[Epapazian]

Aside from the choice of plane, itself, and overall accuracy issues, most of us look for certain things above all others when judging a diecast warbird, qualitatively. Some of the most common QC factors cited on this forum are listed below. Which two or three rate as your personal make or break points? 1) The scale, 2) Realistic canopies, windows, etc. 3) Visible panel lines, rivets, etc. 4) Camouflage scheme, 5) Correct colors, 6) Weathering/darkened panel lines, 7) Both wheel options ( up & down ), 8)Realistic add-ons ( bombs, rockets, etc), 9)Plane sits correctly in wheels -down mode ,10)"Fiddly bits" already installed ( antennae, pitot heads, etc.),11)German planes have Swastikas, 12) Seated pilot/crew provided, 13) No parts missing ( tail struts, pitot heads, etc.14)Minimal assembly holes, screws, etc. 15) All parts well fitted, no seam gaps, fuselage "bumps", etc. 16) Well designed mounting slot/hole and sturdy stand, 17) Attractive, but protective box, and 18) A write-up on the plane/pilot is provided.

[Shawn 507]

No 1 yes, 1/72nd is all I can display for now.
No 2 yes, not much for painted windows, like the clear plastic
No 3 ok if it isn't overly done, but better than a smooth plane
No 4 I prefer a plane to be in its original national markings / time frame first, then do others. Example HM AT-6
No 5 always a plus, but as with GA Spitfires I'm not to worried about it. And they have gotten better
No 6 I like what HM is doing on this front, the difference can be seen with the Corgi versions of HM's birds
No 7 Yep
No 8 Uh Huh
No 9 Always good, but most of mine are displayed flying
No 10 Either way, I build models so this isn't a big deal for me
No 11 Yes, but understand the restrictions. Maybe they need two versions for the different markets
No 12 Would be nice, Dragon / HM are you listening LOL
No 13 That would be nice
No 14 That would be awesome, The HM Hellcat tail issue still bothers me
No 15 That would be the bees knees
No 16 Yes please, GA P-51s and the first HM SBDs could use a re-fit
No 17 OK but not a dig deal
No 18 Pilot plane histories would be great

[Folgore]

Hmmm... For me, No. 1 (scale) comes first, 'cause I only collect 1:72 and 1:144 (heavies), so anything bigger than that is automatically nixed. After that, I'd say factors related to the precision of the model are most important -- I don't want anything that looks like a toy! (Errm, even if it is, really... ) That includes Nos. 15 (parts fit), 2 (realistic canopies), 13 (no parts missing), etc. To be honest, since I'm not a rivet-counter, the accuracy of the mould is second to the precision with which it's executed. After that, livery.

[djjeffhall]

First of, I want it in 1:72. I like my planes to be consistent with one another.

Secondly, how does it look? Are the lines "sharp"?

Thirds would be parts. Do I get a decent load of bombs? (Should something to this effect be pertinent.) Opening Cockpit? Retractable gear?

Four would be livery.

[FormerViperDriver]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

Aside from the choice of plane, itself, and overall accuracy issues, most of us look for certain things above all others when judging a diecast warbird, qualitatively. Some of the most common QC factors cited on this forum are listed below. Which two or three rate as your personal make or break points? 1) The scale, 2) Realistic canopies, windows, etc. 3) Visible panel lines, rivets, etc. 4) Camouflage scheme, 5) Correct colors, 6) Weathering/darkened panel lines, 7) Both wheel options ( up & down ), 8)Realistic add-ons ( bombs, rockets, etc), 9)Plane sits correctly in wheels -down mode ,10)"Fiddly bits" already installed ( antennae, pitot heads, etc.),11)German planes have Swastikas, 12) Seated pilot/crew provided, 13) No parts missing ( tail struts, pitot heads, etc.14)Minimal assembly holes, screws, etc. 15) All parts well fitted, no seam gaps, fuselage "bumps", etc. 16) Well designed mounting slot/hole and sturdy stand, 17) Attractive, but protective box, and 18) A write-up on the plane/pilot is provided.

How about just respecting the correct shape of the original subject? Sounds obvious, but when you see some of the stuff out there (most egregious example recently being the FM Mirage III), I wouldn't take it for granted. I know it's my number 1 priority, well before I look at any of the details (Note: I collect all scales from 1/144 up, so that's not a big factor for me - Preference still 1/48).

FVD

[swoop]

Look at it, like it, no regrets, glad I have it. Seeking not the pitfalls of utter disatisfaction.aaaaaaaaaaah simplicity.

[Ara1]

1/48 scale.

Great canopies that look and fit right.

Accurate markings and paint. By accurate I mean, generally accepted, not random, or generic.

For instance, border thickness on German crosses varied nearly year to year, the so-called pre-war dot on US a/c was a particularly dark shade of red, etc.

[jim]

Originally Posted by swoop

Look at it, like it, no regrets, glad I have it. Seeking not the pitfalls of utter disatisfaction.aaaaaaaaaaah simplicity.

Wise words.

[FormerViperDriver]

Originally Posted by swoop

Look at it, like it, no regrets, glad I have it. Seeking not the pitfalls of utter disatisfaction.aaaaaaaaaaah simplicity.

Ooooh boy, then I've got some stuff to sell you, at high prices, and I guarantee you'll be satisfied no matter what you get!

It's great to have buyers like you around!!!

FVD

[swoop]

Not exactly FVD, there's an old adage where I come from. Which states the following. 'I did'nt come up the Lough in a bubble'.( m eaning I'm not that daft.)