Same dilemma, Chris. I'll probably do the same thing you will. Maybe the P-40 in Dec., the Udet tripe in Jan., and then work on the Barker Camel. Falling way behind on the ground crews too.:redface2: -- Al
Knights of the Sky (2 Viewers)
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Combat
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Get them both. Problem solved. LOL. I like the WWI planes better for some reason. They seem to have character. Particularly the German planes with the individual markings.
Combat
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I recall talking with John a long while back and he mentioned that Udet and his fiancee Eleonore Zink would be depicted as posing for a photogragh in front of his triplane. If I remember correctly, he mentioned it was based on an actual photo, but I did not come across it on a quick Google search. Has anyone else seen it? You can see the unpainted figures in the Dec. release announcement.
It's a beauty, Ron. What is your critique of it? I am really interested in how the camo is done and whether it matches up well with the, what should be, the similar camo streaking of the Kempf and Lothar triplanes. -- Al
1
I have been dusting and rearranging my JJD WW 1 aircraft this afternoon and as I did it I took the time to examine them all, again. I still can't make up my mind as to which one is my favorite. The favorite changes almost as often as day and night. They are all superb models in every aspect. The coloring and markings are all excellent, and the weathering really is amazing, in particular on the Mannock SE-5a. For pure color combination and research involved in getting it right, I like the Lothar von Richthofen tripe and the Lowenhardt Albatros. Both just beautiful jobs. My vote for best German craft I would give to the Kempf tripe, which has a very attractive camo scheme that must have been a real pain for the JJD people to paint. The green/brown streaking over the blue is just a real highlight that will be hard to equal. There are no flashy colors on the Kempf craft but it works all the better because of that. It is a real bit of artwork. My favorite aircraft for WW1 is the Nieuport and JJD has done 3 outstanding ones. Really hard to pick a favorite from these but I lean towards the Ball version, simply because of certain details like the red spinner and the wrap over underside khaki color on the wings. Nice touch that I didn't expect. But I do love the silver versions and who doesn't love Nungesser's black heart emblem? As far as detail and research, I am also impressed by the Brown Camel that has very often been incorrectly rendered, color scheme wise. JJD nailed it. Being a huge Manfred von Richthofen fan I greatly appreciate the detail in JJD's red tripe 425/17 where JJD has gone through the effort to represent the crosses with the original design maltese crosses presenting shadows under the 'new' straight cross design. IMO, the absolute best model is the Mannock SE-5a. Everything about it is first class. The weaponry detail is fantastic, the support wiring looks great, the weathering is unequalled, and the best part is the rippled canvas on the sides of the fuselage which was a really common feature as these side panels were always being undone in order to service underneath them and would rarely be as tight as they should have been when tied back up. Sorry this is so long but there are just an almost unending list of great things to point out on the models. -- Al
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Isandlwana
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Everything JJ does is TS gold. You can rely on John to produce something completely unique. Plus I believe we are going to be treated to some even greater things in 2013 in terms of the Great War. I for one am very excited.
As for choosing a favourite aircraft, I suspect choosing your favourite progeny would be easier!
Old Bill
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Hi Al, I only have the Lothar Triplane to compare it with. The base green colour appears to be the same on both. The Lighter green upper colour used for the streaking appears to be brighter and more pronounced on the new Udet Tripe. Also it is mainly concentrated on the leading and trailing edges of the wings rather than the all over effect on my Lothar Tripe. The seat is light brown as opposed to the black one on the Lothar.
The black and white striping is in a semi gloss type finish. The face of the cowling is nicely weathered and the bolt heads stand out well.
Having said all that, at a glance the camo does look very similar. Apart from the eye catching finish, I bought this particular Tripe because it has the fitting for the new stands. I think they are great - seeing the Planes actually in the air!
Hope this helps a little.
Cheers, Roy.
