[stalag8611]

Gee, Hworth18, I just happen to own the following FM iossues:

FMB284 - P-38

FMB191 - Bf 109F
FMB194 - Bf 109F

FMB304 - Bader Spitfire

To my non-rivet counting, non-depth of paint measuring, and not caring whether it's a fat/skinny pilot eye, the four above mentioned models are more than "JUST NOT THAT GREAT." Personally, I'm happy that FM produced the aircraft models they did and at a price most of us can afford. If I want perfection in a particular model, I'll contract wilth a Master Model maker. Sure, we'd all like Century quality in the stuff we buy, but in the meantime I'll live in the what's possible world of diecast aircraft collecting.

[hworth18]

Originally Posted by stalag8611

Gee, Hworth18, I just happen to own the following FM iossues:

FMB284 - P-38

FMB191 - Bf 109F
FMB194 - Bf 109F

FMB304 - Bader Spitfire

To my non-rivet counting, non-depth of paint measuring, and not caring whether it's a fat/skinny pilot eye, the four above mentioned models are more than "JUST NOT THAT GREAT." Personally, I'm happy that FM produced the aircraft models they did and at a price most of us can afford. If I want perfection in a particular model, I'll contract wilth a Master Model maker. Sure, we'd all like Century quality in the stuff we buy, but in the meantime I'll live in the what's possible world of diecast aircraft collecting.

If you're happy with them, then good for you... Your opinion on the models you own are all that matters.. Same with me, I like my models and don't care what others think.. IMHO, Franklins molds are dated and don't hold up to the standard of todays diecast, and that's my opinion, nothing more, nothing less..

[FormerViperDriver]

Originally Posted by hworth18

If you're happy with them, then good for you... Your opinion on the models you own are all that matters.. Same with me, I like my models and don't care what others think.. IMHO, Franklins molds are dated and don't hold up to the standard of todays diecast, and that's my opinion, nothing more, nothing less..

Agreed in general, but the FM/Armour moulds for the P-38, P-47, Me-109, and Spit are all still more than acceptable and so I would prefer to see new types produced by other manufacturers. The P-51 D is another matter, it needs a replacement ASAP; and I would say the F-4U is next in line after that. I would like to see those two re-done immediately by HM/EI/Carousel. I could wait on the others until after we get some P-39s, 61s, Typhoons, Tempests, YaK-3/9s, Ki-84s, etc...

FVD

[SKUNKY]

Damn!..when I saw the title of this thread, I thought HM had put out a B-52....

[ZS-VAN]

Great pic there PappyB, sure looks very good. FlyXwire, I picked up the IXO with a similar scheme sans the Finnish insignia, odd I thought. And yes Skunky I also thought they'd done a B52!

[Elmer]

Originally Posted by stalag8611

What do you guys want, another P-51, P-47, P-38, Spitfire, Bf-109, Fw-190 release in 1:48 from HM?

1. P-51D
2. Corsair (any variant)
3. Spitfire (any variant)
4. T-Bolt (any variant)
5. Bf 109 (later variants)
6. Fw 190A
7. P-38 (any variant)
8. Hurricane (any variant)

From any company who will treat all of the above with TLC to detail (e.g. EI's P-51s and C1's Doras)

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by ZS-VAN

FlyXwire, I picked up the IXO with a similar scheme sans the Finnish insignia, odd I thought.

I almost picked that up myself, but I figured it is too small and I won't be able to appreciate the little bugger in that size anyway. So I hope HM does eventually make one with
the Finnish insignia and livery.

[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by Elmer

1. P-51D
2. Corsair (any variant)
3. Spitfire (any variant)
4. T-Bolt (any variant)
5. Bf 109 (later variants)
6. Fw 190A
7. P-38 (any variant)
8. Hurricane (any variant)

From any company who will treat all of the above with TLC to detail (e.g. EI's P-51s and C1's Doras)

Have you had a close look at the P47D 'Eagleston' Thunderbolt from Franklin Mint? Correct me if I'm wrong, but to me it is one of the best models ever issued by Franklin Mint .

(flyingmule.com/products/FM-B11B296)

[Elmer]

Originally Posted by Cardinal

Have you had a close look at the P47D 'Eagleston' Thunderbolt from Franklin Mint? Correct me if I'm wrong, but to me it is one of the best models ever issued by Franklin Mint .

I don't think you are wrong Cardo. Generally, I am not a fan of FM/A models because I want more detail at 1:48 scale than FM/A molds typically deliver. Now Dragons 1:72 T-Bolts, on the other hand, are packed with detail at a much smaller scale. I love Dragon's T-Bolts (although I wish they would do Gabby's D variant with invasion stripes!!!) Although I would prefer a 1:48 scale T-Bolt, I simply can't get excited about FM/A's when I compare it to Dragon's. I really, really, really want a razorback and bubbletop T-Bolt at 1:48 with detail (e.g. rivets, positionable control surfaces, crisp panel lines, etc); but, that is just my "quirky" want. Those of you who are happy with your FM/A T-Bolts and want "non-typical" types (e.g. Italian, Japanese, Soviet, etc.) produced before the more typical types (e.g. P-51D, Corsair, Spitfire, T-Bolt, Hurricane, etc.)... great; I understand this. I want the non-typicals produced also. Nevertheless, no model would excite me more than a P-51D, Corsair, Spitfire, T-Bolt, Bf-109, etc., produced with the same TLC to shape, detail, and finish that EI gave the P-51B/Cs. I believe the iconic fighters deserve this, and deserve it now.

I have my order in for HM's Buffalo, and I am only mildly excited for it... it appears that HM is going down the road of non-typicals. I wish they would give us a classic P-51D, Corsair, and Spit first (although it appears the Spit is coming).

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by Elmer

I have my order in for HM's Buffalo, and I am only mildly excited for it... it appears that HM is going down the road of non-typicals. I wish they would give us a classic P-51D, Corsair, and Spit first (although it appears the Spit is coming).

I think you'll be saying you under-rated the Buffalo, Elmer, I wasn't jazzed about it either -- but it is very cool. I'll be interested to hear your opinion on it.

If HM does go down the road more travelled and dupes FM's efforts I think they should be very afraid -- particularly with HM's price points. If the Buff is truly the standard they will keep in 1:48, HM is going to be a real force to be reckoned with.

Just my $.02 (and I hear you on the desire for better "common models" at 1:48 Elmer.. but you already know that )