[PappyB]

I just got three of the 109s, couldn't help myself with that sale... Galland, Von Werra, and the Werner...

I do like them, but I don't think they're worth much more than what I paid for 'em, really. I do feel the mold detail could be better, the retracted gear option is just plain silly -- I don't mind so much the absence of a stand as I prefer "parked" display, nor do I care about the rubber bits (probably best for the long run). I think carousel should bring something to the 1:48 table to really separate itself, particularly at the 70 price point (such as moving control surfaces or I suppose the inclusion of a cool stand -- the display base does nothing for me, I'm afraid).

And what's with the staggered nose guns -- should they be this way? I think Black6 posted the same q, but I didn't see an answer??

Harry? (Oh, and Harry, should the wing roots be painted the same color as the wings -- I remember this debate with the Dragon 109s on MH I, but not the result ).

Carousel does do a nice paint job. However to me the models come off as showroom fresh whereas FM's come off as a bit used... (though I'm betting Carousel's molds are more accurate...)

Hate the stick swazi, like they at least included an option, and I think the plug for the screw hole (used for packaging) is an awesome touch!

More later.... but my initial $.02 is that the P-40s are a bit nicer. That said, I'm happy to have these three aces joining my hangar.

(Oh, I love that I got a Von Werra in 1:48 for less than it would cost me for the Corgi version, which I was sort of keeping an eye out for... )

[Elmer]

Originally Posted by PappyB

I just got three of the 109s, couldn't help myself with that sale... Galland, Von Werra, and the Werner...

I do like them, but I don't think they're worth much more than what I paid for 'em, really. I do feel the mold detail could be better, the retracted gear option is just plain silly -- I don't mind so much the absence of a stand as I prefer "parked" display, nor do I care about the rubber bits (probably best for the long run). I think carousel should bring something to the 1:48 table to really separate itself, particularly at the 70 price point (such as moving control surfaces or I suppose the inclusion of a cool stand -- the display base does nothing for me, I'm afraid).

And what's with the staggered nose guns -- should they be this way? I think Black6 posted the same q, but I didn't see an answer??

Harry? (Oh, and Harry, should the wing roots be painted the same color as the wings -- I remember this debate with the Dragon 109s on MH I, but not the result ).

Carousel does do a nice paint job. However to me the models come off as showroom fresh whereas FM's come off as a bit used... (though I'm betting Carousel's molds are more accurate...)

Hate the stick swazi, like they at least included an option, and I think the plug for the screw hole (used for packaging) is an awesome touch!

More later.... but my initial $.02 is that the P-40s are a bit nicer. That said, I'm happy to have these three aces joining my hangar.

(Oh, I love that I got a Von Werra in 1:48 for less than it would cost me for the Corgi version, which I was sort of keeping an eye out for... )

My sentiments exactly Pappy. The 109 mold is inferior to the P-40 and the Dora: at 1:48 Carousel should/could have given it more detail. Regarding the staggered guns, I built a Tamiya 109E and the guns are staggered on that kit, very similar to Carousel's attempt; I am assuming this is correct, Tamiya is a stickler for accuracy. Don't let the 109 discourage you about the Dora though, it is fabulous! The detail is much better and the panel lines are crisp and realistic looking.

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by Elmer

My sentiments exactly Pappy. The 109 mold is inferior to the P-40 and the Dora: at 1:48 Carousel should/could have given it more detail. Regarding the staggered guns, I built a Tamiya 109E and the guns are staggered on that kit, very similar to Carousel's attempt; I am assuming this is correct, Tamiya is a stickler for accuracy. Don't let the 109 discourage you about the Dora though, it is fabulous! The detail is much better and the panel lines are crisp and realistic looking.

Thanks for the info Elmer, and I am waiting for the D-13 Dora, which I just gots to have

[hworth18]

Originally Posted by PappyB

And what's with the staggered nose guns -- should they be this way? I think Black6 posted the same q, but I didn't see an answer??

Harry? (Oh, and Harry, should the wing roots be painted the same color as the wings -- I remember this debate with the Dragon 109s on MH I, but not the result ).

Yes, the nose guns should be slightly staggered, and as the wingroot/paint issue goes, some were painted, some were not.. The only way to prove a plane had the root painted would be to find a picture of it.. I have a good pic of "Black 8", but that is the only one I have (wing root NOT painted)..

[panzercommander]

Pics of Von Werra, they appear to be painted or at least a different color from the fuselage. However, Osprey's Aircraft of the Aces and a few other source show them unpainted. Also, I have always wondered about the white on the wing tips. Everything I have read was yellow or white rudders and noses.

[hworth18]

Originally Posted by panzercommander

Pics of Von Werra, they appear to be painted or at least a different color from the fuselage. However, Osprey's Aircraft of the Aces and a few other source show them unpainted. Also, I have always wondered about the white on the wing tips. Everything I have read was yellow or white rudders and noses.

The problem with color profiles or "color plates" is that the rendering is often the artists interpretation and not necessarily what is correct.. That is why I always push for photos rather than profiles.. But more often than not, the profile is all there is..

[PappyB]

THanks Harry and Panzer!!!

After a bit more deliberation I like "Black 8" the best of the three... the livery is outstanding, and it really jumps out amongst my growing 109 "air force"

I also like that the pilots are removeable -- I've got Von Werra sitting in my FM B-26 now, that guy will try anything to get back to Germany!

[admin]

I think that Carousel is reasonably priced for what they offer, a model that's twice the size of 1:72 at twice the price. Would I like to see them cheaper? Sure, but I'm not at all concerned about it. I think the "E" model 109 that they produce is worthy of as much praise as their 190D models.

I talked to Mark at OMI and he said that they have dropped the MSRP for their Eagles International products to be more competitive at this price point. Franklin stuffs cheaper, but lets face it, by todays standards it's cr&p. I should know, I own just about every single model they made.


Carousel just needs to stop being stubborn about the issue and include a display stand.

[STARMAN 352ND]

Originally Posted by admin

Carousel just needs to stop being stubborn about the issue and include a display stand.

I argee 100% after all they do give you the gear up options...
JP

[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by admin

Franklin stuffs cheaper, but lets face it, by todays standards it's cr&p. I should know, I own just about every single model they made.


Carousel just needs to stop being stubborn about the issue and include a display stand.

Although Carousel make great die-cast, I also think Franklin Mint make some models that are worthwhile for any collection - among others, their 262s are very good as are their P47s, P38s and FW190As (landing gear struts notwithstanding) .

(Let's also not forget their stunning 1/48 Apache Longbow .)