[Gort]

Fiendish friends of Model Hangar II... I’m going out on a limb (which should come as no surprise) and say that MRC Easy Model 1/72 warbirds look every bit as good (in accuracy, detail, crispness, exactness and all around appeal) as Corgi, Dragon, Witty and Hobby Master models.

That’s a super-sized claim, but I I’m looking eyeball to eyeball at twenty of these lil' beasties and feel this assessment is completely justified.

Weeks ago I took the plunge and purchased every Soviet WWII fighter Easy Model makes, hoping I wasn’t making a stellar mistake. And thank my lucky stars... I didn’t. These models are as aesthetically pleasing as any other model I own – and I own a lot.

I purchased the Yak-3 (every paint scheme), the P-40E, P-40B/C, Mig-3 (every paint scheme), Hurricane MkII and Fw-190D and find each one a veritable gemstone. No kidding.

Paint application: excellent. Insignia application: excellent. Camo colors: dead right on. Attention to accuracy: meticulous. Presence: exceptional.

I can’t speak for Easy Model’s Hellcat, Wildcat, Spitfire, Corsair, Mustang or Messerschmitt . But if they’re anything like these Soviet warbirds, they’re worth the money.

Their only drawback: No metal. All plastic. So metal purists should stay clean away. But for the rest of us who value looks over load, these models are stupendous.

So if any of you guys are looking to fill out your Soviet WWII air force, try these on for size. You won’t be sorry. In fact, I’d bet you’ll like them so much, you’ll grab the Jug and ‘Stang (and Spit and Me-109 and Hellcat and Wildcat and Corsair) too.

I would, however, suggest you grab the 12th IAP Moscow Air Defense 1942 Mig 3 (no. 37224) ASAP. Supply is short.

[FormerViperDriver]

Well, OK, Gort, I can see why you like those MRC models, but come on. If those are "gemstones," then what do I call my Corgi Swordfish, EI P-51Bs or C1 FW190D-13 (not to mention my GMPs)? "Diamond and ruby-incrusted, solid gold royal crown jewels"?

I have a Russian-marking MRC P-40, and for less than $10 I like it OK, but I would never call it a gemstone in my collection, even if I limit the comparisson only to my other 1/72s. It's just an acceptable model which does not disgrace the others surrounding it, and is good value fot the money.

Let's keep things in perspective. Now: do you own stock in MRC Easy Model, or what?

FVD

[hworth18]

I like the Easy Model line, as they are great for gap-fillers..

[jim]

I bought that P40 (well I would wouldnt I). Its my first and last Easy.

Sorry Gort but I just dont like them, maybe I have to have some heft in my models. I only bought the P40 because it had the Russian markings but i also thought it would be good to try them and see what they were like, after all at that price it was worth a look see.

I think thereby lies the clue, you get what you pay for.

[stalag8611]

Gort, I think you may have "Jumped the Shark" on your Easy Model post. I like them; in fact, I have 18 in my hanger and will certainly order more. However, they don't top the best that Corgi, Hobby Master, Dragon Century, et al have to offer. The P-47D (37289) is a bit of a disappointment, but the others are fine examples at a low price.
If you're in a buying mood you might take a look at Bad Cats -- $7.98 a pop.

[Gort]

Honestly, guys ... am I missing something???

Aside from metal, what does Corgi (or Dragon or whoever) have over Easy Model? Precision? I don’t think so. Accuracy? Nope. Better transfers? Not even on a good day.

I realize we’re all a bit metal biased, considering we collect DIECAST models, but hey ... give Easy Model their due. These guys produce seriously excellent models, plastic notwithstanding.

“Gemstone” is a flawless and completely appropriate adjective for these models, by the way!

[jim]

Major demerit is that they dont have twiddly bits! Even the props dont twirl!

[Gort]

Originally Posted by jim

Even the props dont twirl!

Yeah, but the engines are switched off!

[jim]

Originally Posted by Gort

Yeah, but the engines are switched off!

You got me!

[Gort]

Originally Posted by jim

You got me!