[smartd]

I liked that nose art Spit with the bomb.

[MigAlley]

With regard to the Thunderbolts, I do have a "Norma" that I'd be willing to part with, along with several other FM planes, many of which are retired. If anyone is interested, please PM me for a list!

[derhamburgerjung]

Hello all,
since the Title is still right, I want to share some pictures of my latest Bf 109 with you
Bf 109, Swiss Air Force
B11E334
It looks great next to the other Swiss Bf 109

[Cruver Collecter]

Now those are some really neat addtions to your collection. Swiss Bf 109s, pretty cool. I just wish someone would do something similar in 1/72nd scale.

[Gort]

Forgive me if somebody already answered this on another Franklin Mint thread, but I’ve got to know ...

Does Franklin Mint measure up to Hobby Master or Corgi or Witty quality? Does the larger size eclipse accuracy—or add to it?

I’ve studiously abstained from 1/48 scale in favor of 1/72, both for price and space considerations. But reading your posts, I’m thinking maybe I should have jumped on this scale long ago.

It’s crazy, but when I collected plastic kits, I purchased 1/48 exclusively. Now that I collect diecast, I focus on 1/72. What’s the world coming to?

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by Gort

Forgive me if somebody already answered this on another Franklin Mint thread, but I’ve got to know ...

Does Franklin Mint measure up to Hobby Master or Corgi or Witty quality? Does the larger size eclipse accuracy—or add to it?

I’ve studiously abstained from 1/48 scale in favor of 1/72, both for price and space considerations. But reading your posts, I’m thinking maybe I should have jumped on this scale long ago.

It’s crazy, but when I collected plastic kits, I purchased 1/48 exclusively. Now that I collect diecast, I focus on 1/72. What’s the world coming to?

When it comes to FM, the larger size means a compromise in detail with the tradeoff of more metal... comparing them to the brands you mention is an apples and oranges sort of thing really. (I hear Elmer coming! )

I started with 1:48, then got entranced by the detail of 1:72 and the fact that you could cram so many more them in your display space.... then I decided recently that I didn't lilke the crammed look, and am now transitioning back to 1:48 as a my central focus (but as you know, I really collect everything, I'm truly sick).

So, after saying "never again" I find myself buying up all the good deals on FM I can find, and lately there's been a lot of 'em. FM is all over the place when it comes to their QA, particularly when it comes to models produced from, oh, 2002-2004 or so. You can look at three different versions of the same model and they can be very different. One might have all tampo graphics, one might have all sticker decals, and one may be perfect while one's a Friday Afternoon Special... you pays your money and you takes your chances. For evidence, see my thread in the repair section

If you do decide to buy some, make sure they are Franklin Mint releases as opposed to CDC Armour originals as that way you're guaranteed to get one of the boxes with the window -- similar to C1's packaging -- so you will be able to oggle them quite well without removing them. And if you don't remove them, you won't see the exposed screw heads on the bottoms that really irk some folks around these parts... (I say who cares, as I never look at the bottoms really anyways).

There's just something really impressive about a heavy 1:48 Phantom, or Lib for that matter, that 1:72 just can't impart. And they definitely have that "wow factor" when those unfamiliar with the hobby wander in to the man cave.

The P-38s, P-47s, B-25s/26s, and B-24s are particularly nice I think. As are the He-111s, I've heard -- have one winging its way to me this week... And folks seem to like the Rufe and Hellcat, too.

For jets the A-10s and Phantoms are well done -- I had an F-14, Mig-29, and F-15 at one point but got rid of them as I didn't care for them.

You can see most of the ones I have on my site, but sorry, no photos of them as they look in the box

Brands such as C1 or Eagles are vastly superior to FM in 1:48 but they also cost twice as much and have far less selection, which isn't going to change anytime soon if at all -- HM is interesting to watch as they give you more detail and higher quality for about the same price (but you'll have to take them out of the box to see 'em -- or at least remove the top shell of the styrafoam shell.

[derhamburgerjung]

I have to agree Pappy,
last week I got my first HM Spitfire and it looks awesome! Much more detailed then my FM Spitfire.And it was cheaper also
When it comes to FM, I try to get a look on the model first,this is not always possible but, from my point of view, recommended

[PappyB]

Got the Sundowners F-4 today -- an original CDC Armour Collection release with 100% tampo graphics. W00t!

Looks great with my FM Phantom squadron in the making...

[Elmer]

Originally Posted by PappyB

When it comes to FM, the larger size means a compromize in detail with the tradeoff of more metal... comparing them to the brands you mention is an apples and oranges sort of thing really. (I hear Elmer coming! )

FM/A apples don't fall too far from the tree.

Now if you all are wondering "what the hell does Elmer mean by that?" I will gladly elaborate.

[John Youngs]

Originally Posted by PappyB

Got the Sundowners F-4 today -- an original CDC Armour Collection release with 100% tampo graphics. W00t!

Looks great with my FM Phantom squadron in the making...

Pappy - OUCH!! What happened to the Omega decal on the left side of the vertical fin of your (B11B459) FG.1 RN Phantom...?? Can it be replaced?? - JY