[STARMAN 352ND]

I agree with Zed on this one.
You cant really compare diecast against plastic.
Century Wings is the best you can buy in diecast and the BBI phantom is probably the best built 1:32 plastic model on the market.
JP

[RJLee]

I have two examples of the CW F-14A (original VF-84 AJ-203 and VF-154 NF-101). I also have the BBI F-4J (VF-84, early 1970s).

1. In terms of detail, I think the CW F-14s come in ahead of the BBI F-4. This is slightly more evident in the high-vis examples, where the gloss finish provides better contrast for tiny maintenance "no step" placards and the like. The finish on the CW airplanes is much better, given that a good portion of the BBI F-4 is molded in the original gray plastic. There are also some odd marking application errors on my F-4 (such as a slightly overlapping fuselage stripe), and a minor stenciling snafu in the BuNo. Whereas it is quite difficult to find errors in the CW F-14, the F-4 has some small but visible problems here and there.

That said, the F-4 is very nice in its own right. There is a fair amount of detailed stenciling over the whole airframe, the cockpit is great, and even the missiles come with (slightly large) stencils. The wings fold, the tailhook drops, etc., etc. I am actually in the process of applying a complete set of Hobbydecal F-4J dry transfer stencils for a 1971 VF-84 F-4J, and plan to apply an overall gloss spray to enhance its appearance. (Incidentally, at 1/32, this is a nearly insane amount of tiny stenciling, and I'm tempted to skip much of the underside.)

2. The CW F-14s generally have no weathering. The VF-154 NF-101 low-viz airplane (and I believe VF-154 NF-100 as well) has something of a worn feel, because of the rough texture of the paint finish, the color selection, and the panel line coloration. However, there are no conventional weathering techniques applied to indicate panel paint touch-ups, oil stains/smears, etc.

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by V4lkyri3

I saw the pictures of the BBI's F-4 and it seems that the front landing gear is backward. The latch used to attach the gear to the catapult is facing towards the back.

I think the Phantoms gear used the catapult to 'Push' the plane as opposed to 'Pull' it. I noticed that with pictures of British Phantoms.

[firefighterpilot1]

Originally Posted by dragon53

FIGHTERPILOT1:

I'm asking because the BBI F-4J is #1 on my "to buy" list. I'm thinking of adding the CW F-14 to the list. I'm not that familiar with diecast, but the FOV diecast tanks and planes I've seen in stores don't impress me.

I'm wondering if the CW F-14 is a "must buy" like the BBI F-4J. Admittedly it's comparing apples to oranges (1/72 diecast vs 1/32 plastic), but I'd like to hear from owners of both jets.

Well, I don't own the F-4 (although I was very close to ordering one) but I can give you an idea of what you're in for if you get a CW. I own two Dragon F-14's (my first diecast Tomcats) and two Revell Tomcats (3rd and 4th). They are pretty decent and that was basically the extent of my diecast collection, up to about 6 months ago. I am an avid Tomcat fan but those left much to be desired. After having purchased my first CW Tomcats, in the next few weeks (pending delivery ) I will own every CW Tomcat but two. (the first two, which I am going to try hard to track down) I also own every A-6 and pre-ordered both A-7's. So a must buy? If you're a jets guy, or care about high quality diecast then yes. Basically, they are addicting.

You will want more.

also, I own the FOV Black Aces F-14 and CW doesn't weather their planes like FOV does. FOV weathering is kind of sloppy at times on my plane, CW stayed away from that.

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by dragon53

I've looked at many photos of planes, tanks from 21st Century, FOV, BBI that are very impressive. But when I see the real thing in the store, they don't look as good---particularly diecast tanks.
The photos I've seen of the CW F-14, mostly on this board, are fantastic. I was hoping to look at the F-14s in person, but my local dealer is online-sales only.

I'd appreciate more comments on the CW F-14 and the BBI F-4J.




(PS---I have a BBI 1/18 P-51 Mustang---it looks exactly like the photos---thank god)

You really are paying quite a bit of premium for the best F-14 out there. But if you want something really special, I recommend you get one with the flaps down and landing gear squatted looking like its ready for take off. If you're lucky, u still might be able to find VF-84 202/203 for HobbyLink Japan Home Page or the VF-154 Black Knights which is still mostly available.

[Min]

Originally Posted by V4lkyri3

I saw the pictures of the BBI's F-4 and it seems that the front landing gear is backward. The latch used to attach the gear to the catapult is facing towards the back.

Well, it has been said that in wind tunnel tests the F-4 was more aerodynamic going BACKWARDS......

[Nockers]

Originally Posted by V4lkyri3

I saw the pictures of the BBI's F-4 and it seems that the front landing gear is backward. The latch used to attach the gear to the catapult is facing towards the back.

The F-4 was Bridle launched with the holdback at the rear of the plane. How Do I know this ? Shot many F-4 Js off the Indy

[David Hingtgen]

The nose gear IS wrong on that model.

[dragon53]

GUYS:

Thanks for the info. The CW F-14 is now #2 on my must-buy list behind the BBI F-4J.

One more question for you CW experts: Do you think CW will release an F-14D repaint to follow the VF-101 Grim Reapers?

[Black Lion VF-213]

Glad to come on the forum. I'm new here and this will be my first post. I have both the 1:32 BBI F-4 and one CW AJ 210 V-84. I love them both. Excellent quality and paint. As far as which one is better and which one should one get? I say, "Get them both!!!" Here's the strong points and weak points I have with both:

CW
Good:
1. Excellent detail. On a scale of 1-10 (10 best) I give it a 9
2. Excellent quality of paint. I give it a 10
3. Excellent construction. Seams line up and it fits together well. I give it a 10

Bad:
1. I would have given the detail a 10 were it not for the degree of curvature that isn't correct on CW Tomcats. Here's the one thing Dragon's Tomcats have better than the CW: The curvature on the leading edge of the vertical stabilizers and on the fins under the engines on the CW's are too sharp whereas on Dragon's they have a nice smooth gentle curve. Real Tomcats don't have a sharp angled intersection on the leading edge of the fins where they stop and then go horizontal.

BBI F-4
Good:
1. Best detail of all the plastic planes coming from BBI, Admiral, and 21st Century Toys.
2. The removable landing gears. I know some folks wish the Phantom had retractable gears. In my opinion you can't have retractable gears that look this damn good in detail. There would be some sacrifice. I think the removable gears and gear doors is the way all the plastic planes should go from here on out. Retractable gears are seriously overrated. Nobody I know who collects these actually plays with them like a kid would with his/her toy. Hence we either display them gears up or gears down and we demand perfect detail. Removable gears are the only way to accomplish this.

Bad:
1. Slight mess up on paint. Where the victory chevron stripe is that goes over the Phantom's back, there are a couple spots where the yellow and the black portion of the stripe doesn't line up correctly. It will be a difficult fix for me since I only have moderate modeling skills. A real pro could fix it. Other than that the rest of the paint is blemish and spot free.

Enjoy!!!