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mito
United Kingdom
10 Posts |
 Posted - 06/22/2010 : 13:08:14
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What is going on at BBR? The most recent models Ferrari 458 Italia and the Alfa giulitta look very basic when it comes to the headlight detail!! from looking at good hi res photos on the net I would compare them to a cheap diecast model. Am I wrong to assume this?
Also again only from hi res photos the overall standard looks no greater than Spark or Hpi models (I have just purchased the Hpi Lancia Stratos prototype and it's up there with the best of them)
I know there is a price difference between the China BBR compared to the Italian BBR but to me I think they have lost there way, great shame.
mito |
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Trossi
232 Posts |
Posted - 06/22/2010 : 13:11:25
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| I have not seen a China BBR in person, but others also talk about the lesser quality standards in this forum. I have totally lost interest in the new BBRs. MR is dead or what - long live looksmart? At least Make up and Tecnomodel are still making high quality models. |
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benzinapura
Portugal
51 Posts |
Posted - 06/22/2010 : 14:12:19
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| You have to see a model in loco to judge fairly.Nevertheless, i think BBR is loosing some of the mystic... |
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ferrari4evr1
USA
297 Posts |
Posted - 06/22/2010 : 20:37:53
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I agree with you mito. IMO i think the lights on the Looksmart 458 look better and are a little more accurate but the BBR model, overall, is better. More detailed.
Not sure what is up with BBR these days but it makes their older models that much more desirable :-)
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mito
United Kingdom
10 Posts |
Posted - 06/23/2010 : 04:39:37
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I agree with Trossi,Make up and Tecnomodel are producing great models but there are issues with them aswell. Make up for me are the best out there and a fair price, here comes the but!! same old models again 599,F50,P4,Dino,F40,512BB. If you have all ready shelled out x amount on BBR MR Looksmart versions of these models (all of which are very good) do you really want to spend more on replacing them!! It would be intresting to hear what Mike as a dealer has to say about this issue (do you find it difficult to sell the same old models again but from a differnt producer??) Then there's Tecnomodel now they seem to have gone down a different route by offering some new and unusual models in there range, Aston Rapide and the Alfa range, here's the but with them (there's no pleasing some people!!) it appears to me that by going down this route and making them very limited which is fine the price has hit $299 (I know tooling for any new model is going to be expensive and costs have to be covered)this on my model budget has taken these out which is a great shame.
mito |
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moriaan
Netherlands
510 Posts |
Posted - 06/23/2010 : 05:38:09
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the quality of recent BBR's has been discussed in this thread
http://www.miniwerks.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=189
Its one of the reasons that older BBR's are more in demand nowadays, although the quality has never been consistant.
Rarity is becoming an issue with newer releases in to many different limited editions..
Recently I got a few new ones, like a 458 Italia and an SP1, they are very good.
Today, i got a lot more excited unpacking a recently found older RGM nr.20!
I will make a few pics over the next few days, You will really like this one james!
Hans
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ferrari4evr1
USA
297 Posts |
Posted - 06/23/2010 : 06:14:20
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quote:
Originally posted by moriaan
the quality of recent BBR's has been discussed in this thread
http://www.miniwerks.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=189
Its one of the reasons that older BBR's are more in demand nowadays, although the quality has never been consistant.
Rarity is becoming an issue with newer releases in to many different limited editions..
Recently I got a few new ones, like a 458 Italia and an SP1, they are very good.
Today, i got a lot more excited unpacking a recently found older RGM nr.20!
I will make a few pics over the next few days, You will really like this one james!
Hans
Can't wait to see your new RGM Hans! I'm excited already :-)
I too, agree with Hans and some people on here about their quality lately. I think Fred posted an issue with his BBR 2010 California in another thread. The windshield was lifting off and so was the back window.. Accuracy is another issue i have with BBR. Although, these real 1:1 cars change colors\owners\features during the course of their life, it should be noted that when a model car is made, it should be as accurate to the 1:1 as possible.. Some of the new BBR models are great! Like the Marilyn Monroe 250 Cabrio and Steve McQueen's 275 NART!! Absolutely beautiful models and Accurate! But, there are others that are missing a number of details which is sad... This leaves the older bbr\Styling models\RGM more appreciated. ;-)
I don't think we should ask Mike how he feels about all this. He is a BBR dealer, so, putting him on the spot or putting him in the middle (between buyers that are discouraged with BBR and BBR, the manufacturer) wouldn't be a good idea. Just my 2 cents...
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moriaan
Netherlands
510 Posts |
Posted - 06/23/2010 : 07:43:05
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every company makes mistakes, its "manual"work.
If you want the best, compare the different brands of a certain modell before buying.
Every now and then, something goes wrong.
Buy at Mike, and problems are swiftly solved.
Buy in Italy and be very patient..
The manufacturer decides what to make, not the dealer.
They make whatever they think sells best, to them its business!
Most collectors are not going to buy 20 458's in different colors.
Thats what makes RGM/Miniwerks and Calsito's so special!
These are the classics for the future!
You should have seen the models I received over the years..
