[ZS-VAN]

This is something I've been wondering about. Why you may ask? Well, I often visited Tricatus when looking at Corgi models in particular. Now there's also the TwinPlane site which I also find myself using as a reference. How many times haven't we read posts here that the model looks much better in the flesh? What motivated me to start this thread is the latest update of 1/32 Spitfire PR*F.

[skydriver]

You are so right. The picture of a plane can sometimes do it an injustice. Several times I have not bought planes because of the paint color as shown in a picture. I realize that there could be many factors that don't show the plan in its true colors. Unfortunatly, sometimes those are the only pictures you have as a refererence, which is why I look to this site and everyone here for advice.

[kabelace]

I would have to say YES to this, as I would say 75 percent of my die cast purchases are online. I also use Tricatus , Twin Plane, Die Cast Ace, and Celtics site to name a few for research when trolling around the web for die cast. On E-bay I am always leary of a seller when they have a bad pic up, thinking what is the pic hiding that he has not listed . So a poor pic and I will steer clear. From FM, MC or other vender's I always try to find other pics else were of the same model hopefully from different angles.
One reason why I have steered clear of Franklin Mint models is that the majority of sites only have a picture of the box art of the aircraft and that does not work for me .
The closest shop to me is around an hour away, and with the price of gas now I don't get up there very much anymore to actually eyeball and purchase a model in the flesh.

[hworth18]

I love to see good pics of a model when it is released, but I always reserve judgement till I see it "in the flesh" because pics can be very deceiving depending on camera settings/lighting and clearness of the pic. Sometimes closer isn't always better as this seems to amplify any flaws, so I wait until I see it in person.

[Epapazian]

I, too, regard good pictures as very important in making buying decisions about diecast models, which increasingly, I purchase online. In addition to researching the models at the marketer's own website as well as independent sites such as Triactus, Celtic, etc. I try to use pictures posted by the sellers. This, is fraught with problems since most content themselves with a single promotional picture for each model from those supplied by the manufacturer or distributor, which, of course, are suspect. There are notable exceptions----for example, The Flying Mule, among the online vendors and cristiantq among the eBay sellers do post useful photos from many angles---which is also a big help. Hawk's site for Hobby Master products is also very useful as are the various reviews by member of this forum. Using all of these resources, I rarely get "burned" by bad models bought on pre-orders, although this still happens, occasionally.

[Gunslinger]

IMHO Tim Healy (Tricatus) is Corgies best salesman. I have not bought planes because of bad box pictures or manufacturer pictures that did not put the plane in its best light.

I to use several online references before I drop any $$$$$$.

[Hurriup!]

With no shops anywhere near my area that carry diecast aircraft my purchases are 100% on-line and so I rely heavily on the best photos avaiable like Tricatus, Pappy and Celtics. This Forum is also very valuable with the members critiques and opinions of the models in topic and so far I don't feel cheated on any of my purchases.

[SkyBuffalo]

I buy almost all my planes/tanks online, so pictures are important. If there are no good pictures of a model, I'm much less likely to buy it since I have no proof it looks good. It there are good photos, then the model at least has a chance of me purchasing it.

[jim]

My system is just perfect, I wait until you guys buy them and report on the forum, I weigh up your opinions and then pull the trigger, or not depending on what you all say.

I will admit that I like to see photos of the models, it helps to stir the initial interest.

One of the good things about the forum is that we have experts on each airplane type, so any flaws in new models are spotted very quickly and discussed.

[PappyB]

I love to see nice photos of birds before I spring for 'em -- I always go to Tri's site before I pull the trigger on a Corgi, particularly the older ones. And a couple good pics usually is enough to put me over the edge, so to speak.