Diecast trends

[rcdice]

Anyone notice that there seems to be a trend away from 1:18 scale and towards 1:24 scale? I've noticed at stores lately that traditionally carried a lot of 1:18 (ie. Toys R US) that there seems to be more and more 1:24 available vs. 1:18. Still a nice size but cheaper I guess. Anyone else notice this?

Also, what's happened to the Muscle Machines brand? I don't believe they ever produced a Viper, but I still occasionally picked up their vehicles. Wasn't too long ago that their product was everywhere and in quantity. Now, many stores have very little to none. What's up with that?

 

[V10SpeedLuvr]

I've noticed the 1:18/1:24 thing. KB toys used to have shelves and shelves full of 1:18 cars. Now they have maybe 1/2 of 1 shelf.

 

[ViperArry]

I think its caused by large manufacturers going bankrupt.... Bburago bankrupted some time ago.....

It seems like most 1:1 manufacturers are selling the rights to make models for high prizes.... and exclusivly to 1 manufacturer limiting the amount of different models made.
This is one of the problems for a manufacturer like AutoArt to produce 5 different race liveries of the CC..... DC wants to make money on it too.

 

[rcdice]

Bburago went bankrupt? How did I miss that? Are they reorganizing or gone? Wow.

You know, what a bunch of crap that the auto manufacturers are squeezing the modeling companies. I can understand a few bucks and wanting some say so, but that's it. The modeling companies are promoting their product for gosh sakes! If some kid (or not so young kid) becomes obsessed with Viper, Ferrari, Lambo, Porsche or whatever by the models, what do you think he is going to do someday? That's right, buy a real one! Do they not see that? Too bad.

 

[ViperArry]

They bankrupted some months ago.....

Last thing I´ve heard that some people are trying to make their cars again with their tools and stuff....
But the quality is bad....

I agree on the licensing thing. Same goes for the sealed bodies... this is because in racecars other teams (mostly rally) can see the technique inside..... and because they have to make the cars in the same year (else people won´t buy them) they make em sealed.
Shame.

Hope this will turn in the future.

 

[V10SpeedLuvr]

I agree with Bob. I had a couple hundred Viper models before I bought my real one. Seeing them on my shelf everyday made me want one that much more!

 

[ViperArry]

Me too, but I can understand the manufacturers a little.
They have to produce around 3000 cars to break even on the investment they make (new moulds, toolings and stuff).

Still I had hoped AutoArt would release more CC's in their actual livery than plain models.
Did you guys ever see a plain car on track? The plain models look boring, thats a big shame for AA. They made very very good GTS/R's in the past and should have done the same with the CC..... I'm still hoping Bob Woodhouse's car will be produced (I can't reach him for this.... if someone wants to try, please do). I'd like to have a scaled copy of his flip-flop big vinyld car!