Complete at last!
...Well, almost. The only ones missing are those from the first NG China Airlines set. It has the 744, A343 and 738 (no winglets) without registrations.
Click on the photo to see the whole collection.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Harassment and Extortion
Here am I again, with another bad experience from a Hong Kong retailer/ collector. I'm beginning to hate them as a people, you know. They are so money-oriented and lack breeding. Oh well, I think I should not generalize.
After the incident with Alvin, here comes Kenneth. For our first meet-up, he suggested we trade models. I get him a brand-new PAL 747 + A340 set worth USD28, and he gives me his second-hand SQ 77W originally priced at USD26. Given that his models was cheaper and a second-hand item at that, I naturally suggested that he credit me the USD2 to be taken off the total of the other items he helped me buy. Then he started saying I was too "money-minded" and not interested in "friendship." Okay, so I let him "cheat" me that time. [the things I do for these diecasts!]
On another occasion, he volunteered to buy me some exclusive items in Japan. I sent him a list then sent him a scanned photo of the catalog from the shop he was visiting. It clearly indicated which items were in stock and at what price. He insisted that the regular price was JPY5000 up, where in fact it was only JPY4000+ as indicated on the catalog. I even sent an email to CrossWing Japan who then confirmed that the catalog listings were current. So I sent him an email saying, "...it isn't worth getting models in Japan for JPY5000+ because it would end up [being] the same price as in HKG, or elsewhere for that matter..." and that "...I will ask her [a friend] to get for me [the models] like the last time. If not, then I will ask you [Kenneth]..." I never followed-up afterwards, meaning the deal was off.
He then advertised a sale at Wings900. Note that he did not contact me prior to putting them up for sale. I emailed him to inquire about the models, and he replied with the following:
"...I got back from Japan and bought some extra's? [sic]...
"I didn't help you to get the B744D because the printings on them were back. Either the cockpit is not align nor there is some scratches on them. The one I place on W900 for sale are the extra I got, and going through your list of ANA wishes, I guess you are interest with the 744 Yokoso Japan logo and 77W?
"If you want, I can sell it to you. Let me know...
"I place [sic] them onto W900 for sale to test the market............ and not much of a sucess so far..."
I asked for the price, to which he said,
"...I got them all for 5040 Yen as you know, but the bad thing is I got my Yen at a high exchange rate, so roughly when convert back to HKD, it is roughly $420hkd, so I'll just add $30hkd for my effort of carry them around, so $450hkd, which I think it is very reasonable..."
Reasonable? Yeah, right! That price is even more expensive than either WMT or Toymax!!! And how can we be friends if you keep charging me the "handling fee," you parasite?! So I naturally declined,
"...I'll think about your ANA. I think it is selling for much less at both WMT and Toymaxco..."
Given that I still considered him a "friend," and in the kindness of my heart offered, "...I think you should try and sell it...if one or several are still available by the time I come over in a few month's time, then perhaps I will take some. But do not reserve them for me. I cannot guarantee my interest..."
to which the stinking bug replied,
"...so now, I am not trying to force you to get it, but i think u should be responsible to what you request for. I really hate this kind of things happening and I do not want my $$ to be stuck. It happened to me once with a worth of $1000hkd and I was haven't a hard time to sell it and still there are some in my house. I really do not want this to be happen the 2nd time, and if so I will start to collect a down payment to put me on the safe side.
Please provide me a positive reply...
Kenneth"
It seems I am only a friend to him in so far as he gets his money's worth from me. Well, F&CK YOU Kenneth Tsang!!!
Good riddance!
The rascal is still around W900 and DAC. So beware!!! [I threatened to report him to a higher authority...]
After the incident with Alvin, here comes Kenneth. For our first meet-up, he suggested we trade models. I get him a brand-new PAL 747 + A340 set worth USD28, and he gives me his second-hand SQ 77W originally priced at USD26. Given that his models was cheaper and a second-hand item at that, I naturally suggested that he credit me the USD2 to be taken off the total of the other items he helped me buy. Then he started saying I was too "money-minded" and not interested in "friendship." Okay, so I let him "cheat" me that time. [the things I do for these diecasts!]
On another occasion, he volunteered to buy me some exclusive items in Japan. I sent him a list then sent him a scanned photo of the catalog from the shop he was visiting. It clearly indicated which items were in stock and at what price. He insisted that the regular price was JPY5000 up, where in fact it was only JPY4000+ as indicated on the catalog. I even sent an email to CrossWing Japan who then confirmed that the catalog listings were current. So I sent him an email saying, "...it isn't worth getting models in Japan for JPY5000+ because it would end up [being] the same price as in HKG, or elsewhere for that matter..." and that "...I will ask her [a friend] to get for me [the models] like the last time. If not, then I will ask you [Kenneth]..." I never followed-up afterwards, meaning the deal was off.
