Knights of the Sky (1 Viewer)

Isandlwana said:
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
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Hi Michael. In regards to possible issues with the triplanes, I have four of JJD's tripes and have never had a problem with them in any way. All have arrived in excellent condition. I think this is due to a couple of reasons attributable to the aircraft themselves. The tripes are more compact in fuselage length and wing span which makes the planes packing real effective. The tripes also have very little rigging to be damaged. I realize the Sopwith tripe is a little larger but the same things should still apply to them. The single interwing struts are also less delicate than the smaller duel struts on other aircraft. All in all, the tripes are pretty solid and ship well. It is worth noting that I have encountered structure problems due to shipping with 2 other types of biplane aircraft, but not the tripes. -- Al
 
I have six JJD planes, all but one bi-planes (one version of each aircraft), no problems with any of them. I also like the fact that pilots to fit in the cockpits (which I have purchased) and stands (which I don't need, as I display mine on airfirled dioramas) are sold separately.
 
Corey121281 said:
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
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To each his own, but I've never had a problem with any Jenkins products including the planes. Unless you want to play with them, I'm not sure moving wheels or control surfaces are a useful feature and likely would make them more delicate which seems a point of concern. As someone who has seen the competition, it's difficult to fathom how anyone could claim they are not a good value compared to other manufacturers. No offense to KC collectors who I believe produce the most comparable product to JJ's WWI planes, but they are not even close in terms of quality and accuracy but are similiarly priced. I would be curious to know who these other manufacturers are that are producing better value WWI planes so that I could buy some.
 
Combat said:
To each his own, but I've never had a problem with any Jenkins products including the planes. Unless you want to play with them, I'm not sure moving wheels or control surfaces are a useful feature and likely would make them more delicate which seems a point of concern. As someone who has seen the competition, it's difficult to fathom how anyone could claim they are not a good value compared to other manufacturers. No offense to KC collectors who I believe produce the most comparable product to JJ's WWI planes, but they are not even close in terms of quality and accuracy but are similiarly priced. I would be curious to know who these other manufacturers are that are producing better value WWI planes so that I could buy some.
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Doug, that is a spot on comparison between the two makers aircraft. Given that KC and JJD have a different vision of the aircraft, ie., KC has gone for the bold color and immaculate clean look; JJD opts for the more subtle coloring and weathered look. This is a matter of personal choice. There is also quite a difference in detail and delicacy of line. JJD is quite a bit more detailed and accurate, especially when it comes to the all important lines of the aircraft. The wings are much thinner on the JJD models, as they should be, and the struts are also less bulky, again as they should be. The construction techniques used in attaching the wings with the struts is KC's biggest shortcut/error, IMO. The resulting troughs on the wings of the KC models where the struts attach is unsightly and inaccurate. There are no such shortcuts taken with the JJD models. That said, I have some KC Albatri which I quite like, but I find the JJD models much the superior from just about all angles in terms of accuracy in detail, color, and markings. -- Al
 
lancer said:
Hi Michael. In regards to possible issues with the triplanes, I have four of JJD's tripes and have never had a problem with them in any way. All have arrived in excellent condition. I think this is due to a couple of reasons attributable to the aircraft themselves. The tripes are more compact in fuselage length and wing span which makes the planes packing real effective. The tripes also have very little rigging to be damaged. I realize the Sopwith tripe is a little larger but the same things should still apply to them. The single interwing struts are also less delicate than the smaller duel struts on other aircraft. All in all, the tripes are pretty solid and ship well. It is worth noting that I have encountered structure problems due to shipping with 2 other types of biplane aircraft, but not the tripes. -- Al
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Cheers for the advise Al. Mind at ease now! Just need JJ to produce the goods.
 
I also have had no issues with any damage and, they have all come from the US to me. I have had many discussions about these aircraft with Al before collecting them and during their release. I would say that I hope there will not be any influence on JJ to offer moving wheels and such things as the detail is sufficient and such is not necessary IMO.
Mitch
 
Greetings:

As I said, these aircraft do have lots of excellent positives about them. I was personally amazed by the quality and the workmanship on the planes (when they were good examples) and the packing care that is taken by the company is to be commended as well. I can easily tell why people here were very happy with them and continue to be happy.

I began collecting some of the King and Country and John Jenkins planes after my main scale for aircraft (the 1/18 scale offered by the companies 21 Century Toys and Blue Box International) kind of fell apart after 21 Century Toys went out of business. I also collected 1/32 scale models from these companies as well. These models and their 1/32 counterparts have moving parts, retractable or positionable landing gear and include pilots. There are inaccuracies in the molds and sometimes the paint schemes, but to me they were just incredible value. You were getting a large model with lots of moving parts. I hung tem from the celing of my classroom and the kids really enjoyed them.

I was unimpressed with King and Country. Although sturdy and nicely painted I felt the detail and features were just not on par with what I had been getting for less money. So I stopped collecting them. The John Jenkins planes were much better, but the QC issues I did have along with a snippy retailer really set me off from collecting the series. That plus the $200 plus for a plane was getting to be too much for the budget every few months and for that price I really felt at least a pilot in the cockpit should be a given.
 
