[Epapazian]

While I have shifted enthusiastically from plastic to diecast in recent years, I still regard plastic as the most realistic where detail is concerned. On the other hand, plastic models are very delicate and it's difficult to fix mistakes on a plastic bird---especially when a lot of sanding is required------oops, there go the panel lines. Of course, such blunders can be rectified with careful inscribing, but this can be a tedious process.

Not that there aren't lots of issues with diecast. This medium features numerous detail gaffs, incorrect colors, poorly applied markings, missing parts, etc. and, while diecast models are more durable, it's really hard to make certain types of corrections---adding missing antennas, pitot tubes, machine guns, etc.---which often require drilling to install. Drilling holes in plastic is a cinch, but not so with diecast.

So I suppose the appeal of diecast is largely in the feel, or heft, of the models and the sense that they are really substantial items one can handle, examine closely, etc. Also, for those of us who are busy, diecast models come ready made. Sure, guys like me adapt and often repaint their models, but that's not the same as starting totally from scratch as with a kit.