Thats a great point. I have both of these pieces and I think that theyre great. My guess is that this is due to such a flood of new K&C pieces and new series that people are forced to be more selective. I dont really know if this is true for everyone but it is certainly the case for me. When I'm going to buy a new piece I find it even more difficult then before to decide.
Take Care
Chris McKenna
I would like to see all the SL go no higher than 999 being made.
A normal production run at double the price. Draw your own conclusions.
A normal production run at double the price. Draw your own conclusions.
Has it occurred to anyone that neither of the last couple of strictly limited sets (the Panzer Meyer Command Vehicle and General Inspection Sherman) really lend themselves to mutiple display purposes whereas most of the earlier limited editions (StuG IV, Winter Tiger, King Tiger, Char B Tank) had the potential for multiple vehicle diorama displays? I think this, factored in with the expense and larger production numbers explains the failure of these vehicles to sell out quickly.
I have been very vocal in criticizing Andy for calling a set with a production run of more than 999 strictly limited, but I think that the failure of these sets to sell out quickly might convince the dealers to more effectively lobby Andy for smaller limited production runs. However, if one of the upcoming Arnhem pieces, such as a para jeep, is a strictly limited, I suspect it will sell out instantly, sending just the opposite message. It this is true, the conclusion drawn might be that the popularity of the subject matter (i.e. Rommel sells out instantly, Panzer Meyer sits on the shelf) may play the biggest roll in determining whether a strictly limited set will sell.
A better form of SL Items would be a production run 999 and keeping the cost down to less $150.
It would make it more economical to purchase and still have a budget to buy additional items in other ranges you want.
Stacking a SL Set with figures doesnt make it a better set - IMO.
Louis
Great observation - I agree 100%
If you are going to make a "Collector Item" (SL) then make it a collector item by reducing the number of production. Another thought to add to your insightful statement above is "stop cutting corners" The Rommel Half Track and the Meyer Half Track are the same with different paint and figures. Once you have a Rommel ($125-130) why would you buy the Meyer ($199) ?? for the extra figures ??? Well the answer has already been sent by the consumer.
Price is a factor for the collector and it will be harder to expand your collector base if the cost of each Set keeps going up. Hopefully Andy will resist the temptation of making ($199 +) expensive SL sets and bring it down to a little for all of us to enjoy.
Ron
Rommel's is a SdKfz 250 and the Panzer Meyer is a SdKfz 251 which is longer.