Poll: Would You Like King and Country To Make War Birds Again? (4 Viewers)

[sceic2]

I responded yes to the question simply because it is pretty straightforward question. It's not really a valid survey question as it is leading and has no validation method.

I will not buy an aircraft - no matter the maker. I understand my addiction and if I were to buy one, I would have to have another. They (toy soldiers and vehicles) are like "Lays" potato chips to me; I cannot just have one.

 

[nmrocks]

I responded yes to the question simply because it is pretty straightforward question. It's not really a valid survey question as it is leading and has no validation method.

I will not buy an aircraft - no matter the maker. I understand my addiction and if I were to buy one, I would have to have another. They (toy soldiers and vehicles) are like "Lays" potato chips to me; I cannot just have one.

Famous Last Words,
Ray

 

[OzDigger]

Personally I do see merit in appropriate and well detailed aircraft models as I have a good collection of diecast aircraft models, but none in 1/30 - 1/32 scale. The main reason being that most of the current larger models are based on fighters that imo are hard to fit into armor or even figure dioramas and displays.

Some that I feel would be popular are: Fiesler Storch, Westland Lysander, US Austers etc, DC-3/Dakota, any glider.

However I would be inclined to make them in 1/32 scale to broaden their appeal to a wider audience. I usually like models to be the same scale but I feel aircraft models tend to look oversize against armor in the same scale. In 1/32 scale they would be near enough for most 1/30 collectors and take up less room than a 1/30 version.

 

[jazzeum]

I believe the first one may be a Storch, although I don't know if Andy has changed his mind about that and, yes, these things do take up a lot of space. I know you didn't think these were well detailed but since they haven't been made in a very long time, it will be interesting to see how it comes out.

 

[nmrocks]

Personally I do see merit in appropriate and well detailed aircraft models as I have a good collection of diecast aircraft models, but none in 1/30 - 1/32 scale. The main reason being that most of the current larger models are based on fighters that imo are hard to fit into armor or even figure dioramas and displays.

Some that I feel would be popular are: Fiesler Storch, Westland Lysander, US Austers etc, DC-3/Dakota, any glider.

However I would be inclined to make them in 1/32 scale to broaden their appeal to a wider audience. I usually like models to be the same scale but I feel aircraft models tend to look oversize against armor in the same scale. In 1/32 scale they would be near enough for most 1/30 collectors and take up less room than a 1/30 version.

I know what you mean about taking up space, got a swinging deal on one of the Corgi 1/32 metal Mesquito's, just love that aircraft, My god what a monster! it's huge, super detail but weighs close to the original! impossible to display.
Ray

 

[sceic2]

I am just making a guess at what might occur if K&C were to get back into the aircraft model business.

I would think that since some manufacturer other than those who made the original War Birds would make the new version first issues and that you could compare their quality issues to something that happened with other K&C products.

Improvements are made over a period of time numbering at least three to four years and the first releases are generally much less detailed or "finished" when compared to the newer releases. I use the Stug as my example. The first one (WS14) was really very crudely done when compared to the last model released (WS69). Also look at the first GMC 6x6 Jimmy truck (DD07) and the second issue except for raised letters almost perfect DD39.

So for me anyway, this type of “style history” (for the lack of a better term) would produce some hesitancy in purchasing the first releases other than to have a first release.

Or

Some manufacturer can be found that would produce models with the correct styling right out of the block, but looking at the pictures of Andy holding some production models that Steven posted earlier this year, I don’t think that is going to happen. We collectors have a very discerning eye when it comes to collectable military figures and vehicles (at least I would like to think so).

Also, I don’t personally believe that Andy will allow what he would define as sub-standard any product to be released with his name on it. That, I believe is the reason why it is taking so long to find a quality manufacturer. After many years of assembling plastic model aircraft, armour, ships, cars and other types, for me the hardest to get right are the aircraft.

