[duxford]

ROOM...ROOM...ROOM... Never enough room.

I note a nice collection, but you do need to get a few more Mustangs.

Can you "explain" your collection--and goal? How do you decide what to purchase? Do you have a Master Plan?

Welcome to Diecastaholicism!

Dux

[FlyingScot]

I actually have 4 mustangs - Corgi 1:32 Old Crow, Patty Ann II, 1:35 GMP Missouri Armada, and 1/72 Corgi Down for Double. But, yes, there are others I still want - GMP BBD, EL INA the Macon Bell & Shangri-La, and possibly a couple of the Gemini P-51s - still learning about this line.

Like a lot of folks, just started with the planes that always fascinated me and goals have changed as I've taken advantage of deals and opportunity. The wildcat and PTO in particular have always been fascinating for me as 2 old gentleman that were like grandfathers to my family both served in Guadacanal and PTO and used to tell stories about the air attacks (and sea - one of them had his destroyer sunk in the Aleutians and at iron bottom).

I've also been fascinated by the Flying Tigers and P-40 performance at Pearl since I was little, as well as the BOB and British aircraft. Not really a spitfire fan but fascinated by the Hurricane as an example of transition from the '30s technology to 1st gen monoplanes - just like the wildcat.

The mossie is again "unique" and represents a push of technology into a new direction with wonderful results - resurrecting the composite construction of the first world war (Albatross) but applied in the creation of a plane that is the forerunner of today's composite aircraft.

The B-24 with its Davis wing was another non-standard leap in technology to produce an amazing aircraft perfectly suited to its purpose, just like the Lancaster. The P-47 and Corsair again represent success stories by applying non-intuitive designs - pure power overcoming size to create an aircraft well suited to both high and low-level performance - and something about all 3 of these american aircraft is uniquely "american" in the spirit of that time. They are complex, big, functional, and practical in their purpose.

I didn't plan to get into jets...but the F-86 (need P-80, F-84, and MiG-15) are beautiful aircraft that represent a huge leap forward. I personally feel I need to keep the collection balanced between bomber and fighter as both were needed to accomplish the goals. I would love a B-47 (most beautiful jet bomber produced, IMHO) - as pretty as the BUFF is ugly. The B-52s are just a great model of historic aircraft - and the NB-52 has additional meaning as the oldest aircraft with so many historical x-plane "drops".

I'm a history major (that works in computers - needed to make a living , so I'm fascinated by the history as well as the technology. I don't chase aces as don't really have heroes, but tremendously respect the achievement of folks like Doolittle, Foss, Mitchell (both Brit and American), Rickenbacker, Gabreski, Kelly Johnson, Jack Northrop, Bader, etc. all represent to me an independence of thought with a deep love and respect of their country and fellow airmen. Eventually i would like to build this to represent aircraft that represent a period of change and transition with great impact on world events and technology. If I can do that while also building out a collection of key events (i.e. Pearl harbor aircraft) or key personnel (Doolittle - need to get his B-25, GeeBee, Gulf Hawk, Vega, Curtis R3C, etc.) all the better.

I've a tremendous respect for Britains role in aviation advancement and want to ensure the collection represents the great contributions made - and I've always been deeply respectful of Britain's role as America's #1 ally throughout history - while maintaining a fierce national identity distinct from America. I want to ensure I build out the collection to represent that also.

I'm conflicted on the German AC as they represent such a significant contribution to aviation, and many of the individuals represent the same characteristics I respect in others (GuntherR, Galland, Messerschmitt). But, they represent a regime and a cause I personally find abhorrent. I'm not clear-cut on this, but do have some great models in the collection - an even with swastika. I don't believe in ignoring history and changing what was, so if I have the AC they need to be accurate...but there will always be an undercurrent of discquiet as a regard these, which is probably not a bad thing. So, there are still a few AC I want (109E, 190-A3).

Not much going in Russian AC - but if the manufacturers put out the models, I'll buy as they are so historically significant and represent design ethos that is unique.

I'm probably beginning to look at non-warplanes now - or at least those without a signficant war record like HM's Buffalo and F3F. Would love a Comet Racer, Meteor, Vampire - but not fans of Corgi's 1/72 offering. Also really like the size of the 1/48th and detail level...but very hard to go that route and keep a large number of AC. So - simple answer? It is evolving but aircraft that are historically and technologicially significant - and preferrably those with ties to figures and events I respect and evoke an emotional or intellectual tie. I enjoy change so one thing is certain - the goals will forever be evolving. Sorry for the rambling monologue - but the answer to the question just isn't simple .

[duxford]

Good response.

I began with a Great Plan: ONE of every major warplane that saw/was in service, from the beginning. I bought two WWI--and stopped that. Then I had The List--and failed miserably when I realized how few planes I would ever get. Then WWII Allies only. (I share some of those feelings about the regime, despite the technology and beauty of the Me262. If I bend, then I'll never see an end)

I started one P-51 or A-36 from each fighter group of WWII. I now have 72, with about 28 still not yet made by anyone. I favor the Bluenosers, so I have more of them.. In addition I have 25 Spitfires and 20 P-40s.

My modern weakness leans to the "beautiful" and controversial of jets: Vulcan, F-104, and Harriers. I love 'em all!

I have a space problem in the condo, so I shall begin to retire the bombers--and I have no British bombers, except for the Star Trek-like Vulcan, which I was in while visitng Duxford--in the bomb bay, that is.

Thanks much.

[derhamburgerjung]

That is a nice colletion, congrats. After looking at your display cabinet I jumped in my car and drove to the next Ikea store, which is less then 10 min away from my place. But I was shocked! Ikea Germany wants 329 Euros for this one !!! This is around 500 USD ( also without the lights )

I think I have to postpone this one until my next payday

[FlyingScot]

To the question on the Mossie stability - the corgi stand is actually very good. It is stable and I have it in a bank setting up an approach / wheels down. As for the case - I asked my wife and I think we paid $300 USD on sale at the local store. Just checked and online it is listed as $379 USD. A bit more than I wanted to pay, but the quality is good, the shelves can hold a lot of weight / thick glass. Overall better quality than what I'd expect to find. $500 USD is pretty darned pricey for this...

[jim]

FlyingScot, I like the way you choose your planes, some aeroplanes certainly do represent significant leaps in technology.
The P40 was quite a leap in its day as was the Spitfire.
To me it seems that airframe technology always chases the progress made in the engine technology to a major degree.
Those big Pratt and Whitney engines certainly pushed the boundaries.

I won't drone on about all the other significant aeroplanes, heck we could be here all night.
You certainly have made a great start with your collection, one day when you cannot move for diecast you will sit back and say, "how did that happen".
Its all the fault of those guys on the Hanger !!!

Its great fun.