Alexey,

I have many poitns to make. Several months ago I wrote you about the M-103 and M-47. I realize there is no point in you doing the M-47 now. Trumpeter is doing a 1/72 scale M-26 pershing, M-26 Super Pershing, and M-46 Patton this year. It will be very easy for them to throw the M-47 turret on the M-46 chassis next year. I am very hopeful you will produce most of the models I have listed above. I mean, COME ON! We want to build armor, NOT civillian transport, even if it was civillian transport during WWII. You will always sell more tanks than artillery pieces Alexey. These pieces mentioned above are at the top of many 1/72 scale lists on the Internet, if you don't realize that then I don't think you are really paying attention. The case for each:

M-103 was the US answer (Direct counter) to the Russian JS III. It was around and in service until the 1970's with the United States Marine Corp. It is a fascinating tank in every way. Far better than the M-48, and at least equal to the M-60. This one would be a HUGE seller!

M-41 has been used in so many places around the globe, I can't count them all, this one would also be a big seller.

T-64 is the last soviet era tank to have never have been produced, it is a sorely missed piece in many 1/72 scale collections, nobody does Russian armor like you.

Zulfiqar is a bit of an enigma to the rest of the known world, but wouldn't it be nice to have the only model of it in 1/72 scale on the market when the UN eventually confronts Iran militarily.

Osorio - MBT - Yes I know Trumpeter may do a 1/72 scale kit, but that is not written in stone.

MBT-70 - Really an awesome looking tank, and it is the fore bearer of both the Leopard II and the M1 Abrams.

I have noticed that you seem to completely back away from producing US tanks, you have NEVER done one, why?

Finally, Alexey, I implore you to seriously research and consider the pieces listed above. To be completely honest with you, as someone who has purchased many of your kits in the past, I have NOT bought one of your kits in over two years. For me, you have gotten away from what you do best, MODERN ARMOR! I have only occassionally been checking your site for updates because I am now dependent on Dragon, Trumpeter, and Revell for my 1/72 scale armor needs. I am asking you, because you do very good work, to please get back into the modern armor game, (Modern being post WWII), build some US tanks that have never been done, and consider the other ones I have listed. I would love to buy these kits from you, I hope you will do them.

Best regards
John

I'd definitely buy the Zulfigar too. Alot of them.
And nobody sells any Modern Chinese Tanks in 1/72.
I'd buy alot of those too.
Or British moderm Armor like the Spartan,Sultan, Stormer,FV436.
A BMP3 would be nice too.

Dear John,

It's not a first time I have to explain such a questions.... Well, I'll try once more.

> We want to build armor, NOT civillian transport, even if it was civillian transport during WWII. You will always sell more tanks than artillery pieces Alexey.

That's Your OWN opinion, but I do produce kits for 10 (ten) years now. First my impressions on assortiment were exactly the same as Yours, but as You can see I've changed nomenclature of models in a past few years. Do You think I've made this by a mistake? Be sure I HAVE all the statistics on spendings and profit on each and every kit we made (will not be published here or there) and every series of models had a "test-shot".  I do try to produce different types of models and depending on result continue or stop this or other line. (Say, we plan Dingo WW2 British scout car - if this kit will be successfull - we'll continue with WW2 British armored vehicles; Another try - French Unic P-107 halftrack - when this one will be a good seller - we'll design some more French vehicles; same for one Italian vehicle and WW1 Russian Gun) We did same attempts with a modern armor too. Believe You understand what are the results when we now try on a much different "WW2 field".

> These pieces mentioned above are at the top of many 1/72 scale lists on the Internet, if you don't realize that then I don't think you are really paying attention.

I do PAY attention to anything modellers wants to buy and for what modellers vote with their money. Distributors also order more or less one or other kit - that's the main indicator and hope You'll agree with this.

> M-103 was the US answer (Direct counter) to the Russian JS III. It was around and in service until the 1970's with the United States Marine Corp. It is a fascinating tank in every way. Far better than the M-48, and at least equal to the M-60. This one would be a HUGE seller!M-41 has been used in so many places around the globe, I can't count them all, this one would also be a big seller.

Large kit is not a best idea for a "test-kit".

> T-64 is the last soviet era tank to have never have been produced, it is a sorely missed piece in many 1/72 scale collections, nobody does Russian armor like you.

Not a last.... Most of T-80 and later T-72 were produced later in USSR.

T-64 is a VERY limited known on the west tank (production of a real tank ceased because it was TOO complicated). Also too complicated for small model production. SKIF tried this project in 1/35. Do You know anything about this company (SKIF)? They sell moulds now....

> Zulfiqar is a bit of an enigma to the rest of the known world, but wouldn't it be nice to have the only model of it in 1/72 scale on the market when the UN eventually confronts Iran militarily.

I'm not satisfied with Enigma sales - don't think I'll play with Zulfigar....

> Osorio - MBT, MBT-70...

- heavy ones for the try.... While I still plan one US modern artillery piece.

Hope I satisfied Your interest and answered Your questions.

Anyway thanks for the question and ideas.

Sincerely Alexey.

http://www.acemodel.com.ua

Alexey,

I understand dollars and cents, budgets and forecasts, this is my hobby not my life. I work in a large US company, so I know all about forecasts on products and I can tell you this, forecasted data by nature is an inaccurate science. I have read all of your points, and I have to consider them as I am sure you have your data sources also. But I am not sure I agree with all of your data, because my scouring of the internet would SUGGEST otherwise.

It is an election year here in the US, how about this: Let's put it to the people. Here is my thought: List the kits I have listed plus any future projects you might be considering in one collective list. Present that list on Missing Lynx Braille Scale discussion group and inform the 1/72 scale audience that they may only vote for three or four, let's see what comes back.

Alexey if I am wrong, then I am wrong, but I suspect you might be suprised at your clients answers.

What do think of the idea?