Questions & Answers (1 Viewer)

[marco55]

The Federal gov. has over the years become much more intrusive in everybodys daily lives and it has become a monster that rules over the people,not by the people.
Mark

 

[steel wheels]

This whole thread is very interesting. The whole economic outlook of this hobby obviously rests in the hands of the consumer. I'm not so sure more dealers is the answer to some of its problems. I do not think there is enough consumer interest to warrant a drastic increase in the number of dealers. Forget about storefront hobby stores in the New York area specializing in military miniatures. The rents and taxes are too **** high, to even consider staying in business, even with internet sales. Drastic price increases in new dispatches will eventually drive some to curb buying significantly, given the current state of the economy. My feeling about Honour Bound getting out of the model tank production business, was a combination of the economic situation in Argentina and the fact that they weren't going to sustain themselves with model tanks that cost over $500.00. I think lots of us would have loved a Gold edition tank, but I believe only a small percentage of us were going to take the plunge. I also think that King And Country needs to really evaluate their future releases, and stop producing the same vehicles that have been released several times. I for one, will no longer buy anymore Tigers, Shermans, etc. I would welcome an updated Grant/Lee, a cromwell, a 105mm American howitzer and crew, A winter Panther, a Willy's Jeep with a recoil mounted rifle, A JS Russian heavy tank, and even a late war Pershing over a 3rd , 4th, 5th and 6th editions of Tigers and Shermans. The consumer in this industry needs to be stimualted with NEW never before released product, as opposed to a 3rd edition $225.00 King Tiger, that I won't purchase, because I have the prior edition of the big cat on my shelf. My fantastic Honour Bound 76mm Ardennes sherman stands on display, as a symbol of how easily a once great product can disappear!

 

[Capitolron]

Steel Wheels - I agree, King & Country will need to start think outside of the box for new releases. Remakes are good for those who don't have the older versions - but, the market is getting flooded with 1st and 2nd editions too.

With prices going up - more particular selection process will naturally occur with collectors.

I for one think K&C is up to the task - I am looking forward to what comes out in Chicago !

 

[Spitfrnd]

...Look the United States looks after Freedom throughout the World - it is our belief that everyone should have freedom (even Canadians) home.

We do believe that and we do and we don't look after it for others; I think it is fair to say we try. Sometimes what we try makes it worse; sometimes better, such is the way of intervention.

what we don't need is a large federal government telling people that "yellow belly snapsucker" is on their land and they can't build a and they can't build a home. We don't need the government to take care of our everyday lives - we can do it fine just by ourselves - we are Americans !

Agreed, the only way to have less government is to have a clear majority ask for less. Sadly, that just does not happen lately.

Yes we are Americans, but before we get too full of ourselves we should remember we are the mongrels of the world. As noted by Bill Murray's character in Stripes, our ancestors were kicked out of just about every civilized nation of the world.

 

[Canadian Samurai]

I always enjoy Canadians lecturing Americans on our Government.

I'm not lecturing you about anything - I used American government terminology so more people knew what I was talking about. I'm talking about countries generally not just the US. Here's the equivalent: FDA = Canadian Ministry of Health, FAA = Ministry of Transport etc. We have the exact same things here.

Also, less than 9 hours driving distance separate where you live from where I live. For better or worse we're more or less one country now, at least in terms of culture and joint continental defence policy, especially air defence through NORAD (we also purchase a lot of our military hardware from the US). So US decisions affect us directly and vice versa (for example the American coal power plants that I'm upwind of and breathe every day - and on the other hand, the garbage that Toronto shamefully dumps down in Michigan).

The F-22 downscaling was entirely budget based and you know it - NORAD desperately needs every one of them it can get to counter Asia's emerging Sukhoi Flanker armada. Likewise, I really liked the Comanche - it would have been the only helicopter in the same technology league as Russia's hokum series which is faster, more maneuverable and more survivable than Apache plus is the only attack helicopter in the world with an ejection seat.

 

[Canadian Samurai]

The Federal gov. has over the years become much more intrusive in everybodys daily lives and it has become a monster that rules over the people,not by the people.
Mark

I agree, parts of the Patriot act are very worrisome.

