[Sebring Rob]

Hi all,
I am not sure if this is the proper place to post this so if it needs to be moved I apologize. I have collected 1/48 scale models for a long time and am now looking to expand to 1/72 scale for jet fighters only. I am looking for any suggestions in terms of what other members would buy when starting out. I have looked at a lot of the threads on the forum and understand that everything is debatable but I guess what I am looking for is a short list of your favorite 1/72 models. Also I have seen that a lot of members don't like the "alien" that witty wings puts in the cockpit of its jets. How big of a distraction is this from the overall look of the model and which other companies have non removable pilot figures?

Sorry for sounding so uneducated in this scale and thank you for the help,
Rob

[skydriver]

Welcome Sebring Rob,

First of all as I am sure you know 1:72 is completly different from 1:48. You will hear from many members here as to what they prefer, so I will give you my take on them.

Corgi- Probably the most widely known brand. These were my introduction to diecast and I probably have 75 different airplanes and think they are an excellent brand. They have different levels which offer a variety of options ( either gear up or gear down, metal stands or plastic stands).

FOV- Typically found at Target and Toys R Us, these are probably the least expensive of the diecast but still a very nice plane. They also have either gear up or gear down options, but the stands are plastic and flimsey.

Matchbox- Very nice planes with very nice stands. I don't know of any with a gear down option.

Witty Wings- I really am not too impressed with these planes, other than the modern jets.

IXO- Again, not too impressed but they do offer some planes that you cannot find elsewear.

Hobby Master- One of my favorites. They look good, feel good, and I don't think you can go wrong with any that you get from them.

Eagles International- Probably the best of the die cast, and their price shows it. I have a few of their planes and consider them to be the crown jewels of my collection.

I am sure others here will give you their opinion, and I suggest listening to them. You will learn a lot and have a great time.

Again welcome to the group.

[11SQNLDR]

Hi Rob & welcome

My favourite 1/72 jets would be:

Any F-14, A-6 & A-7 from Century Wings, watch out for their new F-8 coming soon.
Any F-15, F/A-18E/F & F-16 from Witty
F/A-18C & F-16 from Dragon
A-10, F-104, Mig 21 & A-4 from Hobbymaster - also their F-4 which is due to be released soon, as is their F-100
F-86 from Corgi
Mig 29, Su -33, Su-34 from Gaincorp. Best of luck finding their F-22 which is nice & the only made in 1/72 diecast still, but HTF

Other nice Brit aircraft from Corgi include their Hawk, Jaguar, Tornado, Buccaneer, Lightning, Hunter, Vampire, Harrier, Meteor & Typhoon.

Thats my opinion any how - plenty of good useful threads on each of these manufacturers & you'll find plenty of knowledable & helpful guys here.

Enjoy!!

[kb466]

In 1/72 jets, you can't go wrong with Century Wings. They are high quality, well-done and accurate for the most part. Of course, they are among the most expensive, though you get what you pay for. I have their F-14, A-6, and A-7 and consider each of them to be a jewel. I also recommend the Hobby Master models. They do an excellent job as well. I have their Mig 21, A-4, F-104 and consider each of them to be superb diecast models. Also, Hobby Master has done an excellent job of communicating and listening to its customers, as can be seen by the presence of "William" from Hobby Master on this forum. No other company compares with the level of discussion that takes place between Hobby Master and its customers. This seems to result in a superior product as Hobby Master incoporates suggested changes or improvements into its models.

[Gort]

Welcome to the club, Sebring Rob!

Skydriver and 11SQNLDR and kb466 are right on all counts. Allow me to add my two-cents about Witty ...

Witty produces excellent Su-27s and Mig-29s (if you’re into Russian birds). For my money, Witty models (not all, but most) are excellent investments. The boxes are a bit on the crappy side, but the models are first class. Grab a few if you can.

[Sebring Rob]

Thanks all for the warm welcome and very helpful information!

[172power]

If it wasnt for the Mig-21 by HobbyMaster
172power would not exist in this forum

[Captain Eddie]

Welcome to diecast heaven, Rob! I don't "do" modern jets, so have no opinion, but wanted to give you a warm welcome nonetheless.

[jim]

Originally Posted by Captain Eddie

Welcome to diecast heaven, Rob! I don't "do" modern jets, so have no opinion, but wanted to give you a warm welcome nonetheless.

Count me in with Captain Eddie,


Hey just a moment, jets you say?

I can see I shall have to re educate you in the ways of the propeller, (then maybe I can draw you into the P40 fold).

Ok hows about the Corgi Meteor or a nice Me262.

[Epapazian]

Welcome Rob,

As for your question, It's difficult to answer unless you are more specific about the kinds of planes you are into, the countries or campaigns/battles you are most interested in, the eras, etc. Most manufacturers have put out good and not so good models. For example Corgi's BF-109E is quite good, however there are many who regard its P-51B and D as sub par.

In any event, I'm sure that you will find this forum's threads and posts very informative and I hope you enjoy your time with us.