He then advertised a sale at Wings900. Note that he did not contact me prior to putting them up for sale. I emailed him to inquire about the models, and he replied with the following:
"...I got back from Japan and bought some extra's? [sic]...
"I didn't help you to get the B744D because the printings on them were back. Either the cockpit is not align nor there is some scratches on them. The one I place on W900 for sale are the extra I got, and going through your list of ANA wishes, I guess you are interest with the 744 Yokoso Japan logo and 77W?
"If you want, I can sell it to you. Let me know...
"I place [sic] them onto W900 for sale to test the market............ and not much of a sucess so far..."
I asked for the price, to which he said,
"...I got them all for 5040 Yen as you know, but the bad thing is I got my Yen at a high exchange rate, so roughly when convert back to HKD, it is roughly $420hkd, so I'll just add $30hkd for my effort of carry them around, so $450hkd, which I think it is very reasonable..."
Reasonable? Yeah, right! That price is even more expensive than either WMT or Toymax!!! And how can we be friends if you keep charging me the "handling fee," you parasite?! So I naturally declined,
"...I'll think about your ANA. I think it is selling for much less at both WMT and Toymaxco..."
Given that I still considered him a "friend," and in the kindness of my heart offered, "...I think you should try and sell it...if one or several are still available by the time I come over in a few month's time, then perhaps I will take some. But do not reserve them for me. I cannot guarantee my interest..."
to which the stinking bug replied,
"...so now, I am not trying to force you to get it, but i think u should be responsible to what you request for. I really hate this kind of things happening and I do not want my $$ to be stuck. It happened to me once with a worth of $1000hkd and I was haven't a hard time to sell it and still there are some in my house. I really do not want this to be happen the 2nd time, and if so I will start to collect a down payment to put me on the safe side.
Please provide me a positive reply...
Kenneth"
It seems I am only a friend to him in so far as he gets his money's worth from me. Well, F&CK YOU Kenneth Tsang!!!
Good riddance!
The rascal is still around W900 and DAC. So beware!!! [I threatened to report him to a higher authority...]
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
The Good Old Days
I've only been to Kai Tak once when I was still six, and my memories of the place are a bit iffy. I only remember being dizzy after the legendary approach. And on our way home, I remember being thrown about inside the bus as the driver frantically drove us to our 747-200 on the tarmac. I was too disoriented to remember the smell of the sewers nearby as we climbed the stairs.
Good thing CX made these model planes. Now, if they will only make some Kai Tak airport accessories...
Royal Tails
I downloaded a night shot of the Grand Palace in BKK and thought I'd use it for the background of a diecast shoot. I think my concept is okay, but my photos ended up a bit unrealistic. For one, I printed the background on plain paper and that made it look dull. Second, I couldn't quite figure out the proper angle of the lighting. Or perhaps I need more than one light source. Oh well...
Oh no...
Apparently, PAL hasn't ordered any 77W inflight model after all!!! This was confirmed to my by both PAL and the WingsWorld staff! However, the people at PAL confirmed that they do plan on selling it after the real planes have arrived. The thing is, a manufacturer has not been selected and there is that possibility that the contract could sway the way of Schabak. And that would be total cr@p! Further, PAL said that the current Herpa model is indeed a fantasy model as minor livery details may still change.
Meanwhile it is confirmed that the two 777-36NERs arriving will have the registrations RP-C7773 and RP-C7777. With Herpa having taken the first registration for its regular release, I do wonder if PAL will have the second registration on its inflight models, supposing it isn't Schabak.
Hmm, why don't they just go straight to Hogan for more detailed planes? Nah...I think they want it cheap.
I'm still in limbo as to whether I'll get the regular edition 77W...
Meanwhile it is confirmed that the two 777-36NERs arriving will have the registrations RP-C7773 and RP-C7777. With Herpa having taken the first registration for its regular release, I do wonder if PAL will have the second registration on its inflight models, supposing it isn't Schabak.
Hmm, why don't they just go straight to Hogan for more detailed planes? Nah...I think they want it cheap.
I'm still in limbo as to whether I'll get the regular edition 77W...
Thursday, April 2, 2009
PAL 77W
In 2006 Philippine Airlines ordered two 777-300ERs plus two leases, and two options that have since been firmed. First delivery is expected in late 2009.
PAL has since commissioned Herpa to make models for inflight sale, which will also be part of Herpa's regular sales. The model was announced for the March/ April regular sales release, but the official word from the airline is that the models will not be loaded on flights unless the real aircraft are already flying for PAL. It is unsure how this will affect the release date of the regular sales edition.
However, Aviation Center Berlin already has some units for sale:
Note the small "Philippine Airlines" titles and logo underneath the window line just after door 1L. This feature has not been seen on previous PAL aircraft.
Note the small "Philippine Airlines" titles and logo underneath the window line just after door 1L. This feature has not been seen on previous PAL aircraft.At any rate, this model is a fantasy model at best since the official statement from PAL. Further, given that it will be made with the new Herpa mould, it may have some quality problems. Note the droopy engines and the widely-spaced wheels (that will supposedly be rubber).