Thanks Roy. Appreciate the description. Putting the funds together for my own Udet tripe, maybe by February.:wink2: -- Al
Terp152
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Okay Al, having read this, I'm still not sure which is really your favorite! ^&grin I have the same problem. I think it's the one I last opened new from the box. :wink2: Chris
Actually Chris, that was my point. I can't decide at all!:redface2:^&grin -- Al
Kudos to John for his choice of another unusual and unique color scheme in the Frommherz Albatros. The all blue livery is quite attractive and as is his trademark, the weathering looks superb. Frommherz is a lesser known ace but he was very good at his profession having scored a total of 32 victories, all but two coming in 1918. Looks like another 'must have' from John, but then again, all his WW1 aircraft have proved so to me.:redface2: I am really falling off the pace now as I am 3 aircraft behind as I have yet to get the Barker Camel, the Udet tripe, and now the Frommherz Blue Mouse. Figures are really on the back-burner now as aircraft production is outstripping my ability to provide financing to keep my squadrons up to date! {eek3}^&grin -- Al
Terp152
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I know what you mean Al. The "mouse" goes on my list, right after the Udet acft. The ambulance on my wish list keeps getting bumped! But I'm not complaining, keep'em coming! Chris
Chris, it seems the faster I run, the further behind I get.:tongue: I wanted the Marne Taxi, ground crewman, accessories, 1745 Dragoons, and the list goes on but I have not even been able to keep pace with the planes. The planes come first and the rest will follow when possible. {sm2} -- Al
Just interested to know whether anyone has purchased the Barker Camel and what their opinion of it is. It is on my list for purchase but I have the Voss tripe to get first. The Barker Camel looks attractive and accurate so it might be next up for me while I push the Blue Mouse back a bit.:smile2: -- Al
Corey121281
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Greetings:
I know I am going to be in the minority here, but I have been relatively disappointed with the John Jenkins aircraft.
There are positives. The unique subjects and the superb paint jobs, but to me some of the details are just a little odd. For example, why on airplanes this large and with this much detail, do you not offer rolling wheels? Also, why not make the control surfaces movable or do something to add a little bit more realism to the models. Many other lines do this and they are more reasonable than the JJD aircraft. It is just some interesting things to ponder.
What really threw me off from the collection was some of the problems I had obtaining the models. In particular, I had to go through three Albatros planes, many emails and many returns just to get a good one. The first one had decals that had flaked off in shipping, the second one had broken rigging wires and finally a third plane was acceptable. For models over $200, this is just not acceptable QC standards. Also, I thought the repaints were getting to be too much. One or two of each plane is fine but we were already up to several Triplanes and Camels. Makes it very difficult for people who like a complete series.
I sold mine and decided to depart the line. They are interesting planes but I do not think they offer good value compared to some of the other models out there. Just my opinion and I know I am in the minority.
Corey
I know I am going to be in the minority here, but I have been relatively disappointed with the John Jenkins aircraft.
There are positives. The unique subjects and the superb paint jobs, but to me some of the details are just a little odd. For example, why on airplanes this large and with this much detail, do you not offer rolling wheels? Also, why not make the control surfaces movable or do something to add a little bit more realism to the models. Many other lines do this and they are more reasonable than the JJD aircraft. It is just some interesting things to ponder.
What really threw me off from the collection was some of the problems I had obtaining the models. In particular, I had to go through three Albatros planes, many emails and many returns just to get a good one. The first one had decals that had flaked off in shipping, the second one had broken rigging wires and finally a third plane was acceptable. For models over $200, this is just not acceptable QC standards. Also, I thought the repaints were getting to be too much. One or two of each plane is fine but we were already up to several Triplanes and Camels. Makes it very difficult for people who like a complete series.
I sold mine and decided to depart the line. They are interesting planes but I do not think they offer good value compared to some of the other models out there. Just my opinion and I know I am in the minority.
Corey
Corey, it is your opinion and just as important/useful as anyone elses, especially in regards to the QC problems you encountered. Even though I am a rah-rah collector of these aircraft, I have also encountered QC problems and had to return/replace 2 aircraft also. The QC could definetly use a close eye.
Personally, I do not want or need rolling wheels and operating flaps. This would just add to cost and possible breakage problems as these models tend towards the delicate.
As to the numerous repaints, there is a danger of not being able to buy all the ones produced. For me, I love the triplanes and will buy every version I can. Same with Nieuports and SE-5's. Not so much the Camels and Albatri. They are fine models, just not my favorite WW1 planes. There is also the developement lead time to take into account for the aircraft, something like 12+ months from conception to market for a new aircraft. Repaints allow releases to fill the gaps between the releases of totally new/different aircraft.
In the minority or not, I found your critique and reasons interesting. -- Al
Corey121281
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Greetings:
Thanks for your support Al.
