Actually my point was NOT that there are too many pans in the fire. Let me be totally clear because I know everyone is passionate about the products and I also don't want to mis-represent 21st in any way.
With so many projects to monitor (which I would consider a GOOD thing for our hobby). The stauts and priority of any one particular model is difficult to project an exact release date. The Avenger is an EXTREME case on one end of the spectrum where other more recent projects like the TRU merrills set, 1:32 scale Zeros & Macchi were shining examples of a smooth launch.
To be totally honest the new method of news is working perfectly to the fans. The Avenger project is over 3 years old now so frankly that one doesn't count as AREA-21 didn't even exist back then. Here is how it works today. I will use the F-86 Sabre as the example.
I actually knew about this project in December of 2004. But it was so early in the process to let fans know if it was even going to get an official green light. It was not until 4/6/06 that AREA-21 was finally approved to show the first plastic shots of the Sabre.
So why did 21st take over a year to show any pictures? Because the new school of thought is this. They don't show pictures now until the project is in production! So by the time the F-86 is in our collections we will have only had to wait a few months as opposed to a few years.
Kinda makes you wonder what they are building right now for 07 doesn't it?
Now let me just get on my soap box for a moment, not because I don't agree with the members but because I know how you feel.
I really, really do.
for scbvideoboy: I know EXACTLY how you feel about crashing an Executive meeting I felt 100% percent the EXACT same way 2 years ago! I completely know where you are coming from.
My wish was granted in the fall of 2004. Where I had the rare opportunity to sit across the table from the CEO, Vice Pres of Operations, Sales Managers, and the Product Developmment Director. AWESOME, I tell you! I was inside the walls of 21st speaking directly with these fine people whom I have found a great respect for. For 1 full day I toured the company, sat in with different departments and even ate lunch with the CEO.
When the day was over my head was swimming! Many of MY OUTSIDER oppinions of mass retail, distribution, price, production schedules, marketing, and other general ideas suddenly seemed childish, niave, and just plain silly. Once you see things from the perspective of the company the veil is lifted and you begin to understand everything involved. To directly quote the CEO, and I will never forget the truth of these words. "building war toys, in particular the 1:18 and 1:6 scale stuff is NOT for the feint of heart". My point is that if you were to have the experience I have had and if you have seen a company like 21st as close as I have you begin to realize one fact at a time, that the vast majority of business decisions are in fact common, practical, and correct.
There is always a balance that has to be maintained in this industry and at the level at which 21st plays. I honestly tell you this becase IT was such a unique opportunity where I have learned a lot!
In closing: THANKS 21st for all you guys do. Thanks for pioneering this market and exspecially thanks for making realistic historical products. Keep up the good work!
