Hachette Extends to U.S. British And German Warbirds

[Epap]

It appears that Hachette will expand its all-Japanese diecast series to include American, British and German fighters like the BF-109, FW-190, P-38, P-47, Spitfire, etc. The single engine fighters will all be in the 1:87th scale but the twins---like the P-38 and ME-262 may be slightly smaller. Here's a picture of the spread pages from a Hachette brochure, indicating some of the planes to be added:

[Epap]

And here's a picture of the BF-109G-6 that just appeared on Hachette's website:

[snake]

That doesn't look good at all, Epap.

And in a strange scale?

Hachette should stick to WWII japanese aircraft, as their other releases suck, frankly.

[Epap]

Snake, the 1:87th scale is not unusual for part work lines and it is really a way for them to save money. Also, Japanese collectors tend to be short on display space so this, too, is probably a factor.

As for Hachette branching out into non-Japanese subjects, while I, also, don't need any more Spitfires, P-51s, BF-109s etc. I'm interested in this development because it might lead, eventually, to U.S., British and German unusual subjects, as the line develops. The picture of the BF-109G-6, shows lousy mottling---easily fixed----and the model is very glossy---also easily fixed. If I get my hands on these new models I expect that many will be little gems and some will not be so hot. But that's the collecting game, isn't it?

[USCGMK2]

Is there a US Distributor for Hachette? I bought a couple while in Japan, I really like my mottle schemed Zero and Green Cross Betty. I noticed while there they also did ships, trains, and other things too boxed like the aircraft are.

[Epap]

Is there a US Distributor for Hachette? I bought a couple while in Japan, I really like my mottle schemed Zero and Green Cross Betty. I noticed while there they also did ships, trains, and other things too boxed like the aircraft are.

There is no U.S. distributor. These are showing up now on eBay via several Japanese sellers. I have been buying mine through the San Francisco branch of the Kinokuniya book store. My contact there is Takeyoshi Sakai ( Tel: 415-567-7625 ). It helps if you know the "volume number for the model ( s ) you want. Here's a link to the Hachette website page showing this info:


http://www.j-planes.jp/feature03.html

[USCGMK2]

Thanks for the link. I didn't know Kinokuniya had stores in the US. I've gotten a few books from them.