Thanks for the info maz (perhaps the list given is merely tentative regarding 131-135?) and at present, (I'm assuming FACT retroactively voted for it ) ), it would seem that by a vote of 3-0, we'd rather see the NYC Airport Rent-a-Car rather than the New Orleans taxi for the Bel Air entry!
SWJ, terrific job on those cars! Also...
"Silver Wraith - FRWL
Dodge Polara - YOLT
Ford Galaxie - DAF
VW Karmann Ghia - Octopussy
Lincoln - LTK
Phantom V - LTK"
I would go with the 1971 1302 Beetle over the Karmann Ghia for OP simply because we never really get that good a look at the Karmann Ghia, but the rest of these would all be great choices, particularly the 1987 Lincoln Mk. VII Coupe from LTK (it was an '87 and not an '88, right? Either way, it's the only time I can recall in the entire series Bond picking out a Lincoln as his ride...). Would also add in the DN 1961 Chevrolet Impala Sport Sedan (Felix's car), OHMSS Rolls-Royce "Proto-Corniche" Convertible, and GE UAZ-31512 4x4.
Well, for what it is worth I'm sorry that the collection will end at 135. I can think of a number of vehicles I would have liked to have seen.
I reckon this is a case of 'It ain't over until the fat lady sings'. I've spoken to Database each month ever since the collection started, and they officially confirmed every predicted issue stop number going - "it'll definitely finish at 40, 60, 110, 130" - you name it. To be honest, I really don't think the operatives there actually know much more than we do. The official end number needs to be announced in writing to subscribers by EMFabbri for it to be believed. Personally, I think if any more IXO moulds can be identified as possible Bond cars, the series will keep going. For instance, if memory serves, someone pointed out that the Skyfall modern Beetle already exists in IXO's catalogue in the correct movie vehicle colour?? If so, wouldn't it be a wasted opportunity not to issue it as number 136 at least? And I'm sure there's more.
Dalko, I agree about the Goldeneye UAZ, it's a well known 'Cold War' movie/TV series type vehicle and ought to be included. After all, most of the Bond movies are either directly related to, or make some reference to the Cold War.
I agree database warehouse don't get told stuff by fabri/eaglemoss until last moment and we could still get surprises. The only things that make me feel that it really might be the end is the following. If 135 is due before Christmas that would leave decks clear to market a new part work over Xmas and New year when they are often launched on tv. I think that they may not be able get any more models which can sell at 7.99 with enough margin to make it worthwhile and they may not want to do enough more parts to make lifting cost to 9.99 or more worth the effort. That would also explain only two Skyfall cars since I bet licensing costs are much higher for them.
But I've been wrong before so we probably won't know till they send a letter or no models have been issued for a month
Yes, I would very much like the Lincoln MkVII. I'd probably buy an extra one for my car collection as well if it was done well.
My 2cents are that I would prefer it to go on to say 150 with a whole hill of Skyfall cars included. I remain happy. No utter dud releases for a while in my opinion.
I was very encouraged by the FYEO Merc 450 release (120), I thought it was the best Bond movie model since the OP Range Rover drophead in terms of overall presentation - a decent base, Bond in the background, creativity with the car i.e. frontal damage and being set at an angle. A real return to the original hook for buying into the series IMHO. I know the damage lets it down for the purist car-centrics, but if we see some more (undamaged) cars with this level of presentation, it ought to keep everyone happy. On that basis I think it would be a real shame if the series comes to an end just when it appears to be finding its feet again. I wouldn't have had any problem paying a tad more for the Merc if price is becoming an issue for EMFabbri.
On the partwork theme, I had an email link from the JBCC inviting me to take part in a questionnaire related to future possible partworks. Mostly it was to do with childrens' series but one question was about which 'super car' interested me the most (DB9, Veyron, AMG Merc etc) so I presume they are considering another 1.8 scale model kit. From my own point of view, I've never collected a die-cast partwork before and probably won't again unless the models are as incredibly diverse and interesting as the JBCC. I don't fancy a room full of taxis or rally cars unfortunately. I do wonder if EMFabbri have kept this series running so long because they may have tapped into a large and unusual market of moviegoers and car-nuts the like of which they probably haven't seen before and may not again. It will be a hard one to follow as they say.
I know the damage lets it down for the purist car-centrics
Not for me, actually. I actually have it being used in a crash scene.
I do wonder if EMFabbri have kept this series running so long because they may have tapped into a large and unusual market of moviegoers and car-nuts the like of which they probably haven't seen before and may not again.
To be perfectly honest, I think that might be the only reason this one's been going for so long. Most of the truly "dual and equal appeal" Car-Centric/Bond-Centric issues came before roughly Issue 50 or 60. After that, you had what basically amounted to alternating issues, although they weren't QUITE as radically alternating between Bond-Centric and Car-Centric as you saw after, say, Issue 80. Now that we're past Issue 120, I think Eaglemoss and Ixo quite frankly had to make a choice and they chose what was logically the more profitable of the two using their secondary-market marketing strategy; i.e., Car-Centric/Broad Appeal/Cross-Genre Appeal vehicles.
I agree database warehouse don't get told stuff by fabri/eaglemoss until last moment and we could still get surprises. The only things that make me feel that it really might be the end is the following. If 135 is due before Christmas that would leave decks clear to market a new part work over Xmas and New year when they are often launched on tv. I think that they may not be able get any more models which can sell at 7.99 with enough margin to make it worthwhile and they may not want to do enough more parts to make lifting cost to 9.99 or more worth the effort. That would also explain only two Skyfall cars since I bet licensing costs are much higher for them.
But I've been wrong before so we probably won't know till they send a letter or no models have been issued for a month
I couldn't have worded this entire post any better. This reflects my views down to a T.
Dalko, I agree about the Goldeneye UAZ, it's a well known 'Cold War' movie/TV series type vehicle and ought to be included. After all, most of the Bond movies are either directly related to, or make some reference to the Cold War.
To be honest, I'm wondering if we do wind up seeing this one. Both Eaglemoss and Ixo have reaped huge profits off of the East Bloc releases...and so did Fabbri and U.H., for that matter! Your average reputable former East Bloc hobby shop has the East Bloc and former East Bloc issues starting for about $45 USD, and that's not including shipping. They sell within the next three days, too, on average. And, as I said, you could probably make the case that more than any East Bloc or former East Bloc car (including Jack Wade's ZAZ-965A Zaporozhets, since the UAZ-31512 and related [earlier engine design] UAZ-469B appeared in EVERY SINGLE BROSNAN BOND FILM), it was the single most important of the East Bloc vehicles that did appear, both based on screen time and number of action scenes involving one.
I know the damage lets it down for the purist car-centrics
Not for me, actually. I actually have it being used in a crash scene.
I thought you might do that! In my mind's eye I see the Merc being used as transport in a covert operation to smuggle someone or something across a border/checkpoint. But the whole thing goes horribly wrong when a minor accident attracts the attention of some heavies in a VAZ 2106 - how did I do on a scale of 1-10? B-)
What we do with these little cars in an interesting subject, I think. I kind of imagined the purist car-centric to be at the extreme edge (not you Dalko) the sort of guy who possibly has no interest in Bond whatsoever, and probably wants the car as part of a themed collection, all Mercs maybe. Equally, at the opposite end I suspect there are probably purist Bond memorabilia collectors out there who have no interest in cars at all, but have to own anything Bond related. I reckon there's a bit of that in all of us here to greater or lesser degrees, especially when you consider things like the Bondola on the Bond side of things. How many of us would have bought an ordinary model of a gondola in a shop or online?