 

[fmethorst]

The F-22 downscaling was entirely budget based and you know it - NORAD desperately needs every one of them it can get to counter Asia's emerging Sukhoi Flanker armada. Likewise, I really liked the Comanche - it would have been the only helicopter in the same technology league as Russia's hokum series which is faster and more maneuverable than Apache plus is the only attack helicopter in the world with an ejection seat.

Is it just me or is the cost of modern aircraft offensive?

B2 - $1.157 billion http://www.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=82
F22 - $142 million http://www.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=199
F35 - $83 million http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-35_Lightning_II

Canada is going with the F35. You can't say we're not cost conscious.

These are the sorts of numbers I expect to see from NASA/JPL projects.

 

[Capitolron]

All planes listed are HEAVLY SUPPORTED BY US TAX DOLLARS - which makes it affordable for Canada and other Allies - but, do we (the USA) get a thank you ?

Is it just me or is the cost of modern aircraft offensive?

B2 - $1.157 billion http://www.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=82
F22 - $142 million http://www.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=199
F35 - $83 million http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-35_Lightning_II

Canada is going with the F35. You can't say we're not cost conscious.

These are the sorts of numbers I expect to see from NASA/JPL projects.

 

[Capitolron]

I see the CRUSADER fell off your post in making this point. Comanche did have problems - but, I will give you the fact that F-22 was reduced due to cost overruns. JSF - took priority in that budget year at the HASC.

Look - I can't get into a detailed debate on this subject matter - because of my former position on the House Armed Services Committee - lets just leave it at you don't know the whole story.

I'm not lecturing you about anything - I used American government terminology so more people knew what I was talking about. I'm talking about countries generally not just the US. Here's the equivalent: FDA = Canadian Ministry of Health, FAA = Ministry of Transport etc. We have the exact same things here.

Also, less than 9 hours driving distance separate where you live from where I live. For better or worse we're more or less one country now, at least in terms of culture and joint continental defence policy, especially air defence through NORAD (we also purchase a lot of our military hardware from the US). So US decisions affect us directly and vice versa (for example the American coal power plants that I'm upwind of and breathe every day - and on the other hand, the garbage that Toronto shamefully dumps down in Michigan).

The F-22 downscaling was entirely budget based and you know it - NORAD desperately needs every one of them it can get to counter Asia's emerging Sukhoi Flanker armada. Likewise, I really liked the Comanche - it would have been the only helicopter in the same technology league as Russia's hokum series which is faster, more maneuverable and more survivable than Apache plus is the only attack helicopter in the world with an ejection seat.

 

[damian]

plus is the only attack helicopter in the world with an ejection seat.[/QUOTE]


Now that I find interesting. I presume it ejects youe sideways not upwards otherwise it would be more of a blending machine than an attack helicopter.

 

[Canadian Samurai]

Actually it's really cool Damian - seconds prior to the ejection seat lifting off, all the blades are blasted away by explosives so the pilot doesn't become deli meat. They should consider installing the tech in civilian helicopters too. Though it's made easier by the fact the Ka-50 doesn't have a tail rotor which the pilot could hit otherwise.

 

[Canadian Samurai]

What could have been - Apache and Comanche tag-team partners.

 

[Canadian Samurai]

All planes listed are HEAVLY SUPPORTED BY US TAX DOLLARS - which makes it affordable for Canada and other Allies - but, do we (the USA) get a thank you ?

THANK YOU~!

Except we're not allowed to buy the F-22.

Instead we get the privilege of buying the "jack-of-all trades but master of none" F-35 which Canada has already contributed $150 million in R&D money to. Unfortunately the JSF is not quite a match as an air superiority fighter with Russia's latest, let alone what the best will be in 30 years: http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-JSF-Analysis.html

"This is the pitfall of economy 'narrowband' stealth - it can defeat upper band radars used for the engagement control, but is much less effective in defeating the long range systems used to acquire targets. If an Su-30 can be positioned close enough, it can engage the JSF regardless of stealth, and with a kinematic and missile performance advantage the odds are unlikely to favour the JSF."

