[wnsolomon]

Obviously this is a noob post but bear with me. I am beginning to collect but have some questions before I start. I am interested in collecting WWII era aircraft with the possibility of branching out later (e.g. F-86, AD, A-4); but for right now a good selection of WWII aircraft is paramount. Specifically, I'd like to have examples of the major a/c from the major combatants) I do not have a lot of space to display models so I am thinking of 1:72 as this seems to represent the best detail available for the size. I am a historian by trade and a pilot and am very familiar with the aircraft of the era (so inaccurate models would probably drive me nuts). Where to start? Is 1:72 the best scale for my interests? I have not actually seen, in person, any models from the major manufacturers, so it is hard to tell who is the "best" through on-line pictures; got any recommendations?

For you old timers out there, this is your big chance. Look at me as a blank slate.

Best Regards,
Nathan Solomon
Alexandria, VA

[bsmith13]

Hey Nathan!

Welcome to the boards! My sister used to live in Alexandria; she recently moved to Richmond.

You ask a lot of important questions, but a lot of them come down to personal preference. I myself am on a limited budget with limited space, so I like 1/72. I can display more models, and it seems that more models are available than is the case with the bigger scales (though I could be wrong about that). Many collectors here will argue that the visual impact of 1/48 is incredible, and that is difficult to argue with - big models are very impressive!

As to which airframes to collect, that is also up to your taste. Do I understand correctly that you intend to collect the main aircraft from the main combatants? I am not an expert on anything but Spits and Mustangs, but my opinion would be as follows in 1/72:

Spit Mk I: Corgi
Spit Mk V: Dragon
Spit Mk IX: Gemini Aces
P-51B: Gemini Aces
P-51D: Dragon

Others here will have their opinions on these and other aircraft. Sometimes, I find myself buying what I consider to be an inferior mold in favor of getting a livery that no one else has done.

Again, welcome! I look forward to hearing what your first acquisitions are.

[hawkonevoodoo]

Originally Posted by wnsolomon

Obviously this is a noob post but bear with me. I am beginning to collect but have some questions before I start. I am interested in collecting WWII era aircraft with the possibility of branching out later (e.g. F-86, AD, A-4); but for right now a good selection of WWII aircraft is paramount. Specifically, I'd like to have examples of the major a/c from the major combatants) I do not have a lot of space to display models so I am thinking of 1:72 as this seems to represent the best detail available for the size. I am a historian by trade and a pilot and am very familiar with the aircraft of the era (so inaccurate models would probably drive me nuts). Where to start? Is 1:72 the best scale for my interests? I have not actually seen, in person, any models from the major manufacturers, so it is hard to tell who is the "best" through on-line pictures; got any recommendations?

For you old timers out there, this is your big chance. Look at me as a blank slate.

Best Regards,
Nathan Solomon
Alexandria, VA

Hi wnsolomon welcome to the forum.

First thing, take out a second mortgage on your house, be prepared to buy your wife anything she wants so she won't kill you for all the metal you will amass. Be prepared to break you rule of only collecting WWII planes, this will only last for about 6 months, if you're lucky 1 year.

Seriously, you have made a good choice with 1/72 if you are limited to space and if you aren't now you will soon run out of room quickly collecting bigger models. 1/72 is probably the scale that offers you the most variety and usually at the most reasonable prices.

Now what to collect, I'm staying out of this part because I'm a bit biased but I'm sure the guys will fill you in on their personal choices. Actually there are very few companies to avoid altogether so have fun, don't collect these as an investment, collect them because you like them for their looks, their history or whatever else. This way if they don't gain in value you'll never be disappointed.

[Epapazian]

One of the best ways to start is to amass a library of useful reference books, which help you to evaluate the accuracy of the various diecast models offered for sale. The internet also has a wealth of information, including kit reviews which go into considerable detail. At the same time I would compile a reasonablly sized list of what planes are available from each of the major manufacturers. Their own websites often provide this, but one can get a lot of information from the websites of major sellers like The Flying Mule, which often provide very good pictures of those models that are available. I'd compile a folder of such information for about 25-30 of the most obvious WWII candidates. A final piece of homework would be to review the many critiques of these models, many of which are available on this forum. At this point you are ready to make some decisions. For example, what scale do you prefer. I'd recommend a bit of flexibility here, if you really care about quality. Of course, 1:72 is a good bet, but don't overlook 1:48 for certain planes ( Germany's FW-190D, for example ) where this offers the best quality (Carousel 1 ). Also ask yourself how you prefer to display your models. If you want wheels-up options, some manufacturers don't provide that. Also,the quality of their stands should be considered. The availability of pilot/crew figures is also a factor. Certain manufacturers don't offer them. Another issue concerns weathering. Do you want your models to look factory-fresh or like they have seen some action?Also consider how much effort you might be willing to invest in "correcting" mistakes in your models. If you prefer not to tamper with them, this can be a critical decision point. No matter how careful you are and what research you do, its going to be a trial and error process. So take a plane you like, which is done by many manufacturers,and buy one that gets decent reviews, looks good in pictures, etc. Then, for comparative purposes , buy the second best version and compare the two. Common sense will ultimately help you to make the right decisions when buying your next plane, and the next. Good luck.

[stalag8611]

Where to start? Is 1:72 the best scale for my interests? I have not actually seen, in person, any models from the major manufacturers, so it is hard to tell who is the "best" through on-line pictures; got any recommendations?