I thought you might do that! In my mind's eye I see the Merc being used as transport in a covert operation to smuggle someone or something across a border/checkpoint. But the whole thing goes horribly wrong when a minor accident attracts the attention of some heavies in a VAZ 2106 - how did I do on a scale of 1-10? B-)
Wow, I guess I'm fairly predictable, you're fairly good, or both! ) It dings a Moskvitch 408IE (by Radon Models) in the rear near the railroad crossing and suddenly, the driver bolts and gets on the train. The perplexed Moskvitch 408IE's driver flags down a GAZ-24-01 Militsiya GAI Patrol Car (Ist for VVM Models). All seems like a guy fleeing the scene of a car crash until the GAI patrol officer notes the two bullet holes. A Militsiya crash investigation unit gets brought in (GAZ-22V Volga Station Wagon by Neo Models), along with a rather ominous-looking black GAZ-21R Volga (Ixo for Russian DeAgostini) that seems to have doubled back, the driver (who's gotten out after putting it in park) wearing a fedora and a trench coat and not seeming very happy to say the least. The KGB missed their target today, it would seem. :007) B-)
What we do with these little cars in an interesting subject, I think. I kind of imagined the purist car-centric to be at the extreme edge (not you Dalko) the sort of guy who possibly has no interest in Bond whatsoever, and probably wants the car as part of a themed collection, all Mercs maybe. Equally, at the opposite end I suspect there are probably purist Bond memorabilia collectors out there who have no interest in cars at all, but have to own anything Bond related. I reckon there's a bit of that in all of us here to greater or lesser degrees, especially when you consider things like the Bondola on the Bond side of things. How many of us would have bought an ordinary model of a gondola in a shop or online?
I would definitely agree that there's an "extremist fringe" on either side of Bond-Centric and Car-Centric. Still, a Merc-themed collector would probably eschew the car for being badged wrong (or just remove the letter "L" from the "450 SEL" logo). They might swap out the windshield for one from the older Ixo M-B partwork, though. "Damaged" cars actually have quite a following amongst modelists, so long as the damage is believeable as road damage/dents/dings. Why? Because making your own dents on something even as inexpensive as an Ixo model is a risky proposition. If you mess up (and you more likely will than won't), you're out $20. Remember Vanguards and then Corgi Vanguards "Hidden Treasures" series that consisted of British cars either rusting to powder, dirty, or bashed up? I have the complete series and have gotten about six offers to buy up the whole thing plus the remake of the Ford Transit with graffiti. I've turned down every one of those offers. "Pre-bashed-up" cars are collected around here, I think, because of the near-unlimited potential they offer to create your own diorama. I don't think it's a coincidence, either, that the La Route Bleue Simca 9 Aronde (i.e. with scrape marks on the fender) gets bought up real fast every time one comes up for sale on eBay with shipping to the United States available.
I COULD see people having issues with maybe the GF Mustang with one weird side cut (although I've found it works fine as a car that's been side-swiped) and definitely the Lada 1500 cut in half (even though I found a pretty humorous use for that one dangling off the edge of a cliff!), but the rest? For the most part, not really. Maybe some of the Bond-exclusive entities, like "Auric Stud Farms" from the '64 Ford Country Squire and "Whyte Tectronics" from the 1972 Ford Econoline, plus the '73 Chevy Nova with the San Monique Police logo would dissuade a few buyers, but on the whole, I'd see that buying demographic simply Code 3'ing the cars to remove whatever logo is there. Of course, cars that I would I accept like the DB5 sporting gadgets would probably be not very high on the list of any "extremist" Car-Centric.
Funny you bring up the Bondola. When I saw how badly stunted in terms of scale the Bondola was, I was immediately turned off to any thoughts of buying it. BUT, there ARE certain cars I'd buy because of Bond association alone, believe it or not (many of the 1990's-present day cars would otherwise hold very little appeal), albeit definitely not many.
Just had an email from the James Bond Car Collection. The jist being as I am a former subscriber would i like to complete a survey. The survey centres around a number of partworks anticipated with one being targeted at the adult collector and a number for children. The adult one would seem to be a collection of super cars bugatti veyron, DB9, McLaren Mercedes etc etc. The other being 'Disney Cars'. Both I think would be good collections.
I telephoned to clarify that I was in fact still a subcriber to be told yes 122/123 is on its way with a conclusion of 135. Not sure what to believe as I was told 140 was the conclusion which i posted before.
So that would leave 12 to go winding things up for Christmas if they get them out two per month.
I telephoned to clarify that I was in fact still a subcriber to be told yes 122/123 is on its way with a conclusion of 135. Not sure what to believe as I was told 140 was the conclusion which i posted before.
In that case, you're not alone. The distributors have also gotten answers of BOTH "135" and "140" as concluding the collection. Further, they're wondering (and I'm wondering...) what the heck is going on regarding the release dates and if/when they'll catch up to the subscribers now because they're still on the old schedule of one car per month (I've been told 122 is going to be released on August 9)! One dealer flat out told me "they're going to slow down again", another said "we'll get caught up following the Mercedes-Benz 200D".
Well subscribers here seem to be getting a consistent story though the survey seems to be different to the one I got that just covered individual cars hinting at another build your own model for hundreds of pounds. If they really are thinking of a Disney series then xmas would be when they wanted to start so that makes 135even more likely.
Just had an email from the James Bond Car Collection. The jist being as I am a former subscriber would i like to complete a survey. The survey centres around a number of partworks anticipated with one being targeted at the adult collector and a number for children. The adult one would seem to be a collection of super cars bugatti veyron, DB9, McLaren Mercedes etc etc. The other being 'Disney Cars'. Both I think would be good collections.
I telephoned to clarify that I was in fact still a subcriber to be told yes 122/123 is on its way with a conclusion of 135. Not sure what to believe as I was told 140 was the conclusion which i posted before.
So that would leave 12 to go winding things up for Christmas if they get them out two per month.
Hello, I was sent that survey too. I was only given the questions about the sports car collection, as I answered that I don't have children. What sorts of things were in the Disney collection please? All the best.
If they really are thinking of a Disney series then xmas would be when they wanted to start so that makes 135even more likely.
I don't think that a Disney car series has to affect the JBCC - I still believe we could see the JBCC going on to issue 140 or 150. I still hope we will see the FRWL and OHMSS Royces and the LTK Lincoln Mk VII.
If Eaglemoss starts a Disney collection it will first only be tested for a few issues. This could be done before christmas but also in parallel to the JBCC. A Disney series will be aimed at children, and while there are many TV/film character toy collectors that will buy the Disney cars as well as the James Bond cars, I don't think the overlap is as large as that of the JBCC and the 1/8 Aston. Eaglemoss tested a Batmobile collection a year ago, and this too did not stop the JBCC.
On a side note, I took a closer look at Eaglemoss's Opel Collection models that are sold alongside the JBCC in central Europe. Like the JBCC the Opels are from Ixo but I found the finish much better than Ixo's JBCC models. I have inspected the Opels but didn't find the same problems with the paint (I have seen - and therefore not bought - Impala Custom Coupes with silver blobs of paint on the white roof) or the fit of the add-on parts like wipers and mirrors. The Opels are much more carefully manufactured - and they retail for one euro less than the JBCC (though they just come on a standard base and without any figures).
Interesting that Eaglemoss does "specials" here which some of the JBCC collectors (including me) would have liked to see in the JBCC. The Opel collection includes some Opel Blitz lorries which are not part of the subscription but can be bought additionally for a higher price (€19.99 instead €12.99). I would have bought some of such JBCC specials if they had been available. I think of the Kenworth truck and tanker trailer, or Scaramanga's AMC complete with wings, or the Acrostar with its horse trailer. Perhaps even the LALD double decker bus would have been possible. Missed opportunities.
