[hamilton]

Hi - I'm new to collecting diecast models. I just got my first CW VF-101. However, I find that there is a persistent gap between the metal panels near the wings. Also, the missile/bomb holding pods in the belly of the aircraft don't fit tight (see gaps in photo). Am I being too fastidious or is this normal for Century Wings 1:72 diecasts? Should I send it back to the seller for an exchange or accept it as it is? Any advice greatly appreciated.

[valkyrie]

My VF-84 200 has the same problem. Probably a manufacturing issue rather than defect.

[zed550]

yes its a manfacturing issue.
i asked yoshi about this before and have got to say its down to the factory when assembling.some of the recent hm releases have had these issues aswell and was informed it usually happens when a new influx of workers arrive in the factory's.

[tripoli]

Same on my other two as well. So I assume it is also a manufacturing issue. Brought that up on my first review of the Jolly Rogers. I have seen pictures as well from others with the gap as well, although the site does show them. So I guess that its part of the workmanship on these.
I have freinds that do maufacturing in China. It can be a hit and miss thing with shifts, certain factories and even sometimes last minute changes in the tooling that was not cleared by the company. Ussually when it happens enough, either there will be a hard acceptance and push for quality control or a change to another factory willing to make sure the defects do not come out. It is difficult for any product to come out perfect, especially when dealing in distances that the modern production process has to deal with.

Still, overall, compared to what else I have seen in the market for replicas like this, Century wWings is still producing an incredible replica overall for a great price. I am happy with all you get for the dollar in these.


I recently paid a coupld hundred for a wood model of the Rutin Spaceship one model and was extremely disapointed with it. The molding was poor, the paint job was bad and the stickers were not centered and off. When I contacted the company and complained, they said that was par for the course and quite acceptable for a model of such caliber. I sent it back and said I woudl wait for a manufacturer that woudl do better to come forward, below my standards of expectation. When I look at this and how nice it is, the quality fo materials and complexity and the price which is one fifth, I am quite thankful for how nice this is. This really sets a high standard for anything else you see of the aircraft replicas available on the market.

[ZS-VAN]

Welcome Hamilton! Good to have you on board. Great choice for a starter model! I'm sure there are many more to come. ( You may be influenced by the purveyors fine diecast we have here. )

[hamilton]

Originally Posted by zed550

yes its a manfacturing issue.
i asked yoshi about this before and have got to say its down to the factory when assembling.some of the recent hm releases have had these issues aswell and was informed it usually happens when a new influx of workers arrive in the factory's.

like i said... i'm new here. who's "yoshi"?

[David Hingtgen]

Yoshi is the head guy at Century it seems. At the very least, he's well-versed in the F-14, which explains why theirs are so much better than the others.

[STARMAN 352ND]

I just looked at my Jolly Rogers F-14 and it was perfect no flaws like your pictured show.
JP

Here is the full picture of #200.

[SKUNKY]

Originally Posted by STARMAN 352ND

I just looked at my Jolly Rogers F-14 and it was perfect no flaws like your pictured show.

neener...neener..neeeeeeeee--ner

[tripoli]

Starman, if you have JR # 210, I will be happy to trade you mine with the gap.