[butcherbird]

Originally Posted by djjeffhall

Folks,
It seems like everyone is working REALLY hard to find fault with the Gemini (And Hobby Master.) airplanes. Having purchases the first three and taking a look at them I think we are getting it all wrong. Gemini is giving us exactly what we have been asking for from Corgi and Dragon.

I think we all need to stop trying to find reasons they got it wrong and enjoy what you have. An all metal P-51B, ME-109F and Spitfire.

Isn't this what everyone has been clamoring for? No plastic, no "fiddly-bits", good all around fit with metal landing gear.

If you don't like the stand just put it on the landing gear that is a perfect and secure fit.

If that doesn't work for you, grab a stand off your Forces of Valor and use that. (They actually have really nice stands.)

Is the paint just a little too light or a little too dark? Who knows? I really doubt that aircrews in the 8th Air Force were matching EXACT paint tones and flagging a plane as unflyable if the olive drab was a little to drab.

These three Gemini look and feel fantastic. I assure you that once you have these planes in your hands, you'll love them.

You are correct sir.
My Gemini's arrived today. They are truely outstanding models. (IMHO)
Well done Gemini!
Now about that Me110..........

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by djjeffhall

Folks,
It seems like everyone is working REALLY hard to find fault with the Gemini (And Hobby Master.) airplanes. Having purchases the first three and taking a look at them I think we are getting it all wrong. Gemini is giving us exactly what we have been asking for from Corgi and Dragon.

I dunno, if all we did was talk about how awsome every model was things would get a bit dull around here And I think the critiques of the new line of Gemini are useful so that Gemini may improve the molds going forward. (Fingers crossed.)

That said, I do think it would be a mistake for anyone mildly interested in these models to pass on them for any of the faults noted on the board so far. While I personally think the P-51 is weakest of the three, it is still a beauty and metal heads, such as myself, should snatch it up IMHO. Though that doesn't mean I don't want the next releases to be a bit improved. (And as one member already showed, they are possible to mod if you wish somewhat easily.)

As for the green tone issue on the spit and p-51, it's very hard to get 100% accurate colors in digital pics due to a lot of reasons: Not being an expert photog (me), not having expert lighting and studio conditions to shot in (me), over-reliance on "auto-fix" (sometimes me), and the fickle nature of PC displays, particularly flat panels, to display colors a bit differently.

I'm about to post a bunch of pics of the P-51, and this was one tough model to shoot decently...

[Elmer]

I also received my three GAs. Overall, I am pleased. Two questions:

1. Do the painted gun ports on the leading edge of the Spit's wings look too big? Would it look more correct to recess the holes?

2. Would anyone like to see weathering effects applied to future releases, perhaps a light wash to enhance panel detail?

[timbo]

I think weathering is best left to the individual. In my opinion unless they are very careful it's an easy way for the mfg to make a good model look bad. Just look at Oh-7

[djjeffhall]

Pappy B,
Hey there.

Perhaps I'm being a bit too hard on the good folks here? I've got no problem with suggestions on how the planes could be/should be better. I think it's healthy and like you said, hopefully manufactures will take note. (Admiral and Hobby Master sure have. I don't know if Gemini follow this forum?)

As I've been following this thread it more and more appears that folks are clamoring to be the first to notice that xxxx is just a little off.

I believe it was Hworth who has eloquently said that no diecast is, or ever will be, perfect. These are, after all, glorified toys. (My words, not his.)

Nonetheless, when someone comes out with a great plane, like Gemini has, let's celebrate how good it is, not focus on coulda/woulda/shoulda.

There are plenty of mistakes out there. There will be plenty more in all our futures. We'll have ample time to vetch and will be justified when we do.

In this case Gemini has offered us, as far as I can tell, exactly what the diecast community has been asking for.

Could we ask for more in the future? Sure, but asking for it 5 minutes after we open the box? That just strikes me as looking for faults and isn't any fun. Diecast shouldn't be work, it should be fun.

I apologize to the community if I'm being preachy and a prude, but I want my diecast to be fun and ragging on such nice planes is just dragging it all down for everyone.

[wmosner]

Mine arrived today and all I can say is...bravo Gemini. I got the Spit and Me and the detail is fantastic. I find the stands to be actually quite sturdy and like the screw for the base. The detail on the Spit has to be seen to be believed. Just can't get interested in the Mustang scheme, so I passed on that one. I even like the box, very much like the Dragon with a nice drawing of the model on the outside and details of the aircraft on the inside.I have to rate these at the top of my diecast, so far.

[planenuts]

Just got the P-51 and Spit about 10 minutes ago.

All I can say (In my opinion) is these are some of the finest diecast on the market.

The following is just my opinion;

The Mustang is excellent. Comes VERY close to Dragon's Mustang if not it's equal! The green on the wings and fuselage is much darker in person (IT IS NOT OLIVE DRAB), I wish they used the same shade of olive drab on the anti-glare panel for the rest. The antenna doesn't look bad in person.... a little thick at the top but not bad.

The Spit is the best Spit I've seen from anyone. The green is not as bright in person and looks quite good. May be just a tad too much yellow but very good. Kinda like a faded RAF Dark Green maybe.

Thes are just flat out great diecast. I say if you haven't ordered them.....do it now, you won't regret it!

[HotTrap429]

Yeahhhhhh! Got home from work and there's my Flying Mule box on the table with my P-51B. I agree with planenuts - this model is right there with Dragon's P-51Ds. I don't like the telephone pole behind the cockpit, but I can live with it and I'm definitely not doing a butcher job on such a beautiful model. I do like the fact that the green on the wings and upper rear surfaces is different than the anti-glare panel. The stand problem is a non-issue here as I usually throw my stands away and display my planes on their gear. I still want the Ding-Ho B, but I'll wait until it comes out and I see what "fixes" Gemini has done.

[kabelace]

Still waiting for mine to arrive have them( the P-51 and 109) on pre order with the mule but have the Witty Sea Furry on same order. Soon I keep saying Soon. Could be a good thing though with all the Corgi's coming in at the moment.

[duxford]

Again, great shipping and packing from TFM in California. The Gemini P-51B, in a velvet box, came on the day promised. HOW SWEET IT IS.

I thought I was "caught up" for a while. Now I will start collecting Gemini Mustangs.

As the saying goes, to Gemini, Ding-Hao!