large scale Hobby Master?

Yoxford · Post by **Yoxford** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 12:31 pm

Found this interesting bit taken from the interview with William Lu, Director of Operations, Hobby Master posted on The Motor Pool web site...

TMP: Which areas of the diecast military market do you think your company will expand into over the course of the next year?

HM: We’re currently exploring opportunities in larger scale armored fighting vehicle and/or aircraft areas. We recognize that space is starting to become a problem for some collectors. That said, we think that making something bigger with superior detail and workmanship and smaller productions runs is just what may be needed to gain further traction in the marketplace.

Makes ya go, Hmmmmmmm

KAMIKAZE · Post by **KAMIKAZE** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 1:01 pm

Traction is good.

Post by **aferguson** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 1:30 pm

well since they already do 1/32 they must be talking 1/18 and/or maybe 1/16. Interesting that during these supposedly hard times for our scale that someone new is thinking of jumping into it. Shows there must be a significant demand still...

tmanthegreat · Post by **tmanthegreat** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 2:01 pm

It seems like Hobby Master may be going the Unimax route. Price wise, they will probably be out of my league, but if they could attempt some unique subjects (ie NOT King Tigers, Tiger Is, or Shermans) they could fill an interesting niche.

smittyrob64 · Post by **smittyrob64** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 2:28 pm

Yes, something different and refreshing would be great.
I know some are tired of german pieces period, but I would still like to see some of the larger halftracks and things like 8 wheeled armored cars.
Anything new though would be nice.

supersonicfifi · Post by **supersonicfifi** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 4:13 pm

i can see a nice mirage 2000 since they are doing it in 1/72 ! and you just have to see their A6 or A7 or their crusader and tomcat to see that they are good guys

dragon53 · Post by **dragon53** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 4:20 pm

Since FOV's 1/16 diecast limited edition tanks go for around $400-$1,000, if Hobby Master is going to release a 1/18 diecast limited edition F-14 or F-4, then it will also be around $400-$1,000---out of my price range.

However, this goes back to my argument I've posted here several times---if 1/72 diecast modern jets sell very well (HM's Ritchie and Cunningham F-4s are sold out in pre-order at some etailers), then WHY don't manufacturers release 1/32 PLASTIC modern jets like the BBI's popular F-4?

Post by **aferguson** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 4:55 pm

planes won't be diecast in 1/18; plastic ones are heavy enough. I suspect the price won't be anywhere as near as extreme as $400. More likely in the $100 ballpark.

dragon53 · Post by **dragon53** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 5:17 pm

If Hobby Master can sell out pre-orders with the Ritchie and Cunningham F-4s, then why hasn't BBI released Ritchie and Cunningham versions of its 1/32 F-4?...It's not because the demand isn't there.
I'll take the greater detail and lower price of plastic vs. diecast jets anyday. Unfortunately, the plastic companies prefer perpetual repaints of FW-190s.