[flyXwire]

Does anyone know or have more info on this? Thanks!

Figarti WWII Dick Rossi AVG Flying Tigers P-40
Scale: 1/32
Materials: Metal
Price: $278.95

[Old Crow]

I do not own one of these but I was very intrigued at one point. I did have an opportunity to inspect these in person a few weeks ago at the Weekend of Heroes show in Southern California and, to be honest, I was less than impressed.

The plane itself, overall, is nice, especially with Rossi's signature on the bottom of the wing. Also nicely weathered. However, I was really turned off by the actual execution of the plane. Wing tips (actually the outer 1/3 of each wing) was deformed and bent upward, and the amount of deformation was different from one wing to the other. I had the dealer take a new one out of the box because the display model was in bad shape and the one out of the sealed box was pretty deformed. Also, I think these are polystone or some similar material and not diecast.

Frankly, and I do not presume to speak for all collectors, I think die-cast collectors will be disappointed compared to the GMP P-402, for example. It just looks a little off and does not have the look of scale precision you might expect. The pilot, however, is very nice.

All of that said, I do think these will hold their value. And, as a stand alone display piece, it looks impressive. Plus, you can never go wrong with something signed by a true hero. I just cannot see shelling out close to $300 for this.

[flyXwire]

OC, thanks for a well written comments and info, buddy! I appreciate that. So this thing is made of "polystone" material? That would make this thing very VERY fragile to handle for sure. I guess these folks never heard of the fiasco involved with Shucco and Dragon's 1/6 scale Zundapp w/sidecar motorcycle, eh.

[Old Crow]

OC, thanks for a well written comments and info, buddy! I appreciate that. So this thing is made of "polystone" material?

You're welcome.

Don't quote me on the polystone, however. That is just an educated guess. It did feel fairly solid but the display model had lots of broken parts, including propeller blades crudely glued back on by the dealer, I presume.

I would suggest you contact one of a couple of dealers on the web (Sierra Toy Soldiers or Treefrog Treasures) for more info. A buddy of mine has dealt with each of these dealers and they are both knowledgeable and helpful. Treefrog Treasures has a nice forum for toy soldier collectors and you can probably get intel there much better than I can provide.

[Captain Eddie]

It looks rather deformed in the picture, if you ask me. I'm rather surprised the pilot would sign what appears to be, to a certain extent, a piece of junk!

[SKUNKY]

...didn't know the P-40 had featherable props.

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by SKUNKY

...didn't know the P-40 had featherable props.

...You learn something new each day

[jim]

Originally Posted by flyXwire

...You learn something new each day

How about helping a limey out with the answer to this question,

325th fighter group Col, Baslers P40 had the name Mortimer Snerd painted over the exhausts, Who or what was he or it?

Anyone know?

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by jim

How about helping a limey out with the answer to this question,

325th fighter group Col, Baslers P40 had the name Mortimer Snerd painted over the exhausts, Who or what was he or it?

Anyone know?

Unfortunately, I've no clue! Sorry Jimbo.

[jim]

Originally Posted by flyXwire

Unfortunately, I've no clue! Sorry Jimbo.

Hey Fly, what you doing with a photo of Skunkys mum and dad with Col Basler.