Ok fellow posters 108 and 109 finally arrived today. The Econoline is brilliant as is the impala. Both the dioramas are adequate for each model. More than happy with these two. Perfect additions/editions to the collection.
Now here is the interesting bit enclosed with my boxed parcel was a letter .
'The James Bond Car Collection'
When we announced that 'The James Bond Car Collection' was coming to an end at issue 110 we were met with an unprecedented response. There have been countless requests for specific models that many thought had to be included as part of the collection in order for it to be complete. We are delighted to announce that the collection will be extended so we can include the most demanded models. These models will include Locque's Mercedes 450SEL from For Your Eyes Only, the laser carrying Dodge M-43 ambulance from Goldfinger, the VAZ-2106 from Goldeneye and several more besides.
The publication date for issue 111 will be 5th October 2011. If you subscribe there is no need to do anything , your issues will still be delivered straight to your door.
Once again , thank you for your valued custom and we hope that you continue to enjoy 'The James Bond Car Collection'.
The Publishers'
Some interesting notes to mention ,
1 . 130 not mentioned
2. 111 issued on 5th October so 110 must be issued on its own in September.
3. No mention of replacement Anglia
By the way, if AND ONLY IF Fabbri is really having problems with money and is no longer capable of supplying images and/or likenesses, plus isn't willing to issue figure moulds, would you be willing to sacrifice dioramas for the presence of figures, since Fabbri is obviously paying for the dioramas themselves, as well? Just curious as to how you'd feel if you were forced to have a choice between one or the other.
Speaking for myself, I'd rather have the dioramas than figures if a 'devils choice' was demanded. The reason being that like most people with a half decent modelmaking skill, I'd be able to install figures into the cars using spares (I'm thinking of enhancing the QOS damaged Aston and a spare QOS Alfa in such a way) But, no matter how good anybody is with photoshop, a print-out diy diorama background still tends to look like a print-out, rather like a fake dvd sleeve - wrong card thickness, wrong finish compared to a mass produced factory printed article. So I think it would be easier to finish off some of the models with a figure than a home made diorama. Like the LaSalle for instance - great background but it needs a driver. That's why I'd be calling for spare figures to somehow be made available if they're going to be lacking, so we don't have to pay for spare cars then pull them apart for the sake of one or two figures.
I would hope that in general figures could still be supplied with the remaining models where they are not of primary importance in the actor or character sense i.e. 'hoods' in the GF Merc, soldiers in any military vehicle etc etc. But if they're not, I think sharing any figure sourcing, adaptation, painting tips on this forum would be a great idea - where to find a sitting Goldfinger lookalike figure for the GF Rolls for example.
Ok fellow posters 108 and 109 finally arrived today. The Econoline is brilliant as is the impala. Both the dioramas are adequate for each model. More than happy with these two. Perfect additions/editions to the collection.
Now here is the interesting bit enclosed with my boxed parcel was a letter .
'The James Bond Car Collection'
When we announced that 'The James Bond Car Collection' was coming to an end at issue 110 we were met with an unprecedented response. There have been countless requests for specific models that many thought had to be included as part of the collection in order for it to be complete. We are delighted to announce that the collection will be extended so we can include the most demanded models. These models will include Locque's Mercedes 450SEL from For Your Eyes Only, the laser carrying Dodge M-43 ambulance from Goldfinger, the VAZ-2106 from Goldeneye and several more besides.
The publication date for issue 111 will be 5th October 2011. If you subscribe there is no need to do anything , your issues will still be delivered straight to your door.
Once again , thank you for your valued custom and we hope that you continue to enjoy 'The James Bond Car Collection'.
The Publishers'
Some interesting notes to mention ,
1 . 130 not mentioned
2. 111 issued on 5th October so 110 must be issued on its own in September.
3. No mention of replacement Anglia
What do you all think?
I rang Databsase Fractory Yesterday and was informed that Isuuue 89 had finally come into stock and will be despatched in the same delivery as 108 and 109?. I am now going to email Ingrid / Lyn and find out what is happening? If they record phone calls then they can trace the agent who gave out this information as she said that she would check with her manager as to the correct information to give out!!!! In my phone calls to them they stated 130?
Ok fellow posters 108 and 109 finally arrived today. The Econoline is brilliant as is the impala. Both the dioramas are adequate for each model. More than happy with these two. Perfect additions/editions to the collection.
Now here is the interesting bit enclosed with my boxed parcel was a letter .
'The James Bond Car Collection'
When we announced that 'The James Bond Car Collection' was coming to an end at issue 110 we were met with an unprecedented response. There have been countless requests for specific models that many thought had to be included as part of the collection in order for it to be complete. We are delighted to announce that the collection will be extended so we can include the most demanded models. These models will include Locque's Mercedes 450SEL from For Your Eyes Only, the laser carrying Dodge M-43 ambulance from Goldfinger, the VAZ-2106 from Goldeneye and several more besides.
The publication date for issue 111 will be 5th October 2011. If you subscribe there is no need to do anything , your issues will still be delivered straight to your door.
Once again , thank you for your valued custom and we hope that you continue to enjoy 'The James Bond Car Collection'.
The Publishers'
Some interesting notes to mention ,
1 . 130 not mentioned
2. 111 issued on 5th October so 110 must be issued on its own in September.
3. No mention of replacement Anglia
What do you all think?
I rang Databsase Fractory Yesterday and was informed that Isuuue 89 had finally come into stock and will be despatched in the same delivery as 108 and 109?. I am now going to email Ingrid / Lyn and find out what is happening? If they record phone calls then they can trace the agent who gave out this information as she said that she would check with her manager as to the correct information to give out!!!! In my phone calls to them they stated 130?
