Gloster Javelin SGE72-004-02

Mr_mcdoodle · 10-28-2012, 11:42 AM

I'm pretty stoked...Ive just won a gloster javelin on ebay, for approximately half price.

Than I read the very negative reviews on here and elsewhere, I know its a very unloved aircraft, but is it really that bad? I'm hoping it might be the centrepiece of my new Cold War display(just the The DH Vampoire, Sea Vixen, Valiant and Victor to go, lol)

Does anybody have anything positive to say about it?........please

gospodin · 10-28-2012, 12:11 PM

It's already been said best by another member of another forum..."An ugly model of an ugly aircraft."

gospodin · 10-28-2012, 12:14 PM

I have the Vampyre and Vixen, and they look pretty good. The Valiant and Victor, along with the Vulcan and a Nimrod, are part of my 1/144 collection. I haven't seen the V-bombers in 1/72, and they probably won't be made by Corgi or HM.

Mr_mcdoodle · 10-28-2012, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gospodin

It's already been said best by another member of another forum..."An ugly model of an ugly aircraft."

sadly, I know this to be the truth.
I know that the valiant and victor are only available in 1:144, but I could put them at the back of the cabinet so they look far away,

NicoD · 10-28-2012, 06:38 PM

Was going to stay well clear of this one until it turned up locally at a good price. Even then it was only because they didn't have anything else that I ended up buying it.

I think enough criticism has been made so I don't need to add anything here, for the most part the negative comments are justified in my opinion. I reckon it's fair to say that it's not up to today's diecast standards in any aspect. What made it worse at the time was that WW kept us waiting an eternity, produced a massive disappointment and then charged premium prices - it was as if they were having a laugh.

On the positive side, it's very solid and heavy, and the size of the aircraft gives the model a presence in spite of the quality and accuracy issues. The Witty stand does wonders too, placed at a good angle it can do the job. At the end of the day it's the only diecast Javelin around, and if you love the aircraft or it fits a theme, I reckon it's worth getting as long as you know beforehand what to expect and can get it cheap. I did that and I'm glad I've got it now, although I'm really hoping that another manufacturer will give us a better rendition, as unlikely as that may be.

Istari · 10-28-2012, 08:22 PM

I'm waiting for the 1:200 scale to be released

It's a bit unfair to call it an ugly aircraft though.. It may be a bit simplistic and very much a 1950s design, but I wouldn't say she's and ugly aircraft. Is this 1:72? If so, maybe a set of detail decals for the Javelin would brighten it up a bit?

NicoD · 10-29-2012, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Istari

I'm waiting for the 1:200 scale to be released

It's a bit unfair to call it an ugly aircraft though.. It may be a bit simplistic and very much a 1950s design, but I wouldn't say she's and ugly aircraft. Is this 1:72? If so, maybe a set of detail decals for the Javelin would brighten it up a bit?

It's 1:72 yes. Decals could help for those so inclined but for me it's not worth it honestly. If I can put up with the general lack of detail in the mold and very visible issues like the poorly shaped nose and canopy, I'm not going to worry myself about some minor cosmetic changes that I'd probably screw up anyway

These pics on Britmodeller show how I think this model could- and should have looked more like:
1/72 Airfix Javelin - Cold War - Britmodeller.com

I also don't think it's an ugly aircraft, but to each his own. Sure it's no rival to the Sabre or Hunter in the looks department, but it's a pretty imposing and unique airframe which is representative of an era and I happen to really like it. It's also one of the few types I get to see up close whenever I want, since for some unexplained reason there's a Javelin gate guard at Cape Town International.
Photos: Gloster Javelin FAW1 Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net

Istari · 10-29-2012, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NicoD

I also don't think it's an ugly aircraft, but to each his own. Sure it's no rival to the Sabre or Hunter in the looks department, but it's a pretty imposing and unique airframe which is representative of an era and I happen to really like it. It's also one of the few types I get to see up close whenever I want, since for some unexplained reason there's a Javelin gate guard at Cape Town International.
Photos: Gloster Javelin FAW1 Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net

It's because Thunder City is based there, or was based there.. They operated the last flying Buccaneers and Lightnings, they used to offer 'pleasure' flights (not cheap). They had flying Hawker Hunters too, amongst others.

NicoD · 10-29-2012, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Istari

It's because Thunder City is based there, or was based there.. They operated the last flying Buccaneers and Lightnings, they used to offer 'pleasure' flights (not cheap). They had flying Hawker Hunters too, amongst others.

Yeah it's right outside of where Thunder City was, but how and why it's there I don't know. At first I thought it might have come down from Zambia but I guess it came as part of the deal with the Lightnings.

CarbonPlane · 10-29-2012, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NicoD

At the end of the day it's the only diecast Javelin around, and if you love the aircraft or it fits a theme, I reckon it's worth getting as long as you know beforehand what to expect and can get it cheap. I did that and I'm glad I've got it now, although I'm really hoping that another manufacturer will give us a better rendition, as unlikely as that may be.

I think that's a fair comment. I'm having to to consider Amercom helicopters given no other manufacturer make the models I want.

bragadox · 10-29-2012, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gospodin

It's already been said best by another member of another forum..."An ugly model of an ugly aircraft."

Guilty

But i have to admit, that i kinda like the very unique style of british jets of that golden era, even when "unique" means "ugly as hell"

Must say, that the camouflage on this Javelin is well hiding the most horrendous gaps, so i would say: buy it if you like it ... until something better comes around the corner

greets
Braggel

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Mr_mcdoodle · 10-29-2012, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bragadox

Guilty

But i have to admit, that i kinda like the very unique style of british jets of that golden era, even when "unique" means "ugly as hell"

Must say, that the camouflage on this Javelin is well hiding the most horrendous gaps, so i would say: buy it if you like it ... until something better comes around the corner

greets
Braggel

-

Bought it, I have

I'm pretty sure when the time comes to sell it, I'll get my money back all day long.

and like you, the 'uniqueness' of those era jets has an attraction all of its own. I think it comes from the era of invention, so many different makers back then, each with their own interpretation of how a jet should be, rather than the dullness of the typhoon today

Mr_mcdoodle · 11-05-2012, 10:45 AM

Well guys, my Javelin has turned up and to be honest, I wasnt really looking forward to it coming after the comments and all round criticism everywhere....
But, I have to say, all things considered, she's not too bad, the paintwork seems a bit bright, and theres an all round lack of detail, but the accompanying missiles, wheel flaps etc., fit pretty well and she sits quite nicely in the back of my cabinet.
To ease the pain of this, I also bought a Corgi Hawker Hunter(very cheap, PM me if you want the site) and I am very pleased, everything fits well, and its just an all round nice model.
Next will be a DH vampire I think, unless a TSR2 comes up cheap