[Elmer]

Originally Posted by PappyB

The Testa is also a more recent release though it has more stencils than RG, so we have the "box of chocolates" syndrome again... or as you might say "box of turds" ?

Well... I wouldn't use that term... I'd save it for the Mustangs.

Originally Posted by PappyB

Yes, I'd agree that those with more stenciling look a tad more detailed, as they should, but from my standard viewing distance of 4-6 feet I don't know if I can tell the difference.

I have also noticed that the earlier releases have a painted "dot" (for lack of a better term), to simulate a recessed engine exhaust vent, in front of the leading edge of the wing, whereas later releases are unpainted. Curious. The company appeared to "detail" the earlier releases a bit better than more recent releases. Your pictures of Angie are terrific. I think you mentioned this one is all pad printed? Of all you own, which ones have "stickers?"

I have been considering my options for a 1:48 T-Bolt: 1) build my own (no time); 2) commission a build (waaay expensive); 2) acquire the Masterworks Razorback (can't find it anywhere); 3) detail my own FM. Angie looks like a good candidate.

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by Elmer

Well... I wouldn't use that term... I'd save it for the Mustangs.



I have also noticed that the earlier releases have a painted "dot" (for lack of a better term), to simulate a recessed engine exhaust vent, in front of the leading edge of the wing, whereas later releases are unpainted. Curious. The company appeared to "detail" the earlier releases a bit better than more recent releases. Your pictures of Angie are terrific. I think you mentioned this one is all pad printed? Of all you own, which ones have "stickers?"

I have been considering my options for a 1:48 T-Bolt: 1) build my own (no time); 2) commission a build (waaay expensive); 2) acquire the Masterworks Razorback (can't find it anywhere); 3) detail my own FM. Angie looks like a good candidate.

Well, I'm not sure it would help you to tell you which version is all pad printed as the one you get could possibly be different.... but my Testa, Rozzie, NGNG, and Tarheel Hal look to be all pad-printed. (and these are recent and original releases as noted below). Norma is a mix, and I believe Angie may have a sticker for just the noseart upon closer inspection... MAY... it is very hard to tell, so if it is, it is well done at least.

Not quite sure what you mean by the painted dot comment, there is a molded exhaust vent on all of them where you indicate. However, some have the recess painted black, and others leave it unpainted... the "dot" looks better IMO. All of mine EXCEPT RG have them painted, so there goes your "earlier" theory -- again, box of chocolates.... my RG also has the strange swazis and I bought it stateside... go figure!

The badcat blog may explain it -- different factories, with different QA standards.

[PappyB]

The Franklin Mint "Hot Ramp" at DiecastAce Field

There's been a lot of deals to be had on FM models of late, and I've gone for my fair share... I couldn't resist the Tornados at about $30 delivered. One of them is a "cracking model" the other not so much... you can take your guesses for now Until I can get to the reviews, that is... enjoy the pics.


Been after this one for ages -- Grandma liked it! That's saying something!



Another one I've been after for ages, Norma is anothe great scheme.


Does the FM P-51 have a flattering angle? I'm still searching...



Parsig gave me the bug to find this one... glad he did!




$30 delivered? Nutty!



Ditto that!

[Elmer]

Originally Posted by PappyB

Not quite sure what you mean by the painted dot comment, there is a molded exhaust vent on all of them where you indicate. However, some have the recess painted black, and others leave it unpainted... the "dot" looks better IMO. All of mine EXCEPT RG have them painted, so there goes your "earlier" theory -- again, box of chocolates.... my RG also has the strange swazis and I bought it stateside... go figure!

Yeah, that is what I meant.

Looks like you are going for the complete FM T-Bolt collection? Do you have Eagleston yet?

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by Elmer

Yeah, that is what I meant.

Looks like you are going for the complete FM T-Bolt collection? Do you have Eagleston yet?

No, I think I'm done with FM T-bolts now though -- except maybe for 98148 if I can ever find it for a reasonable price... I got all the ones I have now for an average of $50 or less and that's about my limit for a FM fighter, retired or not.

[Armour Addict]

Originally Posted by PappyB

The Franklin Mint "Hot Ramp" at DiecastAce Field

There's been a lot of deals to be had on FM models of late, and I've gone for my fair share... I couldn't resist the Tornados at about $30 delivered. One of them is a "cracking model" the other not so much... you can take your guesses for now Until I can get to the reviews, that is... enjoy the pics.

Ditto that!

Very nice Tornado! Pappy, do I see this right and it has missiles under the fuselage instead of the usual bombs? If yes, this would be a first cause for me to get that Tornado, too.

[derhamburgerjung]

These missiles look like Kormoran anti-ship missiles

Description: Kormoran is an medium-range, high-subsonic, sea-skimming anti-ship missile used on the German Tornado IDS aircraft. It features inertial guidance with radar homing in the final phase of the flight to effectively engage a given ship. The missile's warhead penetrates the ship's hull before detonating maximizing blast effects. Kormoran 2 is an upgraded version of Kormoran. Each Tornado IDS can carry two such missiles.

[Armour Addict]

Originally Posted by derhamburgerjung

These missiles look like Kormoran anti-ship missiles

Description: Kormoran is an medium-range, high-subsonic, sea-skimming anti-ship missile used on the German Tornado IDS aircraft. It features inertial guidance with radar homing in the final phase of the flight to effectively engage a given ship. The missile's warhead penetrates the ship's hull before detonating maximizing blast effects. Kormoran 2 is an upgraded version of Kormoran. Each Tornado IDS can carry two such missiles.

Yeah, I know that these are Kormorans. The FM Tornado IDS Marine does have 'em, too.

Since most of FM's Tornadoes carry bombs it's nice to have another one with missiles.

AA

[Dustybin]

Well... my policy is one version of each type.... but that's just gone out of the window!!! Today I have acquired...

FMB240 F-14 TOMCAT U.S.NAVY VF-101 -GRIM REAPERS



FMB198 F-18 HORNET U.S. NAVY "TOP GUN"


FMB288 F-104C STARFIGHTER U.S.A.F.


FMB278 P-38 LIGHTNING Geronimo


FMB291 F-104 STARFIGHTER NASA


Paid around $230 for all of them including postage which isn't too bad as UK prices are a lot higher than US and I really went for it on the NASA bird... Think I did okay! Am I right in thinking that the early NASA pilots flew Starfighters between NASA locations?

[Cruver Collecter]

Neat looking P-38 you picked up.