[slammer400]

Thanks everyone for all the expertise.

I have been learning a lot just by listening and impressed with the knowledge as to the different manufactures molds. I read a while back where some were expressing that they believed the Dragon P-51 mold was superior to others, and in fact much nicer than the corgi.

I'm wondering if there are some current, concurring opinions such as these, is there a ME 109 1:72 out there considered hands down more accurate and refined than the others? A 1:72 P-40, P-38?
Are there some molds that are just out right kick ass better than the others for certain planes?

Thanks again.

[stalag8611]

Hey, Slammer, what are you, some kind of Agent Provacature?
Asking questions like that on this site is akin to throwing gasoline on a fire. Keep up the good work
I like the Gemini releases and wish they'd do more, but out of the mainstream of diecast issues.

[slammer400]

Didn't mean to start a bonfire, just trying to learn as much possible before I start throwing the greenbacks around.

One thing I have noticed around these forums is that there doesn't seem to be that many around here that seem loyal to any one brand. Seems like somebody who likes Corgi will accept and buy that Dragon if Dragon has done a better job.
There doesn't seem to be that old Chevy vs Ford, Remington vs Winchester thing going on. How many Chevy guys do you know who would run out and buy a Ford because the 2007 model was better than the 2007 Chevy?

[PappyB]

Actually, I think there are quite a few Corgi Loyalists out there, but recent additions to the 1:72 market have generated some buzz and new fans. Gemini Aces for example -- best Spitfire in 1:72 IMHO, particularly since they've refined the mold with each of the first few waves of releases. Hobby Master has also come into the fray with some exciting models. I think it all depends on what YOU want -- do you want to stick with primarily one brand and have a decent chance at your models actually retaining their value -- then Corgi's an excellent choice. Can't beat the pooch for options, and it has some of the best packaging and LE certs you're gonna get. If you are simply an airplane nut, like myself, the shotgun approach works best -- anything and everythig that catches your eye, regardless of scale, brand, or even era (yes, I'm that silly see www.diecastace.com for evidence).

Also, if you want heavies then Corgi is really the only option -- least in 1:72 -- for now (and they do an awesome job with the bombers).

If you like Jets, particularly U.S. jets -- then Dragon, Witty, Hobby Master, and Century Wings (Tomcat) are really the way to go (Corgi makes a so-so Phantom, and F86).

As to the best molds for particular aircraft q: you'll find opinions really divided on that one. Here's my rundown in 1:72 for the best molds per aircraft type -- fighters only:

Best P-51D in 1:72: Dragon, hands-down
Best P-51B in 1:72: Gemini -- though Corgi's coming out with one, and perhaps HM, too??
Best P-38: Probably Corgi's new release, though the old matchbox's are nice, too, and Witty's coming out with one this year...
Best P-40: Corgi, though Dragon's coming out with one soon I think...
Best Hellcat: Hobby Master, Corgi (Predator series), then Matchbox
Best Wildcat: Dragon
Best P-47D/C: Dragon, then Corgi
Best 109: Hmmm... I'll defer to the 109 experts, but I like Gemini; then it's a toss-up for me between Corgi and Dragon
Best 190: Dragon, then Corgi
Best 262: Dragon, then Corgi (many will think the opposite here)
Best Dora: Dragon
Best Zero: I lilke Dragon, then Witty, then Corgi
Mosquito: Corgi
Spit: Gemini, Corgi, Dragon
Hurricane: Corgi
Stuka: Corgi, Dragon/Hobby Master
SBD: Hobby Master, Corgi, IXO


Modern:

F-16: Witty, Dragon
F-15: Witty, Dragon, Gaincorop
F-14: Century Wings, Dragon, Witty
A-10: Hobby Master, then Corgi
F-18: Dragon, then Witty
F-4: Corgi, by default
Harrier: Corgi

Probably leaving a lot out, but that's just a quick run through of my own collection... again, others will have vastly different opinions depending on what matters most to them.


However, I collect by the liveries and aircraft history that interests me the most (and sometimes, whatever's on sale)... so "the best mold" is a secondary question for me, really.

