

Regards,
Jason

AKA/Jason

Panzer_M · Post by **Panzer_M** » Sun Oct 05, 2008 9:56 pm

I use Panzer in Real life, at work, school, SCCA(Sport Car Club America)gun clubs, and the InterNets(all forums I am on it's Panzer_M). at events with CFBMW I'll get Hey Panzer yelled at me..but being a 6'3 german with a black M43 cap* will get you that.

no eagle or cockade on the cap, just a black M43 with piping repo.