[1250ships]

I don't see many Dragon photos around here and after the "I'm sick of Dragon's little bits" perhaps no one wants to see them! But there are advantages to the little bits and this like so many other things comes down to the trade-offs we are willing to make with our models.

I picked up several older Dragons and it reminded me of two things. First that Dragon can do a great job on their models. Second that they should come with a tube of glue.

This one is a perfect example. Behold the Fw190A-7 of Major Heinz Bar. Minus the pilot tube and both cannons which would not stay in place without glue. I will get to that eventually but for photos sake did it without them. Landing gear is a pain to get right. Again glue is in order. No drop tank fitted because the pins didn't mate with the holes. You also can't stand mount her if you want the tank on the plane. I'll have to file the rear pin down to get it to fit. The prop doesn't spin. No pilot included.

Despite all that it is a stunning looking model. The advantage of all those little bits is that they are more to proper scale than you see with some other manufacturers. The landing gear looks fantastic when you get it in place. The rudder is moveable and the canopy slides open and looks good in either open or closed position. Painting is good.

You can typically find these at a decent price- if you do and you don't mind doing the assembly work they are a great deal. And in the interest of full disclosure I am a Dragon dealer and sell their cruise ship models but don't stock anything else. You can salt my opinions accordingly.

[Shamrock]

Great snaps 1250. I would agree with you about the fiddly bits as I broke my pitot tube (now Skunky!) while dusting the aircraft. I had some plastic sprue which I cut and painted the top silver. The cannons are glued in place and the undercarriage is a nightmare even with the rubber grommets. It's like a drunk trying to stand up; both legs perfect; one collapses; fix that ; then the other one goes! Duh! Despite all that Dragon make great FW-190s especially the Dora.

[flyXwire]

Excellent photos, 1250ships. Yeah, I agree that Dragon's fiddly bits can sometimes be a nuisance, but look at what you get for your model - very nice representation of the butcherbird!

[Folgore]

Yep, 1250, that is one nice-looking bird. By which I mean it's one mean-lookin' piece of business...

I have DM50074, Gerhard Barkhorn's FW-190D, and I've not been disappointed with that model. Apparently I am blessed: I have had no problems with Dragon's landing gear (knock on wood) ... nothing that a little museum putty didn't take care of, anyhow.

[jim]

Originally Posted by flyXwire

Excellent photos, 1250ships. Yeah, I agree that Dragon's fiddly bits can sometimes be a nuisance, but look at what you get for your model - very nice representation of the butcherbird!

Just a quick comment on Dragons fiddly bits. IM very HO the fiddly bits add a lot to the detail. Even if you have to glue them on it makes the model look more realistic and accurate than moulded in one piece types.
I agree that they are a pain but the end result is worth the effort.

Dragon Mustangs and P47s take some beating despite the fiddly bits. Way ahead of Corgi. but of course each to his own.

[djjeffhall]

Hey folks,
The fiddly bits are worth the time.

They really do add to look of the birds, I just wish Dragon spent a little more time ensuring the fit was better. (Gemini has really stepped up in that area.)