Small Scale Military Headquarters

With the recent developments at 21st Century and its 1/18 Steve Ritchie F-4 now being dubiously listed as a "late 2009" release, it appears this would be an ideal opportunity for Admiral to release its 1/18 F-4.
If so, I hope Admiral chooses the Ritchie or Robin Olds versions because both pilots are famous which would add to the F-4 sales appeal. I also hope Admiral does not release the "Godzilla" F-4 which has the ladder-like dorsal antenna. I currently have the Hobby Master 1/72 diecast F-4s flown by Ritchie and Duke Cunningham. I also have the BBI 1/32 F-4J. They are all great models, but the 1/72 F-4s are too small---I would definitely buy a 1/18 Ritchie or Robin Olds F-4.

I think 21C should be congratulated by successfully screwing up our chances at getting an F-4. It would be nice if Admiral would run with it but given the current developments in the economy I wouldn’t hold my breath for it.

i really hope that admiral will take the chance to beat evryone with the A1 skyraider + Phantom "vietnam package"

I think Jason told us awhile back that their F-4 project was dead. Another victim of 21st Century Toys.

SABREFAN:

If Admiral's F-4 was dead, then now would be a great opportunity to resurrect it---there are many who were waiting for the 21st F-4, which probably is dead, who would gladly buy the Admiral F-4---if it was available.
Assuming 21st's F-4 is dead, Admiral should fill the void.

Jason said that the prototype f-4 had been scanned and saved. They can make it anytime they want to. If 21c does fold up shop it may be that Admiral can pick up the slack and start pumping out some great 1/18 stuff.

I hope you guys are right. Admiral would make an awesome F-4. Let's hope they do.

And Admiral should sell it for $89.

dragon53 wrote:And Admiral should sell it for $89.

I can see them selling it for $120 to $150. Which would be fine by me given that the prices of the smaller scales are expensive.

At the price point of 150-200 it better be full of detail and goodies.

tkjaer21 wrote:

dragon53 wrote:And Admiral should sell it for $89.

I can see them selling it for $120 to $150. Which would be fine by me given that the prices of the smaller scales are expensive.

I would gladly pay in this price range to get an F-4 model of the quality we could expect from Admiral. However, the big question is: who else would? I know many of us on this board would, but it is iffy as to how many would in the world at large. This is the big worry for the manufacturer and retailers.

I feel like someone will have to take the plunge and test the waters. I am not sure if the current economic climate is the best. OTOH, after a year or so of a product drought perhaps people will less accustomed to mass-retail prices and more willing to be more generous with their wallet toward a large, high-quality aircraft.

coreystinson wrote:

tkjaer21 wrote: I can see them selling it for $120 to $150. Which would be fine by me given that the prices of the smaller scales are expensive.

I would gladly pay in this price range to get an F-4 model of the quality we could expect from Admiral. However, the big question is: who else would? I know many of us on this board would, but it is iffy as to how many would in the world at large. This is the big worry for the manufacturer and retailers.

I feel like someone will have to take the plunge and test the waters. I am not sure if the current economic climate is the best. OTOH, after a year or so of a product drought perhaps people will less accustomed to mass-retail prices and more willing to be more generous with their wallet toward a large, high-quality aircraft.

I am all for a highly detailed highly priced F-4, but lets be honest guys; even if FOV did this in 1/18 with craptacular detail we would all be hopping up and down with joy. Can we be too choosy these days?

You know I really like 21C and appreciate what they have done for our hobby but I too could not help but wonder what might have been if 21C had kept their mouths shut on their Phantom project. I think Admiral was ready to pull the trigger and start production up to that point. I think Admiral being new at the time didn't want to get into pissing match with the mighty 21C and have a flooded F-4 market at a price point they felt they couldn't match. Now we may never see a 1:18 Phantom. Long shot with BBI maybe but they seem content with 1:32 for now and an occasional 1:18 piece. Hopefully, when the economy picks back up we maybe shocked at what comes our way...who knows. Just keeping my fingers crossed.

When Admiral first posted there F-4 the projected price was $169 and then 21st not to be out done threw theres up for $69 I think. That is why Admiral pulled the project.

..

As of what I heard, your dreams are denied. Here's what I currently know: Admiral toys is out of the military toy business as of several days ago. BBi has no new toolings planned for 2009, but may do repaints. 21st is sticking to repaints, and are still working on a 1/18 F-4. As usual I was told this by the owner of Historic Aviation.

Thanks for the news.

I like the news on the F-4. At least it's not completely dead yet.

Glad to hear Admiral is still in the game!

Jason of Admiral Toys wrote:

VMF115 wrote:Well it looking like we are seeing this hobby die first with Admiral toys and soon to follow 21st century toys

Well holly crap! I wish someone told me!! You mean I could of slept in today? That trip to China two weeks ago sure was a waste of my time...

I need to call the office and see what is up. Thanks for the heads up.

Regards,
Jason

some new news

Talked to historic aviation and it seemed it was an assumption not fact they made…btw very nice guys to talk too and in my own back yard……..I clued them on what Jason wrote, and they the thanked me for the info…..again nice guys to talk too,.
Whew………………………

B-29 wrote:As of what I heard, your dreams are denied. Here's what I currently know: Admiral toys is out of the military toy business as of several days ago.BBi has no new toolings planned for 2009, but may do repaints. 21st is sticking to repaints, and are still working on a 1/18 F-4. As usual I was told this by the owner of Historic Aviation.

Point 1 about Admiral is not correct. I told Historic that the Hartmann is on indefinite hold because they keep asking for a time of delivery. I was just giving them the answer that they needed to hear at the time. We are not sure when the Hartmann is coming out because we are focusing on other projects.

Point 2 about BBI is not correct. I think you will be pleasantly surprised in the next couple of months. This of course is again one of those "I heard"
rumors on my part. But I have pretty good sources in the industry.

Point 3 about 21st's F-4 is incorrect. This again is an "I heard" rumor from a very credible source that would know the truth about 21st's workings.

I think the lack of communication has brought new life to the rumor mill. I wouldn't believe everything you have heard. I know the lack of communication is frustrating, but not nearly as frustrating as stating something and having it written in stone for every to be held to that statement. The industry has changed, but we are still hear, today at least. Admiral is still working on the SBD. I think it is time to maybe dust off the F-4 master model. Who knows...? I don't think anyone knows what the long term future brings for 1:18 toys. When I find out you all will be the first to find out, if you find out before me, let me know.

Regards,
Jason

Phew! Just don't overwelm them with calls. I should have never menoined my source as I realize that people may call just for information. Please, I don't want to be the cause of the phones there ringing of the hook..