Where is the 1/18 A-1 Skyraider, F-4 Phantom and F-15 Eagle?

[rschaap]

I've been curious and I am sure someone has commented on it before, or even has the answer to the question. What happened with the prototypes to the Skyraider, Phantom and Eagle? I hope they are safe and waiting for their day unlike the A-10 Warthog and the Skyworks disaster.

[Beeavision]

From what I understand both the A-1 Skyraider and F-4 Phantom prototypes belonged to Admiral Toys. They also had a SBD Dauntless prototype that also never made into production. The F-15 Eagle prototype however belongs to JS International (JSI) but due to its enormous size and weight may end up just being another pipe dream. Looking at the current rate were at now if the Harrier ends up priced at over $250.00 then the F-15 could easily come out doubled that. I personally think the F-14 is the last of the big birds we will ever see mass produced. The size, weight and over all cost seems to me what is killing these projects off. And as the years progress I expect it will only get worst unless Merit or someone else can find a solution to it all. Honestly though, your best bet is to win the lottery and have someone from HPH Models or Gino at Atlantic Models Inc. custom build you one for 9-10 grand.

[rschaap]

I remember speaking to a representative from a company who led me to believe that one of the models mentioned will be released based on it's popularity (not sure if I should say from which company only because of the scope of the conversation and what was discussed). I guess time will tell. As far as the lotto goes you have to play to win and I don't play.

[rschaap]

I would love to see an Phantom and Skyraider next to my Tomcat and Hornet. Maybe someday.







Of course I would need more room....

[A-10LOADER]

Would really love to see the F-15E come to light.


Steve

[rschaap]

I would like to see the F-15E happen, maybe after the Harrier is out there. We really need something to shake things up. The Harrier has given us a glimmer of hope depending on what Merit decides to do as far as pricing.

[rudedog]

your collection is killer i also collect the 1/18 cars movie and mopars and old time race car s after seeing your colection i should have charged you more for the slider for the avenger only kiding lol do you every do any trading? the rudedog

[rschaap]

your collection is killer i also collect the 1/18 cars movie and mopars and old time race car s after seeing your colection i should have charged you more for the slider for the avenger only kiding lol do you every do any trading? the rudedog

I am in the process of doing an inventory. I do trade depending on what I am looking for at the time. If you pm me an idea of what your interest are I will let you know what I can do. I started collecting models in the late 1960's while my dad was in the military. As you can see my collection has blossomed and gone in different directions, this is about 1/3 or less of what I have.

[A-10LOADER]

For those of you who are on Facebook, I received a notification from Merit about their upcoming releases for 2014-2015. I commented that I wanted a 1/18th F-15E please and their response to me was " BIG BIRD !!! We'd have to see on the reaction and support from collectors." Apparently they are not listening to us, we've been asking for the F-15E for some time now and no comment from them, WTF !!?? WAKE UP MERIT. I also sent them the picture that they put out a while ago for the F-15 and asked them " What ever happened to this ?" No response as of yet.


Steve

[Birddog]

We should hit them up about a 1/18 A-10 too if they haven't been listening to us.....

[A-10LOADER]

Leave them comments on their FB page, I did.


Steve

[Beeavision]

Well they did say if the Harrier & FW190 were to sell out fast then the chance for more to come would be likely. However, it seems to me 1/6 is dominating the market right now. All I see is one action figure after another especially on movie themes like Batman & Iron Man. I've actually been buying into Hot Toys & Sideshow a lot lately just to help fuel my appetite for collecting more stuff I have no room for.

[Jason of Admiral Toys]

The Phantom is in my office, along with a couple line errors and first shots. I have a White 7 with orange intakes. It was the only one accidentally produced with this configuration. Some interesting things came off the line....

[DocTodd]

Jason, you guys give any thought to producing the Phantom?

[Jason of Admiral Toys]

Of course. But as many here have mentioned. The days of large models is probably over. I was recently speaking with my business partner in China. And he even admits that it is no longer feasible for US companies to manufacture models in China. The current costs of production have priced the boutique manufacturers out of the market.

[Beeavision]

I envy you Jason. That incredible piece of work should be hanging up in my room too. lol

Now, if I'm not mistaken weren't the landing gears fixed in either the up or down position on the F-4 prototype? Personally, I would like to see them retract but I guess beggars can't be choosers.

[pickelhaube]

Jason,

Any chances of letting me borrow the Phantom so I can copy it and get it out to the masses ?

I promise not to do what Jack of Skyjerks did to the A-10.

BTW

I am serious.

[rschaap]

Matt,

If you could only do that I am sure you would have members from all over the world lining up for one. The options, weapon load outs, color variations along with the number of countries outside the U.S. that have used or are using the Phantom make it a logical choice. I would have to have three, one Navy, one Marine Corp. and one Air Force.

[normandy]

Jason it's Great to hear from you! Speaking of White 7, last weekend I hung my Admiral Me 262 along side a Stuka;
the technological jump between the two during WWII was amazing. Fantastic job on the 262 Jason!

The F-4 would be cool in 1:18 but your statement about manufacturing in china seems ominous for the
large scale market. Are there any other countries worldwide that companies might look to move
production to?

[A-10LOADER]

Why don't we start making things in the good ole' USA again ?? I'm sure an F-4, A-10 and a F-15E would sell real well, just my 2 cents.


Steve

[normandy]

Why don't we start making things in the good ole' USA again ?? I'm sure an F-4, A-10 and a F-15E would sell real well, just my 2 cents.
Steve

That would be great, maybe Jason good give a better answer than I could.
My thought, is the cost....molds, production materials and labor.

Other alternatives: Resin or 3-D printing
A piece made in resin (tank or plane) might run $300-$400.
3-D printed pieces cut out the mold making but that savings is lost to print time, one of our members has a beautiful 1:18 vehicle for sale that is almost $500.

I'd love to see things made here in the U.S. it's just a question of how much are we willing to pay...............

[tmanthegreat]

Wow, Jason, great to hear from you! Not very often we hear back from a toy company rep these days (save Jim at Merit) and especially one associated with the "Golden Age" of 1:18 products. Still have my AT ME-262, a couple of your F-86s, and some 1:72 tanks. Just won't let them go.

Glad to hear the F-4 prototype hasn't been lost or destroyed, unlike so much else in the 1:18 scale hobby... As long as its out there in safe-keeping, there's a chance it could see the light of day sometime. However, I completely understand the changing market inside China. Guess that's why what used to the $40-$50 1:18 planes now cost $150 when re-manufactured and Unimax FOV 1:32 tanks cost 3x what they used to, but have no accessories and detailing... Better hang on to what we have!

[Jim@Merit]

Why don't we start making things in the good ole' USA again ?? I'm sure an F-4, A-10 and a F-15E would sell real well, just my 2 cents.
Steve

That would be great, maybe Jason good give a better answer than I could.
My thought, is the cost....molds, production materials and labor.

Other alternatives: Resin or 3-D printing
A piece made in resin (tank or plane) might run $300-$400.
3-D printed pieces cut out the mold making but that savings is lost to print time, one of our members has a beautiful 1:18 vehicle for sale that is almost $500.

I'd love to see things made here in the U.S. it's just a question of how much are we willing to pay...............

Exactly! Thank you.

[rschaap]

Looks like if I want an F-4 it's going to have to be a foam one. Heart breaking.......

[granch]

If we can only hope smaller planes, the Skyhawk, Tiger, Bronco and Dragonfly would be possible.
The Skyhawk was in service in Israel, Argentina, New Zeeland, Australia, Singapore, so some more potential collectors to reach... A lot more with the Tiger of course.