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Post by blue55conv on Mar 2, 2011 3:30:53 GMT 1
As a collector, I hate to think that Ricko has moved away from 1/87. They have made some really nice cars with extreme detail. I have most of them in my collection. I enjoy exploring with a magnifying glass to find detail not visible with the naked eye. As a child of the 60's, the 71 Cuda is one of my favorites.
The issue with the RPS Expedition tooling doesn't sound good. RPS needs to get their tooling back. It is a big investment. From a collector's perspective, they need it back so we can get more Expeditions.
I wish I knew the inside story here. Since Ricko is not talking, it is easy to think the worst. We have seen several companies get into 1/87 and then leave unexpectedly. I hope this is not the case. Is there some problem at Ricko? Did the factory close? Did the management change? And what's up with the RPS tooling issue?
Ricko, if are you listening, please fill us in. We could use some good news.
Mike Cook
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jim68cuda
Junior Member
It takes a Mopar to Catch a Mopar
Posts: 224
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Post by jim68cuda on Mar 2, 2011 4:00:59 GMT 1
Ricko was doing some real nice 1/18 scale diecast cars, but then abandon the 1/18 scale market and then suddenly (at least it seemed that way to me) there was Ricko with 1/87 scale cars. Many were the same cars they made in 1/18 scale. It was risky switching from 1/18 scale to 1/87 scale. That meant pretty much abandoning their original customer base and dealers and having to start all over. Could a company do that twice in 10 years and still survive? I think they are still in the 1/87 scale market. And there are Mercedes in 1/87 scale that I haven't seen yet. www.rickoricko.com/home.phpI plan on buying a couple of those 60's Mercedes myself by the way. I think Ricko is still alive and well and living in the 1/87 scale world. I do hope the problems revealed here about the molds belonging to RPS being held by Ricko, can be resolved.
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Post by nickvoges on Mar 2, 2011 13:18:21 GMT 1
But all the Mercedes models showed there are clearly the Starmada models. I welcome that Ricko sells the Starmada, that means in one year we can get the models on Ebay for one or two Euros, how it happens to all the older Ricko cars. The big problem with Ricko in my opinion is: the models are very detailed and good, but half of the cars were made already by other manufacturers in a good or better quality. Why buy the Ricko M6, when Herpa sell this BMW for half the price. And why a seventh 300 MB Gullwing and a fifth Porsche Spyder? The Strongness of Ricko are the oldtimer, especially the excellence of these models is better as the modern models. So far nick
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Post by mstar on Mar 2, 2011 19:14:59 GMT 1
They had a lot of models that weren't made before, like all the Alfas and Lamborghinis. However Highspeed/Schuco made some of them (i.e. Alfa 156 GTA, Lamborghini Gallardo), too, but I guess Ricko couldn't know that then. But all Chryslers, Dodges, the Cadillac, the Ford GT, RS 200, Lancia Delta Integrale, Alfa Brera, Alfa 147 (not GTA), MG TF, MG 7, Lexus RX, Jaguar XK-SS etc etc were all models you don't get anywhere else.
The BMW M6 from Ricko is the Coupé while the herpa BMW M6 is the convertible...
and sadly I couldn't find the models for 1 or 2 Euros till now...
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Post by Sylvain on Mar 3, 2011 2:39:37 GMT 1
…And there are Mercedes in 1/87 scale that I haven't seen yet. . But all the Mercedes models showed there are clearly the Starmada models. But Ricko IS Starmada. They even announced the Starmada series of Mercedes here, some years ago, before anybody knows that these models were going to be sold by Brekina. I remember members asking why doing some Mercedes again, and Ricko answering that these models they were sure to sell well, or something of the kind… Or am I senile already? ;D
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Post by blue55conv on Mar 3, 2011 5:35:45 GMT 1
I checked ebay. There were a bunch of 1/87 Ricko's. Prices ranged from $10 to $20. I did find a Ricko for $1.99, put it was some rap CD about pimpin'.
I do get tired of so many Mercedes and BMW's from all of the companies. They blend together for me. I think the Ricko line has considerable variety. There are a lot of European models, but they have also several types of American cars.
Antique - 31 Lincoln Classic - 63 Lincoln Hot Rod - 32 Ford Muscle - 71 Cuda Modern Muscle - Mustang GT Modern Sports - Crossfire Modern Sedan - Chrysler 300C Modern SUV - Cadillac Escalade Modern Police - Dodge Charger
The only thing missing is a 2-tone 50's classic.
I hope they are just taking a breather. My house is nearly full, but I could clear out a spot for a few more.