I still think we will get the "Anglia" with #110 -{ :007)
Couple of points here. Database Factory are agents and are as prone to be misled by Fabbri as the rest of us! I have had inconsistent info between agents in the past. 130 is not specified to give Fabbri wiggle room if sales fell off I suspect - and conversely to give them chance to model every car which is on screen for a second if sales keep on going.... What price a series of Cars James Bond should have featured? Or maybe the cars in the books which would give them massive scope since almost all change from versions in Film - heck the stories are completely different in many cases too - Goldfingers Rolls being an exception there I think...
As far as magazine is concerned there is a very good reason that there will always be an attached mag in the UK. A magazine with free cover mount attracts no VAT BUT a model car attracts 20% VAT so cars on their own would cost you an extra 1.50 which would go straight to the UK Government. No idea what laws are like elsewhere but suspect that part works pay VAT in Europe regardless.
Still waiting for 108/109 but notice they are now on the web site as available back orders in UK with 106 (Consul) also there now.
Couple of points here. Database Factory are agents and are as prone to be misled by Fabbri as the rest of us! I have had inconsistent info between agents in the past. 130 is not specified to give Fabbri wiggle room if sales fell off I suspect - and conversely to give them chance to model every car which is on screen for a second if sales keep on going.... What price a series of Cars James Bond should have featured? Or maybe the cars in the books which would give them massive scope since almost all change from versions in Film - heck the stories are completely different in many cases too - Goldfingers Rolls being an exception there I think...
As far as magazine is concerned there is a very good reason that there will always be an attached mag in the UK. A magazine with free cover mount attracts no VAT BUT a model car attracts 20% VAT so cars on their own would cost you an extra 1.50 which would go straight to the UK Government. No idea what laws are like elsewhere but suspect that part works pay VAT in Europe regardless.
Still waiting for 108/109 but notice they are now on the web site as available back orders in UK with 106 (Consul) also there now.
There seems to be different things being said by different people at the Database - the girl I spoke to was absolutely adamant the series would be running to 130. Whether it carries on beyond that is anybody's guess, as somebody here said (D110 I think) these partworks seem to evolve into different animals given time. It is now more car-centric than Bond-centric and there are far more car enthusiasts world-wide than Bond fans. So it could carry on forever with unlimited vehicles - my little joke about a Plymouth Fury being in North America when seen from space in Moonraker may not be so ludicrous after all!
Can't argue with the VAT aspect on the magazine, or Fabbri being a magazine company, so the idea of scrapping the magazine is probably a bit redundant.... 8-)
Ok fellow posters 108 and 109 finally arrived today. The Econoline is brilliant as is the impala. Both the dioramas are adequate for each model. More than happy with these two. Perfect additions/editions to the collection.
Now here is the interesting bit enclosed with my boxed parcel was a letter .
'The James Bond Car Collection'
When we announced that 'The James Bond Car Collection' was coming to an end at issue 110 we were met with an unprecedented response. There have been countless requests for specific models that many thought had to be included as part of the collection in order for it to be complete. We are delighted to announce that the collection will be extended so we can include the most demanded models. These models will include Locque's Mercedes 450SEL from For Your Eyes Only, the laser carrying Dodge M-43 ambulance from Goldfinger, the VAZ-2106 from Goldeneye and several more besides.
The publication date for issue 111 will be 5th October 2011. If you subscribe there is no need to do anything , your issues will still be delivered straight to your door.
Once again , thank you for your valued custom and we hope that you continue to enjoy 'The James Bond Car Collection'.
The Publishers'
Some interesting notes to mention ,
1 . 130 not mentioned
2. 111 issued on 5th October so 110 must be issued on its own in September.
3. No mention of replacement Anglia
What do you all think?
I rang Databsase Fractory Yesterday and was informed that Isuuue 89 had finally come into stock and will be despatched in the same delivery as 108 and 109?. I am now going to email Ingrid / Lyn and find out what is happening? If they record phone calls then they can trace the agent who gave out this information as she said that she would check with her manager as to the correct information to give out!!!! In my phone calls to them they stated 130?
After someone in Fabbri e-mailed me a copy of this letter a couple of weeks ago, B-) I mailed back asking them to confirm that 130 was now the final total for the collection.
The reply I received was that it wasn't yet possible to give a definititive number, as there's "always room for expansion with such a great collection."
I agree with maz's response to this: "130 is not specified to give Fabbri wiggle room if sales fell off I suspect - and conversely to give them chance to model every car which is on screen for a second if sales keep on going...."
I'll add, however, that I think sales will fall off to the point where the cars are no longer profitable before something like a mega-extension happens, though ultimately I think neither will happen. I emailed my dealer friend (who really IS a friend and whose and last name I do indeed know) and he told me that his distributor was very insistent that at least as of now, there would be 130 issues. As had been discussed before the announcement of an extension to 130 however, Fabbri's decision to extend at all became a real head-scratcher, especially if they lost the right to portray people even on the cardboard as well as actual figures. As such, if anything, they'd likely drop the series or at least truncate it rather than extend it and produce cars seen from the Moonraker space shuttle.
Whether it carries on beyond that is anybody's guess, as somebody here said (D110 I think) these partworks seem to evolve into different animals given time. It is now more car-centric than Bond-centric and there are far more car enthusiasts world-wide than Bond fans.