Hans |
Edited by - moriaan on 06/23/2010 08:06:02 |
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mito
United Kingdom
10 Posts |
Posted - 06/23/2010 : 08:08:46
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All fair points and yes I know this issue has been thrashed out on this forum before. I dont want Mike to feel that he has to comment and no problem if he does'nt. What I am trying to say is that it must be really hard from a dealers point of view regardless of quality/finish between the producers of whether on not to order stock of lets say a model of a Ferrari 599 everytime one is released,is there really a market for all these producers to make the same car!!! Variety is the spice of life!!
mito |
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Trossi
232 Posts |
Posted - 06/23/2010 : 08:12:39
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The question which subjects to make is really difficult: The classic cars have nearly all been made and the new cars which are attractive as a handbuilt are very rare. Additionally, the times are over where manufacturers can make experiments like some niche models or even crazier a model of a non Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini or Maserati.
The number of collectors isnt as big as it was in the eighties so the manufacturers best choice is to make the most attractive new cars and remakes of the all time favourites. Even quite popular models such as the Aston Martin DB4 GTZ are obviously risky to make. Thats the only explanation I have for the elimination of that car from Ilarios schedule (look at his new homepage, I dont see it anymore).
Its for sure not easy to be a modelmaker today! |
Edited by - Trossi on 06/23/2010 08:14:56 |
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Ferrarinut
USA
1489 Posts |
Posted - 06/23/2010 : 20:18:49
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| Interesting thread. While most of you will understand if I don't bash a particular brand I can at least share my overall philosophy as a dealer. Trying to identify which model will be the next big hit is like any other industry, music, fashion, 1:1 cars, etc. but of course those industries put a great deal of market research into their planning before launching products yet still come up with duds from time to time. As a dealer, you have to be very careful to balance your own personal taste vs what the general collecting public will buy. There are many models I would never think of collecting but bring them into stock because I think collectors will buy. Having said that, I am very careful on ordering quantities. Years ago I used to bring in 25 each of every color Make Up Company F40/F40LM/F40LW and so on. Those days are gone. The market is flooded now as a result of China production and collectors have too many choices. Manufacturers have gone overboard on colors, versions, bases, etc. as a result. In part this is due to the demand by the China factories because they make very little money per unit, in part it is the desire of the manufacturers to get to market first and flood the market first, and of course there is that "easy money" thing that is hard to resist with any product made in China. I prefer not to play into either hand. I limit my orders now and see how each color, version, base type, etc. does and then reorder if one or more do well. I am sure the manufactutrers don't like this but I am not really worried about that. If dealers don't push back the manufacturers will put themselves out of business. I personally do not like what is happening and I hope that China increases their labor rates and forces other countries to hire their own workers and support their own countries. I don't want to get off into politics but the current state of the business will not sustain itself. This industry is about exclusivity and quality and I think that has been lost to some degree. This is why I focus on the very high end, the Jacques Brauers, Fred Subers, Stephen Barnetts, Jean-Paul Magnettes, Piranha Models, Built Up Models, etc. These models sell exeptionally well and very quickly, other brands are slowing down at a pace that frankly scares me as a dealer. It is not the dealers' fault, fault lies with the manufacturers. It's time to wake up. If any of the manufacturers are reading this forum, I hope you think twice about the direction you are taking. |
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mito
United Kingdom
10 Posts |
Posted - 06/24/2010 : 02:23:03
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Many thanks for your thoughts Mike, everyone is having to make tough choices at the moment lets hope that the manufacturers do read these forums and take note. In the meantime keep up the good work Miniwerks website/forum is allways my first port of call when the computer is switched on.
mito |
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LaSource
356 Posts |
Posted - 06/24/2010 : 04:33:48
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Mito wrote: ...Miniwerks website/forum is allways my first port of call when the computer is switched on.
Mine too! :-) |
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moriaan
Netherlands
510 Posts |
Posted - 06/24/2010 : 07:51:22
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As an independent business, you have to be on top of the developments to keep things going.
Keep up the good work Mike, I would go the same route..
Hans
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250GTE
Netherlands
295 Posts |
Posted - 06/24/2010 : 14:03:00
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Mike raises some good points. It seems awkward that in a business where it is all about exclusivity and rarity, one needs to talk about 'flooding the market'. Yet that is exactly what happens. And now BBR is even re-releasing some of their older stuff for other labels in different colors. It is getting all too obvious and it seems to be leaning towards -dare I say it?- mass-production, at least according to the standards of our little world. I find myself more and more on the look out for the less obvious models and those aren't found in the latest releases of BBR (and Make Up for that matter, allthough I still find their 330 P4 a total must have).
Having said that, I still hold BBR in very high regard and I will remain adding them to my collection. Especially the older ones. |
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Ferrari2006
Germany
352 Posts |
Posted - 06/24/2010 : 22:41:23
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[quote]Originally posted by 250GTE
Mike raises some good points. It seems awkward that in a business where it is all about exclusivity and rarity, one needs to talk about 'flooding the market'. Yet that is exactly what happens. And now BBR is even re-releasing some of their older stuff for other labels in different colors. It is getting all too obvious and it seems to be leaning towards -dare I say it?- mass-production, at least according to the standards of our little world. I find myself more and more on the look out for the less obvious models and those aren't found in the latest releases of BBR (and Make Up for that matter, allthough I still find their 330 P4 a total must have).
Having said that, I still hold BBR in very high regard and I will remain adding them to my collection. Especially the older ones.
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In my opinion BBR go the same way like MR whit Looksmart, Gasoline or the C-Line we will see what Time brings. But you can see Princes are falling....good for collectors, sad for Sellers and Brands.
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BBR headlights!!
