[91ken]

I don't collect WW2 aircraft, at least not at the moment, although I've been tempted from time to time. I particularly like the German FW 200 Condor bomber.

I've been looking around at various online retailers and have noticed that there are an increasingly large number of German WW2 plane models that fail to properly display the swastika. I know the reason for this. It is because of the prohibition against displaying the swastika in Germany and some other European countries. I don't wish to get into political discussions here, mainly since I've already pointed out to someone in another topic that if I were to express my political opinions, I'd probably be banned within 30 seconds after making the post. 'Nuff said.

Here's the thing. I can only speak for myself, but I vote with my wallet. If a model of a German WW2 aircraft does properly display the swastika in a correct historical fashion, I will not buy the item - period. I don't care how nice and detailed it is otherwise, there will be no sale.

I noticed in another thread downtopic entitled, I didn't know that ebay did this..., that there appear to be a good number of people who agree with my view on this, although I don't know how many of them would be willing to actually vote with their wallets.

Folks, you need to put your money where your mouth's are. Some things are more important than toys, to be frank. Cater to those companies that put the correct historical symbols onto their models and not to those who don't. Some companies seem to be sitting on the fence, since I've seen them show pics of some model with and some without the swastika. Send them the message.

Edit: This obviously goes for any model, not just aircraft. The Afrika Korps symbol, for example, is often changed to eliminate the swastika.

[Shawn 507]

Good luck with that. I'd just buy the decal and call it a day.

[Epapazian]

I tend to agree with you----you want the swastika, right!----however, I'm not going to pass up a great model when a simple decal application will correct the situation. In my case, the alterations I make on many diecast models go far beyond the swastika issue. Usually, I weather my models in various ways, paint on missing lights, etc. and as often as not, I'll get an extra or even two---if I really like the plane---and do partial or total repaints, using decals to replicate other schemes and units.

For those who do not wish to alter their models in any way, however, the absence of the swastika on German WW II aircraft replicas must be a real bummer. So I can see where you are coming from and, were I of this mind, I might well adopt your position and boycott the offending marketers.

[hworth18]

Originally Posted by Shawn 507

Good luck with that. I'd just buy the decal and call it a day.

Yep.. This has been hashed over a few dozen times ever since Dragon started making their German planes without Swastikas what, about 4 years ago??

Just buy some decals and enjoy..

[Hornchurch]

Originally Posted by Shawn 507

Good luck with that. I'd just buy the decal and call it a day.

Blimey, I actually agree with Shawn (for once )

I see you're point, 91, but it's like boycotting a manufacturer, expecting change.

Unless we ALL did it (collectors & casual-buyers) it just ain't happening

[1250ships]

Granted the 1/1250 ship world is much smaller and the models are hand made but the German ships that have deck markings get the swastika provided they are for export- they are actually made in Germany. For the domestic market they have separate decals that just show a cross.

[91ken]

Originally Posted by Hornchurch

Unless we ALL did it (collectors & casual-buyers) it just ain't happening

I think if a considerable number of collectors did it, they would feel the pinch.

[91ken]

Originally Posted by 1250ships

Granted the 1/1250 ship world is much smaller and the models are hand made but the German ships that have deck markings get the swastika provided they are for export- they are actually made in Germany. For the domestic market they have separate decals that just show a cross.

That's commendable, kudos to them. I don't know why American manufacturers, toward whom my original post is obviously directed, can't adopt the same practice vice-versa. If they did, the matter wouldn't be an issue with me, as I don't care what Germans/Europeans chose or chose not to buy, or what kind of laws they chose to live under.

[Cruver Collecter]

I find it just a whole lot easier to apply the markings to the aircraft myself. Passing on them was not an option that I was wanting to go with for the simple fact I would be passing up on some really nice planes. My collection would be minus some 26 planes if I went that route. Sure it would have been nice had them come already marked, but not to much of a chore to fix them up right.

[Shawn 507]

Originally Posted by Hornchurch

Blimey, I actually agree with Shawn (for once )

Its a New Revolution Hornchurch. First it was Swoop and now you. Before long we'll have a new world order.