Small Scale Military Headquarters

All the news is about JSI's new 1/18 line and Admiral's 1/18 Mosquito, Triplane, Camel, Dauntless and Skyraider. Assuming that BBI has pretty much given up on all-new 1/18 models, has anyone heard any rumors of BBI 1/32 models to follow the F-4 Phantom, SBD Dauntless and F4F Wildcat?....Christmas is only six months away.

Where is the BBI 32nd scale F-104? That would be a great looking model.

After the awesome job they did on their Dauntless and Wildcat, I'd like to see some more 1:32 from BBI. A Hellcat would be a nice start.

Hi All,
I spoke with BBI earlier today. The F-104 has been cancelled due to low orders not approaching the MOQ and there's presently nothing in the wings. As is the case with several companies, they're taking a wait and see attitude with the economy before moving forward on the aircraft front.

Lightning2000
www.themotorpool.net

LIGHTNING2000:

Thanks for the info.
Is BBI going to release the 1/18 F-16 Fighting Falcon "Enduring Freedom" that's been rumored lately?

Hi,
It doesnt sound as if they're getting set to release anything. Looks like the Sakai Zero is going to be the last aircraft for awhile and the Dauntless is completely sold out.

Lightning2000
www.themotorpool.net

LIGHTNING2000:

Thanks for the update. Too bad BBI is sitting things out because there appears to be a lot of collectors eager to buy JSI and Admiral models.

Greetings

I had a discussion with one of the vendors who was selling Dauntlesses and Wildcats at the Reading World War II Weekend who also confirmed that BBI will not be doing any more 1/32 in the near future.

This vendor told me they had dozens of Dauntlesses and Wildcats and even a few F-4's left and couldn't move them at a reduced price. The vendor actually said to me they wished they had not ordered so many because they are basically stuck with them, people aren't buying them.

It's sad, in many respects BBI had the better quality control and their planes were consistently well put together. I would say the paint application on all their planes was equal if not superior to 21st. I know the high price turned people off from the planes, but in reality, I think the BBI price was more correct in terms of what these models should cost. With Walmart, I'm sure 21st had to meet a price point in order to get Walmart to sell them. That is the way Walmart works. I've often wondered if 21st was losing money in that deal, just to have their products in Walmart.

I don't think we will see anything new from BBI in 1/32 in the immediate future if at all. Seems that venture didn't work out like they or their partner retailers wanted.

Corey

Hi Corey,
I'd be happy to take some of the Dauntlesses off the hands of the vendor you spoke with, if you want to put us in touch with him. Frankly, I think that with BBI pulling back from the market, the aircraft he cant unload presently will easily fetch his going price if he waits it out. Sometimes you just need a little patience...

Lightning2000
www.themotorpool.net