[Epapazian]

By any standard the field of military diecast makers is getting pretty crowded---which I, for one, regard as a good thing. Considering the quality of their more recent products, who do our members consider to be be best warbird manufacturers in each of these scales: 1;72, 1:48 and 1:32? Also, which diecast maker(s) are you most disappointed by and why?

[Louie]

HM 1/72
C1 1/48
never owned a 1/32

most disappointing Dragon. Beautiful molds and subjects great detail terrible fiddly bits.2nd most disappointing Altaya/IXO great subjects terrible detail q/c.
3rd Witty. Some great moderns but ruined big chance on 1/72 warbirds with funny paint and simple errors. Most improved+ Corgi they have come a long way from the first Mustangs and Corsairs. swordfish, Gladiator and PBY also B-25 honorable mentions. My 2 cents.

[djjeffhall]

Hey folks,
I would say that right now, the best manufacturer is Hobby Master. Not everything is perfect, but they listen, change, improve and work to get collectors moulds they want.

Most dissapointing remains Corgi. Not that they don't make some outstanding birds, but being the leader of the field (Due to their deep catalog and number of releases every year.) it always feels like they should do just a little better.

[flyXwire]

On top of my head, I would say:

1/35 GMP

1/32 Corgi, but let's see HM put out their SBD first

1/48 Eagle Intl. and Carousel 1 are tied, and FM/Armour is second (they do have some diamonds in the ruff, too!)

1/72 Hobby Master leads the pack, Gemini is close second, Dragon is third, then followed by Corgi

'Your mileage may vary"

[skysurfer808]

Regarding quality and scale...here's my 2 cents. Note, I don't collect smaller scale airliners...the only thing I have smaller then 1/144 is a 1/400 Dragon YAL-1 Airborne Laser.

1/144
1. Corgi Hands down, the Aviation Archive line really is the best thing out there in that scale, though Dragon is beginning to catch up. For sheer variety, you can't beat the pooch, everything from esoteric airliners to bombers.

2. Dragon. Don't know much about their 1/144 line, but their models do seem to be pretty good, with their B-29 appearing to beat Corgi's according to posts I've seen here. Still, they don't have the variety of Corgi in that scale, so that does doom them to second place.

1/96
Franklin Mint
In the 90s Franklin Mint put out a couple 1/96 models, including the SR-71 and B-17. Though dated by todays standards, these models do have a series of working features (opening canopies and retractable gear on the Blackbird) and Retractable gear, rotating turrets, and a removable fuselage top on the B-17. They were done as limited editions, including a Silver B-17G Sho Sho Baby, and a modification of that mold into a semi-accurate Memphis Belle (with highly inaccurate national insignia) that was signed by Bob Morgan, pilot of the original belle. This latter model was done in a limited edition of 1942 models, and since Morgan isn't around anymore, will likely be quite valuable in the future. The SR 71 is the only decent thing around in diecast, and has a titanium stand. It will likely remain a valuable collectors item, indeed on ebay they seem to be holding their prices pretty well.

1/100
1. Armour was one of the original players in the diecast market, and their models remain highly collectible on both sides of the Atlantic. Part of their appeal is their small size, it is possible to amass a sizeable collection in a tiny space...something that definately helps on the home front. Quality wise they suffer from being 20 rather then 21st century products, but some of these models are little gems. I like the packaging, and I keep them in their plastic boxes with cardboard covering intact. You can still get a good look a the model this way, and it keeps them in intact "collectible" shape. They are the only maker of an AH-1W, AV-8B, F-4E and F-5E in metal, but some of their other models do suffer from accuracy issues. Still, the prices of some of the rarer armours exceeds that of their 1/48 bretheren....so this line is still valued by collectors. Unfortnately this line is defunct...and Franlin Mint's re-releases don't come anywhere near them regarding quality.

2. Franklin Mint. As mentioned above their 1/100 line isn't nearly as good quality, packaging, or collectibility wise as the original Armour. Still, they do have some decent models, with their Vietnam Camo F-4E being amongh the best, even better accuracy and quality wise then the original armour. I wouldn't recommend the rest, unless you are able to obtain them cheaply from your local retailer. Bewere, some unscrupulous Ebay sellers will sell Franklin Mint 1/100s as Armours...gouging unsuspecting consumers or even using pics of armour items in an effort to fleece the unwary.

