[John Youngs]

Originally Posted by skysurfer808

Franklin Mint's corsairs are hybrids when it comes to accuracy. I have Guy Bordelon's F4U-5N nightfighter, which is probably the most accurate Corsair in that line. Its only issue is its canopy, which is too low in profile for the plane it represents. Their -1s have some serious issues, since most of them depict -1As rather than later models. Franklins -1As (ie. Kepford, Boyington, etc) have the broad blades and clear canopies of a -1D, while representing planes from the 1943 period. The ones depicting -1Ds are more accurate overall, but the canopy line is a bit too low. The models nose is also a bit too short. Personally I prefer Spec Cast's line of -4s, as these have a much more "right" profile. Spec Cast's -1s have the aforementioned Franklin faults, and have Spec Cast's trademark hollow underwings. Still, they are built tough, their fit and finish are top notch, and they look great on the shelf. A lot of them have gotten to find, as they really are nice models. I'd recommend getting one if you can locate it for a good price, I snagged the Death Rattlers one for $10 on ebay.

Still, the Monkeydepot Kepford deal at $25 is a good one. I'd pick it up if space wasn't such an issue, though it is tempting. Still, if somebody else does a Corsair in 1/48 they'll blow Franklin away, especially if it's Eagles or Hobbymaster. And I won't even get started on what GMP could do with one in 1/35.

Skysurfer808

Correct me if I'm wrong, but all of the FM/Armour Corsairs I've seen to date all seem to come with three-bladed props. Have they changed this?? They were selling F4U-4's, F-4U-5's, & F4U-7's (the export version of the F4U-4) ALL with three-bladed props - plus they all had the same cowling details as earlier Corsairs. Maybe they finally got their head out of their collective butts, but so far, that's what I've noticed within the past year to 1-1/2 years approx; I refuse to buy them for that reason. John

[planenutsfrog]

FM is hopeless as far as the specific details of the variants of the Mirage III/V/50 and Corsair are concerned :

They make 3 different types of cowling rings : the F4U5's with 2 lower lateral intakes, the F4U4/F4U7's with one intake at the bottom, and the basic F4U1/FG1's version.

But they only make one type of canopy, that of the F4U4.

Propellers may be of the 3 or four bladed type.

So :

All FM's F4U1/FG1 have the wrong canopy ;

FM's F4U7 is fitted with the cowling of the F4U5 ;

Their AU1 may be fitted either with an F4U5's cowling and a 4 bladed propeller , OR a F4U1/FG1's cowling and a 3 bladed prop !!!

The only decent Corsairs from FM are the F4U4's and F4U5's.

[FormerViperDriver]

Originally Posted by John Youngs

Correct me if I'm wrong, but all of the FM/Armour Corsairs I've seen to date all seem to come with three-bladed props. Have they changed this?? They were selling F4U-4's, F-4U-5's, & F4U-7's (the export version of the F4U-4) ALL with three-bladed props - plus they all had the same cowling details as earlier Corsairs. Maybe they finally got their head out of their collective butts, but so far, that's what I've noticed within the past year to 1-1/2 years approx; I refuse to buy them for that reason. John

FM has several Corsair models with four-bladed props, including the Bordelon night-fighter and the French Navy "Suez canal operation" models (a cool paint scheme with those black and yellow stripes).

But there are many other problems with their F-4Us as outlined by Planenutsfrog.

FVD

[SnoopyAce]

Originally Posted by Elmer

Ya know, I certainly won't complain if they do. However, dare I say that I hope EI or HM beats them to it .

Here's why: With EI or HM we will get an in-flight display stand, and will also likely get moving control surfaces and optional display canopy.

I mean no disrespect to C1, it's Dora is spectacular (a top 2006 release in my book) and its P-40 is very nice; however, I was a bit disappointed with the 109 and Wildcat--these lack detail that one should find in a 1:48 model (plus no in flight display stand, moving control surfaces); so... C1 is a bit hit and miss.

C'MON EI or HM, we all want a decent 1:48 Corsair!! (And while you are at it, a P-51D would be lovely also!! )

I second that commotion!! I have FM's Boyington Corsair, but would love one made by EI. It'd be nice if the wings folded, but that might be too much to ask. Patty ANN should be here next Friday. Oh the wait is KILLING ME!!

[strikeforce]

Hi Buck

I've got the FM Kepford and a Gold Corsair from Spec Cast. Love them both.

Strikeforce