Yes, although interestingly enough, Eaglemoss is doing the Opel partwork in collaboration with Altaya, who typically let Ixo do whatever it wants to do, so there might be a bit of apples and oranges in terms of who's actually running the project despite being the same parent company (if I recall correctly, Altaya actually started it solo, too, thus keeping the same guys in charge of the partwork...I have a feeling this happened with Eaglemoss and G.E. Fabbri as well; although I can't prove it, it would explain some of the really radical differences from the same manufacturer). Plus, as you mentioned, there's the standard base and photographs of the original cars are undoubtedly far easier to get. Also, the reason Eaglemoss does specials for the Opel Collection is because you still have the old Altaya guys running the partwork. Different bunch of brains, plus licensing costs, considering you're doing what amounts to exclusively Opels, would be pretty low.
The Opel collection includes some Opel Blitz lorries which are not part of the subscription but can be bought additionally for a higher price (€19.99 instead €12.99). I would have bought some of such JBCC specials if they had been available. I think of the Kenworth truck and tanker trailer, or Scaramanga's AMC complete with wings, or the Acrostar with its horse trailer. Perhaps even the LALD double decker bus would have been possible. Missed opportunities.
Thing is, I have some of the Opel Blitz trucks (not all). For the largest example, the dimensions are (roughly) 13cm long, 5cm wide, and 6cm tall. A Scaramanga flying car would be AT LEAST 19cm long (I'm literally using a 1/48 scale Polikarpov I-16 with really, really stubby wings to get that measurement...it was probably considerably wider), my 1/50 scale Solido double-decker bus is just over 16 cm long, just over 4 cm wide, and maybe 6 or 7 cm tall assuming it's been cut in half (and that's if it remains 1/50 scale...), the Kenworth cab falls within the realm of feasibility (and it did have a big role) but the actual fuel tank doesn't, although I do imagine a horse trailer with a concealed Acrostar would be feasible by "guesstimating" the measurements of the trailer seen on the screen.
But to do even the feasible ones save perhaps the Acrostar trailer, we first have to assume that none of these can come on a base. Building up the base would add approximately 1.5 cm in height, which, as you'll see below, would prove problematic for even a 1/50 scale bus. It would also impact the Kenworth.
The largest vehicle Ixo has made so far has been its ROMAN Diesel 10.FFP.1 Refrigerated Van, which came with no moulding in the (very thin) base to provide for even a plastic top (it just had two plastic halves protecting the truck). Its dimensions were 21 cm long, 6.5 cm wide (the KrAZ-256 dump truck, which is 7 cm wide, is the widest that Ixo has done, actually), and 9 cm tall. Part of the Atlas DDR Nutzfahrzeuge Kollektion, a number actually wound up sustaining damage because the packaging was too small...with it being designed for about 18 cm-long trucks that are about 8 cm high at maximum (in fairness, you could probably get in 9 cm worth of width in there). In other words, even if you make the LALD bus 1/50 scale, you're pushing it regarding length, especially if you attempt a 1/43 scale model. A Scaramanga flying car is just flat out not possible, even with a Polikarpov I-16's stubby little wings. You COULD get away with the Kenworth as a bonus issue, so long as you stuck to the cab and had a smokestack that either snapped or screwed into place, and likewise the Acrostar's trailer (although remember, Issue 99 didn't have a trailer hitch). Beyond that, though? I don't think it could be done.
EDITED TO ADD:
I don't think that a Disney car series has to affect the JBCC - I still believe we could see the JBCC going on to issue 140 or 150. I still hope we will see the FRWL and OHMSS Royces and the LTK Lincoln Mk VII.
If Eaglemoss starts a Disney collection it will first only be tested for a few issues. This could be done before christmas but also in parallel to the JBCC. A Disney series will be aimed at children, and while there are many TV/film character toy collectors that will buy the Disney cars as well as the James Bond cars, I don't think the overlap is as large as that of the JBCC and the 1/8 Aston. Eaglemoss tested a Batmobile collection a year ago, and this too did not stop the JBCC.
I agree with the entirety of your second paragraph...in no way does the JBCC have to be impacted by the release of another partwork because you'd likely get a different manufacturer, for one (in other words, Ixo would just keep right on going doing the JBCC). However, I do believe the collection will end at 135.
After the backlash following the two extensions that's only gotten worse from subscribers (including many dropping subscriptions altogether after Issue 110), I could see the partwork almost totally losing sight of Bond if it goes past 135 and just pandering to the Car-Centrics with the exception of anything that may turn up in SF (although I still agree with maz that licensing costs are likely through the roof/an extension probably would not include many extra SF cars). That kills off the subscriber base and basically turns it into a completely secondary-market partwork. Although I too would LOVE to see the three cars you mention, at this point, I have doubts that even Eaglemoss wants to keep the partwork going.
Think of it this way: Eaglemoss was likely anticipating a steep drop in subscriptions once they hit 110. As such, they tailored their list to be very Car-Centric and therefore sell via the secondary market. If they announce another sizeable extension, you get an even-more-ticked-off subscriber base, which therefore forces them to anticipate another dropoff in subscriptions and make even more Car-Centric/Broad Appeal/Cross-Genre Appeal cars. If they do it, yes, you'll see the two aforementioned Rollers and the Lincoln, I'm sure, plus the cars I mentioned earlier. And the LTK Mercury Grand Marquis. And the FRWL Dodge Custom Royal since it gets multiple seconds of screen time, we get a nice shot of it, and we do after all see it move. And some other stuff that would quite frankly barely qualify for the collection but would be awesome to have as a Car-Centric. But then, that would alienate most subscribers. Frankly, at that point, it would basically become a Bond partwork in name only if they want to keep profiting off the collection. I say end it at 135.
Just going off on a tangent, some of those Opel Collection models (and other Ixo-sourced ex-partwork 1/43 models) have been recently appearing on the market in different colours to the partwork releases under the tradename of White Box (or WhiteBox). Something else to keep the factories busy, I guess!
Issues 1 and 2 of the JBCC were sold on large cardboard bases that were 40x30 cm. For the specials they could also provide bases in the size. True, a diorama for the tanker truck or the flying AMC would be too large and heavy but just the models in a blister pack similar to the gifts would be possible. The size of the magazine does not have to be the limit for the size of the model.
Slightly off-topic (is it?): I have just noticed that HPI have released the white Toyota 2000GT convertible in their Mirage resine range. Have to say that, for the first time with HPI, the price is beyond what I would be willing to pay. $140 (incl. shipping) - no, I will not buy this and wait if I get it cheaper some day ... Guess I have to make do with the JBCC, Minichamps, Kyosho and Ebbro version for a while.
Issues 1 and 2 of the JBCC were sold on large cardboard bases that were 40x30 cm.
Fair enough, but those were issues 1 and 2. We now have a new manufacturer with different-sized bases to work from and while I'm convinced we have the same marketing people, we also do have a new company in control of the partwork. Here's one thing to remember: Eaglemoss holds 20% ownership of Altaya, if memory serves, which they just happened to purchase. I find it highly likely that Altaya, which encouraged the buy, farmed out the Opel partwork to Eaglemoss to perhaps make room for something else. Contrast this to Eaglemoss conducting what amounted to a hostile takeover of G.E. Fabbri. If you're Eaglemoss, who do you give freer reign over your partworks: the guys who actually told you "hey, come on and buy 20% of us!" or the guys you just got in a hostile takeover? Altaya has also, as stated, always had good relations with Ixo and typically goes to them first before any other maker. On the other hand, Fabbri switched from U.H. to Ixo basically because they were the only game in town. That might have an affect on relations.
True, a diorama for the tanker truck or the flying AMC would be too large and heavy but just the models in a blister pack similar to the gifts would be possible.
