Wooden WW 1 Aircraft... (1 Viewer)

[maddadicus]

I am a big WW 1 airplane nut..With the success of JJ and TG offerings, we have a wealth of models to choose from. What we do not have is the availability and reasonable pricing for 2 seaters and bombers. Tom Gunn has led the way with beautiful wooden stuff, but the hand fill are immediately spoken for and the costs are eye opening. Those pieces inspired me to find a reasonable source for similar detailed models at a better price. There are no shortage of Philippine factories to make them. I have ordered 2 different models from 2 outfits at costs, including shipping, of $255 and $325. As to scale, both cite 1/24 or 1/26 maybe, but when Zack gave me the sizes of his 1 TG 2 seater, they were near spot on to these guys. As the TS figures run a bit off from 1/30, the combo should look alright. There is a 2 month wait, but when I receive them, I will share the photos and review the details..Hopefilly, they will be good enough to suit most collectors needs. Michael

 

[zblang]

Can't wait to see the photos!

 

[cnq]

Me too looking forward to see the photos. I'm always convince you could find a better price for these wooden planes on the net somewhere instead of paying the middle man's prices. Hopefully the size & quality are good enough for collectors.

 

[maddadicus]

For those following this post, I received a surprising update. My DH4 2 seater was ready to ship and I have some approval photos to show. Considering these mfg. say a 8 to 10 week turn around, this developement was quick. When I do get it, I will measure and place figures with it to show size. I have also bought JJ 1/4 pilots to see if they will insert in cockpit holes. The total cost including shipping was $264.00 U.S. I have also asked about custom painting and the extra cost. Michael

 

[cnq]

For the selling price it's looking very nice. Also it's a bit shiny like diecast model for a wooden plane

 

[jazzeum]

Maybe he had it made in gloss.

 

[lancer]

It is a fine looking aircraft for the price point (considering it is made of wood), but, working from these photos, IMO, lacks the detail that TGM aircraft have. This particular example also has a major accuracy problem as there are no engine or exhaust pipe details. I have never seen any period photos of a DH-4 without them. Is that a cost-saving measure, an inability to work that kind of detail, or simply an oversight? That is a question that needs to be answered. The model certainly is nice looking, appears to be well-rigged and is certainly an option for purchase at it's low price-point, but the detail and accuracy questions would make me say no. I don't mean to be overly critical and this is just my critique based on these photos. -- Al

 

[jazzeum]

Not to speculate too much but having had experience with getting an airplane made, never again. I found that what you got was ok but not great. I respect Al's opinion on WW I planes and that is why it's best to work through a middleman like TG.

 

[ivanmoe]

I find the whole question of wooden model airplanes to be an interesting one. The limitation of wood as a medium is that it has to be carved, rather than molded (like zinc, plastic or resin) or machined (like brass and other metals). Because of this limitation, certain eye-catching parts often display a regrettable lack of definition. Among these parts of the model, I'd cite items like landing gear, cockpits, weapons, and engine detail. The apparent answer to this dilemma is to use limited applications of other materials in the manufacture of the model as a way of providing the detail that collectors want. Purists will howl, but I suspect that the rivet counters will win out so long as the money is there. More faithful replicas of diecast, plastic and resin pre-finished models already show signs of such adulteration, usually for the better, IMO. If we don't see more such "mixed-material" product in manufacturing, it's likely because factories tend to focus on their specialty, metal, plastic, resin, or wood. The best models will come from companies that "mix things up," so to speak. Again, however, this assumes that collectors will be willing to shoulder the greater cost of production.

-Moe

 

[maddadicus]

It is a fine looking aircraft for the price point (considering it is made of wood), but, working from these photos, IMO, lacks the detail that TGM aircraft have. This particular example also has a major accuracy problem as there are no engine or exhaust pipe details. I have never seen any period photos of a DH-4 without them. Is that a cost-saving measure, an inability to work that kind of detail, or simply an oversight? That is a question that needs to be answered. The model certainly is nice looking, appears to be well-rigged and is certainly an option for purchase at it's low price-point, but the detail and accuracy questions would make me say no. I don't mean to be overly critical and this is just my critique based on these photos. -- Al

Al, with TG, we are talking models that are double or more the price and not being made in any quantity for any collector, wanting to buy one. Until I see it in the flesh and with added painted options at minimal extra cost, as long as it works for size, it seems a way for any WW1 fan to have the unique aircraft at reasonable prices. If JJ can do it at his price point, then he can save me the headache of finding other options. I also have one coming from a different mfg. but no photos yet.. This is like the First Legion vs everyone else argument. Is $150 plus for a figure with superior, artsy, historical bells and whistles worth it vs good to excellent other's figures at $50.00 each.. Michael

 

[maddadicus]

Maybe he had it made in gloss.