3. Ge Fabbri. These models are also hit and miss. They make the only Crusader in Diecast, and their original Marine VMF-312 Checkerboards is a decent model, though its Sidewinders and fuselage pylon are highly inaccurate, and best left off. Their Tomcat also suffers from inaccurate missiles, with its Sparrow rear fins being bigger then their forward ones...something only true for AMRAAMS. It is made with wings swept permanantly back, which is a bonus since Armour/Franklin mint's 1/100 comes wings forward. They do a Cunningham F-4J which is so so, and their Mirage IIICJ is really pretty good. That's all I know about the line, I haven't collected any more. Their packaging, however, is plain old toy bubble box, though you can keep it if you are careful about peeling off the back card.

4. Mention ought to be made of Modelpower's variously scaled aircraft. These are okay models, with their F9F Panther being the only diecast of that type, however the vast majority of Modelpower's models are more toy like then anything else. Still , they seem to be getting better, and their newer bomber line will compliment Armour nicely, especially since it is in a simlar scale.

1/72
1. Century Wings for their Tomcats, upcoming Intruder, and whatever else they'll come up with. These things are little metal works of art. Way to go Yoshi, and thanks Zed for keeping us posted. Also, kudos to David Hintgen for your comments on accuracy and your knowledge, which I'm sure they put to good use. I'm looking forward to seeing new airplanes from this line.

2. Gemini Wings. Their Spit IX's, P-51Bs and Bf 109Fs are all superior models, with metal props, and sensibly sized packaging. Only flaw is the flimsy little stand, which makes display in flight a precarious affair. Regarding gear, the Spit and Messerschmitt have easily swappable parts, but the Mustang's is a bit tough to remove when gear up.

3. Hobbymaster. Their foray into diecast has been great, and given US Navy collectors some great aircraft. They make the best Dauntless, Hellcat, Mig 21, A-10 and Starfighter on the market today, while their Skyhawks and Mirages are the only game in town. I expect great things from these guys in the future.

4. Corgi. They have been around the longest, pioneered this hobby in 1/72, and have made some great new models..(ie Swordfish, Gladiator, PBY, etc.) They are still the most collectible line, and will probably retain their value over the long run. But they've slipped, and it is to be hoped that competition will continue to cause them to make improvements on their models. They've made some stupid marketing decisions...perhaps by having MBA accountants run the show instead of enthusiasts.

5. Dragon. Their quality is hit or miss sometimes, and there's those fiddly bits. Still their line has some standout models, and they are the only makers of the Wildcat in 1/72 diecast. If they put on historical markings instead of being politically correct, they'd score some extra points. Their quiality control is pretty spotty at times, and their modern line has some accuracy issues, particularly their F-15Es and Tomcats. Still, their Vipers, Hornets and Super Hornets are great models, and on the shelf at least do look like the real thing...more so then the next guys in this lineup.

6. Witty. Their modern line has some standout models, their F-15 is probably the best Eagle available in Diecast, and their Su-27 is also. Their F-16s and World War 2 line are much worse, while their Super Hornet's are spoiled by innacurately colored missiles (something their F-15s and 16s don't suffer from) and their Tomcats are messed up by drooping stabilators and wrongly colored missiles as well. Still, their new Fw 190 does fill a niche, as does their Sea Fury. Unfortunatly their new F-104 and P-38 are abominations in metal....best given to little ones as toys. The same holds true for their Spits and 109s, though their Zeros and Mustangs are okay.

7. Gaincorp. Their F-15 used to be the best Eagle, and their F-22 is the only game in town. Their Su-27/33/34 series are also to be commended. Still, they have lost place to Witty, and haven't done much to catch up. Their J-10 looks pretty good, and ought to be released in the states....unfortunately I don't know their marketing strategy here. If they concentrated on niche aircraft, as they did initially, they'd do okay.

