[Epapazian]

In view of the ongoing debate about whether HM should be revisiting the "usual suspects" that have not been rendered satisfactorily in diecast, I thought we might take a look at the 1:72nd and 1:48th scales and see where the opportunities really are. For example, Carousel 1 has put out an excellent BF-109E4/7, FW-190D, F4F and P-40E in 1:48th---the only problem being the limited number of C1 liveries available. Also, while Franklin Mint's Armour line is the subject of much criticism, not all of its "usual suspect" models in 1:48th scale are total turkeys. Among the ones I own, the BF-109G and FW-190A are pretty bad, and I am not impressed with Armour's P-51D, either. However, the same line's P-38J, P-40E, P-47D, F4U, F6F and Spitfire MKV aren't complete duds. I'm sure that HM would do a far better job on these, but how many of us consider this a real need? As for the others, I don't have FM/ Armour's Zero, F4F or Hurricane, so I leave it to others to comment on the quality of these models. My impression, is that FM's F4F has been fairly well received by those who bought it, however.

When I review my 1:72nd scale holdings, which are far more extensive and involve many more manufacturers for each plane, I also note some voids that might be filled. I think that Corgi did a decent, if not perfect job on the Spitfire and Hurricane, and its BF-109E and P-38 are acceptable. On the other hand, Corgi's F4U, P-47, P-40, FW-190 and Zero all have problems ----some quite serious---and we are all familiar with the rap on Corgi's P-51s. Fortunately, Hobby Master, itself, along with Dragon, Gemini, Witty, and even Matchbox combine to fill most of the weak spots in the "usual suspect" 1:72nd scale ranks. In my book, only the Zero, BF-109E, and FW-190D need a real facelift in this scale.

Assuming that my assessment is correct and, obviously, various members are likely to disagree on one plane or another, I can see why HM is reluctant to tackle "usual suspect" redos, even though it will, no doubt, turn out a superior product. Why enter an arena, where only a few of the likely candidates are really crying out to be "properly" executed.? Perhaps, I'm wrong, and a serious effort by HM to revisit most or all of the "usual suspects" would be welcomed by enough collectors to make such a venture a profitable enterprise, not just an ego trip. What do you guys think?

[HotTrap429]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

In my book, only the Zero, BF-109E, and FW-190D need a real facelift in this scale.

I agree with all your points Epap. Only place I disagree (a little) is the Zero (Witty and FoV's Zeros are pretty good), Corgi's BF-109E is a nice model, and Dragon's Fw-190D is also acceptable to most casual (non-rivet counter) collectors. HM is making those planes that no one else (beside IXO) are willing to gamble on. The Kate, the P-39, the Helldiver, the Avenger, the Bf-110 are all examples of planes that the other makers did not have the imagination or courage to make. I think many of the 1:48 scale offerings really do need to be "modernized" and brought up to today's new standards.

[brunowbe]

The corgi Bf 109E is good (not perfect, but good), a 109 G or K is more desired as there isn't a good one out there.

I'm all about Bf 109s, so the more that are done well that are made, the happier I'll be. I'm just now beginning to get into spitfires and would love to see HM make other variants in the 1/48th scale (maybe a seafire as well).

Bottom line for me, the more "usual suspects" that are made, the happier I'll be (seeing as I've missed many releases since I've only been collecting for about a year now). More 1/32 scales too please!!!!

[Elmer]

Nice post, Epap! Thanks.

I will restrict my comments to 1:48:

Perhaps the place to start with redos is to analyze the current FM/A offerings that are poorest: I would say the P-51D is the poorest; the Mosquito isn't great; the Me 109 isn't great either. These may be the poorest in terms of overall shape, quality, detail, accuracy. It would be nice if HM picked one of these and gave it a go. If it sold well, it would have some basis to make a decision for additional usual suspects.

The nicest FM/A offerings (fighters), I would pick as: the Wildcat, P-38, Hellcat, and Hawker Hurricane. I think other FM/A offerings are somewhere in the middle. So... if I were to pick a subject for a redo, I would pick one of the three poorest molds, analyze the subjects popularity and livery options, and then give it a go. From where I sit, the P-51D or Me 109F/G/K would probably offer the most livery options with the widest general market appeal.

[Epapazian]

Just a correction to my original post. I indicated that Carousel 1 had made a P-40E. Of course, I meant a P-40B, one of which resides proudly on my display shelves.

[Elmer]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

For example, Carousel 1 has put out an excellent BF-109E4/7, FW-190D, F4F and P-40E in 1:48th---the only problem being the limited number of C1 liveries available.

One minor correction: C1's P-40s are the B/C variants. To be more specific: P-40B, Hawk H81-A3 and Tomahawk IIB.

Edit: Ooops. You caught it. Sorry.

[Cruver Collecter]

Not to big into seeing what has already been put out rehashed, but if I had to pick one,,,, seems like it would have to be a P-51D. Seems like most of what I have read indicates that most folks are not pleased with the current pickings with regards to the D model of the Mustang. Not a big fan of the P-51D (More of a Buffalo fan), but think this is one that should get the attention similar to Carousels FW-190D. Truely significant aircraft with regards to aviation history and really would be nice to have well done a model of this one.

[lanslide]

I would love to see a nicely done 1/48 scale re-make of the F4U-1A Corsair and P-51D Mustang - two of my favorite WWII fighters.

[hworth18]

Here is my top 5 list of "usual subjects" that should be done (or redone in Franklin Mints case) in 1/48 since the available models are poor or non-existant.
These are listed in order of my preference:

1. Fw 190-A5/A8
2. P-51D Mustang
3. Bf 109-G6
4. Spitfire Mk I/II
5. F4U Corsair (Special note: This aircraft must have folding wings)

[fileasfog]

I know I would not buy any of HM's usual suspects if they made them. What I like about HM is they tackle the less classic airframes.