I really like mine. Agreed the lack of a gear up option is unfortunate but heck I certainly can live w/ that especially for the price, I paid about $25 for mine, which I view as reasonable.
I am most frustrated w/ distribution of IXO product. It seems so hit and miss here in the western US. I see you all talking about some of the Russian fighters which I have never even seen a pic of let alone in person! 
While I'm at it though the Beaufighter is one of my favorite IXO's. "Why JC" I hear you asking, "what might your other favorite IXO's be? Do tell". Well since you asked: Ki-43, this little fella is such a nice change of pace from the same old Japanese green or grey paint jobs, and looks great next to my "Flying Tigers" P-40's (This was one of their more common opponents in China, not the Zero which it was often mistaken for). Also the HS-129, very cool, and the HE-219. The 219 is fairly simple but... I just love that plane!  It looks like some sort of predatory bug!  |
Yes, same here! I have the Beaufighter and its a pretty decent die-cast overall, if you look past the typical IXO's flaws. I have the Ki-43 and what a neat scheme. Just the the Ki-63 "Tony" and very hard to find too! Had to give my left bag-pipe for it but..."call me a unic and gimme my "Tony".