Any 1/18 Russians headed our way???

[Dubar1]

I'd like to see some russkies too. I just finished building a GAZ98 aerosled in 1/6th scale, but when I scaled up the drawings I first scaled them up at 1/18 scale and the size is not that big (maybe 11" long) in 1/18. Here's a couple of pictures of it in 1/6th:







I still need to add an engine and prop guard plus find/make a DT (tank) machinegun. It could be made RC, but I have no plans to get a radio yet.

[Morian Miner]

Very nice model.

I wouldn't expect and Ruskies. Look how long it took GI Joe to do any Red Oktober figures. I think the toy companies are worried about marketability. But, if they ever do them, I definitely would be interested as well.

[digger]

Very nice job

I know this sounds absurd given recent delays but I think by this time next year we will start to hear about Brits &/or Russians.
The Japanese figures look AWESOME and there is no reason to stop there.
I think 5 countries will be represented in due time....

[OnWu]

Successfully selling Russian soldiers in the US may prove difficult. However, the 21st/Corgi affiliation in the UK may have access to the former iron curtain marketplace. Could be a big hit overthere.

[HIDEOUS ONE]

I disagree, but I am an idealist. The way I see it they cannot say that it is a true WW2 figure line without doing Brits as well as Russians. Both 1:32 and 1:6 have made almost everything there is concerning Ww2. From U.S. to Japanese to Aussies including almost all of the vehicles and equipment all the countries involved had. It only seems natural and important to do this. I hope.

[tmanthegreat]

I would love to see 1:18 Russian soldiers and a T-34/85, preferably by 21c, as they would compliment all the German soldiers and armor that is in eastern front cammo. British troops would also be awesome, and one could make a Matilda, Churchill, an M3 or even a scaled down M5 Stuart. (21c already has several planes in British livery and a 32x British Soldiers set!) This is all only wishful thinking, and given the time it has taken to get the US Marines and Japanese troops, I don't think we'll see any British or Russian figures for quite a while, if at all.

[OnWu]

"Natural and important" carry great meaning with us but do not always translate into "sales". Would 21st be able to sell, let's say, 50,000 Russian figures in the US. The members of this board would definitely spring for 500 or so, but that would still leave 49.5K to peddle in WM (on top of the endcap in the nursery department).

[OnWu]

I would wager that we'll see North Vietnamese Troops before Russians. Imagine, coolie hats, AAA guns, and bicycles, this would be interesting.

[aferguson]

there were two north vietnamese troops already. An NVA regulare and a VC.

Russian stuff is desirable for most of us but i suspect it is a while away. A T-34 is our best bet.

One day i think some smart company is going to come along (much as IXO has with 1/72 diecast aircraft featuring non-mainstream but highly desirable subjects) and make all the stuff we are longing for (russians, brits, more obscure vehicles etc) and make a killing in the process.

21c's problem right now is that they can't afford to take any risk at all and so must stick to very mainstream product. I was hoping BBI would be the one to make the bold move but it doesn't seem they are interested.

So, i wait for a new company with some vision and hutspah to come along...

[OnWu]

Focusing on a market has got to be step number #1. Selling to the masses is going to yield cheap generic goods.

For firms who know their subject matter and collecting clientele, there are plenty of examples of the right way of doing things. I find the subject of what works and what doesn't to be fascinating.

RIGHT:
IXO Typhoon
IXO Raiden
BBI F/A-18
21st Boyington Corsair

WRONG:
Witty Jewish Spitfire
Witty Romanian 109
21st Air America Huey
21st P-38 Louise

[immeww2]

Very nice model. Yeah a T-34 would be awesome!!!!

[Morian Miner]

I think the only reason we will be fortunate to see the Japanese is they're for the Marines to shoot at. The old good guys/bad guys perspective. For the Russians, the companies have to worry "Who's the good guys? The Germans we know are bad. But the Russians are good guys? Weren't we against them in the cold war? Nah, too hard to market."

I just hope to one day win the lottery, buy a 3-D scanner and a rapid-prototype SLS machines, and make my own toys. If you're going to dream, dream BIG!

[DocTodd]

I just hope to one day win the lottery, buy a 3-D scanner and a rapid-prototype SLS machines, and make my own toys. If you're going to dream, dream BIG!

I second that!
Todd