[Hornchurch]

Originally Posted by Cruver Collecter

Ara, now that is a big beasty. Not sure if I am ready to invest in one that big, definitely would have to get some more shelf space. Nice looking addition though.

And evidently, highly-underrated, by many who would otherwise usually 'deride' 'F.M.'s stuff. (not talkin 'bout you, Cruv' - but there are many in the UK who spout when it comes to most 'F.M.' planes - there are SOME gems, amongst 'em !)

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by Hornchurch

And evidently, highly-underrated, by many who would otherwise usually 'deride' 'F.M.'s stuff. (not talkin 'bout you, Cruv' - but there are many in the UK who spout when it comes to most 'F.M.' planes - there are SOME gems, amongst 'em !)

To be honest I only have two FM pieces with one more on the way. I have their Rufe, Hartmann Bf 109F and a Hartman Bf 109G on the way. The Rufe has a few issues, but overall I think it looks pretty sharp sitting on the shelf next to my Marushin models. The FM Bf 109s also have a few problems, but overall they to make for a nice model. If you are looking for a Hartman Bf 109, well they are pretty much one of the few games in town. If you start with the premise that there is no perfect diecast model, I just do not understand why FM catches so much flak (Well maybe a little bit for still using decals). I have seen a few models put out by some other companies that get fairly rave reviews, but after close examination, well they also have their share of errors or detractors. Some of these companies' products come at a pretty hefty price too. It times it seems like FM and IXO to name a couple seem to get a little less slack. Am I saying that FM models are the best out there, that would be no, but they do have some nice looking models.

[Hornchurch]

Originally Posted by Cruver Collecter

To be honest I only have two FM pieces with one more on the way.

If you start with the premise that there is no perfect diecast model,

I just do not understand why FM catches so much flak.....

(Well maybe a little bit for still using decals).

I have seen a few models put out by some other companies that get fairly rave reviews, but after close examination, well they also have their share of errors or detractors.

Am I saying that FM models are the best out there, that would be no,

but they do have some nice looking models.

Cruv' I'm CONVINCED that there are NUMEROUS folks who are dumb-enough (certainly in the UK) to "tar & feather" ALL (or at least, MOST) of Franklin Mint/CDC-Armour's planes as 'a waste of time' or 'bypass them like the plague'.........

One comment I read made me REALLY angry, thinking "this blokes a COMPLETE To$$er" & "hasn't a clue what he's talking about"

Well - you know how it is.........(ignorance is bliss).

So whilst SOME of my fellow countrymen have been regally "slagging-'em-off", I've taken advantage of this "lull in proceedings" & gone "full-bore" as it were, financially, into SOME of 'F.M's "discounted" offerings........F.6-F Grumman Hellcats in particular.

In the last two-weeks alone, I've bought 7 x 'F.M' F.6-F Hellcats (1/48th) at basically the same price as a 1/72 Hobbymaster or IXO

Also, 5 x SBD. Dauntlesses (1/48th) & a couple of F.4-U Corsairs...... ALL U.S.Navy. ALL at 'daft' money.

The 'F.M.' F.6-F Hellcat looks SHARP & crisp in it's execution........(I'll overlook any 'decals' that might flake, as I've got a zillion other F.6-F/F.4-U etc, decal sheets in reserve - Aeromaster/Superscale etc.)

I'm getting a gorgeous looking, well executed Die-cast model (plus loads of 'Heft') for peanuts money.

Same goes for the SBD Dauntlesses, sharp looking, well executed........etc

I figure 'F.M's downfall (apart from 'Orange-Hurricanes' & naff Mosquito's) is the simple fact that ALL they do, is show cartoon-like drawings which hint at the colour-scheme & that's about it.........

You really do have to see their a/c models with yer own eyes to cast judgement & for my discerning & fussy choice, the 'F.M.' F.6-F & SBD certainly "cut the rug" in overall appearance & scale dimension.

There are a few other 'Gems' in amongst some of the 'dross'.

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by Hornchurch

There are a few other 'Gems' in amongst some of the 'dross'.

Here, here...well stated!

[Ara1]

Hornchurch: well said, man. You have a great attitude on the FMs and I agree with you completely on the F6Fs and SBDs. I am really looking forward to my first PBY in 1/48 !

[aeroeng]

Originally Posted by Ara1

I am really looking forward to my first PBY in 1/48 !

Me too!

[Cruver Collecter]

I wish I had the room for one of their PBYs, but that is going to be a big one too. If they make the flying boat variant, I wonder if they will include beaching gear.

[Hornchurch]

Originally Posted by flyXwire

Here, here...well stated!

Originally Posted by Ara1

Hornchurch: well said, man. You have a great attitude on the FMs and I agree with you completely on the F6Fs and SBDs. I am really looking forward to my first PBY in 1/48 !

Thanks Dudes !!!!!!!!!!


Alas, I fear the Corgi PBY will be a VERY hard act to follow - a different scale, yes.......

But aren't numbers they sell ( 'F.M.' ) going to be limited by such a big wingspan ?????????

Something that the Corgi PBY has no real worries with......

That, plus Corgi really 'nailed-it' with the basic shape & dimensions of their PBY's (landing/beaching-gear issues aside)

[Ara1]

Originally Posted by Hornchurch

Thanks Dudes !!!!!!!!!!


Alas, I fear the Corgi PBY will be a VERY hard act to follow - a different scale, yes.......

But aren't numbers they sell ( 'F.M.' ) going to be limited by such a big wingspan ?????????

Something that the Corgi PBY has no real worries with......

That, plus Corgi really 'nailed-it' with the basic shape & dimensions of their PBY's (landing/beaching-gear issues aside)

Yeah but I don't want to hear the C word (Corgi) if we're talking 1/48, cause that's FM's range. If Corgi has a PBY in 1/72, great, but for 1/48 collectors it doesn't exist.

FM has been putting out great twin engined planes the past few years, B-25, B-26, He 111... and now a PBY. I'll take it, maybe two!!!

[Hornchurch]

Originally Posted by Ara1

Yeah but I don't want to hear the C word (Corgi) if we're talking 1/48, cause that's FM's range. If Corgi has a PBY in 1/72, great, but for 1/48 collectors it doesn't exist.

FM has been putting out great twin engined planes the past few years, B-25, B-26, He 111... and now a PBY. I'll take it, maybe two!!!

Blimey, Ara !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You must have ONE BIG house ????????????


I love their B.25 (few niggles, but basically ok)........not keen on their B.26 & never seen the 'elusive' He.111

You just GOTTA BE a "'Glutton 4 punishment'" wanting TWO 1/48th PBY's (???????????)