The quality control issues would have been a bit more forgiveable on my end except for the fact that the retailer I dealt with was less than helpful in dealing with the returns insisting that I somehow broke the piece and also insisting this never happens on John Jenkins products. After much haggle they eventually helped me, but it took forever. I am glad another buyer had QC issues as well as when mine happened I was made to believe by the retailer that this never happens and I was wrong.
In my other criticism of the line I think some other issues I had were the fact that the planes do not come with pilots in the cockpit. For the price we are paying for the planes in this series, I personally feel a seated pilot should be included. I would have even paid $10 more had the planes included a seated pilot to begin with. In such a premium line I am very surprised this wasn't a given from the start. Also, the lack of a stand with the models is rather unusual I think. If you look at most premium diecast brands, all their models come with a stand. I'm not saying offer a really fancy stand but at least something that a collector can use if they desire right from the start. Again for the money being paid, this should be almost a given. With having to buy extras I kind of got priced out of the line.
There are a lot of positives though. They are wonderfully painted, packed well and feature some amazing detail. Nice to see prebuilt models from this time period in a nice and large scale for collectors who want them.
Corey
Thanks for your support Al.
The quality control issues would have been a bit more forgiveable on my end except for the fact that the retailer I dealt with was less than helpful in dealing with the returns insisting that I somehow broke the piece and also insisting this never happens on John Jenkins products. After much haggle they eventually helped me, but it took forever. I am glad another buyer had QC issues as well as when mine happened I was made to believe by the retailer that this never happens and I was wrong.
In my other criticism of the line I think some other issues I had were the fact that the planes do not come with pilots in the cockpit. For the price we are paying for the planes in this series, I personally feel a seated pilot should be included. I would have even paid $10 more had the planes included a seated pilot to begin with. In such a premium line I am very surprised this wasn't a given from the start. Also, the lack of a stand with the models is rather unusual I think. If you look at most premium diecast brands, all their models come with a stand. I'm not saying offer a really fancy stand but at least something that a collector can use if they desire right from the start. Again for the money being paid, this should be almost a given. With having to buy extras I kind of got priced out of the line.
There are a lot of positives though. They are wonderfully painted, packed well and feature some amazing detail. Nice to see prebuilt models from this time period in a nice and large scale for collectors who want them.
Corey
Isandlwana
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Hi Corey
I too found your post interesting. I have four JJD aircraft - two of the same model and all Allied - and as yet I haven't encountered any problems. That being said, these things are so delicate that I have fully anticipated something going awry in transit. Touch wood, all has gone well for me.
I must admit that there looks a lot more that can go wrong with the triplanes, so if a Sopwith Tripe comes along, I will be quaking as I await it's arrival!
I think we are very lucky in the UK inasmuch that we have Adam & James looking after our interests in terms of supplying John's items. If things weren't quite right, I'm 100% confident that A&J and indeed John himself would look after us. Not ideal if it happens but we have a very good safety net in these gentlemen if it does.
Regards
Michael
I too found your post interesting. I have four JJD aircraft - two of the same model and all Allied - and as yet I haven't encountered any problems. That being said, these things are so delicate that I have fully anticipated something going awry in transit. Touch wood, all has gone well for me.
I must admit that there looks a lot more that can go wrong with the triplanes, so if a Sopwith Tripe comes along, I will be quaking as I await it's arrival!
I think we are very lucky in the UK inasmuch that we have Adam & James looking after our interests in terms of supplying John's items. If things weren't quite right, I'm 100% confident that A&J and indeed John himself would look after us. Not ideal if it happens but we have a very good safety net in these gentlemen if it does.
Regards
Michael
I'm kind of surprised that you got flak from your dealer. My dealer has never questioned any problem I have ever had and has always taken care of problems immediately, before even receiving my return. Maybe you should change dealers.
JJD has actually addressed your other remarks as he now offers half-pilots for the planes and has just released stands, as well. The stands are for certain models of recent release and will not fit the earlier releases, but they are now offered. Once again, including these things in the models to start with would drive the individual prices up and, in the case of fixed pilots, would not allow the flexibility required by some collectors for ground scenes, ie., prepping for take-off or maintenence. The cost is my most important concern as a fixed pilot figure and a stand could push the cost of an aircraft up another $50 or so and maybe put it out of my reach. With the add-on pilots and stands, I have the option of whether to spend my money or not to improve a given model. All just my opinion. Sorry your experience with the aircraft was bad. It shouldn't happen. -- Al