I agree with the idea that partworks this long generally shift around in their nature and that there are probably more people like me than there are Bond-centrics if you polled everyone who collected 1/43 model cars, but there's one fundamental problem: you're still using a Bond-centric marketing vehicle. As such, even if you can make a killing off the collection using only car-centrics and the secondary market (because face it, the guys who buy literally dozens of the same car from the Newsagents and distributors are selling to car-centrics), you're going about it all the wrong way. You're supposed to be making that money off direct sales to customers. Ignoring the fact that many people think Fabbri is screwing over their subscriber base and looking at it objectively, it's still weird as heck. Relying on secondary market entrepreneurs and to distribute to your audience via eBay and the Newsagents rather than actual subscription is downright bizarre; it's like they don't know how to market the JBCC anymore because their target demographic for subscriptions (i.e. Bond-centrics) shifted (i.e. not totally toward car-centrics, but in that direction, certainly) and almost certainly decreased radically once all of the TRULY iconic cars had been issued.
I've had it with this collection, yet again ANOTHER extension! First 50 cars, then 80 cars, then 110. I got sucked in and stayed to 110 thinking it was the end, finished. I still have the piece of paper stating that 110 would be the end of the collection, but no, surprise, surprise another 20 cars. Well this time it is the end, they won't be getting my £160 quid, I'm cancelling the order.
As for the cars, not really bothered now, most are in the attic anyway, no room to display so many, most pointless as well and would never get displayed. The last 10 or more haven't been as good as the others regarding quality, no figures in vehicles, 007 logo missing on clear cover and bland diorama's.
Personally I feel there must be some legal issue here, you can't state in print that a collection is going to be complete at 110, then suddenly two issues from the end announce another 20 cars even if some customers want it to continue. I also have another printed slip saying the same thing, the final 10 cars when they changed suppliers. You just can't keep moving the goal posts. What happens when the next 20 cars are reached, surprise some more models? I just wish I stopped at about 80 knowing what I know now.
It also has nothing to do with not being a Bond fan, I like cars, I like Bond, I just don't like being misled as a collector, which looking back now, is exactly what I feel has happened, hook line and sinker! I just know one thing that I've learnt from this experience, I will never, ever buy another weekly, fortnightly or monthly collection ever again, however inviting it looks.
I've had it with this collection, yet again ANOTHER extension! First 50 cars, then 80 cars, then 110. I got sucked in and stayed to 110 thinking it was the end, finished. I still have the piece of paper stating that 110 would be the end of the collection, but no, surprise, surprise another 20 cars. Well this time it is the end, they won't be getting my £160 quid, I'm cancelling the order.
As for the cars, not really bothered now, most are in the attic anyway, no room to display so many, most pointless as well and would never get displayed. The last 10 or more haven't been as good as the others regarding quality, no figures in vehicles, 007 logo missing on clear cover and bland diorama's.
Personally I feel there must be some legal issue here, you can't state in print that a collection is going to be complete at 110, then suddenly two issues from the end announce another 20 cars even if some customers want it to continue. I also have another printed slip saying the same thing, the final 10 cars when they changed suppliers. You just can't keep moving the goal posts. What happens when the next 20 cars are reached, surprise some more models? I just wish I stopped at about 80 knowing what I know now.
It also has nothing to do with not being a Bond fan, I like cars, I like Bond, I just don't like being misled as a collector, which looking back now, is exactly what I feel has happened, hook line and sinker! I just know one thing that I've learnt from this experience, I will never, ever buy another weekly, fortnightly or monthly collection ever again, however inviting it looks.
And it's replies like this that makes me feel Fabbri will finally wake up, realize it jumped the shark, and stop at 130. Not saying you should continue; just using your post as being illustrative of Fabbri's bizarre and somewhat counterintuitive marketing strategy.
After reading the discussion after my post about production costs, looks like I need to modify my view. I previously suggested that Fabbri dropped figures and complex dioramas to save on production costs. Perhaps the truth is that it was not so much about the cost of producing the dioramas and figures, but having them licensed by Eon? By not having to pay licence fees (or paying for a lower-level licence) Fabbri would still be able to achieve significant cost savings.
I absolutely second what Hummerth2 expressed above, and as already said I will not be subscribing beyond 110. I hope Fabbri will finally wake up. They remind me of the greedy bankers who not so long ago brought so much trouble on all of us, just because they were never satisfied and did not know when to say stop. If their word meant anything, they would keep their original promises and we would all know we could rely on their word. But because of what they do, the likes of Hummerth2 and myself will probably never subscribe to another partwork again. When my daughter grows older and is interested in a partwork collection, I will gently guide her out of it. I think that means that it's Fabbri who loses in the long run.
Whilst I don't completely take the view on partworks in general that you do Jag (for example, a very large model airplane kit partwork marketed by an American firm in 1/32...say a B-17, B-24, or B-29...I would buy into that primarily because it couldn't really be expanded upon), I do certainly take it on THIS partwork. I know people are going to bash me for bringing up the East Bloc partworks again, but I think they're the way to distribute. Simply put, they're designed to be cherry-picked with the option of subscription there, not the other way around (though the Polish partwork, Kultowe Auta, is a bit more subscriber-oriented...though they do reward their subscribers with bonus cars...six so far with a seventh due out soon). Fabbri, I hope you're reading.
As for Fabbri planning this extension long in advance mentioned above Jag's post...I wouldn't bet on it. The Turkey-Bird/Blunder Bird/Thunder Turd was clearly thrown together on short notice. Also, getting back to Fabbri's new marketing strategy, they've completely boxed themselves into a corner. Yes, they got the car-centrics. Yes, they got the eBay buyers. But at what cost?
