[HotTrap429]

Moderators - can you fix the thread title for me?

On another thread, Admin asked for a comparison between Corgi and Matchbox P-38s. Well, here goes.

I only have the droopsnoop P-38 from Corgi but the mold's pretty much universal. I have the Scat II Matchbox P-38. I agree - the rocket trees are ugly which is why I strategically misplaced them off my model (X-acto knives are such wonderful tools )

Here are some poor pictures of a side by side comparison.


Notice the difference in Olive Drab color - according to most color plates I've seen, Matchbox's color is closer to the real thing.


Overall dimensions are close. Corgi has a slightly larger wing and tail span. Did some checking - Matchbox is closer to actual. Look at the detail markings around the pilot pod - much more detail from Matchbox if you care about those things. The join where the nacelle joins the propeller hub is more streamlined in the Matchbox model as well.


Sorry, Matchbox did a MUCH better job with the turbochargers! Panel lines are subtly engraved and washed too.


Look a the delicate "feathering" of the O.D. to gray on the nacelles, tail, and boom. Also notice the joint line is along the top of the engine. Could be less pronounced IMHO.


Corgi's paint lines are too sharp and harsh. They did do a better job on the join line on top of the engines.



So both are excellent models. Matchbox is dated by 3 to 4 years but for the $12.99 I paid for it, it stands up nicely to my significantly more expensive and newer Corgi. Corgi has the optional landing gear which I absolutely love. Both have a decently accurate pilot and attention to detail. Matchbox has those giant screw holes on the underside, but they are invisible if you display your model on a lower or eye level shelf.

[mustangdriver]

A great review of both. Thank you for taking the time to do that!

[fileasfog]

Yes I applaud this review, even though I am not a p 38 fan, to me the matchbox version is clearly superior

[STARMAN 352ND]

Good review too bad you didn't have the California Cutie for comparision
because they look more alike each other.
I also fixed your title as requested.
JP

[ZS-VAN]

Great comparison and pics HotTrap429. I passed up the Matchbox Lightning with 5 other birds at a bargain basement price. Guess who's been kicking himself ever since?

[bsmith13]

Thanks for the comparo! I am actually a little shocked that the MB is better in the areas reviewed than the Corgi. Makes me glad I've kept mine.

[HotTrap429]

Originally Posted by STARMAN 352ND

Good review too bad you didn't have the California Cutie for comparision
because they look more alike each other.
I also fixed your title as requested.
JP

Thanks STARMAN - I appreciate it.

Yes, I wish I could have compared "California Cutie" as well. The mold is pretty much the same though as the Droop Snoop version. I've seen pictures of this model and admit Corgi got the O.D. and the detail markings right on. But when you compare Corgi's modern mold to Matchbox's older & less expensive effort, the differences are really not that pronounced. I'm really pleased to own my Matchbox P-38 - love the tail markings and the airbrush quality feathered paint edges for some reason. I do want California Cutie, but $35.99 is still too steep for me right now. There are other planes I need, so I'll wait a while.

[STARMAN 352ND]

Your welcome HotTrap,
I have the silver Mama's Boy P-38 MB and i have two things i didn't like one was the stand and the other was the rockets.
I just popped the rockets off mine... but the way P-38 sits on the stand is a eye sore for me .
Other then that the rest looks ok ...I like the weather job on the turochargers... but Corgi is getting better with each release they have been doing
with the P-38.
JP

[HotTrap429]

Originally Posted by STARMAN 352ND

..I like the weather job on the turochargers... but Corgi is getting better with each release they have been doing
with the P-38.
JP

My main complaint with Corgi - if they are the world's best, why do we have to wait through successive releases for them to get things right? Like Microsoft products - don't buy the first four versions - they'll get it right later on. A real drag. Just do it right from the start. Glad they are getting better - I've got Pudgy IV on preorder.

[Spinnaker]

Hey HotTrap,

You obviously have some issues with Corgi, but you may be letting that influence your impressions? This isn't solely a Corgi issue, as even Hobby Master have had problems. For example, the Ju 87 Stuka canopy was wrong in the first few releases (and is still waiting on a swastika), and the first couple of releases of the A-10 have bent "bent' horizontal stabs etc.

Your comments imply that there were faults with the first Corgi P-38 releases that have only been fixed in later releases. Not correct - they have made some minor improvements, particularly to the colour of the supercharger, but no real changes to the basic model itself.

My California Cutie arrived this morning, and I'm really very happy with her (love that colour scheme). But, when sitting her alongside my earlier Corgi Lightnings, I don't find anything to dislike about them either.

Originally Posted by HotTrap429

My main complaint with Corgi - if they are the world's best, why do we have to wait through successive releases for them to get things right? Like Microsoft products - don't buy the first four versions - they'll get it right later on. A real drag. Just do it right from the start. Glad they are getting better - I've got Pudgy IV on preorder.