[FormerViperDriver]

Originally Posted by Cardinal

I have to admit that I like FVD's idea of using a template for rating models (especially on websites that list models). Sure, they'll never be perfect, and criteria will be different, but they would limit the natural human tendency towards subjectivity .

I would use similar but simpler criteria though e.g.

• 'Presence' = 15 points
• Design and 'moving parts' = 20 points
• Detailing and accuracy = 20 points
• Fit and finish (including paintwork) = 20 points
• Durability and 'heft' = 15 points
• 'Extras' (e.g. pilots and stands) = 10 points

Sounds pretty good to me. Keeping it simple is a plus...

FVD

[Elmer]

Originally Posted by FormerViperDriver

I'll tell you why I can't vote for the C1 Doras as number one, even though I love mine: I display my planes mainly wheels down on the ground (C1 doesn't give you much of a choice in the matter, unless you want to enginer your own solution: no stand provided), and the way the main gear is fitted in the main wells, although practical, is not very realistic-looking (masks a large portion of the well itself). I know it's only visible from the bottom, I know the reat of the model is outstanding, but that detail in itself MUST exclude these models from the top contender position in an objective assessment. Sorry guys, I don't see how you can argue otherwise...

I voted for EI's P-51B; I also have at least one of each model in the poll except the Su-27 and the Corgi B-17.

I agree with your assessment of C1's gear system on the Dora (P-40 and Bf-109 also), FVD. I also do not like the "plug" (for lack of a better word) because it does not look realistic; however, I can see why C1 engineered its models this way: the gear does fit solidly, firmly, and with the correct rake, alignment, etc. So it is a matter of trade-offs. However, like C1's Doras, GMP's P-40s have features that also detract from the "realism" factor. I don't think the P-40s gear struts look all that realistic. I also believe the lack of rivet detail on the P-40 mold (and at that scale that detail could have been great!!) detracts from its "realism" factor. In sum... C1's "plugs" in the wheel well, in my assessment, do not detract from the Dora's "realism" factor any more than GMP's main wheel struts and lack of rivet detail.

Originally Posted by FormerViperDriver

The EI Mustangs (I have 3) are also obvious contenders, but I had to take into account the rather crudely-rendered tail wheel, the only obvious blemish in an otherwise fantastic model (although on one of mine, Shangri-la, the ventral radiator piece does not fit as well as it could - and as it does on the other 2 - and so leaves a small but visible gap, close-up anyway).

I have also noticed that the ventral radiator piece on Shangri La does not fit as well as Patty Ann II (the only two I currently own). Also, Shangri La's removable cowling also does not fit (at least on mine) as well as Patty Ann II. This is one reason I voted for Patty Ann II. If you like to display your EIs in flight, the crudely rendered tail wheel doesn't really matter. I display one in flight and one on the ground. Yet the tail wheel doesn't detract from the model's "realism" factor any more than lack of rivet detail and poor looking landing struts on GMP's P-40.

Originally Posted by FormerViperDriver

I'm sensing people are voting way too much with their hearts on this, not with their heads. My hearts tell me to go for C1 Dora-13 Yellow 10 (I love the long-nose FW), but my head clearly says GMP P-40 Texas Longhorn.

Finally, I do not know how to separate the head and the heart on this one. This is why I voted for EI's P-51B and Patty Ann II in particular. Although I know it has "warts" and is far from perfection, my heart loves this model; my heart also loves the two C1 Doras, the GMP "Old Exterminator," the silver Corgi Ark Royal, the Prince C1 Nieuport, the CW Jolly Rogers Tomcat, etc. in my collection. I am not sure that I could find a clear winner with a subjective rating scale, for one model's warts cancels out anothers. That is why my heart had to tell my head which one I love most, and hence, which one to vote for.

