Post
by Coreyeagle48 » Sat Jun 18, 2005 1:38 pm
I am not bashing 21st when I say this, but I think the concern of the board for those that are concerned lies with the way this is being handled. There is a big difference between getting four 190's for a P-51 and other stuff I have gotten free through mail orders, etc.
For example, recently if you got five upc's from Kellog's, you could get a free DVD of Star Wars or something like that. I know here at home we saved them but the difference is, we eat cereal. So we are getting some use of the product. I used to do this as a kid too so I could get the free toys or mail order specials, etc. But the thing was, these were a lot cheaper and I ate the cereal. Here what we have is getting four 190's at the price of $49 each for one free plane. It's a lot I agree with a lot of people here. But remember it is totally voluntary.
But I see where this leaves a sore thumb, and I think a lot of it has to do with size. Who has room to store four 190's in 1/18. Now I some some of you are saying "I do" but I personally don't, and I may be in the same boat as everyone else here. If I did this, the planes would have to go in my lawn shed next to my tractor and lawn rakes, I have no room in the house. So I can't see doing this thing as many other people feel the same way. If these planes were 1/48 or matchbox planes, I think you would see a lot more dedicated support, rather than some of the questioning we are seeing. I perosonally think 21st should have made this a 2 for 1 deal as someone suggested, there would be a lot more particpation and support for it then.
As far as 21st and the BBI thing goes. The way I see it, BBI is closely guarding whatever they are doing over there, where 21st is more open about what is coming. Personally if I were in charge of 21st, I'd be a little more secretive myself. Think about it, 21st announces these products but some of them fall through, all BBI has to do is be watching these threads, watching 21st and they can say "We're going to do that and show 21st up" , It could very well happen. I sometimes think some people on this board know entirely too much and tell everyone else. I think then that creates tension and complaining when the items don't come. A good example is this Zero bit. Personally, I don't get so wrapped up in it, if it comes, it comes. If not, I will spend $50 and take my girl out to eat. No big deal.
This is not complaining, but I think 21st should really take a hard look at the way they conduct their business. A starting point would be too come up with a "guranteed product list" each year. Lego does this and works well. Then focus on that list, and get those items out, then the next year do the same thing. Maybe throw in some surprises here and there, but not many. Just enough to make the collectors scratch their heads in wonder. And get the items out to the public. I personally think for all the talk, the Avenger should be ready by now, as should be the F-104. It does beg to wonder what the delays are and why? I believe if 21st had a serious rival in 1/18 military, besides BBI, they would be in deep deep trouble. They do need to do some things better, and hopefully they will work on that.
Corey
OK, A-10 would be sweet - I want one too 
Hopefully bbi surprises us with a full 1/18 scale version 
