[Berkut76]

I have seen this line sold under so many names (EG being the latest one), it's not even funny. The models itself are divided into two camps, new castings produced by Criel and "old" models from defunct Portugese brand, Victoria, which were later sold under SunStar name as well, which acquired the assets of Vitesse Group, which produced Victoria models. Still with me?

Now to the good part, Despite being a "magazine"-subscription series, these models are anti-IXO/Altaya in a good sense. The Criel tooling is very sharp, they are made of relatively good quality DIECAST METAL. Fit and finish are also top notch easily rivaling the best in the business. The markings are well applied as well. The models come packaged in good quality acrylic display case.

On the negative side, the scale is for model car collectors rather than military models affecionados. The accessories such tow cables are part of the mold and not separate parts. I own Renault VAB, and I'll definitely try to get more models from this range that were not or not going to be made by more upscale makers.

All in all, I have to say that at least in my case after acquiring the afirementioned Renault APC, I didn't feel like that "unusual subject matter" is the only redeeming quality of the said model.

I definitely give this range two thumbs up.

Regards,

Sergey

[MoMo]

Thanks for clearing up a few mysteries, Sergey. I guess that die cast model makers can be every bit as incestuous as their plastic kit maker counterparts.

As you say, the unusual subjects will tempt many to part with their pennies to aquire, say, Italian types which will never appear as 1.72 Dragons or FOVs or even Admirals. Also, for the same price as a Dragon model, you can buy one of these and it is almost all metal!

MoMo

[Aircrafty]

Two years ago I bought seven of the De Agostini distributed models from various eBay sellers in Italy. Yes, they are all 1/43 scale and go nicely with Rio, Solido/Verem and other 1/43 molds loved by European collectors.

I can confirm that a number of the molds were previously made by Vitesse under their military banner of 'Victoria'. However the De Agostini versions lack some of the extra detail exhibited in the earlier Victoria versions. You may also find that some of the models based on the Criel company molds have more resin/plastic content than those based on the Victoria molds.