Although in the US, we're cherry-pickers because we can't subscribe, there are many other countries where you CAN subscribe and there are car-centrics that just cherry-pick. Cherry-pickers are just that...cherry-pickers...because they either are in a country without the collection, don't want to commit to a subscription, or they want to avoid all the bad stuff. HUGE emphasis on that last one as well as the first one, since the cars popular in the US are usually the really nice-looking, detailed ones due to the disparity between the dollar and the pound.
But by making a model like the Turkey-Bird, you pretty much defeat your marketing strategy in that secondary market sales will be poor because it's not acceptable to the car-centrics on the grounds of lack of detail and being thrown together. It's also unacceptable to the Bond-centrics on the grounds of, well, being thrown together with a lack of detail (albeit in the figures and diorama department). One must seriously ask here: what were they thinking when they did this car? The ONLY explanation I can come up with is that they decided to extend the collection at the last minute. It's an improbable selection done out of pure convenience.
I still believe GEF should step up to the plate & make an "Official" response on this Forum,as to when the collection will end???,what the remainder of the cars will be?? & why there are no figures??..After all we know we are being watched!!!! -{ :007)
I can well understand the frustration and sometimes anger of the subscribers wanting the series to end. My son subscribed to the Star Trek partwork some years ago that was similarly extended and went on and on and on - until the point where we had a Spock like logical discussion and decided to end it. He collected up to a certain number then drew a line under it. Years on, those missing issues are still available on eBay for peanuts if he wants them, but so far he's not interested and more than happy to have finished when he did. I'd strongly recommend the same thing - if you're truly unhappy, why not subscribe up to 110 then leave it alone or cherry pick? If there's a change of heart, the Database Factory said that for Brits the back issues will available up until three months after the whole thing eventually finishes, and of course additional issues beyond 110 will no doubt be on eBay for many years to come.
All I would say is that because of the licencing issues discussed above, this series is something of a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity for Bond/ car enthusiasts and once finished will probably never be repeated. I would love to see a follow-on TV or movie related car partwork, but I know it's highly unlikely because of the nightmare of individual licencing agreements and fees. I was told for instance that because of licencing issues, no new model of the classic TV Batmobile appeared from the mid sixties right up until just a few years ago!
So after Bond, we might get ordinary cars maybe, or we might be back to non-car themed stuff like Star Wars, Dr Who etc. So personally I think it's a case of making the most of it and (apart from the hopefully one-off TurkeyBird) the extra JBCC models could, judging by the LaSalle, have some real gems amongst them.
I tend to agree with moviecarfan on alot of things. I am certain the blunderbird is just that a blunder and will not be repeated. We are in for some real gems . I am more than happy with recent issues and as moviecarfan has said this is a once in a lifetime collection. You pay your money and you take your choice. I also would welcome a movie car collection but would not subscribe on that just cherry pick. I am with dokk we need an official line from Gef if anything to install enthusiasm back in this thread. Tell us how many and reveal a few more of the gems.
I still believe GEF should step up to the plate & make an "Official" response on this Forum,as to when the collection will end???,what the remainder of the cars will be?? & why there are no figures??..After all we know we are being watched!!!!
I'm in complete agreement. Like I said, Fabbri boxed themselves into a corner by going for the car-centrics amongst the secondary market as the number of subscribers likely started to fall off, but in order to succeed in that manner, you literally have no margin for error. You have to produce a bunch of really, REALLY nice cars...of which the Turkey-Bird was not. And the subscribers...the remaining Bond-centrics...feel completely screwed over. And you know what? As the most raving car-centric on this entire forum (to say nothing of this thread), I don't blame them one bit.
Fabbri's problem is that they lack transparency. Okay, what do I mean by that? What I mean is that they're keeping everything under wraps. I don't have a problem with keeping individual cars under wraps...MANY well-marketed partworks do this (part of La Route Bleue's appeal was finding out what was next...you had the car announced, but you generally had no idea what kind of diorama you'd be getting and they just got better as time went on)...what I mean is things like licensing issues. I went back a couple (dozen) pages and decided to read JohnSteed's post (more on that in a moment, btw). He acknowledged that they had "transitioned to another manufacturer" (i.e. Ixo). In other words, he didn't say that UH was awful, how Fabbri and UH couldn't get along, that UH was at the time delivering sub-par products, etc. Just that they transitioned to another manufacturer. And you know what? We all accepted that! As JohnSteed's post should prove, you can be both transparent and diplomatic (i.e. not trashing UH, but also implying that there had been a need to change over to Ixo). Also, it did eventually come out that Fabbri was having licensing issues with the Daniel Craig Bonds throughout the collection...around Issue 90, I think, but they still admitted it. And you know what? We immediately accepted that, too.
Since we, your customer base, have been pretty forgiving when you've been transparent and have given us information, we're probably going to be accepting of what you have to say. Instead, you're getting people feeling cheated and now having people cancelling their subscriptions. Maybe if you came on and explained why the lack of figures and lackluster dioramas, we'd be accepting of it. If it really is licensing costs (as I suspect it is), just say something to the effect of "We're having some issues with licensing costs right now. This partwork, like all others, operates on a budget and with the recent economic situation, we'd rather give you a quality car at the very least than nothing at all." In other words, a diplomatic way of saying "EON Productions jacked up the licensing costs and we foresee having trouble making a profit off of them."
But what about the Turkey-Bird? How to address that? Simple: "We realize that the model is innaccurate, but had to come up with something on very short notice to allow Ixo to modify some of their moulds to allow them ample time to produce their first car(s) in quantity. We apologize about the quality of this model, but as has been pointed out on this thread, the model may be modified to give it vertical grille bars i]Use tinfoil--me[/i and correct taillights i]Use Yat Ming Road Signature's '68 Mustang--me[/i." Translation: we're sorry we royally screwed up, but we're going to make it up to you, or at least try."
