JSI F-14---$200?
Posted: Mon May 11, 2009 12:10 pm
From Badcat's blog:
"Toward the end of 2008 a rumor circulated through the Internet about a 1:18 scale F-14. I stated here that I thought the rumor was unfounded and that an F-14 was unlikely to be produced, as none of the major 1:18 scale producers were involved. Well, I may yet be proven wrong on this one. Here's why:
JSI, has apparently been the production muscle behind much of 21st Century's models. We always knew that 21st didn't own actually own any manufacturing facilities. They designed the models then had another company manufacture it for them. It was a closely guarded secret just who this company was, until now . . . JSI.
The F-14 mockup we've seen a few glimpses of apparently belongs to JSI. We've heard rumbling through the supply chain that the F-14 is slated for production at some point in the future. The questions of "when" and "how much" have yet to be answered.
As I've written before, the F-14 is a risky proposition but one we'll embrace wholeheartedly if it gets manufactured. With a wingspan of approximated 38" and a similar length, this would be by far the largest and most expensive 18 scale project ever produced. I'm just guessing here but would $200 be something our readers would be willing to pay? Would post-sale buyers' remorse lead to nit-picking the large model to death and generate a slew of returns? Would UPS Ground Oversize shipping charges of $40 or more in shipping fees affect demand? Wouldn't the much smaller and 32-scale proven aircraft such as the F4F and SBD be better bets?
On the positive side, the F-14 out sells most of the other jets in 1:72 scale diecast. Even though the actual Tomcat is retired and relegated to history, it remains a very popular aircraft with enthusiasts. The twin engines, swing wings, and overall look of the interceptor is just too cool for words. Weapons loadout and pilot sub-packages could be popular sellers and add to the the aircraft's legs and shelf life.
What do you think?"
"Toward the end of 2008 a rumor circulated through the Internet about a 1:18 scale F-14. I stated here that I thought the rumor was unfounded and that an F-14 was unlikely to be produced, as none of the major 1:18 scale producers were involved. Well, I may yet be proven wrong on this one. Here's why:
JSI, has apparently been the production muscle behind much of 21st Century's models. We always knew that 21st didn't own actually own any manufacturing facilities. They designed the models then had another company manufacture it for them. It was a closely guarded secret just who this company was, until now . . . JSI.
The F-14 mockup we've seen a few glimpses of apparently belongs to JSI. We've heard rumbling through the supply chain that the F-14 is slated for production at some point in the future. The questions of "when" and "how much" have yet to be answered.
As I've written before, the F-14 is a risky proposition but one we'll embrace wholeheartedly if it gets manufactured. With a wingspan of approximated 38" and a similar length, this would be by far the largest and most expensive 18 scale project ever produced. I'm just guessing here but would $200 be something our readers would be willing to pay? Would post-sale buyers' remorse lead to nit-picking the large model to death and generate a slew of returns? Would UPS Ground Oversize shipping charges of $40 or more in shipping fees affect demand? Wouldn't the much smaller and 32-scale proven aircraft such as the F4F and SBD be better bets?
On the positive side, the F-14 out sells most of the other jets in 1:72 scale diecast. Even though the actual Tomcat is retired and relegated to history, it remains a very popular aircraft with enthusiasts. The twin engines, swing wings, and overall look of the interceptor is just too cool for words. Weapons loadout and pilot sub-packages could be popular sellers and add to the the aircraft's legs and shelf life.
What do you think?"