For the record, I would absolutely love to see a 1/43 scale full Kenworth tractor-trailer, although I'm no getting my hopes up. However, I still contend that even with assembly required, a Scaramanga flying AMC Matador Coupe is impossible. A more likely wingspan might be of the model Cessna 182 I built, where you have (roughly) 30 cm wingspan. Increase that to 1/43 scale and your wingspan suddenly becomes impractically large for even Ixo's partwork model airplanes.
Guess I have to make do with the JBCC, Minichamps, Kyosho and Ebbro version for a while.
I have the Ebbro prototype (which is beautiful), Ebbro production model (unfortunately in red, not the classic white), and Kyosho Bond car. Any particular recommendation among these makers?
Just had an email from the James Bond Car Collection. The jist being as I am a former subscriber would i like to complete a survey. The survey centres around a number of partworks anticipated with one being targeted at the adult collector and a number for children. The adult one would seem to be a collection of super cars bugatti veyron, DB9, McLaren Mercedes etc etc. The other being 'Disney Cars'. Both I think would be good collections.
I telephoned to clarify that I was in fact still a subcriber to be told yes 122/123 is on its way with a conclusion of 135. Not sure what to believe as I was told 140 was the conclusion which i posted before.
So that would leave 12 to go winding things up for Christmas if they get them out two per month.
Hello, I was sent that survey too. I was only given the questions about the sports car collection, as I answered that I don't have children. What sorts of things were in the Disney collection please? All the best.
No details other than 'Cars' , the other kids collection was scooby doo and ben 10.
BTW I strongly believe the collection will be incomplete without LALD AEC REgent and the LTK Kenworth Tanker both key vehicles in two very popular bond films.
Many moons ago I was keen for GEFabbri to supply the specials that were promised away back in Jan 2007. This could be an opportunity to make these specials as the collection comes to its conclusion. I would also be willing to buy these in addition to the regular models. They could be offered at a discount to loyal regular subscribers and rrp to others.
I have also suggested they do away with some of the forthcoming releases and offer these larger vehicles as double issues in say 1.50 to compliment the Tank .
My suggestion release as planned upto 135
136/137 AEC BUS
138/139 Kenworth Tanker
140 Vanish
Dalko, I don't expect any of these suggested specials to ever materialize. That's why I wrote "Missed opportunities". I just find it strange that you find reason after reason why something just wouldn't work. I mean, the wings for the AMC could be separate from the center section and the tail wings another piece to simply clip in (like the Acrostar from Suntory which fits inside a box a third of its size) - I just don't see the reason why it could not have been done. Why should the size of the bases from issues 1 or 2 not be possible on some later special issue from a different manufacturer? It's just a stupid cardboard that is printed elsewhere anyway (the Eaglemoss Batmobiles - from Ixo? - were also supplied on such large cardboard bases). It has nothing to do with the Eaglemoss/GE Fabbri takeover or switching to Ixo or Altaya or whatever names I forgot to mention here.
"They" just chose not to offer any specials or "they" could have done the wing assembly as a subscriber gift when "they" expanded the collection once more. The New Ray 1/43 Kenworth trucks - with trailer - are sold for around $15 and the boxes are not oversized. The truck could well be supplied on a "special" cardboard base of 30x40 cm for a "special" price.
Dalko can answer for himself but I think expecting any great effort to go into making a model with multisection wings is unlikely. Apart from anything else the number of returns when people break them assembling them is likely to be high and that will put off Eaglemoss on its own let alone the effort needed in design by IXO. Yes could be done. No, they just won't make the effort. Indeed if they were thinking of doing a "super collectibles" series at a premium price they would be starting the marketing rumours any day now to drum up interest.
On the Eaglemoss Opel series: I have a couple and yes they are much better made and detailed then JBCC on the other hand they are sold for a higher price.
I think 135 and out on a whimper is what we can look forward to. Doesn't have to be but I don't think Eaglemoss have their heart in it. They took over a Fabbri series with contracts already agreed with IXO and have probably kept it going as long as contracts with suppliers lasted. I suspect that they were committed to IXO up to 135 and had options on 135-140 but simply haven't taken them up. Look on their web site they have few car part works and with a tie up with Altaya it may be that they will rationalise into Eaglemoss for general collections and Altaya who are very well established in the car partwork field doing the cars.
Yes, there have definitely been "missed opportunities", as you say RW. The change in ownership of GEF did most likely play a role in that. It's certainly been a while since "JohnSteed", GEF project manager for the JBCC and the 1:8 DB5, gave us any information (November 2010, on p.86 of this thread) - one wonders if he even still works for EM/GEF, given the changes.
I find that I am once again suffering from "collector fatigue" as far as this partwork goes, which the slow-down in deliveries in my country hasn't helped (currently waiting for Issue 100).
It seems that the majority on this forum are favour of the series ending at Issue 135 - but it would be a fair deduction that EM/GEF are keeping their options open to 140, perhaps first seeing how the demand goes around the time of the release of SF before deciding whether to call it a day.
Now if Altaya/Eaglemoss were to launch the "Ford Collection" partwork, that would hook me right back in (because I don't see any other partwork theme getting that right!) - with the potential to exceed even the JBCC in number of issues!
On that topic, I believe that GEF's "The Star Trek Fact File" is the longest running partwork with 304 issues.
In the partwork type of the JBCC (a complete model with every magazine), I believe the French version of Hatchette's "Century Of Cars" went to 210 issues (1999-2007). I doubt the JBCC is going to top that ... at least, let's hope not!
I'm pretty sure the 'Disney cars' mentioned in the JBCC questionnaire actually refers to the Pixar movies 'Cars' and 'Cars2', not the various vehicles that have appeared in Disney movies like Herbie for instance. The Pixar Cars vehicles have already been done to death like 'Thomas the Tank Engine' so a partwork based on them would probably fail miserably.
In terms of a follow up to JBCC, I agree with FACT that a Ford partwork might take my interest PROVIDED it isn't just rolling out the same old Mustangs (sorry JJS) T-Birds and Euro Fords such as Taunuses (or is that Tauni?) that we see so much of. Failing that, they ought to think about TV related cars as I mentioned before, the licencing would be complicated but not as crushingly expensive as movie related car licences tend to be.
As for a new 1.8 'kit' partwork, there's only one vehicle that could possibly generate the same interest as the Bond DB5, and that's the classic TV Adam West Batmobile complete with jet engine and bat-gadgets. With that in mind, a 1.43 partwork could actually be based on the Batmobile and 'villain-mobiles', I believe the DC Comics artists came up with a new Batmobile design about once every 2-3 years since the comic started, so there are far more variations that could be created than most people realise.
Back to big-scale 'kit' models, another possibility is the Star Trek movie 'Enterprise' which would key in nicely with the upcoming Star Trek ships series. A 1.8 scale model might not be too feasible even for those of us with big cupboards, but a 2ft/ 60cm highly detailed model with opening features would be tempting for many sci-fi fans, I reckon.
In terms of a follow up to JBCC, I agree with FACT that a Ford partwork might take my interest PROVIDED it isn't just rolling out the same old Mustangs (sorry JJS) T-Birds and Euro Fords such as Taunuses (or is that Tauni?) that we see so much of.
Don't worry, I know exactly what you mean. I have sixteen(!) 1/18 scale first-gen Ford Mustang models, all with different wheels. combining that with the Shelby Mustangs, Twister Special, GT390 "Bullit", and all the other specials they made of er the years you could fill an entire 100-part collection with mustangs alone! )
It's interesting to see what the various publishers think might be viable.
Fascinating link - I had no idea there had actually been some thought on a Batmobile series. Were the ones shown actually released?
The American classics look interesting too. Why don't these guys post links on forums like this to questionnaires asking the opinions of people who follow partworks? Do they assume their only customers are direct subscribers?