I suspect the restrictions on F-22 exports will be lifted sooner rather than later. It would help bring down the per-unit cost which would make it more affordable for the US too.

 

[Canadian Samurai]

Look - I can't get into a detailed debate on this subject matter - because of my former position on the House Armed Services Committee - lets just leave it at you don't know the whole story.

I doubt I do - I will take your word on the matter.

 

[theBaron]

It is an interesting response to the charge that China is a totalitarian state with none of the political freedoms that we in the West expect, to say that the people are all better off now than they were in the past.

I think the Chinese people, with their talent for industry (ie, working hard and diligently) would probably be even better off in a state with a small government and a free market economy a la Adam Smith.

Prost!
Brad

 

[nmrocks]

"Look - I can't get into a detailed debate on this subject matter - because of my former position on the House Armed Services Committee - lets just leave it at you don't know the whole story"


OHHH... I love it, I could tell you , but then I'd have to Kill you!!!

 

[damian]

I doubt I do - I will take your word on the matter.

Ron could tell us, but then he would have to kill us.

 

[Spitfrnd]

...Instead we get the privilege of buying the "jack-of-all trades but master of none" F-35 which Canada has already contributed $150 million in R&D money to. Unfortunately the JSF is not quite a match as an air superiority fighter with Russia's latest, let alone what the best will be in 30 years: http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-JSF-Analysis.html
....

Honestly, the F-22 and F-35 are designed for much different roles. No one in their right mind would consider the F-35 as an air superiority fighter against any but second tier air forces. That said, in the hands of the IAF or the RCAF it might be close.

 

[Combat]

Back to the original point, as I understand Andy's post certain market factors are necessitating higher prices (rising fuel costs etc.). So if you want to continue collecting you just have to pay more. That seems fair enough. However, when market factors such as increased competition including competition among KC dealers comes into play to mitigate the costs to collectors it is suddenly necessary to price fix items to ensure that the price won't decrease as a result of a "price war." That is apparently bad for some reason. So this is always a one-way street. I'm not sure it gives collectors much solace that they are, in Andy's opinion, paying a premium to somehow subsidize small dealers - even if that logic is true which seems questionable. I think taking the ability away from dealers to discount certain unpopular items and unload inventory is not in their best interest, but regardless as a collector my interest is paying the lowest possible price. I wish the dealers all the best, those that I work with are fair, honest, nice people, any criticism in this post is not related to them, but I don't see how KC's pricing customers out of the market helps anyone much in the longer term.

 

[Canadian Samurai]

Combat, I have to agree with the spirit of your post if not all points. Having many small dealers to choose from is an asset to this hobby, yet ironically in economics the main benefit from many suppliers is supposed to be competition which leads to lower prices - yet here prices are fixed by K&C. So how exactly does the customer benefit from having many dealers to choose from?? Perhaps the answer is that rather than competing through price, dealers of toy soldiers more than other retailers compete through service: friendlyness, politeness, professionalism, courtesy, inventory level, website design, shipping costs, packing for protection, shipping time, and especially return and refund policy - all are things that differentiate one retailer from another. Having many to choose from thus becomes valuable, and if price floors make that possible I guess they aren't all bad.

Nevertheless, the market fundamentalist in me thinks prices should be allowed to move within some range to offload unpopular items as Combat said. Because otherwise the high prices just seem to exist to artificially "inflate" the value of certain pieces and make them seem worth more than what the market might really settle on. This is, I think, the main reason why Andy fixes prices which he chose not to mention. If retailers started getting into a price war over K&C products, not only would it be harmful to them, but it would make K&C products seem cheap and not worth the initial asking price, which is not in Andy's interest one bit. As collectors of valuable merchandise that's not necessarily in our interest either. It is beneficial to know that when you purchase a K&C piece you don't have to worry about it being blown out six months from now at 50% off. Since there's never depreciation you can buy a set the day it comes out in confidence that your investment is maintained (through an artificial anti-market price floor, but there you have it). Contrast this with buying a computer or car which starts depreciating in value the day you buy it.

K&C's price floors thus make for bad economics, but economic theory rarely gives you the whole picture about some of the side benefits of such policies (cough same thing goes for government intervention cough).