Hi Gene
In reference to your post re the Hanriot I don't think there are any particular implications to take from the fact Wingnuts had one in development. I'm not aware of any tooling for a Hanriot but it was on their design list, as were many other projects that never eventuated.
So I'm not aware of any WNW Hanriot moulds in existence but yes, the fact it was on their 'to do' list ( and was high on our wants poll) shows there is a demand for this kit.
Roden and Copper State are both now aware of these facts but to get in before there's any speculation it does not signal any joint venture, nor does it signal the two companies doing parallel projects with the same kit ( as WnW and Copper State did with the Hansa Brandenburg D.1). The Wingnuts kit was abandoned and CSM has stated it is planning to use sales of its armoured car range to fund the development costs of the Hansa Brandenburg kit - so if you want that kit, buy CSM's Nieuports too!
It's unlikely that Copper State will "jump in" with a Hanriot, as CSM is well advanced with another new 1/32 scale WW1 aircraft release whose identity has not yet been revealed. Also they have more 1/32 Nieuports in line so their slate is pretty full too.
It's likely we will get a 1/32 Hanriot, it's just a question of time and customer support for those manufacturers that are still producing kits for us. The fanatical buying up of Wingnut kits around the world does not put a cent in the pockets of Roden or CSM or others like Special Hobby whose WW1 line is unfairly overlooked.
There's still a vibrant future for our hobby!
Dave Wilson
Gold Coast
Australia
