The most wanted subjects on kit surveys are almost without exception, kits that have either not been done before, or have not been done well. Guys are guys, we want what we can't have!
The danger for kitmakers is that there is usually a very good reason the subject has been overlooked by every kit manufacturer for the past umpteen years. It's not like they see the most wanted kit list and say "Banshee? Banshee? Hmmmmm, let me Google that... clickclickclickity click click.... OH! Well, would you look at that! How could we have overlooked THAT!"
The model companies are pretty savvy for the most part. Look at all the heavy hitters on the most wanted lists from past years. Viggie, A3D, XB-70, Catalina, Ju-52, YB-49, and on and on. So many dearly desired kits that turned into bupkiss sales wise. There are some unexpected hits, so the model companies really wring their hands over the choices.
How do I know? I did that kind of decision making for more than 3 years at 21st Century Toys. Some decisions go well and you look like a hero. When even one product tanks, though, you got one very pissed off boss asking you if you know what the hell you are doing. Trust me guys, when your paycheck and your reputation is on the line, you get a lot more conservative.
And the safest bet of all is the 109. You cannot go wrong with that subject. Love it or hate it, there is no other aircraft like it. Spitfire and P-51, Tiger tank (don't know why its always said this way), Sherman, Stuka, Corsair are also very safe bets, but once you get past the A list subjects, it can be a real crap shoot.
Happy Modelling! Roy
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