Small Scale Military Headquarters

Has anyone else considered the possibility that due to the pessimistic sales future of 1/18 airplanes, that 21st Century delayed the 1/18 Steve Ritchie F-4D in order to retool it to a 1/32 size that probably would be more agreeable to retailers (Wal-Mart, Badcat, etc.) and the growing popularity of 1/32 planes among collectors? Also, the popularity of BBI's 1/32 F-4J would add to the appeal of a 1/32 Ritchie F-4D.

Badcat's blog has already said it thinks the 1/18 Ritchie F-4D is dead and that the 1/18 future is very bleak while 1/32's future is very bright.

Obviously this is more wishful thinking on my part, but it does have some merit as a possibile scenario.

Wow. Just drive the knife deeper in our XD back, won't you?

-Ski

Yeah, that would be cold. As much as I would love a 1:32 Phantom by 21st, I must say that a Phantom by 21st has to be 1:18 or they can f*ck off. If it makes it to stores, I will buy a 1:18 Phantom. Regardless of price, I swear, the 1:32 BBI one makes me salivate for what's lying just out of reach, in a closet, fate : unknown.

I just think that 21st downsizing the incredible 1:18th potential of this bird really puts a bullet in the head, hell, if it goes 1:32, they're going to have to remake the Huey and the Cobra. It all ties in. If you can't have your Huey dwarfed by the awesomeness of an F-4, well, that's just sad.

ALLOYSKULL:

I like my BBI 1/32 F-4J so much that I wish BBI would release a 1/32 Steve Ritchie F-4D---but apparently that would require an entirely new mold---which BBI probably wouldn't do. For starters, the F-4D has the RHAW antenna pod under the nose cone; has a different refueling receptacle and the RIO/co-pilot's instrument panel is probably different than the F-4J's.

BBI's 1/32 F-4J has been a big success, Hobby Master's 1/72 diecast Ritchie F-4D sold out it's pre-order at Badcat, so obviously there's a demand for a Ritchie F-4D and F-4s in general. So I hope 21st, Admiral or BBI realizes that and releases a Ritchie F-4D---regardless of size. But based on Badcat's comments that 1/18 is dying in favor of 1/32 and Wal-Mart cleared out its 1/18 planes, then a plastic 1/32 Ritchie F-4D seems a logical choice---at least to me.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I want my 1/18th F-4 and MIG-21

Where is the resident 21st cheerleader? I'm sure he's got some insight.

I don't think there is enough of a market for two 1/32 Phantoms. If 21C releases one it will be in 1/18. Just my two cents.

OLIFANT:

Since BBI's F-4J is sold only by etailers, IF 21st Century would release a Ritchie F-4D (with USAF camouflage which makes it look almost entirely different from BBI's Navy F-4J), it could be sold by Wal-Mart and ToysRUs, in addition to etailers.
Considering there are numerous diecast model companies that make 1/72 F-14s, F-15s, F/A-18s and F-16s (not to mention the P-51, P-47, FW-190, BF-109, Shermans, Tigers, Panthers, Abrams, etc.) I would hope there would be room for two entirely different 1/32 F-4s.

Dragon, you make good points. I thought about it, and if 21st makes it 1/18th, they could easily downscale it.

Yes 21st Century would make a 32nd scale F-4 if Admiral would announce one first.

1/18 or nothing. I have chucked away all other scales beside 1/18. The 1/18 F-16 is just beautiful for a roughly 3-4 year old plane. An 1/18 F-4 in this time would probably be jaw dropping. Shoo, I wouldn't mind a high price limited run 1/18 F-4 if need be.

You 1/32 guys can go at it all you want, but 1/18 FOREVER!

Here's something that I wish a few people with the right resources would consider. If 21C was to continue developing the 1/18th F-4D for "limited relese" they could at least get the pulse of demand from collectors. I'll bet they sell out as soon as the pre-orders pop up. As well, develop the 1/32nd version for wide scale release and watch the demand take hold.

Here is the kicker...start doing what modeling companies have been doing for a long time...offer "enhanced parts" that change the already available version into just about any version you want in any configuration you want. You could even do what Admiral Toys did and offer a plain-jane aircraft for you to paint and mark any way you choose. Imagine an F-4C (in both scales) with replaceable nose, pylons, turkey feathers, and stores to make an F-4E Recce.....ya think?

iflabs wrote:1/18 or nothing. I have chucked away all other scales beside 1/18. The 1/18 F-16 is just beautiful for a roughly 3-4 year old plane. An 1/18 F-4 in this time would probably be jaw dropping. Shoo, I wouldn't mind a high price limited run 1/18 F-4 if need be.

You 1/32 guys can go at it all you want, but 1/18 FOREVER!

I'm with you. Smaller scales just can't convey the same feel and detail.