Brad, to tell the truth, I did not even think about the gloss vs matte effect. Being a glossy guy, I find it OK, but if I choose to go down the JJ aircraft path, I will have to have future wood stuff painted different.. Michael

 

[lancer]

Al, with TG, we are talking models that are double or more the price and not being made in any quantity for any collector, wanting to buy one. Until I see it in the flesh and with added painted options at minimal extra cost, as long as it works for size, it seems a way for any WW1 fan to have the unique aircraft at reasonable prices. If JJ can do it at his price point, then he can save me the headache of finding other options. I also have one coming from a different mfg. but no photos yet.. This is like the First Legion vs everyone else argument. Is $150 plus for a figure with superior, artsy, historical bells and whistles worth it vs good to excellent other's figures at $50.00 each.. Michael

I understand, Michael. Right now the JJD option doesn't seem probable as the two-seaters are all quite large, which obviously means that the JJD price would go up from the smaller fighter aircraft pricepoint and there is the question as to whether the material John uses would even be an option for the bigger aircraft. John is supposed to be working on more aircraft but I believe they will be fighters. -- Al

 

[maddadicus]

Just an update. Bought a new computer and my camera no longer is supported. I have to upgrade and cannot provide current photos. I received my plane on April 7. From payment on March 3, to production, and shipping from Philippines, all of less than 5 weeks. Did not expect that. Total cost was $263.88 including the shipping. As to size, it is close to 1/28, and fits perfect with JJ pilot figures. I bought his 1/2 figures and are installing them as we speak. I will have to drill gunner seat deeper and alter pilot to fit correct. Detail is OK and is exactly as the photos already shown. Securely packed, but I did have to re-glue a wire mount or 2, as the foam they use pressed a bit hard on these areas. Paint is crisp with a couple of minor blemishes under a wing. The main feature for me is the size compatibility with current 1/30 to 1/28 figures. This outfit is Scale Model Company on Ebay. Great service and interaction from start to finish. I am still waiting on a different plane from a different mfg. Not as fast or as communicative as Scale Model. I also have custom inquiries with a few others, as to pricing and what they offer. I am still encouraged to continue my quest to find the best alternative to the TG warbirds experience at a better price point..Will get back with updated photos and inserted pilots..Michael

 

[maddadicus]

Finally, a new camera..Attached will be TG pilots inserted into the seats of the aircraft. The Fokker was real cheap on ebay ( $70.00 ). I had to drill out a hole for the cockpit and modify the pilot to fit. This was advertised as 1/28 and that was why I took a chance.On the 2 seater, I had to deepen the holes already in the seat areas, as well as modify the pilots to fit. As to the mg, what was original to model was crap. I tried a 1/32 gun model from ebay and found it to be small. This is a brickarms mg for lego figures. It is a great Lewis gun representation and you can see that it fits in pretty well. I made the scarf gun mount from wire and painted and glossed the hole setup to match the plane..Figures look great with both models. I have also ordered 2 more models from different mfg. with custom paint and seat modifications. So far, I am happy with my little project. Will keep you updated. Michael

 

[maddadicus]

Two seater setup...

 

[lancer]

Very creative, Michael. The pilots look perfect and the aircraft are a viable alternative to the $500 versions. I like the Lewis gun and the observer in the DH-4. Very nice. -- Al

 

[maddadicus]

Very creative, Michael. The pilots look perfect and the aircraft are a viable alternative to the $500 versions. I like the Lewis gun and the observer in the DH-4. Very nice. -- Al

I am still looking to push the bubble as to how much more detail I can get for my money. There are at least 10 different mfg. in the Philippines making this stuff. Those with U.S. or British middlemen are easier to custom order from. The wait time can be a killer. Michael