 

[OzDigger]

I know what you mean about taking up space, got a swinging deal on one of the Corgi 1/32 metal Mosquito's, just love that aircraft, My god what a monster! it's huge, super detail but weighs close to the original! impossible to display.
Ray

Corgi 1/32 are terrific value via eBay aren't they. I wouldn't expect K & C could match Corgi's detail at a discounted price so imo they would be best to produce models that Corgi haven't. I know what you mean about lack of space, but I think most collectors could make some shelf space for a Storch.

 

[Beaufighter]

The Corgi 1/32 dh98 Mosquitoes are quite nice especially their first one that came with the bomb trolley. I have three of them for my RAF base diorama with a mix of all types of figures & pieces from K&C to del Prado, Frontline & some of unknown origin!

 

[nmrocks]

Corgi 1/32 are terrific value via eBay aren't they. I wouldn't expect K & C could match Corgi's detail at a discounted price so imo they would be best to produce models that Corgi haven't. I know what you mean about lack of space, but I think most collectors could make some shelf space for a Storch.

The Corgi 1/32 dh98 Mosquitoes are quite nice especially their first one that came with the bomb trolley. I have three of them for my RAF base diorama with a mix of all types of figures & pieces from K&C to del Prado, Frontline & some of unknown origin!

Truly, if you have held a Corgi 1/32 aircraft and seen the detail which no one, bar none can compete with, then you owe it to yourself to get one.
I have 3 different BF-109's, a mosquito, and the "old Crow" P-51. On e-bay there going way below retail, making them the best of bargains.
Can't wait for a FW-190 and P-47 Thunderbolt.
Ray

 

[OzDigger]

Ray, I'm trying to cut back on 1/30 - 1/32 models, but you're not making it easy for me

What do you guys think of mixing 1/30 figures and armor with 1/32 aircraft? I noticed Beaufighter does that and I think they would go ok together.

Speaking of Beaufighters, I still can't understand how the directors of Corgi make their model decisions. For example they brought out a Swordfish ahead of a Beaufighter mold, which makes no business sense to me. I've often suggested on the Aircraft forums that Corgi take more notice of what sells best in plastic kits and produce that in diecast. And as you kit guys know, the swordfish is well down that list. Now that Corgi appear to be having some cash flow problems they may start to pay more attention to their collectors.

 

[Beaufighter]

Cheers OZ:

I have to agree with your above comments in regards to Corgi. IXO came out with a 1/72 scale Beaufighter before Corgi. Makes no sense to me but then again my opinion does not matter except in regards to Chuck's theory of the allmighty dollar blazing the trail. I bought the IXO Beaufighter by the way so his theory is well on its way!. Still, a 1/32 or 1/30 Beau by Corgi would make me happy as would a nice polystone version by K&C too! YES, I would be happy with a nice K&C single engine job. How about a Cessna Bird Dog to compliment the Storch and or a nice Lysander to keep the Commonwealth fans happy? As always, thanks for reading!

CHECK SIX!

 

[nmrocks]

Cheers OZ:

How about a Cessna Bird Dog to compliment the Storch and or a nice Lysander to keep the Commonwealth fans happy? As always, thanks for reading!

CHECK SIX!

Yes, I have to admit the Lysander is a beautiful machine, estetically very pleasing, great lines, used in bold missions into france during the occupation, night missions, painted black, solo ops. and such, yes quite the equal to the Storch. would make a wonderful addition to the Fields of Battle line(even in Polystone!)

