[PappyB]

This is just my own $.02 as opinions vary wildly on FM models an a mold by mold basis. However, I am a Corsair nut -- I am afflicted with, as my bud Black6 coined, "Corsairus Gottahavus" for which there is little hope of a cure.

That said, I sold off my one and only FM Corsair -- Pappy's mount, too, which is almost unbelievable to me. Why...

Well, I just think the profile is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay off -- I think Skysurfer (where've you been Sky?) gave a real detailed explanation of which FM corsair variants were better than others (I think the late war/Korean versions are supposed to be better). I actually think the profile of the Speccast Corsairs is better, but those are a whole different ballgame.

I would recommend getting this bird in 1:72 since you seem to prefer that scale -- Corgi has done it... dunno how hard it is to find?

Ultimately you be the judge though -- since its at a local store go down and handle it for a bit and if you likes it, that price is decent.

Here's pics of my former Boyington Corsair for reference:

Photo Album

It just looks to stubby, and thick around the middle to me -- then there's that lovely gap/seam where the wings join the fuselage, which you can doctor yourself if you wish...

Personally, as nutty as I am about this bird, I'm saving my Corsair dollars for better future offerings in scales above 1:72 (fingers crossed) and might even check out the 21st Century/BBI (??) plastic options which folks around here seem to like quite a bit.

Again, just my $.02.

[Epapazian]

I bought the Kepford F4U about five or six years ago, and for an Armour product, it's not bad at all. Of course, any F4U made by Hobby Master or Carousel in 1:48 will be far better and there are decent 1:72 scale versions in diecast from Corgi and Dragon plus Easy Model's plastic renditions. One last thing. The Armour Kepford F4U has the full load of kill marks, but its insignias are bordered in red--a motif which was in force for only three or four months in 1943. All of the pictures I have seen of Ira's plane( s ), plus the various diecast recreations by other manufacturers show the stars and bars in their more usual configuration---without the red lines.

[HotTrap429]

Thanks for all the great opinions and advice guys! I knew I could count on you. I've decided not to get this plane. The scale is not to my liking and besides, I've already customized a Corgi Warbirds Corsair into Ira Kepford's plane. I figure I could save myself $40 bucks and get an EasyModel one if I really wanted another.

[Captain Eddie]

Originally Posted by chiefs70

I would agree with Cardinal and Jim. I only have a few FMs and I chose them for two main reasons 1) I am a fan of Gunther Rall and only FM makes a 1/48 of his Bf 109 and 2) aircraft that C1 or EI haven't made such as the Dauntless. They aren't bad models for what I pay for them but I haven't paid anything near retail either.

Am I to assume you've bought Rall's autobiography "My Logbook"?

[jim]

Originally Posted by Hornchurch

I've gotta agree with M.D. on this one..........

I REALLY-RATE the F.M./Armour F.4-U Corsair , it's good (& I'm fussy)

BTW, curious to know - I know some of their castings (i.e. Mosquito) are 'dire' but I'd love to know if Jim (our resident UK. P.40 buff) has actually got one of these.....????????

Those of you who HAVEN'T are in for a pleasant suprise !!!!!!!!

Hi there Hornchurch,

I normally steer clear of FM stuff, I am not that impressed with them , I will hastily add that I have not seen their Corsair so I cannot comment on that one.

I do have 3 of their P40s and ............... err........ well they are heavy and er.........heavy and erm they are ..well they have good heft and ...erm

Perhaps I could put it this way, if you really like P40s and want to get different schemes and camos then they become must haves. A good example would be the special production 15000 edition or the Desert eagle with the US markings, (although the paint colour is way way off).

I could write a list of all the minor faults but there is no point, rather like Ixos if you dont like them why buy them.
I can live with them and avert my eyes to the huge gaps at the wing roots and the awful undercarts, holes and screw heads etc, I just like the overall look of the model.
They are not a bad representation of the N model and like I say they sure are heavy, even the props are metal.

Now if Carousel made a nice P40N I would be prepared to pay full price even though it would most likely be double that of FM.
Sometimes price becomes secondary when a quality piece comes on the market , I would not pay full price for an FM.

I remember posting before about FM models and after reading the comments from other members I decided to look again at their models.
Perhaps the P40s are older molds and newer molds are better ?

Your comments about the Corsair seem to point that way.
Also its worth pointing out that its not fair to compare the likes of FM with Carousel and other more expensive molds, the old adage that says you get what you pay for is true.

BTW I have a few of Corgis 1/72 Corsairs and in my opinion they are very good.

Well thats me done rambling on, typed a lot and said b.gg.r all as usual!

[chiefs70]

Originally Posted by Captain Eddie

Am I to assume you've bought Rall's autobiography "My Logbook"?

Yes, I do - in fact I think you tipped me off to it awhile back. As a matter of fact I have two signed copies (I have one on my bookshelf that I allow my friends to "check out" and one in my private stash just in case). Excellent read and much better than the "authorized" biography.