Fascinating link - I had no idea there had actually been some thought on a Batmobile series. Were the ones shown actually released?
They were also tested in some areas in the UK from March 2011 - http://www.eaglemoss.com/batmobiles/
I have bought the first two (1989 and 1966) quite cheap from France but the Tumbler was too expensive for my taste. The other two are comic versions which I am not interested in. It seems that the test wasn't too successful as more than a year has now passed. Doesn't surprise me really as Corgi made lots of different Batman and villain vehicles which could be found on the shelves for years gathering dust.
Regarding a big-scale Batmobile: A 1/6 (!) version of the 1966 has just been revealed on the San Diego Comic Con from "Hot Toys". Guess a 1/8 kit version where you have two wait two years to complete it is now obsolete.
Fascinating link - I had no idea there had actually been some thought on a Batmobile series. Were the ones shown actually released?
They were also tested in some areas in the UK from March 2011 - http://www.eaglemoss.com/batmobiles/
I have bought the first two (1989 and 1966) quite cheap from France but the Tumbler was too expensive for my taste. The other two are comic versions which I am not interested in. It seems that the test wasn't too successful as more than a year has now passed. Doesn't surprise me really as Corgi made lots of different Batman and villain vehicles which could be found on the shelves for years gathering dust.
Regarding a big-scale Batmobile: A 1/6 (!) version of the 1966 has just been revealed on the San Diego Comic Con from "Hot Toys". Guess a 1/8 kit version where you have two wait two years to complete it is now obsolete.
Oh well. Sounds like it's all been done then. I think the people at EMFabbri had better start looking for new jobs unless they can come up with some better ideas for new partworks As for us, anybody fancy taking up stamp collecting once the JBCC comes to a close?
Many moons ago I was keen for GEFabbri to supply the specials that were promised away back in Jan 2007.
One problem: G.E. Fabbri isn't running the works anymore. We have to examine Eaglemoss' business practices since the final decisions on everything would ultimately rest with them, even if Fabbri's brains are still running the partwork.
I mean, the wings for the AMC could be separate from the center section and the tail wings another piece to simply clip in (like the Acrostar from Suntory which fits inside a box a third of its size) - I just don't see the reason why it could not have been done.
Firstly, I do apologize for misunderstanding you regarding still expecting these models vs. lamenting. However, I do believe some of my points still stand. For one, Ixo is many things, but one thing it isn't is big on models that require any serious form of extra assembly save maybe one part the screws in or screws on. Maz said it best...Ixo would just flat-out not make any effort at detachable/composite wing designs. One early complaint about La Route Bleue (and I think this was the Simca Trianon with the hood up), believe it or not, was that no parts moved and you couldn't do something as basic as close a hood that was basically already hinged. If they kept on doing that in LRB as well as pretty much every other partwork involving dioramas, they wouldn't do a much more complex type thing with "strip-down" wings.
It's just a stupid cardboard that is printed elsewhere anyway (the Eaglemoss Batmobiles - from Ixo? - were also supplied on such large cardboard bases)
The cardboard may be printed elsewhere, but the base itself is moulded/designed by the same company. The largest base Ixo has thus far done is the one mentioned with the Atlas DDR Nutzfahrzeuge Kollektion. Also, isn't Norev doing the Batmobiles on modifications of their 1/18 scale bases (with Ixo only testing the waters regarding 1/18 scale at the moment)?
It has nothing to do with the Eaglemoss/GE Fabbri takeover or switching to Ixo or Altaya or whatever names I forgot to mention here.
Yes it does. By definition, there would have been personnel changes, else the company would still be G.E. Fabbri in its old form. The final decisions still reside with the management, which is now controlled by Eaglemoss.
The New Ray 1/43 Kenworth trucks - with trailer - are sold for around $15 and the boxes are not oversized. The truck could well be supplied on a "special" cardboard base of 30x40 cm for a "special" price.
Three things...
1) Eaglemoss is not contracting with New Ray, which does not share moulds with Ixo (when Ixo wants to dump one of their moulds, they typically go to Hongwell or Amercom).
2) The New Ray models actually have to be modified quite a bit to get the same Kenworth that we see in the film, to say nothing of New Ray being able to market 1/43 scale trucks for $15 for a reason having to do with detail.
3) By default, that means Ixo has to do their own mould.
Yes, there have definitely been "missed opportunities", as you say RW. The change in ownership of GEF did most likely play a role in that. It's certainly been a while since "JohnSteed", GEF project manager for the JBCC and the 1:8 DB5, gave us any information (November 2010, on p.86 of this thread) - one wonders if he even still works for EM/GEF, given the changes.
I find that I am once again suffering from "collector fatigue" as far as this partwork goes, which the slow-down in deliveries in my country hasn't helped (currently waiting for Issue 100).
It seems that the majority on this forum are favour of the series ending at Issue 135 - but it would be a fair deduction that EM/GEF are keeping their options open to 140, perhaps first seeing how the demand goes around the time of the release of SF before deciding whether to call it a day.
Once again, I find myself in agreement with you. Fabbri's marketing strategy was pretty different (and that's an understatement before about Issue 95) than Eaglemoss' marketing strategy (in other words, no extreme focus on the secondary market that basically killed off any chances for things like the horse trailer and quite possibly the Kenworth). I still contend a flying Matador was impossible, but I'm also still convinced Universal Hobbies in conjunction with G.E. Fabbri had a prototype LALD "decapitated" bus, said prototype looked horrible (this being a post-Ford Edge model, when with the exception of the GF Rolls-Royce Phantom III, UH could basically do no right with the possible exception of the Osprey 5 Hovercraft), and then Fabbri just had to make up an excuse (I'm still convinced that the whole "7/7 prevented it" thing was an excuse not to realse a horribly sub-par model).
I think 135 and out on a whimper is what we can look forward to. Doesn't have to be but I don't think Eaglemoss have their heart in it. They took over a Fabbri series with contracts already agreed with IXO and have probably kept it going as long as contracts with suppliers lasted. I suspect that they were committed to IXO up to 135 and had options on 135-140 but simply haven't taken them up. Look on their web site they have few car part works and with a tie up with Altaya it may be that they will rationalise into Eaglemoss for general collections and Altaya who are very well established in the car partwork field doing the cars.
I agree with this paragraph, extremely strongly with regard to the first through fourth sentences.
Okay, to digress from the debate, I have some news for fellow non-subscribers. The guy I get my cars from/my personal dealer told me he THINKS he'll get the Mercedes-Benz 200D in stock on or around July 25, which would mean that the large-scale distributors are also switching to the new schedule. But he also told me he didn't believe Ixo could or would stick to the new schedule for the dealers "unless they've already got the cars manufactured or at least completely ready to make". It's his opinion that the schedule is an effort to get back in the good graces of subscribers, albeit he does not think it will last UNLESS there are what he called periods of "slowing down and starting up" periodically, meaning reverting to the old schedule when needed and then speeding back up when needed. He is a dealer and he does NOT share my Car-Centric views, so I thought this neutral perspective might bring something to the table.
Comments
SWJ, terrific job on those cars! Also...
"Silver Wraith - FRWL
Dodge Polara - YOLT
Ford Galaxie - DAF
VW Karmann Ghia - Octopussy
Lincoln - LTK
Phantom V - LTK"
I would go with the 1971 1302 Beetle over the Karmann Ghia for OP simply because we never really get that good a look at the Karmann Ghia, but the rest of these would all be great choices, particularly the 1987 Lincoln Mk. VII Coupe from LTK (it was an '87 and not an '88, right? Either way, it's the only time I can recall in the entire series Bond picking out a Lincoln as his ride...). Would also add in the DN 1961 Chevrolet Impala Sport Sedan (Felix's car), OHMSS Rolls-Royce "Proto-Corniche" Convertible, and GE UAZ-31512 4x4.
