Aircraft for 1/30 & 1/32 collectors (1 Viewer)

[OzDigger]

I guess the King and Country section isn't the most appropriate area for this thread, but I couldn't see a better one - so here it is.

I know there are some collectors that like to display appropriately sized aircraft with their vehicles and or figures, either on shelves or in dioramas etc. I'm also aware that there are some that like the wooden aircraft, but then these are sometimes hard to find and lack some detail imo.

I like the 1/32 scale Corgi aircraft as they provide excellent detail at a reasonable price. The scale will fit exactly with 1/32 pieces and will blend in the background with the larger K & C pieces to provide depth. I recently noted a company in the US is currently having a sale, including some 1/32 scale Corgi items ($49.99).

So I suggest you check this link: http://www.flyingmule.com/Merchant2...en=SRCH&Search=CAT_RNG_DIE_AIR_CAA+CAT_SCL_32

Btw, I have bought from 'The Flying Mule' in the past and they provide excellent service.

(I trust this isn't against Tree Frogs policy, well they don't seem to sell aircraft).

 

[indiana81]

Thanks OzDigger! I was just browsing through ebay today, checking out
1/32nd aircraft. Perfect timing!
Justin

 

[Eazy]

I've got two Corgi 1/32 planes in their Flightline collection. A Spitfire and an ME109. Both come with 3 figures comprising a pilot and 2 ground crew. The Spitfire set even has a doggy.
I got them both at £29.95 each which to be honest is an absolute bargain.

I know a lot of people on this board are fans of the K&C Warbirds (which i haven't seen ) but i can't imagine they are better detailed than the Corgi aircraft.
Corgi are hard to beat when it comes to aircraft.

FOV also do 1/32 planes but IMO they are quite poor. The rivetting on them is far to prominent and the paint work on the ME109 is very sloppy.

 

[OzDigger]

I agree Easy, and their 1/72 aircraft models aren't much better. The more expensive weathered range being worse than the basic 1/72 versions - go figure.

However I think FOV have got the message judging from the number of negative comments on the diecast aircraft forums and have gone back to the drawing board with the 1/32 range.

I haven't seen a wooden K & C aircraft in person myself, the painted windows were enough to put me off as far as detail goes, the same with the painted windows on some of the polystone vehicles. But they are attractive in their own artistic way - and worth heaps.

Hi Justin, I hope you score one you like.

 

[maddadicus]

I have been browsing myself for 1/32 WW1 Aircraft. Got the WW1 bug with some recent glossy purchases. Most of what I have seen is wood in the $125 to $140 range. I myself,am open to lower prices and other materials..HINT,HINT ..Thanks, Michael

 

[jazzeum]

FWIW, if Andy makes the wooden airplanes again, he's hoping to make them much more affordable than Motion Models.

 

[Louis Badolato]

If I remember correctly at the Symposium, Andy mentioned intending to make Warbirds with single engine fighters costing under $200 and larger aircraft for around $400.

 

[jazzeum]

That is correct Louis. Plus he intends to make runs of approximately 500 so that economies of scale reduce the purchase price from what might be charged by a seller like Motion Models.

 

[sceic2]

Lately single engine fighters seem to be what is offered in 1/32 aircraft. One exception in about two years is the twin engine Gorgi Mosquito. I personally would like to see a Junkers or Dakota transport or some kind of four-engine bomber like a Lancaster, a B-24, a B-25 or a Condor. I know they would be more expensive than the single engine types, but I am willing to pay more for something different. Michael

 

[Eazy]

Wow.The price of those Warbirds puts them way out of my league and I suspect quite a few others as well.

 

[jazzeum]

We all have our differing abilities to pay for K & C items but I think $200 for a single fighter item of the quality you know you're going to get is not a bad price, especially compared to a company like Motion Models where a custom made plane may average around $450.

 

[indiana81]

I agree Easy, and their 1/72 aircraft models aren't much better. The more expensive weathered range being worse than the basic 1/72 versions - go figure.

However I think FOV have got the message judging from the number of negative comments on the diecast aircraft forums and have gone back to the drawing board with the 1/32 range.

I haven't seen a wooden K & C aircraft in person myself, the painted windows were enough to put me off as far as detail goes, the same with the painted windows on some of the polystone vehicles. But they are attractive in their own artistic way - and worth heaps.

Hi Justin, I hope you score one you like.

Same here. Thanks!
Justin

 

[maddadicus]

Wow.The price of those Warbirds puts them way out of my league and I suspect quite a few others as well.

