Guynemer! Now you're talking my language. Another great film review and many thanks for the YT film clips. I appreciate it. -- AlThanks Al, an order is placed. In lieu of a finder's fee,please accept a slideshow OF YET ANOTHER gem from JJD, and a clear favorite of yours, the Guynemer SPAD:
-Moe
Edit: Found a nice YT clip of Guynemer film footage for Al:
Knights of the Sky (2 Viewers)
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mestell
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You are certainly on a roll Moe . . . . Another nicely done short, this time on Guynemer's SPAD. I also have this plane in my collection and is my favorite SPAD. Really enjoyed the vintage video too . . . . just great stuff . . .
:smile2: Mike
:smile2: Mike
ivanmoe
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Well, I've got two ACE-22 owners reading. Let's do a little market research...
While far from perfect, my pics do a decent job of highlighting some of the model's fine points, what I'd characterize as "detail-shots." That said, I'm wondering if y'all can consider some areas where future models might be improved. In digesting that possibility, keep in mind that DRAMATIC improvements in detail would almost certainly entail SIGNIFICANT price increases.
My thoughts on the matter revolve around the likelihood that collectors will invariably want more, juxtaposed with the reality that the release of the marvelous DH.2 has us within a stone's throw of $300 models. Because of that, it MIGHT be advisable to suggest improvements that can be offered with minimal increase in cost to the manufacturer.
As an example of where such improvement might really shine, I'd note that Jenkins' has begun to treat us with a little bit of photo-etch parts on the aircraft replicas. Would a good candidate for a similar treatment be the "ring-sight" mounted atop the MG on many of the company's models? BTW, the Guynemer video above has a slide highlighting the existing resin treatment of the sight.
Another area where a change of materials might be beneficial involves the windscreen frame on the same model. As rendered, the frame is oversized. I'm relatively certain that his was done so that the resin would be strong enough to survive contact with an errant thumb, index-finger or pilot figure. Use of metal for the assembly would likely yield a thinner frame that's at least as robust as the resin approach.
What might be really cool, PE-wise, but would drive the cost of the model way up? How about small metal sleeves to serve as simulated turnbuckles? BTW, the associated cost would be proportional to the complexity of the model's bracing. Some models might be doable, cost-wise, but a model like the SPAD would likely become significantly more expensive. As for the DH.2, the $288 model *could* end up pushing the $400 mark. The bracing is that complex, as anyone who owns one will attest.
Thoughts gentlemen? In particular, am I wrong to be so focused on how all this impacts the cost of the models? As JJ has been known to say, "hey, this stuff adds up pretty quick!"
On the other hand...If enough of us are willing to eat the price increases...I suspect that much is possible (my words, not JJ).-Moe
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mestell
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I believe for John to realize continued success he has to continue to provide excellent quality models as he has been doing at an attractive price point. Any improvements that he designs into new models must be done creatively in order to keep costs down. I believe that when his price point starts to exceed $300, not to mention approaching $400, his customer base will diminish significantly.
:smile2: Mike
:smile2: Mike
Interesting points, Moe. I, for one, am perfectly happy with the JJD models as he is currently making them. Then again, I have always been happy with the detail provided. A small improvement here or there is fine, such as a PE gunsight or windscreen frame, but I am very much opposed to added details that will drive prices up. The DH-2 is beyond my comfort range in price but I sprung for it and I'm thrilled that I did, but regular issue aircraft at that price point will keep me from purchasing. I don't need turnbuckles and such, heck, I probably couldn't see them anyway. I am quite happy to buy the aircraft in the $238 price point, but over $250 will knock me out as a regular buyer. Current detail level at current prices is fine by me. -- AlWell, I've got two ACE-22 owners reading. Let's do a little market research...
While far from perfect, my pics do a decent job of highlighting some of the model's fine points, what I'd characterize as "detail-shots." That said, I'm wondering if y'all can consider some areas where future models might be improved. In digesting that possibility, keep in mind that DRAMATIC improvements in detail would almost certainly entail SIGNIFICANT price increases.
My thoughts on the matter revolve around the likelihood that collectors will invariably want more, juxtaposed with the reality that the release of the marvelous DH.2 has us within a stone's throw of $300 models. Because of that, it MIGHT be advisable to suggest improvements that can be offered with minimal increase in cost to the manufacturer.
As an example of where such improvement might really shine, I'd note that Jenkins' has begun to treat us with a little bit of photo-etch parts on the aircraft replicas. Would a good candidate for a similar treatment be the "ring-sight" mounted atop the MG on many of the company's models? BTW, the Guynemer video above has a slide highlighting the existing resin treatment of the sight.
Another area where a change of materials might be beneficial involves the windscreen frame on the same model. As rendered, the frame is oversized. I'm relatively certain that his was done so that the resin would be strong enough to survive contact with an errant thumb, index-finger or pilot figure. Use of metal for the assembly would likely yield a thinner frame that's at least as robust as the resin approach.
What might be really cool, PE-wise, but would drive the cost of the model way up? How about small metal sleeves to serve as simulated turnbuckles? BTW, the associated cost would be proportional to the complexity of the model's bracing. Some models might be doable, cost-wise, but a model like the SPAD would likely become significantly more expensive. As for the DH.2, the $288 model *could* end up pushing the $400 mark. The bracing is that complex, as anyone who owns one will attest.
