[Saeta]

Hello everybody

I am new to the forum, and I would like some advice. I collect 1/48 scale WWII figters and I was happy to see recently that both Franklin Mint and Carousel 1 had Grumman Wildcat models in this scale, since I was missing such item in my collection. I became even happier when I saw that Hobby Master will apparently also be releasing a 1/48 Wildcat by the end of the year, in the steps of their very succesful Buffalo :

onmarkint.com/manuf/hobby-master.php

I am tempted to wait for the HM model, but I would like to know if you guys have an opinion on this. I think that the quality of FM is OK as long as you buy the right model ( and stay clear of their Me-109s, P-40s, etc ), but my recently purchased HM Buffalo is so great that I became an instant HM fan ( in real life the Buffalo would not have stood much of a chance against a Mustang or a Corsair, but in my glass cabinet, it kicks ass anytime ! ). I do not own any Carousel 1 aircraft. I read your comments on the forum and you all sound quite possitive about this brand, but this is mostly about their Fw-190D, and I have never really seen any good pictures of a C1 plane that impressed me.

So, are there any proud and knowledgeable owners of a F4F out there that can share his experiences with me of this model and even show us some high-res pictures ? What do you guys think ?
Does anybody out there know what will be the first colours schemes for the HM Wildcat ?

[lanslide]

Check out the Franklin Mint section of this forum. There are reviews and pictures of both models there. I have both models and I lean toward the FM model. It is one of the first FMs to have decent cockpit detail however the rivet detail is a little overdone. I believe HM has canceled their plans to make a Wildcat. I would buy a FM or Carousel based on your favorite livery or price. They are basically equal in quality.

[Elmer]

This is the best thread on the C1 pre-war Shields' Wildcat:

http://themodelhangar.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1868

In this thread, Mark posted the best pictures for this particular model you will find on the web; I posted a long rambling review (maybe the longest on the web, but certainly the most obnoxious!). I have not seen an FM in the flesh, so I cannot comment based on first hand experience. I really like the C1 product, but it has its issues. It is certainly not as awesome in fit as C1's Dora and P-40. But nevertheless, a fine piece. You have positionable gear options with the C1, only gear down with the FM/A. As lanslide mentioned, there is a thread or two in the FM/A forum area that gives pictures and comments on the FM/A model. Unless you can go to a hobby shop and see both to compare and contrast, you will have to choose based on livery, history of unit or pilot, and pictures. Good luck!

Oh... yes the HM Wildcat is cancelled. Sorry. And... welcome to the forum!

BTW, why did you post this in the Eagles International area?

[RockJock]

I have all the Wildcats from both makers. After having both and if I was only going to go with one I would go with the Franklin Mint. Both are nice but the FM's are less money and the landing gear is attached solidly. It's totally assinine that Carousel offers retractable landing gear with no stand.