[edkao]

Any chance that CW will release A-7s and A-6s with wings folded? Just like Dragon has a F-4U with wings folded up.

If they did, what type of interests is out there from collectors? Is there a market for the folded wing models?

[firefighterpilot1]

I think they're ideal folded if they are going to be wheels down, but obviously that limits display options. (part of why people wanted swing wing JR's and not so much the take off versions)

I'd buy em, but it'd be cool if somehow you could have interchangeable wings (rather than on hinges) that way you could swap them out and still have the details of the mechanisms.

Hinges would be cool but you know they would get loose over time and also I doubt they could get the amount of detail that a separate assembly could.

[jjgilz]

I would think that would make the models look more toylike and/or raise the cost to the range of Franklin Mint models.
That being said though...how many people do you think would like a scale specific taxiway or ramp to display their models? We've thought of commissioning one but not sure of how many people would be interested.

[11SQNLDR]

Gaincorp did a pretty good job with the folding wings and elevators on their SU-33 Sea Flanker & to me that adds to the appeal of the model.

As long as it is done properly without big goofy hinges (like the GMP P-51 ailerons) then i'd be in like Flynn

[rarmenda]

Yes, jjgilz. a Taxiway or ramp is an excellant idea. I would would be very interested, its like buying new wheels on a classic car. That would allow us many more display options for those great CW models.

[edkao]

Originally Posted by rarmenda

Yes, jjgilz. a Taxiway or ramp is an excellant idea. I would would be very interested, its like buying new wheels on a classic car. That would allow us many more display options for those great CW models.

Or a carrier elevator.

[firefighterpilot1]

what I meant by hinges, I meant some nice looking hinges not big goofy ones but that would be pretty hard to do so scrap the hinges idea.

Jigilz, Of course we'll take taxi ways or whatever QUALITY diorama stuff would be included or even for a fee. (NO to cardboard cutouts.)

[David Hingtgen]

Well, seeing as how model builders will pay over $200 for the last few remaining unpainted unbuilt resin carrier deck dioramas out there in 1/72, I imagine a pre-painted one would sell VERY well, to both diecast collectors and kit builders.

Here's the best pic ever of a catapult track, if it helps:


(with some Century F-14's already being in the kneeling position, nothing but a catapult track will do for them) Too bad their other F-14's can't over-sweep their wings, for elevators and deck positioning.

[valkyrie]

I think they are starting at a smaller scale with the 1/144 tomcat desktop diorama under development as shown on their website.

[firefighterpilot1]

YES, an accurate reproduction of the flight deck/ catapult track (with shuttle and holdback bar of course) is a MUST. The Verlinden model kit and the Dragon diorama are both all wrong (at least I have never seen a catapult track that looks like those). It appears the CW desktop diorama is going to follow the Verlinden mold.

Guess they really do base their models on plastic kits.