[John Youngs]

...and I personnally know of one Phanatic that would buy every example offered. --------Happy Collecting, markko[/quote]

Markko - I'm one of them! With the exception of the British FG.1 (892 Sqn; Ark Royal - B11B459), of which I've had two (and both were horribly-done models!!), I've literally got 'em all - with the exception, of course, of this CDC Screaming Eagles one! - JY

[John Youngs]

Originally Posted by STARMAN 352ND

They were water slide decals...You can tell...They look yucky...I don't like them that way either.
I like Pad print tampo's on my Phantoms ...
I'll keep my eyes opening for you ...So far i have only seen water slide decals on these Screaming Eagles.
You must look for an original CDC if you want to get a good one.
JP

Starman 352nd, That's what I've been hearing from virtually everyone - "Get the CDC version". Ok, that's what I'll shoot for! Thanks! JY

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by John Youngs

Starman 352nd, That's what I've been hearing from virtually everyone - "Get the CDC version". Ok, that's what I'll shoot for! Thanks! JY

However, not all original CDC releases have purely tampo graphics -- some do, some don't. I've actually found that most newer FM models seem to be all pad-printed, and most early CDC releases of the larger molds (jets and WWII bombers) have a mixture of both. For instance my original CDC release Mig Killer Phantom has a mixture -- the shark's mouth decals are stickers, as are some of the smaller decals as well. I believe I've even seem the same models in versions with all pad-printed graphics, and a mixture. One major CDC/FM retailer told me that during the acquistion phase a whole bunch of different manufacturers where tried out with very mixed results. However, again, my original CDC release jets and bombers have had a mixture, too. But maybe this is one of those models that it really makes a difference to have the original. Looks like an awesome scheme!

[John Youngs]

Originally Posted by markko

Phantom Phans-----If I remember correctly, the VF-51 Screaming Eagle Phantom was one of CDC/Armour's earliest Phantoms released and also one of the first to be discontinued (at least 12-18 months before Franklin Mint assumed ownership). I seem to recall one of my suppliers telling me back then, that the reason the run was ending was the difficulty in getting quality decal applications on such an "involved" paint scheme. The model sold relatively well but there were so many returns to retailers and then to distributors due to faulty decals that CDC decided to discontinue the model. Having said that, this F4 is my personal favorite of the 23 1/48 scale Armour Collection Phantoms that I own. My VF-51 Phantom is kept in a display cabinet located in a low light room, and I must say that the decals/finish have stayed true to the condition of the model as received when purchased 8 years ago. My Phantom came in one of the early red/tan boxes--however even my later CDC decaled Phantoms have held up really well, probably due to the display conditions. I just wish that FM would offer more of these colorful USN/USMC Phantoms from the 60's-70's; the choices are virtually endless, and I personnally know of one Phanatic that would buy every example offered. --------Happy Collecting, markko

Markko - Next time you talk to any of your suppliers, ask them if they know of any of the brief history of the Armour (CDC or FM - not sure) B11B584 Australian "Black Panther" Sabre which came out in 2002, I believe. It took almost four years of HARD looking to finally find one (photos to come soon - I'm still looking for a suitable digital camera). Until I found this one, I'd not only NEVER seen one of these models; I'd NEVER even seen a single, solitary photograph of the actual model, either!! I've heard figures bantered about ranging from 51 produced to a high of 250 and several production figures in between those. Of the approximately 30 (give or take) dealers in Australia I've communicated with over the last 3-1/2 to 4 years, only 2 have seen one - all the rest told me they not only had never seen one, but several of them questioned whether or not they actually existed!! I'm hoping to find some answers to why such a limited production of this model. Mine came from a gentleman in Tennessee, but originally it came from Australia (as a retail-sold item) as the white Armour shipping box is about 1/3 covered (the top, that is) with Australian postage stamps of various value ratings. The white shipping box also has all of the correct Armour stampings and I'm certain it's genuine. Beautiful model - the first I've ever seen! - JY