[jim]

Originally Posted by Black 6

I almost have to agree that Dragon has lost its allure for me. Last week I received my Dallas Blond P-47 and it had a multitude of QC problems. The cockpit fit miserably (I understand this appears to be common with Dragon Razorback P-47s) - both open and closed versions. The worst was the extended landing gear. The wheels were almost 45 deg off true, pointing inward. No adjustment could be made so I shipped it back to the vendor for replacement with a different plane.

Dragon makes some real nice planes, but it makes you wonder what were they thinking when they let stuff like this through. Two years ago you almost had to accept junk like this as there were few other choices. That's is no longer the case and I find myself less willing to overlook such ineptness.

You got me worried there so I had a look at mine, they are both fine and no probs . I have Saucy Susie and Little Chief. Everything fits nice and snug and wheels fit OK. When I stand them beside the Corgi P47s they are far superior.
Maybe you got a friday 4.55 model? I have an IXO like that.

[ZS-VAN]

Originally Posted by Cardinal

Dragon's WWII aircraft generally look great on display once you've resolved any 'assembly' issues . That said, assembly can often be an outright pain and plenty of patience is usually required in order to achieve a worthwhile result.

I still like them though as their paintwork and detail often look more realistic than some of their 'toylike' counterparts (does not apply to their 262 Nightfighter ).

If they could match their products with the ease of assembly of Gemini Aces, we would have a winning combination in all respects...

I agree with you Cardinal but I think GA also has to watch their step. I've been disappointed with their QC and they haven't responded to my queries. I've ordered the first 6 and am now on hold barring the Flying Tigers special commission and the Nuemann 109 which has been pre-ordered.

[STARMAN 352ND]

Well i better knock on wood....
I have 3 Dragon P-51D Mustang and had no problems with mine.
Thats too bad Taylor you have that problem.
I would think a little superglue would fix it...Unless the little parts are oily and that could be why it won't stick.
JP

[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by ZS-VAN

I agree with you Cardinal but I think GA also has to watch their step. I've been disappointed with their QC and they haven't responded to my queries. I've ordered the first 6 and am now on hold barring the Flying Tigers special commission and the Nuemann 109 which has been pre-ordered.

I agree with you ZS-VAN, Gemini need to be careful with QC issues as I had problems with all three of the second batch of the GA range (first three were fine). I actually cancelled my pre-order for the desert 109 as a result .

In my post I was specifically referring to the 'ease of assembly' of the GA warbirds which appear to be well designed in this regard (even the best design though is meaningless when QC is ).

[Shawn 507]

Originally Posted by jim

You got me worried there so I had a look at mine, they are both fine and no probs . I have Saucy Susie and Little Chief. Everything fits nice and snug and wheels fit OK. When I stand them beside the Corgi P47s they are far superior.
Maybe you got a friday 4.55 model? I have an IXO like that.

My Saucie Susie had issues with the propeller mount. The hole to take the shaft was closed over or not drilled at all. I had to shorten the shaft to get it to fit. This and the blue ES-2 are the only Dragon birds that have bummed me out.
But thats alright, this one is slated fora re-paint of OD and Eileen markings. And the Mustang will be re-painted too. Will keep you all posted.
- Shawn

[kabelace]

I only have a few Dragons, and the fiddly bits do p!$s me off at times. The biggest problem I have had was with the P-47 Little Chief. I had the body separate entirely from the wings when I was placing one of the fiddle bits on I was stunned that this happened so easily. The fit and finish was great there was nothing showing that this was going to happen. I just took it in stride as a Dragon thing and seeing that I had the glue out anyway slapped it back together(always have glue handy when messing with Dragons). I like Dragon ( no crazy panel lines,nice Schemes) but I prefer to display my models gear up and it looks kind of silly with out a pilot. So I just have Dragons to fill in gaps in the collection now like a Fw109D and a Wildcat. Just have to find some descent pilot figures in 1/72 and perhaps I purchase more.

[landrocket]

I have several Dragons. I have only opened one of them, and I stopped buying them after that. They may have better moulds for some, but the "bits" are junk and they need a good smack for taking good models and turning them into crap.
Harsh I know, as there are always exceptions, but there is too little money and too many options these days to chase a dog.

Lucky for Corgi, my first one wasn't a dog!

[HotTrap429]

Like so many of you, I have several Dragon models. While I like their molds, I don't like the fiddly parts. Right now my Dragon models fill holes in my collection. I generally don't display them - they stay safely nestled in their boxes. I buy whatever models I like no matter who makes them. While I hate their pricing on new releases, I still buy Corgis on the ebay aftermarket whenever a deal comes along. FoV gets some of my money and Gemini and HobbyMaster are fast becoming favorites until they p _ _ _ me off. I won't consider Witty for a moment.

[jim]

Originally Posted by Shawn 507

My Saucie Susie had issues with the propeller mount. The hole to take the shaft was closed over or not drilled at all. I had to shorten the shaft to get it to fit. This and the blue ES-2 are the only Dragon birds that have bummed me out.
But thats alright, this one is slated fora re-paint of OD and Eileen markings. And the Mustang will be re-painted too. Will keep you all posted.
- Shawn

Hmmn , You prompted me to go and check my Dragon stuff again and yes I forgot one problem I had with Susie. The prop is stiff and does not turn well. I think this was caused by the hole in the prop being too deep and very tight fit. When I pushed on the prop it seemed to go too far and I could not pull it back again. But I am not worried about that ,I can live with it.
My only disappointment with Dragon are the 109s. I have just bought a couple and I am not impressed. Very frail fiddly bits that do not fit well. They will have to be glued and I dont like doing that. however the paint and detail quality are tops for me so I will still buy more of the other types.
Btw I just received the GA Russain front 109 and it is way ahead of Dragon!!

[Rooffie]

I agree the molds are great...but I also have problems with the fiddly bits and poor (sometimes very poor) fit. I've decided to quit buying dragon models unless they make something corgi, hobbymaster and gemini don't have.