Finality on Issue 130? "It could certainly change, but the plan for now is 130 issues." Fabbri, this one is especially important to us. NOBODY that I know of...not DeAgostini, not Altaya, not even Del Prado...leaves the number just hanging in the air. You either give a tentative number (as I just did in Fabbri-speak) or a definite number.
And how to solve the problem of "Turkey-Bird Backlash"? Easy: confirm that the three models stated in the brochure will be made by Ixo to the same quality specifications as the other Ixo cars and that we won't get another model like the Turkey-Bird. Better yet: out of good faith, announce one more planned model from Ixo whilst you're at it. I think if Fabbri comes on and does these things, then the anger will simmer down.
By the way, I said I'd get back to JohnSteed's old post a couple dozen pages back (Page 88? 89?). Something that struck me was that he said "another couple" Rolls-Royces would be released...yet, at the time, only one Roller, the LTK Silver Shadow II, had not yet been released. Perhaps there's another one up the pipe that just didn't make the cut, this time done by Ixo (which, while it probably would have a much easier time getting Rolls-Royce's seal of approval, would also have to spend a LONG time getting the model to the correct specifications...Ixo has wanted that little "RR" for a while now, and I know that simply because I know Ixo)? JohnSteed also mentioned changes to the checklist when it never in fact changed. Perhaps these models will be developed or were developed by UH, scrapped, and now are being re-done to a higher standard by Ixo? Perhaps this is the reason for the extension? Either way, I'd like to see JohnSteed come back aboard and give us some kind of explanation as to what's going on. Just a hint would be okay at this point. I know I don't always represent the views of this thread's regulars (far from it...) but right here, I do think I represent us all when I say that we will be cordial and polite to you and not flame you or shout at you. We just want to hear what you have to say, what's going on, and we won't go off at you. Is that all right?
I emailed the local distributer the other day with some complaints and when they offered no answers I told them I was unsubscribing. So far they haven't acknowledged the subscription cancellation so I will follow up next week. These guys need to be sent a message that many people feel ripped off.
I emailed the local distributer the other day with some complaints and when they offered no answers I told them I was unsubscribing. So far they haven't acknowledged the subscription cancellation so I will follow up next week. These guys need to be sent a message that many people feel ripped off.
I understand your frustration but do not think anyone is being ripped off. As a fellow subscriber we agreed the premise of two models a month with the option to cancel at anytime. However I do think the lack of information is not helpful and in your case the bad service you are receiving must be so frustrating . There is no excuse for bad customer service whoever it may be.
Got the Impala as back order yesterday but box contained a note saying Econoline will be along later.... Just hope so! Impala is pretty good for a car centric collector but I can see the missing figures and crocs are a bit much for someone who is first and foremost a Bond collector.
the Database Factory said that for Brits the back issues will available up until three months after the whole thing eventually finishes
Unless, of course, you're missing issues 75 to 80, as Database Factory have sold out of those (for some reason) and will never be getting any more.
I was talking in terms of the extension i.e. 110 and beyond; most subscribers on this forum will already have received, or be committed to receiving, all the issues up to 109 so far anyway.
As far as back issues nos. 75-80 go, someone else here pointed out that there could be English language 'unsold returns' of these numbers heading back to the Database Factory from Oz or SA. Failing that, they do still pop up on eBay - I got no.77 recently for £6 inc postage.
Okay, so Issues 108 and 109 have apparently been posted to the US. When I get these in, at the very least I feel obligated to tell you how well they stack up to the real deal. The Econoline Club Wagon seems VERY nicely done (there was one photo posted a while back showing the grille that I particularly liked), but so far we've not gotten too many detailed views of the Impala Custom Coupe.
Here is a few pictures of the Impala. I like it, being in the uk I am not sure how good it is compared to the real thing with it being a yank tank . I am going to try and source some alligators for it.
Here is a few pictures of the Impala. I like it, being in the uk I am not sure how good it is compared to the real thing with it being a yank tank . I am going to try and source some alligators for it.
The old tail-lights don't look too straight????? -{ :007)
Apparently this little beauty's made its debut in California this week:
Is Bond 23 being filmed in California by any chance??
That's the One-77, and it debuted about 18 months ago - I think it's already out of production - the production run is only 77 units. I saw one 8 days ago at Wilton House. It's dramatic, but I seriously doubt it will be Bond's new car.
1) It is out of production, so they have no more to sell (different to using a classic like a DB5 which is clearly an old car, not a recently out-of-production modern car.
2) Having Bond in a DBS stretches the imagination enough given that he is on the government payroll, but a limited run £1,000,000 car takes this to the realms of pure fantasy.
I've had it with this collection, yet again ANOTHER extension! First 50 cars, then 80 cars, then 110. I got sucked in and stayed to 110 thinking it was the end, finished. I still have the piece of paper stating that 110 would be the end of the collection, but no, surprise, surprise another 20 cars. Well this time it is the end, they won't be getting my £160 quid, I'm cancelling the order.
As for the cars, not really bothered now, most are in the attic anyway, no room to display so many, most pointless as well and would never get displayed. The last 10 or more haven't been as good as the others regarding quality, no figures in vehicles, 007 logo missing on clear cover and bland diorama's.
Personally I feel there must be some legal issue here, you can't state in print that a collection is going to be complete at 110, then suddenly two issues from the end announce another 20 cars even if some customers want it to continue. I also have another printed slip saying the same thing, the final 10 cars when they changed suppliers. You just can't keep moving the goal posts. What happens when the next 20 cars are reached, surprise some more models? I just wish I stopped at about 80 knowing what I know now.