I don't have any JJ products but have been impressed by the quality of their WWI aircraft, I hope they release a range of WWII prototypes.
 
Corey121281 said:
Greetings:

As I said, these aircraft do have lots of excellent positives about them. I was personally amazed by the quality and the workmanship on the planes (when they were good examples) and the packing care that is taken by the company is to be commended as well. I can easily tell why people here were very happy with them and continue to be happy.

I began collecting some of the King and Country and John Jenkins planes after my main scale for aircraft (the 1/18 scale offered by the companies 21 Century Toys and Blue Box International) kind of fell apart after 21 Century Toys went out of business. I also collected 1/32 scale models from these companies as well. These models and their 1/32 counterparts have moving parts, retractable or positionable landing gear and include pilots. There are inaccuracies in the molds and sometimes the paint schemes, but to me they were just incredible value. You were getting a large model with lots of moving parts. I hung tem from the celing of my classroom and the kids really enjoyed them.

I was unimpressed with King and Country. Although sturdy and nicely painted I felt the detail and features were just not on par with what I had been getting for less money. So I stopped collecting them. The John Jenkins planes were much better, but the QC issues I did have along with a snippy retailer really set me off from collecting the series. That plus the $200 plus for a plane was getting to be too much for the budget every few months and for that price I really felt at least a pilot in the cockpit should be a given.
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Neat to hear that you are passing on your interest to your students. I'd be willing to bet that most kids today haven't a clue as to what a Fokker or a Spad is. As to the snippy retailer, dump him and don't let him chase you out of the hobby. There are too many good dealers who would love to help you out. Lots of great stuff to be had even if prices mean cutting way back on what one purchases. That is what I have had to do. -- Al
 
Rec'd my Udet Tripe today and she is a beauty! Will post some pics this weekend. JJD continues to awe me with this great line. Looking fwd to the next release. Chris
 
Lancer:

They know a lot of the World War II planes. I have a 1/18 scale P-51 Mustang and F4U Corsair hanging from the celing. They know the Mustang, Corsair and some of the more common types. I had a 1/18 scale Blue Angels Hornet hanging from the celing as well which they LOVED but the model is so incredibly rare nowadays and only a limited number were made it'd basically be irreplacable so I took it home. I also bring some of my models in for special discussions...on december 7th I did a little thing about Pearl Harbor and my 1/18 Zero and Dauntless made the trip to school with me that day. I never took the JJD aircraft when I had them just on the account of them being so fragile.

Corey
 
Corey121281 said:
Lancer:

They know a lot of the World War II planes. I have a 1/18 scale P-51 Mustang and F4U Corsair hanging from the celing. They know the Mustang, Corsair and some of the more common types. I had a 1/18 scale Blue Angels Hornet hanging from the celing as well which they LOVED but the model is so incredibly rare nowadays and only a limited number were made it'd basically be irreplacable so I took it home. I also bring some of my models in for special discussions...on december 7th I did a little thing about Pearl Harbor and my 1/18 Zero and Dauntless made the trip to school with me that day. I never took the JJD aircraft when I had them just on the account of them being so fragile.

Corey
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Understand about the rarity and fragility. You have more courage than I would have about taking the models into class. Still, I think the idea is a good one. A little knowledge of history is a good thing for the youth of today.:wink2: :smile2: -- Al
 
Terp152 said:
Rec'd my Udet Tripe today and she is a beauty! Will post some pics this weekend. JJD continues to awe me with this great line. Looking fwd to the next release. Chris
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Great get, Chris. Can't wait for the pics. Had to push my purchase of the tripe, again, but it is next up.:( Glad to hear you like it. How is the camo job? -- Al
 
lancer said:
Great get, Chris. Can't wait for the pics. Had to push my purchase of the tripe, again, but it is next up.:( Glad to hear you like it. How is the camo job? -- Al
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Hi Al, here are some pics as promised. The camo is good, this is a repaint so it is the same as the Kempf model on the lower wings. The upper wing striping is crisp and clear so it does not cover the detailing. Notice the stripes on the wing struts. Overall an oustanding representation IMO. Chris
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Outstanding photos, Chris. Many thanks for posting them. The Udet tripe looks fantastic. I am chomping at the bit in anticipation of getting one. The photos of the 4 tripes are great as they show the brilliant color schemes to advantage when played off one another. A lone tripe looks fine but they really take off when grouped together like that. I love them all. JJD just keeps getting better with his color schemes and unusual choices. I think I really appreciate John's adherence to accuracy of the color schemes without taking jarring shortcuts or liberties. I wish I had the space to set up an aerodrome for a mass display of these wonderful aircraft. -- Al
 
Cheers for the responses. I don't think there are too many left (of the MacLaren Sopwith's), so very pleased to take possession of one.

By the sound of it I have another little addition arriving soon too. :wink2:
 
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