[planenutsfrog]

Durability as also been among the main concerns that led me to diecast collecting. Additionnally, I have never been an expert modeller and have always been fond of metal !

1) Subject : Military helicopters, and single or twin engined planes from today to the 30's + 1/200 Airliners from the 30's to the 70's.

2) Scales : Military acft : 1/48 and 1/72 ; Airliners : 1/200.

1/48 and 1/200 : one model of each type, except for the very best ones, of wich I buy 2 (EI P51B/C and C1 FW190 D11/D13)

1/72 : For jets, depending on the variants available, the maximum of the same type I buy is 3 : 1 single seater, 1 two seater, and 1 naval variant (ex : Witty Su 27, GC Su 34 and Su 33 ; Corgi Harrier and Sea Harrier ; Corgi Jaguar S and Jaguar B ; ect... ). However, as I particularly like planes wearing French, Swiss, Canadian or Dutch colours, I sometimes take 2 identical jets with different finishes (ex : Meteor RAF/Dutch ; Hunter RAF/Swiss)

Helicopters (any scale) : one of each type.

3) Mould accuracy : Simply essential ! I love the Mirage III/V/50 family, but buying for example the FM model is absolutely out of question so grossly wrong it is !

4) Detail accuracy / quality : If you don't mind I would prefer : Authenticity / Value for money :

Authenticity : The model has first to be as accurate as possible, before I consider paint/finish or markings/decals.
For example, I never bought Corgi so called FN "F4U7", because it is NOT a F4U7 ! The eyecatching finish may be correct, but the plane is wrong.

Value for money : Above everage : HM, Witty, Herpa, Hogan ; everage : EI, C1, Corgi, Dragon, WAC, NR ; Below everage : FM, Marushin, IXO

Moving parts : not at the expense of authenticity.

Pilot figure : rather none than an alien.

Weathering : no

Cockpit detail : yes

Opening/removable canopy : yes

Panel lines : no inked ones pse.

Landing gear : NO models with landing gear permanently in the UP position pse !

5) Sturdiness/heft/solidity/durability : preferably more solid than Dragon and lighter than Marushin.

6) Ease of assembly : easier than Dragon and Marushin.

7) Stand / display base : I generally use neither, but if the landing gear can be put in the up position, a stand is welcome.

8) Packaging : adequate protection of the model inside is my only concern.

9) Collectability : I couldn't care less !

Sorry for answering that late, but I have just discovered this interesting thread.