It also has nothing to do with not being a Bond fan, I like cars, I like Bond, I just don't like being misled as a collector, which looking back now, is exactly what I feel has happened, hook line and sinker! I just know one thing that I've learnt from this experience, I will never, ever buy another weekly, fortnightly or monthly collection ever again, however inviting it looks.
It's likely the collection will always be worth more if sold individually, one by one. This is beacause you get a better cross section of potential customers - rather than people wanting to buy the whole collection, you will be attracting 1) Bond-collecting cherry pickers , 2) people with part of the collection trying to fill in gaps, and 3) car-centric collectors who want for example a Cadillac Hearse, a BMW 5 Series police car or a 1980s Mercedes S Class in grey.
So I would suggest that people can re-profile their collections - sell of the models you have that you don't like, and of the new releases, just buy the ones you like. If you continue to subscribe, you might even make a small profit on selling on the ones you want, as the new releases are usually on eBay for more than £7.99.
Comments
Now here is the interesting bit enclosed with my boxed parcel was a letter .
'The James Bond Car Collection'
When we announced that 'The James Bond Car Collection' was coming to an end at issue 110 we were met with an unprecedented response. There have been countless requests for specific models that many thought had to be included as part of the collection in order for it to be complete. We are delighted to announce that the collection will be extended so we can include the most demanded models. These models will include Locque's Mercedes 450SEL from For Your Eyes Only, the laser carrying Dodge M-43 ambulance from Goldfinger, the VAZ-2106 from Goldeneye and several more besides.
The publication date for issue 111 will be 5th October 2011. If you subscribe there is no need to do anything , your issues will still be delivered straight to your door.
Once again , thank you for your valued custom and we hope that you continue to enjoy 'The James Bond Car Collection'.
The Publishers'
Some interesting notes to mention ,
1 . 130 not mentioned
2. 111 issued on 5th October so 110 must be issued on its own in September.
3. No mention of replacement Anglia
What do you all think?
Speaking for myself, I'd rather have the dioramas than figures if a 'devils choice' was demanded. The reason being that like most people with a half decent modelmaking skill, I'd be able to install figures into the cars using spares (I'm thinking of enhancing the QOS damaged Aston and a spare QOS Alfa in such a way) But, no matter how good anybody is with photoshop, a print-out diy diorama background still tends to look like a print-out, rather like a fake dvd sleeve - wrong card thickness, wrong finish compared to a mass produced factory printed article. So I think it would be easier to finish off some of the models with a figure than a home made diorama. Like the LaSalle for instance - great background but it needs a driver. That's why I'd be calling for spare figures to somehow be made available if they're going to be lacking, so we don't have to pay for spare cars then pull them apart for the sake of one or two figures.
I would hope that in general figures could still be supplied with the remaining models where they are not of primary importance in the actor or character sense i.e. 'hoods' in the GF Merc, soldiers in any military vehicle etc etc. But if they're not, I think sharing any figure sourcing, adaptation, painting tips on this forum would be a great idea - where to find a sitting Goldfinger lookalike figure for the GF Rolls for example.
I rang Databsase Fractory Yesterday and was informed that Isuuue 89 had finally come into stock and will be despatched in the same delivery as 108 and 109?. I am now going to email Ingrid / Lyn and find out what is happening? If they record phone calls then they can trace the agent who gave out this information as she said that she would check with her manager as to the correct information to give out!!!! In my phone calls to them they stated 130?
I still think we will get the "Anglia" with #110 -{ :007)
As far as magazine is concerned there is a very good reason that there will always be an attached mag in the UK. A magazine with free cover mount attracts no VAT BUT a model car attracts 20% VAT so cars on their own would cost you an extra 1.50 which would go straight to the UK Government. No idea what laws are like elsewhere but suspect that part works pay VAT in Europe regardless.
Still waiting for 108/109 but notice they are now on the web site as available back orders in UK with 106 (Consul) also there now.
There seems to be different things being said by different people at the Database - the girl I spoke to was absolutely adamant the series would be running to 130. Whether it carries on beyond that is anybody's guess, as somebody here said (D110 I think) these partworks seem to evolve into different animals given time. It is now more car-centric than Bond-centric and there are far more car enthusiasts world-wide than Bond fans. So it could carry on forever with unlimited vehicles - my little joke about a Plymouth Fury being in North America when seen from space in Moonraker may not be so ludicrous after all!
Can't argue with the VAT aspect on the magazine, or Fabbri being a magazine company, so the idea of scrapping the magazine is probably a bit redundant.... 8-)
Is Bond 23 being filmed in California by any chance??
After someone in Fabbri e-mailed me a copy of this letter a couple of weeks ago, B-) I mailed back asking them to confirm that 130 was now the final total for the collection.
The reply I received was that it wasn't yet possible to give a definititive number, as there's "always room for expansion with such a great collection."
I agree with maz's response to this: "130 is not specified to give Fabbri wiggle room if sales fell off I suspect - and conversely to give them chance to model every car which is on screen for a second if sales keep on going...."
I'll add, however, that I think sales will fall off to the point where the cars are no longer profitable before something like a mega-extension happens, though ultimately I think neither will happen. I emailed my dealer friend (who really IS a friend and whose and last name I do indeed know) and he told me that his distributor was very insistent that at least as of now, there would be 130 issues. As had been discussed before the announcement of an extension to 130 however, Fabbri's decision to extend at all became a real head-scratcher, especially if they lost the right to portray people even on the cardboard as well as actual figures. As such, if anything, they'd likely drop the series or at least truncate it rather than extend it and produce cars seen from the Moonraker space shuttle.