I reckon this is a case of 'It ain't over until the fat lady sings'. I've spoken to Database each month ever since the collection started, and they officially confirmed every predicted issue stop number going - "it'll definitely finish at 40, 60, 110, 130" - you name it. To be honest, I really don't think the operatives there actually know much more than we do. The official end number needs to be announced in writing to subscribers by EMFabbri for it to be believed. Personally, I think if any more IXO moulds can be identified as possible Bond cars, the series will keep going. For instance, if memory serves, someone pointed out that the Skyfall modern Beetle already exists in IXO's catalogue in the correct movie vehicle colour?? If so, wouldn't it be a wasted opportunity not to issue it as number 136 at least? And I'm sure there's more.
Dalko, I agree about the Goldeneye UAZ, it's a well known 'Cold War' movie/TV series type vehicle and ought to be included. After all, most of the Bond movies are either directly related to, or make some reference to the Cold War.
But I've been wrong before so we probably won't know till they send a letter or no models have been issued for a month
My 2cents are that I would prefer it to go on to say 150 with a whole hill of Skyfall cars included. I remain happy. No utter dud releases for a while in my opinion.
On the partwork theme, I had an email link from the JBCC inviting me to take part in a questionnaire related to future possible partworks. Mostly it was to do with childrens' series but one question was about which 'super car' interested me the most (DB9, Veyron, AMG Merc etc) so I presume they are considering another 1.8 scale model kit. From my own point of view, I've never collected a die-cast partwork before and probably won't again unless the models are as incredibly diverse and interesting as the JBCC. I don't fancy a room full of taxis or rally cars unfortunately. I do wonder if EMFabbri have kept this series running so long because they may have tapped into a large and unusual market of moviegoers and car-nuts the like of which they probably haven't seen before and may not again. It will be a hard one to follow as they say.
Not for me, actually. I actually have it being used in a crash scene.
To be perfectly honest, I think that might be the only reason this one's been going for so long. Most of the truly "dual and equal appeal" Car-Centric/Bond-Centric issues came before roughly Issue 50 or 60. After that, you had what basically amounted to alternating issues, although they weren't QUITE as radically alternating between Bond-Centric and Car-Centric as you saw after, say, Issue 80. Now that we're past Issue 120, I think Eaglemoss and Ixo quite frankly had to make a choice and they chose what was logically the more profitable of the two using their secondary-market marketing strategy; i.e., Car-Centric/Broad Appeal/Cross-Genre Appeal vehicles.
I couldn't have worded this entire post any better. This reflects my views down to a T.
To be honest, I'm wondering if we do wind up seeing this one. Both Eaglemoss and Ixo have reaped huge profits off of the East Bloc releases...and so did Fabbri and U.H., for that matter! Your average reputable former East Bloc hobby shop has the East Bloc and former East Bloc issues starting for about $45 USD, and that's not including shipping. They sell within the next three days, too, on average. And, as I said, you could probably make the case that more than any East Bloc or former East Bloc car (including Jack Wade's ZAZ-965A Zaporozhets, since the UAZ-31512 and related [earlier engine design] UAZ-469B appeared in EVERY SINGLE BROSNAN BOND FILM), it was the single most important of the East Bloc vehicles that did appear, both based on screen time and number of action scenes involving one.
I thought you might do that! In my mind's eye I see the Merc being used as transport in a covert operation to smuggle someone or something across a border/checkpoint. But the whole thing goes horribly wrong when a minor accident attracts the attention of some heavies in a VAZ 2106 - how did I do on a scale of 1-10? B-)
What we do with these little cars in an interesting subject, I think. I kind of imagined the purist car-centric to be at the extreme edge (not you Dalko) the sort of guy who possibly has no interest in Bond whatsoever, and probably wants the car as part of a themed collection, all Mercs maybe. Equally, at the opposite end I suspect there are probably purist Bond memorabilia collectors out there who have no interest in cars at all, but have to own anything Bond related. I reckon there's a bit of that in all of us here to greater or lesser degrees, especially when you consider things like the Bondola on the Bond side of things. How many of us would have bought an ordinary model of a gondola in a shop or online?
Wow, I guess I'm fairly predictable, you're fairly good, or both!
I would definitely agree that there's an "extremist fringe" on either side of Bond-Centric and Car-Centric. Still, a Merc-themed collector would probably eschew the car for being badged wrong (or just remove the letter "L" from the "450 SEL" logo). They might swap out the windshield for one from the older Ixo M-B partwork, though. "Damaged" cars actually have quite a following amongst modelists, so long as the damage is believeable as road damage/dents/dings. Why? Because making your own dents on something even as inexpensive as an Ixo model is a risky proposition. If you mess up (and you more likely will than won't), you're out $20. Remember Vanguards and then Corgi Vanguards "Hidden Treasures" series that consisted of British cars either rusting to powder, dirty, or bashed up? I have the complete series and have gotten about six offers to buy up the whole thing plus the remake of the Ford Transit with graffiti. I've turned down every one of those offers. "Pre-bashed-up" cars are collected around here, I think, because of the near-unlimited potential they offer to create your own diorama. I don't think it's a coincidence, either, that the La Route Bleue Simca 9 Aronde (i.e. with scrape marks on the fender) gets bought up real fast every time one comes up for sale on eBay with shipping to the United States available.
I COULD see people having issues with maybe the GF Mustang with one weird side cut (although I've found it works fine as a car that's been side-swiped) and definitely the Lada 1500 cut in half (even though I found a pretty humorous use for that one dangling off the edge of a cliff!), but the rest? For the most part, not really. Maybe some of the Bond-exclusive entities, like "Auric Stud Farms" from the '64 Ford Country Squire and "Whyte Tectronics" from the 1972 Ford Econoline, plus the '73 Chevy Nova with the San Monique Police logo would dissuade a few buyers, but on the whole, I'd see that buying demographic simply Code 3'ing the cars to remove whatever logo is there. Of course, cars that I would I accept like the DB5 sporting gadgets would probably be not very high on the list of any "extremist" Car-Centric.
Funny you bring up the Bondola. When I saw how badly stunted in terms of scale the Bondola was, I was immediately turned off to any thoughts of buying it. BUT, there ARE certain cars I'd buy because of Bond association alone, believe it or not (many of the 1990's-present day cars would otherwise hold very little appeal), albeit definitely not many.
I telephoned to clarify that I was in fact still a subcriber to be told yes 122/123 is on its way with a conclusion of 135. Not sure what to believe as I was told 140 was the conclusion which i posted before.
So that would leave 12 to go winding things up for Christmas if they get them out two per month.
In that case, you're not alone. The distributors have also gotten answers of BOTH "135" and "140" as concluding the collection. Further, they're wondering (and I'm wondering...) what the heck is going on regarding the release dates and if/when they'll catch up to the subscribers now because they're still on the old schedule of one car per month (I've been told 122 is going to be released on August 9)! One dealer flat out told me "they're going to slow down again", another said "we'll get caught up following the Mercedes-Benz 200D".
Hello, I was sent that survey too. I was only given the questions about the sports car collection, as I answered that I don't have children. What sorts of things were in the Disney collection please? All the best.
If Eaglemoss starts a Disney collection it will first only be tested for a few issues. This could be done before christmas but also in parallel to the JBCC. A Disney series will be aimed at children, and while there are many TV/film character toy collectors that will buy the Disney cars as well as the James Bond cars, I don't think the overlap is as large as that of the JBCC and the 1/8 Aston. Eaglemoss tested a Batmobile collection a year ago, and this too did not stop the JBCC.