8. Matchbox. Now defunct, though originally one of pioneers of this Hobby, they put out planes nobody else touched till recently (P-38, P-40, Hellcat). Their P-51D is the best bubbletop stang in 1/72 with the most accurate lines of any in that scale for a D model. Their P-40E likewise is the only 1/72 P-40E that got the fuselage of the Warhawk right, Corgi's has the longer body of an F model. Available only gear up, but made with weathering, their passing is to be mourned. Their modern line of F-86, Mig 15, F-100 and F-104 are all only so so, with only the F-100 really being worthwhile since nobody else has done it in diecast. Unfortunately their later model's lousy packaging (which makes removing and replacing the model in the box impossible) and the fact that they are now defunct, puts Matchbox way down on my list. However, were they still around, they'd beat Witty.

9. FOV. This line has a couple good models, with their new F-14 being among the most best diecast models out there, and the basis for Century's excellent Tomcats. They do a good P-40B as well the only P-40B in 1/72 diecast. However, FOV's Stuka, Hurricane and Corsair are all toy like, and the boxability of everything but their Tomcat sucks because you have to destroy the packaging to get the model. I am looking forward to what they are going to do with their bomber line, but if they don't switch their packaging, I will likely give them a wide berth in the future. Their original Tomcat and Tornado ought to be avoided like they plague...these things are another abomination in metal.

10. IXO/Altaya scores second to the last on my list. They have at least made the effort to do esoteric models nobody else has done. But their lousy delivery times, and delay of almost a year in getting product to the US, plus the low overall quality of most models once they got here, really puts these guys close to the bottom of my list. Their best models are probably their Buffalo, Skua, Defiant, Oscar, Tony, Jack, George, Beaufighter, and Mc-202/205, along with their I-16, La 7, Yak 3 and Il-2. Their Uhu and Grace are okay too, as is their Beaufighter. Nobody else is likely to do most of these. However, other manufacturers witll be doing many of IXO's line, including the P-39, Beau and Me 110, so IXO/Altaya will likely fade into well deserved obscurity.

11. Sunstar. They are the only makers of the F-117 in diecast, and their F/A-18Cs are allright, with their Desert Aggressor probably the best, almost comparable to Dragon's Hornets, and indeed is actually scaled down from Franklin Mints mold of the same. Their F-16s however, suck, especially when compared to Dragon or Witty, looking much more toy like then either. From what I've heard they are out of the diecast airplane business...so therefore they rank at the bottom of my 1/72 list of makers.


1/48
1. Eagles International. Their line of Mustangs and upcoming line of Texans really makes them the best players in this scale. These models are detailed, accurate, and durable. They are the top dogs of the 1/48 world, though I expect Hobbymaster to begin giving them a close run soon.

2. Hobbymaster. Their Buffalos and Upcoming late model Spits will be giving Eagles some serious competition, luckily for both they are not making the same models. HM's price point is better then eagles, though, and their models do come with more working features. There is almost a dead heat when it comes to these top two.

3. Carousel 1. Their P-40Bs are great, almost on Par with Eagles Offerrings when it comes to quality, at a better price point. Nobody else does an Fw 190D-9 in this scale either, and from what I've heard and browsed, this is a great model. Their Bf 109Es are also the only thing in metal for that particular mark and scale, but their Wildcats do seem to be inferior to Franklin Mints regarding accuracy. If they used actual metal parts instead of soft plastic, they'd almost catch up with Eagles, their price is slightly better, but Hobbymaster does seem to have them beat regarding cost.

4. Franklin Mint. Hit and miss regarding quality, with numerous models suffering from gaps and fit and finish issues. Still, they are the biggest game in town when it comes to 1/48 with the most extensive line in that scale. Their P-38s, Cunningham Phantom, F-86, F/A-18, F-104, Mig 29, A-10, Fw 190, Me 262, SBD, B-26, Bf 109G, and F4F Wildcat all are great models with high accuracy. Their B-17s, B-24s, C-47s, Mosquitos, Hurricanes, B-25s, Spitfires, Hellcats, Corsairs and remaining Phantoms are sort of hit and miss, with their Corsairs being among the worst with all but the Bordelon having an inaccurate canopy and lines. FM's Spitfires also have issues, since they are based on the mold of a Spit V, though they purport to depict earlier mark spits. They did pioineer this hobby and it does seem that they are improving quality control, though their new releases really aren't doing much for me, and their price increases have driven me away...except for occasional ebay bargains.