I agree with the idea that partworks this long generally shift around in their nature and that there are probably more people like me than there are Bond-centrics if you polled everyone who collected 1/43 model cars, but there's one fundamental problem: you're still using a Bond-centric marketing vehicle. As such, even if you can make a killing off the collection using only car-centrics and the secondary market (because face it, the guys who buy literally dozens of the same car from the Newsagents and distributors are selling to car-centrics), you're going about it all the wrong way. You're supposed to be making that money off direct sales to customers. Ignoring the fact that many people think Fabbri is screwing over their subscriber base and looking at it objectively, it's still weird as heck. Relying on secondary market entrepreneurs and to distribute to your audience via eBay and the Newsagents rather than actual subscription is downright bizarre; it's like they don't know how to market the JBCC anymore because their target demographic for subscriptions (i.e. Bond-centrics) shifted (i.e. not totally toward car-centrics, but in that direction, certainly) and almost certainly decreased radically once all of the TRULY iconic cars had been issued.
As for the cars, not really bothered now, most are in the attic anyway, no room to display so many, most pointless as well and would never get displayed. The last 10 or more haven't been as good as the others regarding quality, no figures in vehicles, 007 logo missing on clear cover and bland diorama's.
Personally I feel there must be some legal issue here, you can't state in print that a collection is going to be complete at 110, then suddenly two issues from the end announce another 20 cars even if some customers want it to continue. I also have another printed slip saying the same thing, the final 10 cars when they changed suppliers. You just can't keep moving the goal posts. What happens when the next 20 cars are reached, surprise some more models? I just wish I stopped at about 80 knowing what I know now.
It also has nothing to do with not being a Bond fan, I like cars, I like Bond, I just don't like being misled as a collector, which looking back now, is exactly what I feel has happened, hook line and sinker! I just know one thing that I've learnt from this experience, I will never, ever buy another weekly, fortnightly or monthly collection ever again, however inviting it looks.
And it's replies like this that makes me feel Fabbri will finally wake up, realize it jumped the shark, and stop at 130. Not saying you should continue; just using your post as being illustrative of Fabbri's bizarre and somewhat counterintuitive marketing strategy.
I absolutely second what Hummerth2 expressed above, and as already said I will not be subscribing beyond 110. I hope Fabbri will finally wake up. They remind me of the greedy bankers who not so long ago brought so much trouble on all of us, just because they were never satisfied and did not know when to say stop. If their word meant anything, they would keep their original promises and we would all know we could rely on their word. But because of what they do, the likes of Hummerth2 and myself will probably never subscribe to another partwork again. When my daughter grows older and is interested in a partwork collection, I will gently guide her out of it. I think that means that it's Fabbri who loses in the long run.
As for Fabbri planning this extension long in advance mentioned above Jag's post...I wouldn't bet on it. The Turkey-Bird/Blunder Bird/Thunder Turd was clearly thrown together on short notice. Also, getting back to Fabbri's new marketing strategy, they've completely boxed themselves into a corner. Yes, they got the car-centrics. Yes, they got the eBay buyers. But at what cost?
Although in the US, we're cherry-pickers because we can't subscribe, there are many other countries where you CAN subscribe and there are car-centrics that just cherry-pick. Cherry-pickers are just that...cherry-pickers...because they either are in a country without the collection, don't want to commit to a subscription, or they want to avoid all the bad stuff. HUGE emphasis on that last one as well as the first one, since the cars popular in the US are usually the really nice-looking, detailed ones due to the disparity between the dollar and the pound.
But by making a model like the Turkey-Bird, you pretty much defeat your marketing strategy in that secondary market sales will be poor because it's not acceptable to the car-centrics on the grounds of lack of detail and being thrown together. It's also unacceptable to the Bond-centrics on the grounds of, well, being thrown together with a lack of detail (albeit in the figures and diorama department). One must seriously ask here: what were they thinking when they did this car? The ONLY explanation I can come up with is that they decided to extend the collection at the last minute. It's an improbable selection done out of pure convenience.
All I would say is that because of the licencing issues discussed above, this series is something of a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity for Bond/ car enthusiasts and once finished will probably never be repeated. I would love to see a follow-on TV or movie related car partwork, but I know it's highly unlikely because of the nightmare of individual licencing agreements and fees. I was told for instance that because of licencing issues, no new model of the classic TV Batmobile appeared from the mid sixties right up until just a few years ago!
So after Bond, we might get ordinary cars maybe, or we might be back to non-car themed stuff like Star Wars, Dr Who etc. So personally I think it's a case of making the most of it and (apart from the hopefully one-off TurkeyBird) the extra JBCC models could, judging by the LaSalle, have some real gems amongst them.
I'm in complete agreement. Like I said, Fabbri boxed themselves into a corner by going for the car-centrics amongst the secondary market as the number of subscribers likely started to fall off, but in order to succeed in that manner, you literally have no margin for error. You have to produce a bunch of really, REALLY nice cars...of which the Turkey-Bird was not. And the subscribers...the remaining Bond-centrics...feel completely screwed over. And you know what? As the most raving car-centric on this entire forum (to say nothing of this thread), I don't blame them one bit.
