[DADoser]

These models were barely on my radar (for a brief moment a few months back) and then forgotten about. To be honest I wasn't that excited - more P-51's; Spitfires; and Bf 109's. All solid WWII planes - but also planes I already had more than 1 model of in my current collection.

Also - I'm pretty much a Corgi fan (prefer pilots; diplay "in-flight" option; packaging; numbered production runs; etc.). Also, my "go-to," local store front dealer doesn't carry Gemini.

Anyway - had the day off yesterday, and was in the area of another local dealer - so I stopped by his shop (NOT planning on buying anything). He had a boxed Gemini Spit and one Gemini Me 109 Russian front (on display/for sale). He took the Me 109 out of the display case - and after looking at it, I was SOLD!

I love the paint scheme (looks much better in person than pics on the internet); it has a pilot; solid construction w/moving flaps (i.e. Dragon - but seems much more solidly built); metal prop; stand is great; cert. # (i.e. corgi); and a box/package that is collector friendly w/ the ability to rebox the plane later (since my display space is limited and my model aquisition keeps rising.)

With Corgi's list prices trending way upward, I think Gemini may get more of my money in the future. I don't see myself buying EVERY Gemini 1:72 WWII warbird...but....I know that this one Me 109, won't be the only Gemini Aces in my ever expanding collection. Gemini seems to offer a high quality 1:72 scale product at a pretty good price - especially compared to the 2007 Corgi pricing.

I'm really looking forward to the N. Africa Me 109 as well as the USAAF Spitfire!

[timbo]

Glad you liked it.

I love them, and they are getting better with every release. The latest P51 "Berlin Express" is in my opinion their best yet. I put my Corgi spit's into cold storage after I got the first Gemini one. Putting the two together was a little embarrassing to the hound.

[1250ships]

I've seen a couple of places discounting the Russian front 109 with prices under $20. I'm not that into the Russian front but at the price I've been severely tempted. Had it in the shopping cart a few times but haven't pulled the trigger yet....

[DADoser]

Originally Posted by 1250ships

I've seen a couple of places discounting the Russian front 109 with prices under $20. I'm not that into the Russian front but at the price I've been severely tempted. Had it in the shopping cart a few times but haven't pulled the trigger yet....

Honestly, the Russian front in WWII is not a real interest of mine either - as a matter of fact, the only pieces in my collection from the Russian front are (is???) a Corgi Fw 190 and a Model Power IL 2(?). WWII Med/N. Africa and the Pacific dominate my collection.

Also, I'm not really all that into the Me 109 (but REALLY like the Fw 190)....

...which makes me even more surprised that I bought and like THIS Me 109 so much. (Maybe its just because it is different. The lines are cleaner on the "F" and later models vs. the "E's" and earlier. )

I don't want to be the one to blame if you don't like it, but if you "pull the trigger" on one for under $20 - I don't think you will be disapointed at all. Just my 2 cents.

[jim]

If could only find bargains like that in the UK. I have that 109 on its way from the Mule. The shipping costs are dreadfull.

Originally Posted by 1250ships

I've seen a couple of places discounting the Russian front 109 with prices under $20. I'm not that into the Russian front but at the price I've been severely tempted. Had it in the shopping cart a few times but haven't pulled the trigger yet....

[ZS-VAN]

No one having quality issues then? I have the first six GAs and have had some issues. All have very tight moving control surfaces that sometimes don't move or have very limited movement.

Both 109s have paint chips on the exhausts and some have reported loose tail planes. My Bald Eagle arrived with a broken undercarriage and the RAF one had yellow prop tips of greatly differing sizes.

That said they are very nice and I do intend getting more. I contacted GA but have had no response from them. I also contacted the company I source them from to relay my issues. I think that GA needs to stay on top of QC issues. They need to listen to customers like Hobby Master does.

Any thoughts?

[Captain Eddie]

Originally Posted by ZS-VAN

No one having quality issues then? I have the first six GAs and have had some issues. All have very tight moving control surfaces that sometimes don't move or have very limited movement.
Any thoughts?

Yes I have two, a Spit and a 109. Some control surfaces move less than others, but it doesn't worry me. I'm just happy that they move some, yet do not fall off (like some Draggin's I know)!

[von hitchofen]

Originally Posted by jim

If could only find bargains like that in the UK. I have that 109 on its way from the Mule. The shipping costs are dreadfull.

I got mine off the 'bay from Warbird Collectables for £15 inc p&p - one time when it was cheaper to buy British

[djjeffhall]

Hey there folks,
I don't think anyone purchasing a Gemini bird will be dissapointed.

ZS-Van,
Sorry to hear you got a bad bird. I don't recall hearing many, if any calls about the quality control. Maybe you just got a bad batch? Mine have all been perfect.

[timbo]

The only issues I've had are with bits falling off. 2 of my 109's have come with tailplanes seperated in the box, and the Berlin Expresses arial fell off as I was taking it out of the box. Loos like it's an issue with the glue they are using.

To me these are very minor. The tail can be slotted back together without affecting the plane and I was going to take the arial off anyway.

I also knocked Bald Eagle and the prop fell off, but that one was my fault. Easy to fix though.

I have had no finish quality issues as all. I consider these as the show stopper as its very hard to fix scratches or paint marks/glue stains.