[Cardinal]

I had the opportunity today to get a reasonably close look at the new 1/48 Corgi RAF SE. 5a in a local hobby store at the price of approx. US$110/NZ$140 .


First impressions are that it looks a lot better than the pre-pro (pre-pro picture available at Corgi Aviation Archive). There are a number of positive features about the model and also some less than flattering aspects.

• Packaging good
• Rigging appears excellent
• Overall fit and finish appear good although a little 'toy-like' - it is a WW1 aircraft after all and paintwork is likely to be 'garish'
• Pilot 'okay' but not of the same standard as the Swordfish crew
• Propeller looks 'plastic' and not particularly realistic

Overall, I would say that this is a good model of an important historic aircraft. That said, it is not (in my opinion) even remotely close to the Corgi 1/72 Swordfish or any of Carousel 1's excellent WW1 1/48 aircraft. (This particular model is more likely to be competition for the Model Power range than anything from Carousel 1.)

I will most likely purchase the Red Baron Albatross D.V sometime in future once it's released - or then again, perhaps not ...

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by Cardinal

Overall, I would say that this is a good model of an important historic aircraft. That said, it is not (in my opinion) even remotely close to the Corgi 1/72 Swordfish or any of Carousel 1's excellent WW1 1/48 aircraft. (This particular model is more likely to be competition for the Model Power range than anything from Carousel 1.)

That's very telling and doesn't bode well for the new line of WW1 diecasts. Anyhow, thanks for the brief and insightfull review, Cardo.

[FormerViperDriver]

Thanks for the info, Cardinal. These are "must have" for me, considering the paucity of WW I diecast at the moment. Seems that these will be more or less a fair deal at the US retail prices (not quite as good as C1, but cheaper), though I'm not so sure at the prices you mention (!?).

FVD

[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by FormerViperDriver

Thanks for the info, Cardinal. These are "must have" for me, considering the paucity of WW I diecast at the moment. Seems that these will be more or less a fair deal at the US retail prices (not quite as good as C1, but cheaper), though I'm not so sure at the prices you mention (!?).

FVD

You're welcome FVD. I think that at US retail prices this range will offer good value for money and will hopefully spur interest in WW1 aviation - the 'plastic' looking prop is the one aspect that I feel detracts from what is otherwise a fine piece of diecast. (As I mentioned, the wire rigging is superb .)


Have a look at the flying WW1 aircraft located here in NZ:

Aircraft:
Aircraft:
Omaka Areodrome

Arguably the World's top WW1 Aviation Museum - also located in NZ (Peter Jackson involved):
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Omaka AHC - Photos

[FormerViperDriver]

Cool links, Cardinal. I had no idea NZ was a haven for WW I planes...

Anyway, the plastic-looking props may bother me somewhat, we'll see; but in any event, that's a relatively easy fix with some paint and/or coating of some kind, I think.

FVD

[Elmer]

Cardo, regarding your posts, I am getting a blank screen. Is it a web-site?

[Captain Eddie]

Cardinal, I doubt that I'll ever get to New Zealand....but, If I do, that museum is an absolute MUST!!

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by FormerViperDriver

I had no idea NZ was a haven for WW I planes...
FVD

I am under the impression that Peter Jackson has quite a collection of WW1 aeroplanes.

[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by Elmer

Cardo, regarding your posts, I am getting a blank screen. Is it a web-site?

Elmer, those are all website links - I've checked them and they appear to work .


A couple of weeks ago I heard the sound of aircraft engines and went outside to look. Lo and behold a flight of four (perhaps 5 ) WW1 era biplanes, with what appeared to be RAF roundels, flew overhead in formation. Not fast enough to get the camera but it was a spectacular sight in the skies over Auckland .

[Kiwi Dave]

Originally Posted by FormerViperDriver

Cool links, Cardinal. I had no idea NZ was a haven for WW I planes..

FVD

Lets not forget that the first man to fly was a NZer!