On a side note, I took a closer look at Eaglemoss's Opel Collection models that are sold alongside the JBCC in central Europe. Like the JBCC the Opels are from Ixo but I found the finish much better than Ixo's JBCC models. I have inspected the Opels but didn't find the same problems with the paint (I have seen - and therefore not bought - Impala Custom Coupes with silver blobs of paint on the white roof) or the fit of the add-on parts like wipers and mirrors. The Opels are much more carefully manufactured - and they retail for one euro less than the JBCC (though they just come on a standard base and without any figures).
Interesting that Eaglemoss does "specials" here which some of the JBCC collectors (including me) would have liked to see in the JBCC. The Opel collection includes some Opel Blitz lorries which are not part of the subscription but can be bought additionally for a higher price (€19.99 instead €12.99). I would have bought some of such JBCC specials if they had been available. I think of the Kenworth truck and tanker trailer, or Scaramanga's AMC complete with wings, or the Acrostar with its horse trailer. Perhaps even the LALD double decker bus would have been possible. Missed opportunities.
Yes, although interestingly enough, Eaglemoss is doing the Opel partwork in collaboration with Altaya, who typically let Ixo do whatever it wants to do, so there might be a bit of apples and oranges in terms of who's actually running the project despite being the same parent company (if I recall correctly, Altaya actually started it solo, too, thus keeping the same guys in charge of the partwork...I have a feeling this happened with Eaglemoss and G.E. Fabbri as well; although I can't prove it, it would explain some of the really radical differences from the same manufacturer). Plus, as you mentioned, there's the standard base and photographs of the original cars are undoubtedly far easier to get. Also, the reason Eaglemoss does specials for the Opel Collection is because you still have the old Altaya guys running the partwork. Different bunch of brains, plus licensing costs, considering you're doing what amounts to exclusively Opels, would be pretty low.
Thing is, I have some of the Opel Blitz trucks (not all). For the largest example, the dimensions are (roughly) 13cm long, 5cm wide, and 6cm tall. A Scaramanga flying car would be AT LEAST 19cm long (I'm literally using a 1/48 scale Polikarpov I-16 with really, really stubby wings to get that measurement...it was probably considerably wider), my 1/50 scale Solido double-decker bus is just over 16 cm long, just over 4 cm wide, and maybe 6 or 7 cm tall assuming it's been cut in half (and that's if it remains 1/50 scale...), the Kenworth cab falls within the realm of feasibility (and it did have a big role) but the actual fuel tank doesn't, although I do imagine a horse trailer with a concealed Acrostar would be feasible by "guesstimating" the measurements of the trailer seen on the screen.
But to do even the feasible ones save perhaps the Acrostar trailer, we first have to assume that none of these can come on a base. Building up the base would add approximately 1.5 cm in height, which, as you'll see below, would prove problematic for even a 1/50 scale bus. It would also impact the Kenworth.
The largest vehicle Ixo has made so far has been its ROMAN Diesel 10.FFP.1 Refrigerated Van, which came with no moulding in the (very thin) base to provide for even a plastic top (it just had two plastic halves protecting the truck). Its dimensions were 21 cm long, 6.5 cm wide (the KrAZ-256 dump truck, which is 7 cm wide, is the widest that Ixo has done, actually), and 9 cm tall. Part of the Atlas DDR Nutzfahrzeuge Kollektion, a number actually wound up sustaining damage because the packaging was too small...with it being designed for about 18 cm-long trucks that are about 8 cm high at maximum (in fairness, you could probably get in 9 cm worth of width in there). In other words, even if you make the LALD bus 1/50 scale, you're pushing it regarding length, especially if you attempt a 1/43 scale model. A Scaramanga flying car is just flat out not possible, even with a Polikarpov I-16's stubby little wings. You COULD get away with the Kenworth as a bonus issue, so long as you stuck to the cab and had a smokestack that either snapped or screwed into place, and likewise the Acrostar's trailer (although remember, Issue 99 didn't have a trailer hitch). Beyond that, though? I don't think it could be done.
EDITED TO ADD:
I agree with the entirety of your second paragraph...in no way does the JBCC have to be impacted by the release of another partwork because you'd likely get a different manufacturer, for one (in other words, Ixo would just keep right on going doing the JBCC). However, I do believe the collection will end at 135.
After the backlash following the two extensions that's only gotten worse from subscribers (including many dropping subscriptions altogether after Issue 110), I could see the partwork almost totally losing sight of Bond if it goes past 135 and just pandering to the Car-Centrics with the exception of anything that may turn up in SF (although I still agree with maz that licensing costs are likely through the roof/an extension probably would not include many extra SF cars). That kills off the subscriber base and basically turns it into a completely secondary-market partwork. Although I too would LOVE to see the three cars you mention, at this point, I have doubts that even Eaglemoss wants to keep the partwork going.
Think of it this way: Eaglemoss was likely anticipating a steep drop in subscriptions once they hit 110. As such, they tailored their list to be very Car-Centric and therefore sell via the secondary market. If they announce another sizeable extension, you get an even-more-ticked-off subscriber base, which therefore forces them to anticipate another dropoff in subscriptions and make even more Car-Centric/Broad Appeal/Cross-Genre Appeal cars. If they do it, yes, you'll see the two aforementioned Rollers and the Lincoln, I'm sure, plus the cars I mentioned earlier. And the LTK Mercury Grand Marquis. And the FRWL Dodge Custom Royal since it gets multiple seconds of screen time, we get a nice shot of it, and we do after all see it move. And some other stuff that would quite frankly barely qualify for the collection but would be awesome to have as a Car-Centric. But then, that would alienate most subscribers. Frankly, at that point, it would basically become a Bond partwork in name only if they want to keep profiting off the collection. I say end it at 135.
Pretty much. Ixo will milk every cent it can from a design until there's no hope at all.
Slightly off-topic (is it?): I have just noticed that HPI have released the white Toyota 2000GT convertible in their Mirage resine range. Have to say that, for the first time with HPI, the price is beyond what I would be willing to pay. $140 (incl. shipping) - no, I will not buy this and wait if I get it cheaper some day ... Guess I have to make do with the JBCC, Minichamps, Kyosho and Ebbro version for a while.
Fair enough, but those were issues 1 and 2. We now have a new manufacturer with different-sized bases to work from and while I'm convinced we have the same marketing people, we also do have a new company in control of the partwork. Here's one thing to remember: Eaglemoss holds 20% ownership of Altaya, if memory serves, which they just happened to purchase. I find it highly likely that Altaya, which encouraged the buy, farmed out the Opel partwork to Eaglemoss to perhaps make room for something else. Contrast this to Eaglemoss conducting what amounted to a hostile takeover of G.E. Fabbri. If you're Eaglemoss, who do you give freer reign over your partworks: the guys who actually told you "hey, come on and buy 20% of us!" or the guys you just got in a hostile takeover? Altaya has also, as stated, always had good relations with Ixo and typically goes to them first before any other maker. On the other hand, Fabbri switched from U.H. to Ixo basically because they were the only game in town. That might have an affect on relations.
For the record, I would absolutely love to see a 1/43 scale full Kenworth tractor-trailer, although I'm no getting my hopes up. However, I still contend that even with assembly required, a Scaramanga flying AMC Matador Coupe is impossible. A more likely wingspan might be of the model Cessna 182 I built, where you have (roughly) 30 cm wingspan. Increase that to 1/43 scale and your wingspan suddenly becomes impractically large for even Ixo's partwork model airplanes.
I have the Ebbro prototype (which is beautiful), Ebbro production model (unfortunately in red, not the classic white), and Kyosho Bond car. Any particular recommendation among these makers?
No details other than 'Cars' , the other kids collection was scooby doo and ben 10.
BTW I strongly believe the collection will be incomplete without LALD AEC REgent and the LTK Kenworth Tanker both key vehicles in two very popular bond films.
