Wildcats, Bearcats, and Hellcats
Posted by John on March 15, 2008This weekend Osprey USA had a booth at the Westchester Radio Aero Modeler Association's "WRAM" show in White Plains, NY. For too long, the focus of our marketing in the U.S. has been on the Wargaming, Toy Soldier and Armor segments of the hobby, so this year we're trying to reach out to those interested in Warbirds.
We were thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive response we got to our books! One of the first things we realized is that while we thought our line of aviation titles was "comprehensive," there are some serious gaps. For instance, many customers asked whether we have any titles on "trainers" such as the T-6, T-34, and AT-6. Clearly, trainers are a big part of the R/C hobby and Osprey needs to come up with some titles to serve this niche.
Another thing we learned is that there is a bottomless appetite for WWII Naval aviation. Indeed, we sold out of our Corsair books on the first day! Also, we learned that there is such an animal as "the Bearcat," which is most definitely not a Wildcat or Hellcat.
Finally, the wonderful volunteers from the Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum kept demand for our WWII aviation titles very high. They made us realize that we need to sign up someone to write books on the Fokker DR VI and VIII, to complement our titles on the DR V and VII. Attached are some photos from the show. We will definitely be there again next year!
Great Photos!
Are there any other shows here in the states that Osprey is planning to attend this year?
Posted by: Gene | March 16, 2008 at 12:23 AM
The F7F Tigershark, F8F Bearcat, FH-1 Phantom (first US carrier jet fighter), FH-2 Banshee, F9F Panther, and AD-1 Skyraider either arrived too late for active service in WWII or joined squadrons after the War. However, all started their design and development during WWII. An osprey title covering the post WWII Naval aviation planes (many of which served in Korea) would be an excellent addition to both hobby craft and historical study.
Posted by: Jay S | March 17, 2008 at 08:12 PM
Thanks for your comments! Some other shows where we will be exhibiting this year are The Northeast Toy Soldier Society in Dedham, MA in early April, the Toy Soldier Day in Gettysburg at the end of April, the Mid-Atlantic War Museum's WWII day in Reading, PA in mid-June, and the Weekend of Heroes in Glendale, CA in late June. We're also planning to put on sutler's costumes and have a tent at the Battle of Chikamauga reenactment in mid-September.
As for the other comment about Osprey doing a book on post-WWII Naval Aviation, I completely agree. I'll talk to our aviation editors about it right away.
Posted by: John at Osprey | March 18, 2008 at 01:39 PM
The RN/FAA also has a selection of interesting post war aircraft (Sea Fury, Sea Vampire, etc.).
And speaking of WWII naval air, any plans for volumes on the Barracuda, Fulmar, and Swordfish?
Posted by: Jay S | March 19, 2008 at 06:46 PM