1/18 Tomcat
From Badcat:
1:18 F-14 probably a Phantom
. . and I don't mean an F-4. We've been contacted by a number of collectors about a product advertised as a Kawai Toys 1:18 F-14 model airplane. The company is advertising this product as being available later this month but is apparently no longer taking orders and in correspondence doesn't know who actually manufactures the piece.
To my eye, this sounds more than a little suspicious. None of the big (now small) three are in a position or have the inclination to produce such an aircraft. Another, unknown player would have to be in the mix and I don't know of any other company capable of pulling-off such a big complex project.
Demand for 1:18 is about 1/10th of what it was three years ago. At an estimated $200 price tag, the self-imposed $50 ceiling the bulk of 1:18 collectors will pay would make demand for this product dismal at best. Yes, there's two dozen vocal Internet bloviators who will "buy five" but where the rubber meets the road, I don't believe there's enough die hards capable of making this project fly.
As much as I'd like to see an new 1:18 manufacturer enter the scene, this one doesn't add up. New manufacturers popping-up out of no where. New aircraft boasting a record 42" span and length. No preorders available. No contact to us from a would-be distributor. A retailer claiming a release this month but one who doesn't know who the mfr is. Demand dwindling to 10% in the $50 category, let alone the $200 range. A worldwide economy that is in a shambles. At best, there are several pieces of the puzzle missing. At worst, I smell a rat.
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Big Clue Overlooked: Polycarbonate
All,
On the photo from the HW Japan site, just below the "1000" units number, the two small lines of Japanese text indicate that the body is made of Polycarbonate--the same material as R/C car bodies.
I suspect this is not a BBI, 21C, or AT product in disguise, and is something new altogether.
Gaijin Six
Tokyo
On the photo from the HW Japan site, just below the "1000" units number, the two small lines of Japanese text indicate that the body is made of Polycarbonate--the same material as R/C car bodies.
I suspect this is not a BBI, 21C, or AT product in disguise, and is something new altogether.
Gaijin Six
Tokyo
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Ever wake up in the morning and your hairballs are sore...me thinks they climb in to bed and kick you in the hairballs.



Colonel "Madman" Maddox: Let me hear your guns!
Captain Wild Bill Kelso: My what?
Colonel "Madman" Maddox: Your guns! Ack, ack, ack, ack, ack!
Captain Wild Bill Kelso: [fires his airplane's guns] AHHHH!
Captain Wild Bill Kelso: My what?
Colonel "Madman" Maddox: Your guns! Ack, ack, ack, ack, ack!
Captain Wild Bill Kelso: [fires his airplane's guns] AHHHH!
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If it were an RC aircraft, what would the point be for an opening canopy with seats inside? Also there is no mention of all regarding it being an RC aircraft, just the material.
Shin's wishlist for 1/18 and 1/32 with retractable landing gear and more:
F-14 Tomcat, F-8 Crusader, A-4 Skyhawk, F-105 Thunderchief, A-6 Intruder, F-15C, F-15E Strike Eagle
F-14 Tomcat, F-8 Crusader, A-4 Skyhawk, F-105 Thunderchief, A-6 Intruder, F-15C, F-15E Strike Eagle
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Could it be a mistake a fluke...something..... it does not make sense.....even bad cat says so. there has been no updates on those websites and eve HW Japan removed it off its site....... 

Colonel "Madman" Maddox: Let me hear your guns!
Captain Wild Bill Kelso: My what?
Colonel "Madman" Maddox: Your guns! Ack, ack, ack, ack, ack!
Captain Wild Bill Kelso: [fires his airplane's guns] AHHHH!
Captain Wild Bill Kelso: My what?
Colonel "Madman" Maddox: Your guns! Ack, ack, ack, ack, ack!
Captain Wild Bill Kelso: [fires his airplane's guns] AHHHH!
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And since then been canceled.STUKA wrote:that probably means a photo was leaked out of a factory - or office somewhere - this is in the works - or may have been in the works.
Colonel "Madman" Maddox: Let me hear your guns!
Captain Wild Bill Kelso: My what?
Colonel "Madman" Maddox: Your guns! Ack, ack, ack, ack, ack!
Captain Wild Bill Kelso: [fires his airplane's guns] AHHHH!
Captain Wild Bill Kelso: My what?
Colonel "Madman" Maddox: Your guns! Ack, ack, ack, ack, ack!
Captain Wild Bill Kelso: [fires his airplane's guns] AHHHH!