5. Spec Cast. Actually make a more accurate Corsair then FM for most versions, and their P-40Bs were the only game in town till Carousel 1 stepped in. Their F-86 is okay as well, though not as good as Franklin, it is cheaper. I don't know too much about their P-38, but the Corsairs and P-40Bs do suffer from having "hollow" underwings...rather then accurately molded lines. Still, these guys were the pioneers of 1/48, only thing is their models look their age.

1/32.
Corgi Hands down. Their P-51D is the best thing in large scale metal, beating GMP's hands down. It looks more like a P-51 then GMPs and the only thing that spoils them is that lame decal and paint scuffing clip used to secure the thing in the box. Their Spitfire is also a great model, a piece of poetry in metal. Their Bf 109 and Hurricane follow closely behind. Whether or not they keep up this line going, I'm happy to snap up what I can when I see bargains. I will be curious to see how Hobbymaster's 1/32 Dauntless will compare to Corgi's Big Birds.

1/35.
GMP. The only makers in this scale. Their mustangs were touted as the best thing in metal, but having owned one myself, I just didn't think it looked like a Stang....especially when compared to Corgi's big bird. This is strange because Corgi's 1/72 mustang is the most inaccurate of the 1/72 stangs, maybe Corgi did its homework when making the big one. Still, GMP's P-40E is an example of what this hobby can achieve when a manufacturer decides to go all out and make a detailed model. I have to say that GMP's Warhawk is one of the best examples of diecast modeling I've ever seen. Only flaw is its gear mechanism, which looks like it can be fragile....and therefore not exercised too often.

Best overall for Quality. GMP's P-40 in big, Eagle's Mustang in medium, with Century's Tomcat in 1/72.

So this is my take on the state of manufacturers of our beloved hobby. I'm curious to what the rest of you all think of my rankings....and I hope this helps newcomers to the world of zinc addiction.

PS...don't lick your planes...their paint may contain toxic levels of lead.

Skysurfer808

[admin]

I've found that if you appreciate each brand for what it is you won't be too disappointed......usually. People bash Witty and IXO, but I love them. I would rather have Century Wings and Corgi or Hobby Master, but I'm just happy to have some of the unique pieces that these lower shelf bands have offered.

[STARMAN 352ND]

Originally Posted by admin

I've found that if you appreciate each brand for what it is you won't be too disappointed......usually.

I agree.... I'm happy with what i have in my collection and yes there are pros and cons with almost every company that makes these diecast planes....None of them are 100% perfect...But i am happy to see that a company did take the time to produce the models for us....Almost every one of us here in the diecast world have a different taste of how "this and that" should look on a plane or armor items.
I can remember when we collectors didn't have much choice in diecast a few years ago now look at it.....We have more companies making all kinds of stuff just for us...
I think we owe all the companies a big Thank You and keep on producing more great diecast for us.
JP

[KG_Jag]

My current leaders are:

1/35: GMP

1/32: Corgi

1/48: Eagle Intl. and Carousel 1 are neck-in-neck

1/72: Depends on the model; I see no clear leader here.

1/144: Corgi

[jim]

Originally Posted by KG_Jag

My current leaders are:

1/35: GMP

1/32: Corgi

1/48: Eagle Intl. and Carousel 1 are neck-in-neck

1/72: Depends on the model; I see no clear leader here.

1/144: Corgi

I concur.

[Elmer]

Originally Posted by jim

I concur.

Me too... with a few additional thoughts:

At 1:32 there isn't currently much competition for Corgi, but clearly the FOV 1:32 line is far, far inferior. It will be exciting to watch what HM does with a 1:32 line.

At 1:35 there isn't anyone but GMP, is there?

At 1:48 EI's upcoming Texan release will add much needed depth to their line, and inform the collector about EI's continued commitment to quality, detail, and realism. I would put C1 above EI for variety and selection (obviously), but EI ahead of C1 for overall mold detail, nice display stands, and no wonky rubber small bits. As Hobby Master and Corgi expand their 1:48 lines (hopefully) and FM continue to improve its lines (hopefully), 1:48 might, in the future, have no clear leader.

At 1:72 I have no additional thoughts; KG_Jag stated it well.

At 144 I can't comment as I have no knowledge /experience with this scale.