Hey Everyone!
There has been a lot of trash talking here on the site, and I think it is time for some FACTS. The response from Jack that is on the Fighting 18 is not what you think. Jack had been sending emails back and forth with the person who runs the site. At the beginning of this email chain, Jack let them know that it was acceptable to post anything that was said in the emails. However, they decided not to post any of the early, more informative emails, but after some time where more frank conversation evolved, they decided to post this one instead of all the others that have no frustration in them. I don't know about you, but when 2 people are sending emails back and forth, you tend to be a little more frank . We don't have account on that forum we did not post anything while the post is accurate, it was a quote taken out of a string of personal emails between Jack and someone at the Fighting 18. If we could all get back to the business of 1/18th models, it would be appreciated. Lets all try and focus on what we all want, MORE MODELS!
One of the reasons Jack has been hesitant to update the site, and give status reports on the projects is exactly what happened here. Things taken out of context, rumors about things that don't exist, and rampant speculation are concerns for us. We are in the model making business not a internet forums full time attenders, We do respect what is said on the forms when it make sense, and that is why we monitor them, but sometimes it gets a little nuts with things that just shouldn't be posted, or said.
Now, enough with that issue. How about an A-10 update? I thought so! The A-10 IS still a go, and we are working as fast as we can to make it as accurate as possible, but with the other projects SkyWorks is working on, we can't concentrate on just one project. Jack has just finished the interior of the cockpit, including the ejection seat, and instrument panel. New photos of the cockpit, both old and new, should be posted in a matter of days. Next, we will begin working on the main landing gear, and the wheels before going on to the many small details all over the plane that need to be corrected. As of now, the A-10 project IS on schedule, and it will be finished as quickly as we can, but we all know how detail orientated Jack is, which is a bonus for all of us who want the most accurate models we can get.
As for other projects we have going right now, due to their huge success, we are still making the metal landing gear for the F-14, and replacement engine nozzles for it, and the F-16. We have begun to ramp up the pilot program, and are still making the X-1 as requested. We are also still busy with our original 1/18th aircraft series, and for those you on the waiting list for our Hurricane, and Tony, we are in final production right now! All of this, along with the re-paint service we provide for all F-14 releases, the F-16 Thunderbirds, and the F-18 Blue Angel is keeping all of us here at SkyWorks VERY busy.
If everyone could just take a step back, get a big breath, and start to focus on what we are doing it will be better for everyone. I will be updating the forms as necessary from here on out, and will communicate "updates" on all of out projects when it is appropriate.
We also want to address some of the rumors about our business relationship between All-Go, and SkyWorksToys. First it seems that not everyone is clear about who All-Go. Many have also accused All-Go of delivering only empty promises. It is also very important to remember that without All-Go none of us would have anything to collect, or talk about. None of the 1/18 scale forums would be here without them. It was All-Go who produced the very first model airplane in 1/18 scale almost 20 years ago. They have also build over 20 different airplane models in 1/18 sale, including countless paint schemes, as well as numerous tanks and armor. Along with their 1/18th range, they have also built models in various scales including 1/32nd and 1/48th and 1/6th models. This compares to 7 models by BBI, and 2 by Admiral. What about JSI? Quite simply the are nice models produced in China using stolen molds from All-Go. By now you will understand that All-Go IS 21st CenturyToys! Nothing has changed, except the name. The same person who brought you all this excitement over the years is still responsible for the company now. This man is Jim Allen, and if there is 1/18 "god" it is him. Jim has tremendous knowledge about inter workings of toy business, and is a person who can deliver on his promises. We at SkyWorks have the knowledge of how to build them, and together we are unstoppable force. Jim and Jack are more than business partners, they are friends. That is why the A-10 is a JOINTLY produced model, no amount of speculation will change that. There is no hidden massage behind this, our plan is to produce many other models, and some of them could hit market before A-10. All that said, All-Go and SkyWorks are still separate companies, and both may produce independent products in the future.
Many of you become colectors of 1/18th scale models after a trip to Walmart or Toys-R-Us. You bought that first 1/18th model for $40 and could not belived that same airplane in 1/72nd scale cost $70. The sad reality is that without the big retailers like Walmart, and Toys-R-Us, and their ability to buy 20,000 models a year, they just aren't priced like they used to be. Without them we can only produce 2,000 pieces which unfortunately cost much more. Point is, if you like this planes in the $100 range, don't call us, call the Walmart and Toys-R-Us purchasing manager, and ask why they don't carry 21CenturyToys/All-Go 1/18th products anymore. If they receive 1000 phone calls, you will get your models at great price again! It is that simple, I promise you that! We hope that sheds some light on our relationship with All-Go, and where we are going in the future.
If anyone has any constructive comments, or questions, just let us know and we will do our best to answer them.
Tom@SkyWorks
Note the size and proportion of pilot to nose section. Huge!
