Let's Float the Boat. Ready torpedo...

[Mark]

Are the Biante models becoming too complex and too costly? Could we cut A LITTLE details out of them to save some money?
Do we want cars like Exoto create and then pay the same price?

[Graeme]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but recent Biante model releases appear to have more detail than previously, but with no cost increase.

My opinion is that if you want to buy a certified limited edition, as with the 1:18 scale V8 Supercars, then you want good detail and you expect the price will reflect both of these characteristics.

I reckon it's a good show as it is, and beats a Franklin Mint type deal hands down.

[Grubby]

Biante are Biante because they release detailed scaled models.

If you want less detail buy something else.

Grubby

[terrine]

i think sensible further enhancement is great.....do we need an opening glovebox and wind up windows like CCs...i say no...after all they are display models not Kens drive car.

r/peter

[wombat]

I think that you might be dodging a few torps, Mark

My perusings through the forum reveal some general grumblings about affordability, etc, but most are generous in the praise about the high detail, high quality models.

I will pay the price for the better quality every time.

In the end, you get what you pay for. The choice is yours.

[brchi17]

What is the point of this ????

Why would anyone in their right mind want a reduction in the quality of the Biante product - isn't this why they're the 'best in the business' !!!!!

If you want to save some pennies, perhaps you need to reapraise the volume of models you purchase - not downgrade the quality of the models.

I for one, stick (well I try to) to 1:43 Racecars, in particular the Falcon also, I only (try to) purchase 1 colour of the road car from each model made (eg 1 XY GHTO III, 1 XB GT, 1 etc.....) in that scale.

If you want a lesser quality model go buy a Trax !!!!

It would be very naive for a company, to want to reduce their quality to save on the purchase price. If they are too dear, buy a Classic instead. Just leave the Biantie's alone, as they are the best models out there at present.

Perhaps if the other comapanies lifted their game in terms of quality, we may then you may see a reduction in price, but it would be rather small. Don't forget that to built such fantastic models, you need to spend the money on research and in the production of the model to get it 'just right'

I may sound a bit harsh, but it's my opinion,
Cheers.

[Mark]

So... if prices continue to go where thay have over the last few years, we will be happy paying $200 plus for a model..???

[Three_o_seven]

The quality of 1/18 & 1/43 seem to be improving constantly and this reflects in the way a particular model is craved way beyond its production numbers, making it worth a lot more than it was when it was initialy purchased (sentimentaly and monetry).

Why comprimise the quality of an affordable model by cutting corners? If 1/18 is too expensive to collect.......collect 1/43. If you still think 1/43 is too dear for its over all size.....buy ERTL or go out and get a better paying job.

The quality of Biante has been consistantly good to excellent....in my opinion the models are well worth the dollars.

Thanks

[admin]

Just to keep it in perspective......

In 1998 when we released the first car, the road cars were sold for $146.00 and Moffat 65E was $170.
The quality was good, but nowhere near whats coming out now.
Nearly 5 years later, the quality and detail has jumped about 90%, the Aussie dollar is lower by nearly 30%, freight has gone up 24%, and what do we have??
Road cars are between $115 and $130, and race cars are $168 to $170.
So in effect, for heaps more detail, the price has stayed the same or is actually cheaper.
My intention from day one was to make the best models possible at an affordable price.
5 years later, we have upped the quality progressively, kept the price the same and I think, fulfilled the initial criteria.

[loste_treasures]

yes, i agree with admin here.......

the quality of a model has increased in leaps and bounds. has the price???

i think not......

if anything keep increasing the quality of models. i would even be prepared to cop a slight increase in price due to this. however in saying that, keep the collector in mind. not everyone has bags of money........

[v8coupe]

I have to disagree with reducing detail to try and make them cheaper. Take the Classic Carlectables first batch of 1/18's, looked like toys than collectible replica's. Then relised they had no choice but to try and match Biante.
Reading all biante forum members posts, I'd say 99% of us are more than happy with the way things are going (detail, price etc).

I would like a boat lol, as I have quite a few biantes to still get, to catch up with the current releases. (Feeling flooded)

[chups]

I think the detail in Biante model cars is fine, but if they can improve on the detail any more than they already have without increasing the price, then i wouldnt be complaining.

[Esses]

Have to agree with all the positive comment. Biante are the best, but the others are lifting their game. I just bought the CC HQ ute in Infra Red & apart from the ext. mirrors & some flimsiness in the front suspension I'd say it's within 5% of Biante. Likewise, except for underbody detail (non-existent) the Trax E38 Chargers (1/43) are nearly up there with Biante, then, of course, they (Trax) go & release something like the HG Monaro, which is just rubbish. One of my best is a Vitesse Mini-Moke which includes detail like the contrast piping on the seats; foot pedals & indicator stalks, & real mirrors on the exterior. If, like me, you like Pommy cars that were sold here, the Lledo Vanguards are very, very good. Then there's the Onyx Holden Vectra (Bathurst 98, Murphy/Ingall) that's in my Xmas stocking (Biante had a big hand in it's making) that's good enough to NOT include a gear stick. These are all 1/43. The competitive market is alive & well.

[7Litre]

If the creator wants to put new features in models, then let their imagination run wild. Dispite the cost , you would obviously appreciate the fine detail provided to the product you have just purchased.

Maybe we will see things like Seat belts, Battery operated lights, Cloth seats etc...

[spoonster05]

I agree fully with paying for quality, in fact I stopped collecting Trax cars after their appalling effort on the Brock VL Group A SS.

I think that as Trevor said at the Bathurst meeting the key is to release models at a sensible pace so all Biante collectors can then purchase each model, rather than having to miss out on one because 10 new models have come out in a one or two week period.

[chups]

hey spoonster05, that was when i stopped collecting trax models too. that model was absolutely shocking model.

also you said I think that as Trevor said at the Bathurst meeting the key is to release models at a sensible pace so all Biante collectors can then purchase each model, rather than having to miss out on one because 10 new models have come out in a one or two week period.

that would be great if they actually stuck to it, these are some of the holdens that have been quoted by biante to be out between now and x-mas.

brock VR
TB VX (red)
TB (black)
HRT #1
HRT #2
HYL #02
K-mart #15
K-mart #51
15th Ann VX clubsport
HT Monaro


at about $150 a model thats $1500 i dont know about everyone else, but i dont know of too many people that have that much laying around in 2 months. i allow one model per month. i decided to stick to the brock collection and HSV models (with the odd special model thrown in when i can like the toranas) but i guess it doesnt matter about the loyal collector aslong as the models get sold.

whats wrong with producing extra numbers of cars that are sure to be popular like the brock VR so that everyone that wants one can get one? i work during the week and only have net access on rare occasions so if i cant get cars held for me then i miss out. im sure im not the only person out there in this situation.