Ray

 

[King & Country]

Hi Guys,



Like “Beaufighter” I love Mosquitoes – I’ve got one Corgi 1:32 version (same as Beau’s I think) plus one K&C version. Other aircraft in my personal collection are:

a) Spitfires x 4 (2 x Corgi…1 x Revell plastic…1 x FOV) all 1:32 scale.

b) Hawker Hurricane x 4 (2 early K&C versions, 1 late K&C with sliding canopy) and 1 x Corgi – again all 1:32.

c) P51 Mustangs x 5 (2 x FOV…1 x Corgi…1 x 21st Century and 1 I picked up in Toys ‘r’ Us) all 1:32.

d) B25 Mitchell x 2 (both K&C)

e) P38 Lightning x 1 (K&C)

f) Japanese Zeroes x 2 (both 21st Century)

g) F4U Corsairs x 3 (2 x K&C polystone plus 1 Philippine Made not K&C)

h) P40 Flying Tiger x 1 (21st Century)

i) P47 Thunderbolt x 1 (21st Century)



Re mixing scales for aircraft I think 1:30 and 1:32 can be put side by side. So, in that, I totally agree with OZ.



May be I should make any aircraft figures 1:31 that will either please everybody or please nobody. What d’ you think?



Best wishes and…happy flying!

Andy C.

 

[OzDigger]

Re mixing scales for aircraft I think 1:30 and 1:32 can be put side by side. So, in that, I totally agree with OZ.

Andy C.

It's not quite what I said, but any Andy - OZ agreement must be worth something

 

[jazzeum]

It's not quite what I said, but any Andy - OZ agreement must be worth something

I can see it now:

Lights, camera, Action!

Scene: Andy and Oz walk into the sunset, over the horizon

Andy to Oz: Oz, this could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

 

[jazzeum]

Looking at those photos is enough to make a grown man drool

 

[ucla1967]

After viewing Andy's Warbirds, I am surprised so many of you voted "No." I love the P-38 in olive-drab; I have one (not K & C) in silver. I also have a maritime version Mosquito, bit prefer Andy's in camo.

 

[sceic2]

The photos from Andy aptly confirm my philosophy that I can't have just one. The B-25 and the, well they all look like beauties that I would be proud to own. Thank you for posting the pictures.

Now about that sunset that Brad was referring to...you forgot the last line.
Oz to Andy
Now about those tracks.

 

[Combat]

I am trying to have an open mind about this, but there are plenty of top notch WWII planes currently available from other manufacturers w/prices in the $120 range. So my question is what is the need for KC to re-enter this market?

From a collector's perspective KC adds something of value if: 1) no one else is producing them (not the case); 2) they are less expensive (from this discussion that seems very unlikely); or 3) they are superior in quality to those currently on the market (remains to be seen but there are some **** fine aircraft manufacturers out there). This is not meant to bash the idea - I'm all for KC producing everything under the sun and each of us buying what we like. Just curious given the level of enthusiasm of a few.

 

[nmrocks]

Hi Guys,



Like “Beaufighter” I love Mosquitoes – I’ve got one Corgi 1:32 version (same as Beau’s I think) plus one K&C version. Other aircraft in my personal collection are:

a) Spitfires x 4 (2 x Corgi…1 x Revell plastic…1 x FOV) all 1:32 scale.

b) Hawker Hurricane x 4 (2 early K&C versions, 1 late K&C with sliding canopy) and 1 x Corgi – again all 1:32.

c) P51 Mustangs x 5 (2 x FOV…1 x Corgi…1 x 21st Century and 1 I picked up in Toys ‘r’ Us) all 1:32.

d) B25 Mitchell x 2 (both K&C)

e) P38 Lightning x 1 (K&C)

f) Japanese Zeroes x 2 (both 21st Century)

g) F4U Corsairs x 3 (2 x K&C polystone plus 1 Philippine Made not K&C)

h) P40 Flying Tiger x 1 (21st Century)

i) P47 Thunderbolt x 1 (21st Century)



Re mixing scales for aircraft I think 1:30 and 1:32 can be put side by side. So, in that, I totally agree with OZ.



May be I should make any aircraft figures 1:31 that will either please everybody or please nobody. What d’ you think?



Best wishes and…happy flying!

Andy C.

Not very fair dispalying all your nice toys soo, also noticed nice mix of figures, Del Prado, Fire fighters series, WWII figs. from this set are very unique and impossible to find in the USA and french foreign legion if I'm not mistaken?
Ray