Another curious bit is that Herpa announced that their model is a 777-36NER, with the registration RP-C7773. While it may be true that the first two deliveries will be the two leased (GECAS) 777-36NERs, the said registration will belong to the first owned 777-3F6ER, which will at least be the third delivered. The GECAS planes will be registered RP-C7770 and ~2, respectively instead. RP-C7771 will be skipped because of PAL's superstitious beliefs that numbers that add up to 13 or 22 (2+2=4) bring bad luck.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Beware of Lousy Trader
I don't know why I'm posting this only now. I should have done this way back.
In my defense, I have posted my bad experience at the Wings900 message board:
http://www.wings900.com/vb/general-squawk-talk/39125-lousy-w900-dealer.html
although I did not name the nasty little vermin. Well, I did but on home territory:
http://www.philskies.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=11793
As I said in the previous post, people at W900 tend to be pricks. And this guy, Alvin has a lot of them as his loyal customers. Heck, he even has a 90%+ trader rating. Well, at least not 100% so we know not all of them were quite satisfied.
During my latest trip to Hong Kong, I found out that I was at one point in his "VIP" list. And that he preferred foreigners in this list as he could easily "jack up" his prices. Well, I won't bite that anymore, Alvin. I already know you sell second-hand models as brand-new, and that you have access to the backdoor of factories.
FYI, I reported this guy to the HK Consumer Council, Tourism Board and the HK Police. All wrote back with a file reference and urged me to file claims at the HK Claims Tribunal. I notified this guy to give him one final chance to rectify himself and what do you know, he all of a sudden decided to send me a refund in full!
If he weren't guilty of any wrongdoing as he claims, then why was he so fearful the moment I mentioned the Police and the Small Claims Tribunal? Guilty? I knew it way before - from the time he kept giving all these excuses why he can't replace the model and why he can only refund so much.
Stinking little rascal! He is at it again:
http://www.wings900.com/vb/model-trade-4-sale/39852-400-500-scale-model-sales.html
I pity his victims...
In my defense, I have posted my bad experience at the Wings900 message board:
http://www.wings900.com/vb/general-squawk-talk/39125-lousy-w900-dealer.html
although I did not name the nasty little vermin. Well, I did but on home territory:
http://www.philskies.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=11793
As I said in the previous post, people at W900 tend to be pricks. And this guy, Alvin has a lot of them as his loyal customers. Heck, he even has a 90%+ trader rating. Well, at least not 100% so we know not all of them were quite satisfied.
During my latest trip to Hong Kong, I found out that I was at one point in his "VIP" list. And that he preferred foreigners in this list as he could easily "jack up" his prices. Well, I won't bite that anymore, Alvin. I already know you sell second-hand models as brand-new, and that you have access to the backdoor of factories.
FYI, I reported this guy to the HK Consumer Council, Tourism Board and the HK Police. All wrote back with a file reference and urged me to file claims at the HK Claims Tribunal. I notified this guy to give him one final chance to rectify himself and what do you know, he all of a sudden decided to send me a refund in full!
If he weren't guilty of any wrongdoing as he claims, then why was he so fearful the moment I mentioned the Police and the Small Claims Tribunal? Guilty? I knew it way before - from the time he kept giving all these excuses why he can't replace the model and why he can only refund so much.
Stinking little rascal! He is at it again:
http://www.wings900.com/vb/model-trade-4-sale/39852-400-500-scale-model-sales.html
I pity his victims...
Down with the Nazis
I merely pointed out that a certain new release could have been better with the correct registration, and I get flamed:
http://www.wings900.com/vb/1-500-scale-discussion/40990-new-release-1-500-herpa-qantas-airways-b-747-438-a.html
WTF? When talking amongst themselves, they seem to be quite friendly with their own criticisms of models, yet shoot down others opinions quite readily. Whatever happened to the forum?
This hobby is not quite worth it anymore. There is absolutely no quality in the releases of late, and these morons keep defending the company that makes lousy products. Wadda crap!
After Wings900, I don't know if there is any other forum out there worth visiting for info about this hobby. And with the quality of posts at W900 going down the drain, too, it simply isn't worth it anymore!
http://www.wings900.com/vb/1-500-scale-discussion/40990-new-release-1-500-herpa-qantas-airways-b-747-438-a.html
WTF? When talking amongst themselves, they seem to be quite friendly with their own criticisms of models, yet shoot down others opinions quite readily. Whatever happened to the forum?
This hobby is not quite worth it anymore. There is absolutely no quality in the releases of late, and these morons keep defending the company that makes lousy products. Wadda crap!
After Wings900, I don't know if there is any other forum out there worth visiting for info about this hobby. And with the quality of posts at W900 going down the drain, too, it simply isn't worth it anymore!
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