[Copland]

I really like the detail of the Minichamps armor, however, the main reason I do not purchase these is price. I do have a question. How do these "higher level" diecast tanks compare? Say, The Franklin Mint vs. Britains vs. Minichamps?

[Mark 1]

Good question!
I don't own any Britains or FM armour so one of the other guys will have to comment.
I will be interested to read a comparison or two.

[Cardinal]

I have 1 X 1/32 FoV King Tiger; 1 X 1/35 MiniChamps (Snow) Leopard 2A4 and the Dragon 1/35 Tiger I (Tunisia).

Overall, the MiniChamps Winter Leopard is my favourite piece of die-cast .

The Dragon Tiger I is also exceptional for detail and the FoV King Tiger has a certain 'gritty' appeal - there's just something about the worn, weathered and battle weary look that makes it stand out, making it a really nice piece of die-cast armour .

[KG_Jag]

I suppose that you have to factor in the size and price of each line.

1. FM/Armour is the most expensive. I have the 1:24 Patton Sherman 76. it is beautiful piece with removable turret and interior. I've seen a camo edition available on-line for $140 and free shipping.

2. King and Country has some very nice 1:32 (?) scale resin pieces. the new offerings are generally about $100. Price increases in the last two or three years, coupled with the complete lack of price competition (except for shipping costs), have pushed them down my buy list for now.

3. Minichamps is the third most expensive line and has 1:35 heavy die cast AFVS. This line offers top value for the $80 or less per piece price that you can find on-line.

4. WBritain is a resin line and in the 1:35 scale, which I place in a tie for the fourth most expensive line. While nice, I don't rate them as highly as I do the other lines. However, you can still pickup a sale T-34 or late Pz IV on-line for only $25. Those offers are difficult to top.

4a. The Dragon line is mostly plastic, but excellent in both the 1:72 scale and newer but much more limited 1:35 scale. The 1:35 Tigers and the upcoming Elefant can be secured on-line for about $60 to $70 a piece. Some are put off by the price, but careful shopping can produce a piece well worth what is paid.

[mustangdriver]

I have the Franklin Mint Patton Sherman, and think it is great.

[crossroads]

I just wanted to add a few things on the King and Country and Britains items.

King and Country's WWII lines are in 1:30 scale. They have just upgraded their tracks on a couple of the latest models. I think the biggest gripe for their vehicles had been the poor track detail. They seem to have corrected that with the new Sherman and M10 Tank Destroyer.

William Britain was bought out by First Gear. The figures they released last year were a big improvement over the figures from the RC2 timeframe. The first vehicles to be released under them were delayed and are due out shortly. Pictured at the bottom is the M8 Greyhound by Britains.

Thanks Ronnie
Crossroads Diecast.com

[crossroads]

There a few more high end vehicle manufacturers to consider; Honour Bound and Figarti.

Hounour Bound has had some very nice releases this year including some things that are out of the norm including a German Field Kitchen and Bergepanther.

Bergepanther


Figarti has introduced a Tiger with full interior detail. The turret is removeable to show the interior and includes a full crew.

Figarti Tiger


Thanks
Ronnie
Crossroads Diecast.com

[ZS-VAN]

Are you guys sure you have the scale for King and Country right. There is a local distributor here and he led me to believe the scale was 1/35. So far we have 1/30, 1/32 and 1/35.Someone needs to confirm the right scale.

I have FOV 1/32 AFVs, Tiger and King Tiger, Normandy and the M1 Abrams with M2 Bradley Kuwait City. Very nice, well weathered but a lot lighter than expected. I think their appeal is in rugged battle hardened look. Got all 4 for the price of 1. How could I walk away from that little lot?!

I aspire to owning a Minichamps tanks though. The look so real, are quite hefty and are of good quality. Waiting for postage estimate on a Leopard 2. Maybe the funny looking maroon Panther as well. Not quite sold on the scheme though.

[KG_Jag]

Originally Posted by ZS-VAN

Are you guys sure you have the scale for King and Country right. There is a local distributor here and he led me to believe the scale was 1/35. So far we have 1/30, 1/32 and 1/35.Someone needs to confirm the right scale.

According to the UK site that says that they are the largest King and Country dealer, the scale is 1:30. So Crossroads appears to be correct. See:

Welcome to King & Country U.K. the Worlds LARGEST Dealer of King & Country collectable figures.

[admin]

The only ones that I have are Franklin mint. I have both Abrams and both Shermans. I love them and I've yet to see anything nicer that in that price range.


Wow, I just went to the Franklin forum in this section to get reference threads and there are only three total. Here's one on the last Sherman that I purchased.

B11E406 M4-A3 Sherman Tank