Thoughts gentlemen? In particular, am I wrong to be so focused on how all this impacts the cost of the models? As JJ has been known to say, "hey, this stuff adds up pretty quick!"
-Moe
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Have to agree with all thoughts here. I always want and look for added detail, and more accuracy. realism is my goal.
however I do have cost limits. $300 is getting there. $350 may be the highest I go.
So far, all the JJ WW1 aircraft are beautiful museum quality pieces as they are. early and current renditions. I'd be very happy if the current level of finesse stopped here!
As for Photo etch parts, yes! I'd love to see some. But for me, I will add them when they can help most. I have modified my Luke Spad with a photo etch ring sight. it makes all the difference.
on my Degelow D7, I see no need to do anything but enjoy it!
ivanmoe
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Gentleman, thank you for sharing your thoughts. In attempting to digest them and coalesce my own ideas into a stance, curiosity led me to Ebay in search of a comparable "Pro Built" example. Basically, I was wondering what tricked-out, 1/32 biplane models might cost. The results? Well, there were none! I could be wrong, but I'm taking this to mean that bipes are so much of a hassle to build that no one wants to get involved in all those struts and bracing. Modelers will build them, but they're such an ordeal to negotiate as to be unreliquishable upon completion. Feeling better, already?
A slideshow of the Luke SPAD for our friend Medic:
Thoughts or comment?^&confuse
-Moe
Medic 314/79th
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Thank you for the slide show. Gives me a chance to review this as if I was not stuck in my office slaving away, and instead relaxing at home admiring my wonderful Biplanes. I think for the money JJ charges, we are taking advantage of his lack of corporate greed. He truly seems to do this out of love of modeling. and a desire to share. I appreciate his letting us in on his creativity. He may not be buying any golden commodes, but I hope he is seeing profits. he deserves them. I am not usually as pleased with any model as long or as deeply as I am with these Jenkins Designs aircraft. And I am very discerning, and particular about my collection. As I'm sure you all are.
mestell
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Ditto Al . . . . Almost my exact thoughts when I first read Moe's query . . . . . I love the looks of the DH-2 but have yet to order it due to the price . . . . . That doesn't mean that I won't get it, I've just maintained my purchasing discipline so far . . . . . And I am glad I have because I was able to order the Boeing F4B-4 without feeling a budget strain . . . .
:smile2: Mike
Waynepoo's recent posting of his excellent dio 'Waiting for Von Richthofen' reminded me of an interesting bit of info regarding the Red Baron's brother, Lothar. Lothar was brilliant ace in his own right, scoring 40 victories during his service. Lothar was shot down on 3 different occasions, May, 1917; March, 1918; and August, 1918, and injured each time. The oddity is each of these incidents occurred on the 13th of the month. Lothar survived the war, the last wounding in August knocking him out of the war for good. He later died in an airplane crash on July 4, 1922. He was 27 years old. -- Al
I can't remember whether I have ever posted this information about a website devoted to the Fokker Dr.1 Triplane but here it is... www.FokkerDr1.com. This site is a f... Triplane, you want to visit this site. -- Al
For those interested in JJD's Raymond Collishaw's Sopwith Triplane, "Black Maria", (ACE-30), there has been an interesting release by by TGM as they have done a wooden warbird in the same 'Black Flight'. TGM has done "Black Death", flown by J.E. Sharman. Would make a nice pairing for Naval 10. There were 5 pilots in Black Flight; Collishaw in Black Maria (scored 26 victories with Black Flight of 60 total, in 3 tripes, including #N533, survived war); Ellis Reid in Black Roger (19 victories while in BF of 19 total, mainly in tripe #N5483, KIA by flak on 7/28/17); John Edward Sharman in Black Death (7 victories with N10 of 8 total, in tripe #N6307, KIA 7/22/17); Gerald Nash in Black Sheep (6 victories in BF of 6 total, mainly in tripe #N5492, shot down and was PoW 6/26/17, survived war); William Alexander in Black Prince (11 victories with BF mainly in tripe #5487 of 23 total, survived war). Black Flight ('B' Flight) was a very effective flight within Naval 10, but paid heavily. -- Al
ivanmoe
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Anyone have anything new to report for this series, such as a new acquisition or maybe some intel? I've been working on the F4B's, so nothing new since the DH-2 for me. Still missing several aircraft, but I need a lull in releases to try and backfill.:wink2: -- Al
ivanmoe
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Al, I believe that this set has a “Royal Flying Corps” patch on the figure’s shoulder:
However, the set is listed as “GWB.”
I have no idea why, excepting the possibility that the base is molded and painted as dirt rather than grass (like KotS sets).
-Moe
I was just examining one of John's lesser known aircraft, the Morane-Saulnier N,(Ace-18), and I am still very impressed with the overall model as much as when I first purchased it a couple of years ago. It is extremely well made, a solid and strong little aircraft. I would kind of like to see John revisit this aircraft with a version in Russian colors. It could be done with or without the large spinner and perhaps could even be done in a winter version with ski type landing gear in place of wheels. It would make a sharp looking little aircraft with the black nose and black tail and rudder with the white skull and crossbones marking. Just a thought. -- Al
ivanmoe
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ACE-18 is a great little model, indeed:
I actually considered passing on this, as the MS-N is less well known than a Camel or tripe. However, I took the plunge on it (as a companion to the Eindecker) and have never regretted it. It's too fine a little model to be missing from the collection.
-Moe