Ricko - Please chime in.
Mike Cook
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Post by swampdaddy on Mar 3, 2011 7:27:16 GMT 1
How about a 3-tone 50's classic, 55 & 56 Packards. LOL Swamp Daddy
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Post by Cor_DutchArt on Mar 4, 2011 17:07:21 GMT 1
Still waiting for the Duesenberg J
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Ricko
Junior Member
Posts: 126
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Post by Ricko on Mar 4, 2011 17:57:57 GMT 1
Greetings, All! I would like to make a few salient rebuttal points: A) I don’t recall that anyone called for a boycott of anything or anyone. B) The matter between Ricko and RPS can hardly be called a dispute; they just don’t respond. C) As far as the facts are concerned: Please consider that, before most foreign manufacturers ship anything, and this includes the Chinese, the merchandise and tooling has to be paid in full or guaranteed by the bank with a letter of credit. Without acceptable payment arrangements, it is unlikely that anything will even be made, never mind shipped. Since we shipped the first run of civilian Expeditions, the tools were obviously on hand. Similarly, money cannot be an issue because Ricko would not have released the models to us. So, as I stated in my previous post: I’m puzzled, because what else is there? Perhaps they lost or damaged the tools; in that case they should replace the tooling or refund our money? In any event, shouldn’t they respond to our legitimate inquiries? We haven't alleged anything; we simply asked to have our tools, and in first class condition. Is it wrong to ask for one's property? D) That said: I would be the first in line to welcome a response from whoever is now in charge at Ricko. Problems, such as this one encountered by RPS, cannot be ignored. I brought the matter into public because the consumers should have an increased awareness of the issues and complications. We are ready to produce the SSP models, but can't. In the end, if you want to have choices, regardless of your interest in the SSP models, it is in everyone’s best interest to make your voice heard and counted. Regards, Ron at RPS We hate bull shxx!!
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Post by Christian on Mar 4, 2011 18:03:20 GMT 1
Thanks for the info.
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Post by Mark Maticek on Mar 4, 2011 18:26:17 GMT 1
Mr. Ricko,
Since most of us on this forum love your 1/87 model cars, can you give us some hints of what 1/87 vehicles you might be producing in the near future?
Like most of the members, I like the quality and variety of the products that you have produced.
Some information on future products would be greatly appreciated.
Mark
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Post by hovehicle on Mar 5, 2011 1:31:47 GMT 1
Mr. Ricko,
That's your answer? Please explain your position and why there is an issue with the tooling that RPS claims is theirs. Ron would not come out on a public forum and state his position without checking his facts. Now, can you please tell us what the status of the Expedition SSP tooling is?
I have been one of your best customers here in the US and I would like to see this issue resolved in a positive way.
Vito L.
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Post by blue55conv on Mar 5, 2011 3:11:45 GMT 1
At least we know Ricko is alive and kicking (and reading the posts). That's a good thing.
I hope this RPS tooling thing gets settled soon. I would rather talk about other stuff, like cars that are going to be made and cars I wish would be made. I need something to look forward to.
Mike Cook
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Post by Cor_DutchArt on Mar 6, 2011 0:34:43 GMT 1
I totally agree with Mike. I do not think Ricko owes us an explanation. Ricko and RPS should continue to compare themselves to find out.
We have made our point clear enough.
I would like to see Ricko continued to develop, mostly American classics. There are plenty of European models coming this year. My wallet must also keep pace.
Yes... I understand that some people are concerned about the release of the Expedition and I hope the troubles will be solved soon.
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Post by copcarcollector on Mar 6, 2011 4:10:17 GMT 1
Ricko may not owe you or I an explanation, but it seems, based on the information provided by RPS, that Ricko owes RPS an explanation.
I think RPS was fair in their presentation of the facts according to them. If these facts are incorrect, Ricko - who has clearly read this post - can defend themselves, or present other facts or issues about this tooling dispute.
Clearly Ricko does not think much of the collectors or RPS right now, based on the fascinating, in depth answer of "We hate Bull----". Come on Ricko, explain your position just as RPS has explained theirs. Don't want to do it in a public forum, ok by me - but at least have the courtesy to respond to RPS's inquiries, according to RPS their emails and requests for their tooling and information go unanswered.
And, the original heading of this thread was "What happened to Ricko?". Again it is clear that Ricko has read the thread, how about a reply to the original question? I liked Rickos offerings too - what's next for this company...
I would love to see the Emergency Fords from RPS, and hope that they will come to be. If not, and if the reasons RPS has provided are the truth, it is a sad thing for business and for the hobby.
Jeff
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