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by PappyB

If you are simply an airplane nut, like myself, the shotgun approach works best -- anything and everythig that catches your eye, regardless of scale, brand, or even era (yes, I'm that silly).
However, I collect by the liveries and aircraft history that interests me the most (and sometimes, whatever's on sale)... so "the best mold" is a secondary question for me, really.

This pretty much sums up my whole collecting interest in this hobby as well. Kudos to PappyB for a well thought-out opinion.

[slammer400]

Originally Posted by PappyB

Best P-51D in 1:72: Dragon, hands-down
Best P-51B in 1:72: Gemini -- though Corgi's coming out with one, and perhaps HM, too??
Best P-38: Probably Corgi's new release, though the old matchbox's are nice, too, and Witty's coming out with one this year...
Best P-40: Corgi, though Dragon's coming out with one soon I think...
Best Hellcat: Hobby Master, Corgi (Predator series), then Matchbox
Best Wildcat: Dragon
Best P-47D/C: Dragon, then Corgi
Best 109: Hmmm... I'll defer to the 109 experts, but I like Gemini; then it's a toss-up for me between Corgi and Dragon
Best 190: Dragon, then Corgi
Best 262: Dragon, then Corgi (many will think the opposite here)
Best Dora: Dragon
Best Zero: I lilke Dragon, then Witty, then Corgi
Mosquito: Corgi
Spit: Gemini, Corgi, Dragon
Hurricane: Corgi
Stuka: Corgi, Dragon/Hobby Master
SBD: Hobby Master, Corgi, IXO


Modern:

F-16: Witty, Dragon
F-15: Witty, Dragon, Gaincorop
F-14: Century Wings, Dragon, Witty
A-10: Hobby Master, then Corgi
F-18: Dragon, then Witty
F-4: Corgi, by default
Harrier: Corgi

Probably leaving a lot out, but that's just a quick run through of my own collection... again, others will have vastly different opinions depending on what matters most to them.


However, I collect by the liveries and aircraft history that interests me the most (and sometimes, whatever's on sale)... so "the best mold" is a secondary question for me, really.

Thanks, that's what I'm looking for. Being new to the game, all the different models and makers is stagering. Very hard to judge the planes looking at web pictures, looking for opinions of those who have held them in their hands and looked at them up close.

I wouldn't mind an Aleutian Tiger, but have no idea which 1:72 of this plane would be the sharper display. On the web all the P-40's look too close to call for a rookie. Same with the 109s, they all look pretty good.

More opinions welcome..thank you.

[PappyB]

warning, shameless plug...

Slammer, take a moment to browse through my site -- www.diecastace.com, there's lots of commentary about the different makes, reviews, a few comparisons, etc. The site's really for folks such as yourself that come into the hobby and are a bit overwhelmed about all the different options.

[Gort]

Originally Posted by PappyB

warning, shameless plug...

Slammer, take a moment to browse through my site -- www.diecastace.com, there's lots of commentary about the different makes, reviews, a few comparisons, etc. The site's really for folks such as yourself that come into the hobby and are a bit overwhelmed about all the different options.

Slammer, PappyB's site really is informative. And enjoyable. And addicting! If you've got a second, jump on over there and give it a gander. You'll find the comparisons particularly perceptive.

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by Gort

Slammer, PappyB's site really is informative. And enjoyable. And addicting! If you've got a second, jump on over there and give it a gander. You'll find the comparisons particularly perceptive.

Why thank-you Gort -- good to see ya posting again

[david cotton]

Gemini Aces have done a good job with the casting of their 3 WW2 fighters. The body and wing joints are few and well fitted. They have made the Corgi equivelent look dated.

However, Corgi have the greater range and some of their other castings are not only unique but excellent to. Their Twin and Four Engine bombers are very good. The Lancaster and He111, are out standing.

One reason I go for Corgi and Gemini is the pilot, I hate having aircraft on a stand, without a pilot.

Corgi Stuka and P47 and P38 are also good castings. The P38 has a little to much plastic, but it works.