[Louie]

Captain Eddie I am with you man. The Matchbox Spad as well as the Dr.1 are both beautiful and so well made. Tiny tiny little details like exhaust port and radiator machine guns etc set these two MB planes in another class. If they had the wire rigging of the C1's they would be nearly perfect. You guys can get scientific and add points up or whatever(and that is not a put down) but my point simply put was:

Walking in your model room and having to take one model to show the world the one you feel exudes the highest quality of a model representing an actual aircraft which would it be? It's not Peter Pan versus Jiff it's which is the one you feel is the very best in your collection by meeting all of your personal criterias. Not all of us think the same. Emotions aside which is THE one.
Just for fun here are some I really like in many ways.
Corgi Sikorsky Apollo Rescue
MB Spad
Already mentioned C1 Nieuport as my #1
Corgi Stuka
Witty F-15
Dragon P-51D
Gaincorp Sea Flanker Bort 86
Corgi Black Cat PBY
Corgi Gladiator
HM SBD
HM TBM
Witty A6M Zero
FOV F-14
Dragon P-47
Corgi Bell 47
Hallmark Spirit Of St. Louis Ryan
Corgi Swordfish
HM Stuka
witty Sea Fury

[Cardinal]

'Presence', 'mojo', history and sentiment are indeed also important factors and often will determine how one would vote with the heart . Given that most models have one type of 'quirk' or another which often cancel out their advantages/disadvantages over each other it is important to often state your preference based purely on emotion i.e. how you feel about it irrespective of what everyone else says.

For me, there's something about the markings of the aircraft of the Tuskegee Airmen that I find both visually and aesthetically appealing, making two of my favourites the GMP Duchess Arlene P51D and the EI Ina the Macon Belle P51B ...

(I also still really like the Carousel FW190Ds though .)

[STARMAN 352ND]

Hey Louie.
The Hallmark Spad is not bad looking either for a WWI fighter.
JP

[FormerViperDriver]

Originally Posted by STARMAN 352ND

Hey Louie.
The Hallmark Spad is not bad looking either for a WWI fighter.
JP

Yes, it does have some advantages over the Matchbox (I have one of each), such as rigging wires, but then MB has a little better detail in other areas. Difficult to choose...

FVD

[Louie]

I agree. I kept only 2 of my Hallmark planes the SOSL and the Guynemer Spad. It's rigging and faux wood propeller coupled with it's over all paint scheme is sweet. I figured MB had the camo sewn up and I went with MB over Hallmark . My only real complaint was lack of cockpit detail on the HLF WW1 planes. The upcoming SE5a and Albatross by Corgi are going to add so much to us WW1 collectors collections. I pray someone does a Fokker D7 and a Sopwith Camel. I will then have my favorite planes including the before mentioned a/c. The Nieuport 11 was not nearly my favorite subject but after getting the C1 model it greatened my appreciation for the type.

[FormerViperDriver]

Originally Posted by Louie

I agree. I kept only 2 of my Hallmark planes the SOSL and the Guynemer Spad. It's rigging and faux wood propeller coupled with it's over all paint scheme is sweet. I figured MB had the camo sewn up and I went with MB over Hallmark . My only real complaint was lack of cockpit detail on the HLF WW1 planes. The upcoming SE5a and Albatross by Corgi are going to add so much to us WW1 collectors collections. I pray someone does a Fokker D7 and a Sopwith Camel. I will then have my favorite planes including the before mentioned a/c. The Nieuport 11 was not nearly my favorite subject but after getting the C1 model it greatened my appreciation for the type.

I'm with you on all counts, Louie. I'm sure waiting for the new Corgis, and the planes you mention (D7 and Camel) are such obvious choices that I'm really hoping they get made. Maybe C1 will continue in their current tracks. I don't mind paying a bit more given the quality of their products.

FVD

[STARMAN 352ND]

The fokker D7 and Sopwith Camel are long over do thats for sure...
It be nice to see Corgi release a few of them as well after their debut with the
other WWI fighter this fall.
JP

[mustangdriver]

Anyone ever see any of these Hallmark planes around, and what all did they make? I have the TopGun F-14 from them.