Many moons ago I was keen for GEFabbri to supply the specials that were promised away back in Jan 2007. This could be an opportunity to make these specials as the collection comes to its conclusion. I would also be willing to buy these in addition to the regular models. They could be offered at a discount to loyal regular subscribers and rrp to others.
I have also suggested they do away with some of the forthcoming releases and offer these larger vehicles as double issues in say 1.50 to compliment the Tank .
My suggestion release as planned upto 135
136/137 AEC BUS
138/139 Kenworth Tanker
140 Vanish
Collection concludes
"They" just chose not to offer any specials or "they" could have done the wing assembly as a subscriber gift when "they" expanded the collection once more. The New Ray 1/43 Kenworth trucks - with trailer - are sold for around $15 and the boxes are not oversized. The truck could well be supplied on a "special" cardboard base of 30x40 cm for a "special" price.
On the Eaglemoss Opel series: I have a couple and yes they are much better made and detailed then JBCC on the other hand they are sold for a higher price.
I think 135 and out on a whimper is what we can look forward to. Doesn't have to be but I don't think Eaglemoss have their heart in it. They took over a Fabbri series with contracts already agreed with IXO and have probably kept it going as long as contracts with suppliers lasted. I suspect that they were committed to IXO up to 135 and had options on 135-140 but simply haven't taken them up. Look on their web site they have few car part works and with a tie up with Altaya it may be that they will rationalise into Eaglemoss for general collections and Altaya who are very well established in the car partwork field doing the cars.
I find that I am once again suffering from "collector fatigue" as far as this partwork goes, which the slow-down in deliveries in my country hasn't helped (currently waiting for Issue 100).
It seems that the majority on this forum are favour of the series ending at Issue 135 - but it would be a fair deduction that EM/GEF are keeping their options open to 140, perhaps first seeing how the demand goes around the time of the release of SF before deciding whether to call it a day.
Now if Altaya/Eaglemoss were to launch the "Ford Collection" partwork, that would hook me right back in (because I don't see any other partwork theme getting that right!) - with the potential to exceed even the JBCC in number of issues!
On that topic, I believe that GEF's "The Star Trek Fact File" is the longest running partwork with 304 issues.
In the partwork type of the JBCC (a complete model with every magazine), I believe the French version of Hatchette's "Century Of Cars" went to 210 issues (1999-2007). I doubt the JBCC is going to top that ... at least, let's hope not!
In terms of a follow up to JBCC, I agree with FACT that a Ford partwork might take my interest PROVIDED it isn't just rolling out the same old Mustangs (sorry JJS) T-Birds and Euro Fords such as Taunuses (or is that Tauni?) that we see so much of. Failing that, they ought to think about TV related cars as I mentioned before, the licencing would be complicated but not as crushingly expensive as movie related car licences tend to be.
As for a new 1.8 'kit' partwork, there's only one vehicle that could possibly generate the same interest as the Bond DB5, and that's the classic TV Adam West Batmobile complete with jet engine and bat-gadgets. With that in mind, a 1.43 partwork could actually be based on the Batmobile and 'villain-mobiles', I believe the DC Comics artists came up with a new Batmobile design about once every 2-3 years since the comic started, so there are far more variations that could be created than most people realise.
Back to big-scale 'kit' models, another possibility is the Star Trek movie 'Enterprise' which would key in nicely with the upcoming Star Trek ships series. A 1.8 scale model might not be too feasible even for those of us with big cupboards, but a 2ft/ 60cm highly detailed model with opening features would be tempting for many sci-fi fans, I reckon.
Don't worry, I know exactly what you mean. I have sixteen(!) 1/18 scale first-gen Ford Mustang models, all with different wheels. combining that with the Shelby Mustangs, Twister Special, GT390 "Bullit", and all the other specials they made of er the years you could fill an entire 100-part collection with mustangs alone!
Here is the link (via Google Translate):
http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.co.za&sl=fr&tl=en&u=http://cntrois.over-blog.com/categorie-11595937.html&usg=ALkJrhik7Y6unXiG1gigCLeBXgCgGWpiyw
It's interesting to see what the various publishers think might be viable.
Fascinating link - I had no idea there had actually been some thought on a Batmobile series. Were the ones shown actually released?
The American classics look interesting too. Why don't these guys post links on forums like this to questionnaires asking the opinions of people who follow partworks? Do they assume their only customers are direct subscribers?
I have bought the first two (1989 and 1966) quite cheap from France but the Tumbler was too expensive for my taste. The other two are comic versions which I am not interested in. It seems that the test wasn't too successful as more than a year has now passed. Doesn't surprise me really as Corgi made lots of different Batman and villain vehicles which could be found on the shelves for years gathering dust.
Regarding a big-scale Batmobile: A 1/6 (!) version of the 1966 has just been revealed on the San Diego Comic Con from "Hot Toys". Guess a 1/8 kit version where you have two wait two years to complete it is now obsolete.
Oh well. Sounds like it's all been done then. I think the people at EMFabbri had better start looking for new jobs unless they can come up with some better ideas for new partworks
One problem: G.E. Fabbri isn't running the works anymore. We have to examine Eaglemoss' business practices since the final decisions on everything would ultimately rest with them, even if Fabbri's brains are still running the partwork.
Firstly, I do apologize for misunderstanding you regarding still expecting these models vs. lamenting. However, I do believe some of my points still stand. For one, Ixo is many things, but one thing it isn't is big on models that require any serious form of extra assembly save maybe one part the screws in or screws on. Maz said it best...Ixo would just flat-out not make any effort at detachable/composite wing designs. One early complaint about La Route Bleue (and I think this was the Simca Trianon with the hood up), believe it or not, was that no parts moved and you couldn't do something as basic as close a hood that was basically already hinged. If they kept on doing that in LRB as well as pretty much every other partwork involving dioramas, they wouldn't do a much more complex type thing with "strip-down" wings.
The cardboard may be printed elsewhere, but the base itself is moulded/designed by the same company. The largest base Ixo has thus far done is the one mentioned with the Atlas DDR Nutzfahrzeuge Kollektion. Also, isn't Norev doing the Batmobiles on modifications of their 1/18 scale bases (with Ixo only testing the waters regarding 1/18 scale at the moment)?
Yes it does. By definition, there would have been personnel changes, else the company would still be G.E. Fabbri in its old form. The final decisions still reside with the management, which is now controlled by Eaglemoss.
Three things...
1) Eaglemoss is not contracting with New Ray, which does not share moulds with Ixo (when Ixo wants to dump one of their moulds, they typically go to Hongwell or Amercom).
2) The New Ray models actually have to be modified quite a bit to get the same Kenworth that we see in the film, to say nothing of New Ray being able to market 1/43 scale trucks for $15 for a reason having to do with detail.
3) By default, that means Ixo has to do their own mould.
Once again, I find myself in agreement with you. Fabbri's marketing strategy was pretty different (and that's an understatement before about Issue 95) than Eaglemoss' marketing strategy (in other words, no extreme focus on the secondary market that basically killed off any chances for things like the horse trailer and quite possibly the Kenworth). I still contend a flying Matador was impossible, but I'm also still convinced Universal Hobbies in conjunction with G.E. Fabbri had a prototype LALD "decapitated" bus, said prototype looked horrible (this being a post-Ford Edge model, when with the exception of the GF Rolls-Royce Phantom III, UH could basically do no right with the possible exception of the Osprey 5 Hovercraft), and then Fabbri just had to make up an excuse (I'm still convinced that the whole "7/7 prevented it" thing was an excuse not to realse a horribly sub-par model).
I agree with this paragraph, extremely strongly with regard to the first through fourth sentences.
(EDITED TO ADD EMPHASIS ON DEALERS)