[Cary]

I would like to start expanding my small collection of MB, any reccomendations on any other brand that has same detail, and still remain 1:72
scale for size ? good website to purchase from ?

Also is their any one that knows were to find a list with pictures for all of the MB releases ?

[smartd]

Good luck on finding Matchbox out there. Start looking at Corgi and others.
Keep reading this site, you will find out what's hot and what's not, good models from mediocre.

[bsmith13]

For the nearly the same price as MBs, you have the following options:

Corgi Legends
Corgi Warbirds
Forces of Valor

Not all diecast are created equal, not even from the same company, so your intention to ask questions here regarding certain models is a good one.

[Old Crow]

any reccomendations on any other brand that has same detail, and still remain 1:72
scale for size ? good website to purchase from ?

Cary, I would also include Hobbymaster in the lines mentioned below. I think they offer even more value and detail. The Corgi birds are pretty pricey and do not offer optional u/c and the FOV line is spotty, imho, especially when it comes to colors.

Burbank's House of Hobbies, for examples, typically offers most models for 20% off. They just received a shipment of September Hobbymaster models so you can get a good look. There are other reputable online dealers who carry these, as well, including The Flying Mule, OnMark, Pete's Collectibles, Crossroads, etc.

[Cary]

Thank you for all of the advice, it looks like I have come to the right place.
Can anyone tell me how to tell the difference between a MB 2003 P-47 THUNDERBOLT
and a 2004 P-47 THUNDERBOLT (Re-Release). I purchased one off of ebay and it came with out a box,
also no serial number under the wing.

Thanks

[bsmith13]

The 2003 MB P-47 was grey and green, belonging to Gabby Gabreski of the 56th Fighter Group. There was also a Canadian release in the markings of Glenn Eagleston with a skull and crossbones on a yellow cowl.

Two MB P-47s were issued in 2004. One was a US release of the Eagleston P-47, and the other was in the markings of the 22nd Fighter Squadron, 36th Fighter Group (red nose, yellow tail).

This thread Matchbox History/Checklist has all the info you could ever want on Matchbox planes. I'm interested to see what you pick up next!