Fabbri's problem is that they lack transparency. Okay, what do I mean by that? What I mean is that they're keeping everything under wraps. I don't have a problem with keeping individual cars under wraps...MANY well-marketed partworks do this (part of La Route Bleue's appeal was finding out what was next...you had the car announced, but you generally had no idea what kind of diorama you'd be getting and they just got better as time went on)...what I mean is things like licensing issues. I went back a couple (dozen) pages and decided to read JohnSteed's post (more on that in a moment, btw). He acknowledged that they had "transitioned to another manufacturer" (i.e. Ixo). In other words, he didn't say that UH was awful, how Fabbri and UH couldn't get along, that UH was at the time delivering sub-par products, etc. Just that they transitioned to another manufacturer. And you know what? We all accepted that! As JohnSteed's post should prove, you can be both transparent and diplomatic (i.e. not trashing UH, but also implying that there had been a need to change over to Ixo). Also, it did eventually come out that Fabbri was having licensing issues with the Daniel Craig Bonds throughout the collection...around Issue 90, I think, but they still admitted it. And you know what? We immediately accepted that, too.
Since we, your customer base, have been pretty forgiving when you've been transparent and have given us information, we're probably going to be accepting of what you have to say. Instead, you're getting people feeling cheated and now having people cancelling their subscriptions. Maybe if you came on and explained why the lack of figures and lackluster dioramas, we'd be accepting of it. If it really is licensing costs (as I suspect it is), just say something to the effect of "We're having some issues with licensing costs right now. This partwork, like all others, operates on a budget and with the recent economic situation, we'd rather give you a quality car at the very least than nothing at all." In other words, a diplomatic way of saying "EON Productions jacked up the licensing costs and we foresee having trouble making a profit off of them."
But what about the Turkey-Bird? How to address that? Simple: "We realize that the model is innaccurate, but had to come up with something on very short notice to allow Ixo to modify some of their moulds to allow them ample time to produce their first car(s) in quantity. We apologize about the quality of this model, but as has been pointed out on this thread, the model may be modified to give it vertical grille bars i]Use tinfoil--me[/i and correct taillights i]Use Yat Ming Road Signature's '68 Mustang--me[/i." Translation: we're sorry we royally screwed up, but we're going to make it up to you, or at least try."
Finality on Issue 130? "It could certainly change, but the plan for now is 130 issues." Fabbri, this one is especially important to us. NOBODY that I know of...not DeAgostini, not Altaya, not even Del Prado...leaves the number just hanging in the air. You either give a tentative number (as I just did in Fabbri-speak) or a definite number.
And how to solve the problem of "Turkey-Bird Backlash"? Easy: confirm that the three models stated in the brochure will be made by Ixo to the same quality specifications as the other Ixo cars and that we won't get another model like the Turkey-Bird. Better yet: out of good faith, announce one more planned model from Ixo whilst you're at it. I think if Fabbri comes on and does these things, then the anger will simmer down.
By the way, I said I'd get back to JohnSteed's old post a couple dozen pages back (Page 88? 89?). Something that struck me was that he said "another couple" Rolls-Royces would be released...yet, at the time, only one Roller, the LTK Silver Shadow II, had not yet been released. Perhaps there's another one up the pipe that just didn't make the cut, this time done by Ixo (which, while it probably would have a much easier time getting Rolls-Royce's seal of approval, would also have to spend a LONG time getting the model to the correct specifications...Ixo has wanted that little "RR" for a while now, and I know that simply because I know Ixo)? JohnSteed also mentioned changes to the checklist when it never in fact changed. Perhaps these models will be developed or were developed by UH, scrapped, and now are being re-done to a higher standard by Ixo? Perhaps this is the reason for the extension? Either way, I'd like to see JohnSteed come back aboard and give us some kind of explanation as to what's going on. Just a hint would be okay at this point. I know I don't always represent the views of this thread's regulars (far from it...) but right here, I do think I represent us all when I say that we will be cordial and polite to you and not flame you or shout at you. We just want to hear what you have to say, what's going on, and we won't go off at you. Is that all right?
Unless, of course, you're missing issues 75 to 80, as Database Factory have sold out of those (for some reason) and will never be getting any more.
Not good !!
I was talking in terms of the extension i.e. 110 and beyond; most subscribers on this forum will already have received, or be committed to receiving, all the issues up to 109 so far anyway.
As far as back issues nos. 75-80 go, someone else here pointed out that there could be English language 'unsold returns' of these numbers heading back to the Database Factory from Oz or SA. Failing that, they do still pop up on eBay - I got no.77 recently for £6 inc postage.
Here is a few pictures of the Impala. I like it, being in the uk I am not sure how good it is compared to the real thing with it being a yank tank . I am going to try and source some alligators for it.
The old tail-lights don't look too straight?????
That's the One-77, and it debuted about 18 months ago - I think it's already out of production - the production run is only 77 units. I saw one 8 days ago at Wilton House. It's dramatic, but I seriously doubt it will be Bond's new car.
1) It is out of production, so they have no more to sell (different to using a classic like a DB5 which is clearly an old car, not a recently out-of-production modern car.
2) Having Bond in a DBS stretches the imagination enough given that he is on the government payroll, but a limited run £1,000,000 car takes this to the realms of pure fantasy.
Here are my pics of the One-77 from Wilton:
It's likely the collection will always be worth more if sold individually, one by one. This is beacause you get a better cross section of potential customers - rather than people wanting to buy the whole collection, you will be attracting 1) Bond-collecting cherry pickers , 2) people with part of the collection trying to fill in gaps, and 3) car-centric collectors who want for example a Cadillac Hearse, a BMW 5 Series police car or a 1980s Mercedes S Class in grey.
So I would suggest that people can re-profile their collections - sell of the models you have that you don't like, and of the new releases, just buy the ones you like. If you continue to subscribe, you might even make a small profit on selling on the ones you want, as the new releases are usually on eBay for more than £7.99.