rpedro

just wanted to say hi to all the members here, have been looking for a 1:48 modern military jet fighter forum, and I think I have found it... I will be buying quite a few models soon, I am sticking to Franklin Mint 1:48 modern fighters, and my first purchase was the F-22 red flag version, as it had the actual squadron markings... I can't wait to talk to fellow members about these fantastic diecast models!!! Take care all...

SuperKungFu

welcome! glad you are into diecast models.

From one modern military fan to another, I would like to give you my honest opinion on Franklin Mint Models. I say they are not worth the money. Although it is one of the few companies out there that make metal airplanes in 1:48 scale, they could really do a better job. I have a few Franklin Mint models and most of them usually use regular decal that are pasted on rather than painted on. Therefore it fades over time. I'll take my Franklin Mint F-14 for an example, it doesn't have any antennas on the side. For its size, it should have these details but it doesn't. My century Wings F-14 in 1:72 scale beats THE CRAP out of the franklin mint models and it cost about half as much. So I recommend you to looking into 1:72 scale rather than 1:48.

__________________

rpedro

I am obssessed with the 1:48 scale, but I might check out some 1:72 stuff... got any good pics??? thanks for the advice...

SuperKungFu

If you want to check out 1:72 sale, I recommend these companies in order from best to last: Century Wings, Hobby Master, Dragon Wings, and Witty Wings.

You can visit each companies main website by typing their company name into google. They have plenty of pictures

__________________

rpedro

thanks for the info, looking at the selection, as much as they do look great and all, there are NO stealth planes... no F-22, no F-35, etc... I am looking at a putting together a collection of more up to date planes, and none of the little scales support them... looks like I will be sticking to Franklin Mint... the new F-35 coming out looks awesome...

thanks so much for your help... just wish I had more options in the smaller scales...

rpedro

trying to add to my collection to my model manager on the site, are you able to add models not on the list??? there are NONE of the ones I have, or are getting on there... so can I add my own??? how???
thanks!!!

SuperKungFu

I would like to add that Century Wings is making an F-22, here are some early pre-production pictures








Like all Century Wings aircraft, when this plane is finished, its quality is past everything. Including moveable parts such as canopy, maybe flaps, removable ordinance and gears. Franklin Mint models however, can't move anything. Not even the gears.

I can't answer your question about Model Manager, I never used that.

__________________

rpedro

Nice model... Can't wait to see the finished product...

phoenix56

Hi

After reading what Superkungfu posted back, I have to agree that the franklin mint jets although are nice, they just don't cut it.
I have 2, an f-14 in stars and stripes paint which looks cheap and an f-4 phantom fgr2 RAF alcock and browne which i have to say is the dogs danglies! i love it. All my other models are 1:72 scale and either Corgi, Hobby model or Gemini aces. The detail and paint on them is amazing and there are far more aircraft types and models covered.
Either way, welcome to the world of diecast aircraft and enjoy them, whatever scale you decide to stick with.

__________________
Phoenix56

rpedro

thanks for the welcome... I am just really liking the 1:48 scale, so I will take a look at some smaller models as they are released... I am looking at the upcoming Franklin Mint F-35 as well... We will see...

gospodin

One other factor with the FM models...the size can be a disadvantage. Sure, 1/48 is a big model and pretty cool, but how many can you display after awhile? You can get twice as many 1/72 models, less cost, more variety and even great details than with FM. My advice...pick up a Century F-14 and compare it to your FM version. If you don't think it's the cat's balls, I'll buy it from you for what you paid, that's how sure I am that you'll appreciate these babies.

__________________
Steve







It's possible that the whole purpose of your life is to serve as a warning to others...

rpedro

I want to, trust me, but without the newer plane choices, I will have to wait on the smaller scale... Thanks for the info though...

aeroeng

Hi rpedro,
Welcome to the forum. Another very good site for military die-cast collectors is The Model Hangar (The Model Hangar - Powered by vBulletin). Lots of military posts and have tons of photos(and a lot of 1:48 scale collectors). Also, there is a U.K forum that is also really good (The Diecast Aviation Web Site and Forum - Powered by vBulletin).

aeroeng

rpedro

thanks for the heads up... signed up over there... looks like a fantastic resource as well... thanks again... see you around...

mar_ji

nice to know about the comin production of an f-22 from century wings...hope that it wont stay long to be available....surely to get one