Special Pack #3 (Medium Bombers) on the Way...?

**Flying Helmut** · 08-01-2021 14:18

Originally Posted by Dan-Sam

He presented these paper models in Prague 2018? Or 2019? But I guess it is not Andrea's fault we're waiting for new minis such long time...

Flew one!
I picked up a couple of AIM ones from ebay, in case 'Ares' continue to keep their finger firmly inserted...

**Diamondback** · 08-01-2021 15:27

Don't look at me, I did everything to push planes out of the factories and ships down the ways that I could. But there's only so much a lowly historical consultant can do...

**Jager** · 08-02-2021 13:08

Originally Posted by Diamondback

Don't look at me, I did everything to push planes out of the factories and ships down the ways. But there's only so much a lowly historical consultant can do...

Sadly, there's probably only so much the lowly game designer can do

Karl

**Captain Knowitall** · 08-10-2021 18:52

I was watching a Business news show several days ago. The news out of China is not looking very promising. It would appear that there has been a production stoppage there on "Non-essential" goods. Also, What is happening is that previously contracted shipping companies are upping their shipping rates. They literally have people over the barrel. Extorting more money from everyone. If you don't pay, your stuff doesn't get put on the ship. That simple. You don't pay up, your stuff may never make it to the dock yard at all.

I cannot speak to Ares, and what has happened with their products made in China. However, I have seen testimony regarding this on a few Business news shows that have all spoken on this. Some from US, UK and other countries who are experiencing delays and reduction in the quantity of products being received. What doesn't seem to be slowed down is all of the products owned and made by the ChiComs. Hisense etc, those get shipped out with zero difficulty or delay. Yet products made by Visio, Samsung, GE, etc never seem to make it onto the cargo ship.

I also recently saw an article where one country has made or is actively making a deal to shift all of their country's manufacturing sourcing to India. Which frankly would be a far better place to shift to than to continue with China.
To be totally honest, I would prefer that ALL manufacturing be done domestically within the country of the Company's origin. If in Italy, then have the manufacturing done in Italy. I'm sure there are folks there who would love to have a job who are currently not employed.
Same for the UK, USA, etc.
When you do that then you take the power of control out of the hands of a country that can simply cut you off if you piss them off or go against their will.

Just my 2 shillings worth.

**Diamondback** · 08-10-2021 18:58

Originally Posted by Captain Knowitall

I was watching a Business news show several days ago. The news out of China is not looking very promising. It would appear that there has been a production stoppage there on "Non-essential" goods. Also, What is happening is that previously contracted shipping companies are upping their shipping rates. They literally have people over the barrel. Extorting more money from everyone. If you don't pay, your stuff doesn't get put on the ship. That simple. You don't pay up, your stuff may never make it to the dock yard at all.

I cannot speak to Ares, and what has happened with their products made in China. However, I have seen testimony regarding this on a few Business news shows that have all spoken on this. Some from US, UK and other countries who are experiencing delays and reduction in the quantity of products being received. What doesn't seem to be slowed down is all of the products owned and made by the ChiComs. Hisense etc, those get shipped out with zero difficulty or delay. Yet products made by Visio, Samsung, GE, etc never seem to make it onto the cargo ship.

I also recently saw an article where one country has made or is actively making a deal to shift all of their country's manufacturing sourcing to India. Which frankly would be a far better place to shift to than to continue with China.
To be totally honest, I would prefer that ALL manufacturing be done domestically within the country of the Company's origin. If in Italy, then have the manufacturing done in Italy. I'm sure there are folks there who would love to have a job who are currently not employed.
Same for the UK, USA, etc.
When you do that then you take the power of control out of the hands of a country that can simply cut you off if you piss them off or go against their will.

Just my 2 shillings worth.

Before November I know Mattel was moving much of their manufacturing to Vietnam, and for many years working with Ares as one of their Historical Consultants alongside an eye on geopolitics and logistics I've long recommended they try to draw up plans for an Alternate Supply Line whether Vietnam, India or one of the emergent economies in Central/Eastern Europe. Personally, I've never been a fan of putting all your eggs in a single basket because I was raised in the culture of Strategic Air Command, where when you're playing for the ultimate High Stakes redundant systems, backups and failsafes become a way of life.

"ALWAYS keep a spare!"--Abby Sciuto, NCIS Lab Rule #9

**Xen** · 08-10-2021 20:03

For what its worth, I do Ares Kickstarter fulfillments in Australia/New Zealand through Rival Sky Games, and 2 months ago had a normal, positive experience getting the product out of China. I'm sure the reports of some disruptions are true, but so far I'm not seeing it affect things with Ares, at least to Australia.