Welcome to the asylum, Nathan. If you're looking for detail in die cast I strongly suggest that you move to the high ground: i.e., 1:32 or larger. I have three 1:32s; 28 1:48s; 26 1:00s and 161 1:72nds. If you're space limited I'd go with 1:72, plus there are many more livery options in that scale.

[Cavtanker]

Welcome, Nathan. However, be careful here. If you hang around too much, you'll thread title will become "Old Collector: How to stop?!"

[parsig9]

12 step program for diecast


I'll refer you to this old thread to begin with. It's a good thing for new collectors to read. Also, check out the Tricatus/Twinplane site and Diecast Ace for pics of planes. Many of us also have pics on our profile page. Hworth has great 21st pics for example. Hawkone's comments are very true and especially the first part.

This is a great hobby that can consume you but then I never minded the stomach of an aeroplane.

[Louie]

Welcome! 1/72 will give you many more offerings
I suggest Dragon also for P-51D's HobbyMaster for SBD's and TBM's and AT-6's
Dragon makes really nice Wildcats too.
Corgi makes great early war Stukas
Hobbymaster makes better later war Stukas
Dragon has the best P-47D's out there although I do like several Corgi P-47's
Hobby Master makes a fantastic Hellcat although Dragon has a good one too just has more small loose parts.
Witty makes really nice Japanese Zero's although they only have gear down options. If that is a problem Dragon makes nice ones but again with many loose parts.
Dragon makes great models with super detail but tends to have lots of fiddly bits and gear collapses if not white glued in place.
Gemini aces has the P-51b and Spitfire market hands down IMHO.
Corgi Mosquito's can't be matched and are the only game in town so far.
All Corgi 1/72 bombers (medium and heavy) are the way to go good luck buying just one of each.....................
Corgi makes the only and beautiful examples of these British beauties :
Lysander,Swordfish, and Gladiator. (actually so does Altaya/IXO on the Mossie and Glad but trust me forget that fact)
Corgi makes P-38's.
Gemini also makes superb Bf-109's as do Corgi and Dragon. Dragons have more fiddly's and no Swazis on the tail. Corgi's offeriings are less evolved IMHO.
Diecast molds,liveries,and presentations have evolved very quickly in the last 2 years.
corgi again reigns supreme with the Hurricane.
If you don't buy at least one Corgi PBY you will regret being born
Debatable on this one, but Corgi,Dragon, and now witty all make FW-190's. I withhold comment although I do own 3 by Corgi.
Corsairs are tricky, but I feel that of the two manufacturers offering this model Corgi and Dragon, Dragon makes the very best representation to date.
Forces of Valor an emerging brand in the discriminating market has hit a home run with their offering of early war Japanese Zero and P-40B's.
Dragon is said to have a P-40 coming but to date Corgi has that market sewn up with some excellent examples.
Corgi makes ME-262's, but so does Dragon although I have not owned a Dragon therefore I withhold judgement. The Corgi I have is the Galland and it is great.
These are my honest opinions based on my personal experiences through ownership of nearly all of the above models.
Best wishes and look forward to your membership.
For really obscure aircraft models I suggest IXO/Altaya although quality is hit-or-miss.

[wnsolomon]

All,

Thanks for the quick responses. I've got a pretty good aviation reference library, good access to the National Air and Space Museum as well as the Naval Flight Test Museum at Pax River NAS. All of this on top of a life time of flying, going to airshows, and scouring museums, should make research easier than it is for someone with no knowledge of aviation. I appreciate the larger scale models for the details but the prices as well as the size could be a factor. Also, 1:72 seems to have the most to offer across the board. I'd like to keep with one scale because seeing the aircraft proportional to one another would, I think, add to the enjoyment (e.g. Wow, the Bearcat really has a stubby body...I'll be the torque was a b***h). Thanks also for the website references, the pictures are great and should help selection alot. Since I am a Navy guy, I'd like my first model to be an F4F Wildcat...in your collective opinion, who do you like?

Thanks,
Nathan

P.S. Does anyone make X plane diecast models? I haven't seen any yet but an X-1 and an X-15 would be nice.

[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by wnsolomon

All,

Thanks for the quick responses. I've got a pretty good aviation reference library, good access to the National Air and Space Museum as well as the Naval Flight Test Museum at Pax River NAS. All of this on top of a life time of flying, going to airshows, and scouring museums, should make research easier than it is for someone with no knowledge of aviation. I appreciate the larger scale models for the details but the prices as well as the size could be a factor. Also, 1:72 seems to have the most to offer across the board. I'd like to keep with one scale because seeing the aircraft proportional to one another would, I think, add to the enjoyment (e.g. Wow, the Bearcat really has a stubby body...I'll be the torque was a b***h). Thanks also for the website references, the pictures are great and should help selection alot. Since I am a Navy guy, I'd like my first model to be an F4F Wildcat...in your collective opinion, who do you like?

Thanks,
Nathan

P.S. Does anyone make X plane diecast models? I haven't seen any yet but an X-1 and an X-15 would be nice.

In 1:72 there's only one choice right now, it's Dragon, but only the early war models. Steer clear of their phony " FM "Wildcats and bear in mind that they don't supply pilot figures. Under no circumstances touch IXO's F4F, but you might check out MRC's Easy Model ready-made plastic kit line. Some of their F4F's are very good.