I just got a note from Great Models that my pre-order price of $202 for the Hasegawa 350 scale Akagi no longer stood up. The new pre-order price is $269 but in deference mine would be $231. They also binged up the big PE set to $100. If you haven't preordered the Akagi 350 scale, here in the states you can expect an excess of $300 on just the kit. They are showing retail at $374. So expect everything else to start reflecting accordingly. I've decided to hold onto my preorder and hope it comes in soon beofre they decide they have to bing it up again. Looks like happy days are no longer here again. I wonder what my final price is going to be on my pre-order ISE? Well, I've sure got a big enough stash. Guess I won't be needing that Shokaku or Fuso we've been hearing about.

Hi Steve,

Yes indeedy, this is why I sent that private mail to you a while back as things have had to change. My girl is a novelist and was telling me that many publishers have actually lowered their Canadian book prices to match the American price (be on the lookout for this, Frank). You're right, though- this encourages us to actually get to work on our stashes, so there's a silver lining.

Here's the US pricing Stevens International is showing for the Akagi stuff if anybody's interested:

HSG-40025 1/350 IJN Akagi Aircraft Carrier 1941 $364.95
HSG-40071 1/350 IJN Aircraft Carrier Akagi Photo-Etched Super Detail Set A, B, C $144.95
HSG-72125 1/350 IJN Aircraft Carrier Akagi Wooden Deck w/Photo-Etched Parts $144.95
HSG-72126 1/350 IJN Aircraft Carrier Akagi Photo-Etched Detail Set A $67.95
HSG-72127 1/350 IJN Aircraft Carrier Akagi Photo-Etched Super Detail Set B $67.95
HSG-72128 1/350 IJN Aircraft Carrier Akagi Photo-Etched Super Detail Set C $49.95

Of course, it pays to shop around, and these things are still cheaper if ordered from Japan with shipping, but still, everybody stay alert.

wow, the exchange rate hasnt changed THAT much.. it went from 110 to the dollar to about 98ish

Yeah, but American distributors tend to aim really high just in case to allow for fluctuations. Considering that up until a few years ago, the exchange rate hovered around 150 yen to the dollar (I remember buying stuff for 175 to 1 here and there), it's the only way they can feel safe. Ah well.