I agree. If you look around the net, there are a number of companies offeringthe wooden models at much lesser prices and as some have pointed out, there are diecast mfg. out there also filling the void. I do not need to overpay for a product, just because K/C' s name is on it....No Thanks, Michael

 

[OzDigger]

Lately single engine fighters seem to be what is offered in 1/32 aircraft. One exception in about two years is the twin engine Gorgi Mosquito. I personally would like to see a Junkers or Dakota transport or some kind of four-engine bomber like a Lancaster, a B-24, a B-25 or a Condor. I know they would be more expensive than the single engine types, but I am willing to pay more for something different. Michael

Hey Michael the Corgi 1/32 Mossies are already available, check this link: http://www.flyingmule.com/Merchant2...earch=CAT_RNG_DIE_AIR_CAA+CAT_SCL_32+mosquito

The 1/32 Mossie wingspan is over twenty inches so you'd need a big display unit for those even larger heavies. The detail on the 1/72 Corgis is also excellent, I have a Lancaster, B-24 and B-25 plus heaps more besides. 1/72 is a popular diecast aviation scale as it allows for a large collection but with good detail. I have over 50 1/72 scale diecast aircraft models and they match my 1/72 armoured vehicles (mainly Dragon) perfectly, and don't take up to much room.

 

[jazzeum]

I agree. If you look around the net, there are a number of companies offeringthe wooden models at much lesser prices and as some have pointed out, there are diecast mfg. out there also filling the void. I do not need to overpay for a product, just because K/C' s name is on it....No Thanks, Michael

Without critizing diecast collectors there's a significant difference between metal and wood. I have had diecast planes and there's just no comparison. You really have to see the wood planes in person to appreciate them, whether K & C or not. As far as the non K & C planes go (except for Motion Models which is very close to K & C in quality), there is a big difference in quality. It boils down to the painting. The painting on a K & C plane is superb and based on advances in detailing of K & C overall, I expect the new K & C planes, when they come out, to be fantastic.

Give yourself a chance and don't just say no without seeing what these new planes will look like.

 

[Pierre]

Having see the photos of the warbirds in Louis' collection, I just can't stand myself knowing that K&C may produce them again and 200,00$ for a Macchi or 400,00$ for a Ju-52 appear to be fair prices, knowing the standards of K&C and my own interest in such a line of products.

Pierre.

 

[Louis Badolato]

Guys,

I have to agree with Brad and Pierre on this one. I know that there are quite a few phillopine companies making basic wood warbirds for around $125, but if you want a custom warbirds with gear down, and extra bombs, drop tanks or rockets under the wings, or a sliding canopy with a detailed cockpit (all of which are standard elements on K&C Warbirds) you are talking at least $450 for a single engine fighter (I know, because I had Motion models make me a P47 Thunderbolt with the K&C details added, and it cost me $450 plus shipping and I had to wait six months for it).

King & Country plans on making warbirds with the above extras standard, plus more detailed "weathered" finishes to make the planes more realistic. The planes will come with pilots, groundcrews and other related sets like fuel trucks, RAF Austin K2 ambulances, dispatch riders, etc., all done to K&C's present standards of excellence. To me a single engine fighter with pilot and/or groundcrew priced under $200, and a larger plane like a Waco glider or a Junkers JU52 coming in around $400 is a comparative bargain. Anyone who has doubts has an open invitation to come by my house and check out the original warbirds (upon which there will doubtless be substantial improvements) and see just how much better they are than the other available wood aircraft.

 

[jazzeum]

I just want to add a couple of more things that I forgot to mention. When Andy mentioned to me that he planned on selling a single engine fighter for approximately $200 I was shocked because I thought they would be more expensive. Also, I had purchase a wooden Stuka from a dealer friend for about $160. I was disappointed and returned it. It just wasn't good quality. So, yes others are available but not to the quality of King and Country from 10 years ago. Just imagine with all the improvements Andy has made in the last 10 years how the new ones will look and not much more than ones not as good.

 

[nmrocks]

I think Louis and Brad are probably right on this one. There was a day not that many years ago when I thought I would never pay nearly $100.00 for a set of 4 figures, I have since been re-educated.
Ray

 

[OzDigger]

This is one of my favourite models in the Corgi 1/32 range of diecast aircraft. It depicts the famous German ace Hauptmann Gerhard Barkhorn and his Me-109 G-6 'Christl'. The model has terrific detail with opening clear canopy and removeable engine covers etc. In addition you get a Barkhorn figure describing a recent combat to two groundcrew. The Corgi serial number of this issue is US 34903 and there were 2,200 models made, making it reasonably easy to find.

The aircraft

Barkhorn and ground crew

Link to 'interactive' closeup pics of the aircraft - the Corgi dog pilot is not included as he's just a 'where's Wally' type of running gag. (just place the mouse curser over the pics with the 'R' to make the image change).
http://www.tricatus.co.uk/us34903a.htm