Corgi Unsung Heroes F4C 1:72

Ozz · 07-30-2002, 12:42 AM

I picked up this bird today and boy am I impressed! I had a feeling that this would be a good one from the pictures in the catalogue and I was not disappointed.
The detail on this is typical of the later 1:72 Corgi releases and that is to say it is very good, the paint and lettering are precise although a little too glossy for a Vietnam era F4C.
It comes with 4 detailed Aim-7s, 4 Aim-9s two fixed outboard external fuel tanks and a removable centreline tank.
The real treat however is the canopies which can be displayed open or closed and a very precise yellow boarding ladder that can be hung off the canopy rail, with the wheels down, the lids open and the ladder hung, this is every bit as interesting as some of the finer 1:72 and 1:48 kits and at $60cdn it's a steal.
For what it's worth, I highly recommend this one.

justin · 07-30-2002, 09:59 AM

Hi Ozz, I bought the Corgi RAF F4J and love it, they've done a superb job of capturing the spirit of the F4, it just looks right. Great detail, on the RAF version the low viz finish looks just right. I'll probably be buying more of these

Justin

Ozz · 07-30-2002, 10:57 AM

Hi Justin, my dealer only had the one so far but if I see the RAF or FAA versions I'll be all over them.
Did your F4J come with the open canopies and ladder? I had not seen this mentioned in the ads, this was a well kept secret and would have been a selling feature for me.
I'm missing Armour less and less nowadays.

justin · 07-30-2002, 11:25 AM

Hi Ozz, yes it's got the ladder and choice of open/closed canopies, very nice touches

This is basically the only British version they can model as the RAF only had 15 GE J79 powered F4J's they got secondhand in the early 80's after the Falklands war, some kept their old USN grey/white livery!

I'm looking forward to getting more of these, as you say, Corgi are filling Armour's niche nicely, and with Dragon about to enter 1/72 things are looking up for this scale

Justin

David Hingtgen · 09-14-2002, 02:36 AM

Hey everyone--this is my first post here (at the "other scales") forum. I just bought my first 1/72 planes---Sea Harrier (50th ann) and the topic of this thread---the F-4C. I've made plenty of 1/72 kits (though I prefer 1/48) but started getting diecast for the same reason I stopped building 1/144 airliners--I suck at painting. Chinese factory-workers kick my *** in painting skill.

Anyways, The F-4C blew me away----each gear door is separate, and the boarding ladder I believe is photo-etched brass. I might have to pick up the Sundowners F-4. I basically waited until DW made their announcement---with Corgi's F-4 and Harrier (and now Tornado), and DW's F-16 and F-18, there were enough molds to start collecting military jets (Armour simply costs to much, and is too big). And now that DW has F-14's and F-15's coming, that's the big 4 (F-14/15/16/18), so I'm happy.

(And I'm a big Luftwaffe fan--the 109 and 190 from DW are much appreciated). While I'm here--how's Corgi's P-51's, specifically "Gunfighter"--I saw that plane at an airshow (1996 I think) and so that'd definitely be the P-51 to get, unless you guys think DW's upcoming P-51's will be better than Corgi's. (Comments on their BF-109 also appreciated, particularly Galland's)

Ozz · 09-14-2002, 01:36 PM

Hi Dave, I only have the Tuskegee P-51 so my opinion is limited, but I found the fit and finish to be superb on this model and the detail is very good.
The only problem I've noticed and it may be just me, is that it looks more like a 3/4 scale replica than a full sized Mustang, anyone else notice this?
I am looking forward to checking out all the DW 1:72s and if the F16 I just got is any indication of what's coming, then we're in for a real treat!
I plan to go after the Sundowners F4J as well and the new Tornado mould from Corgi will be a must have.
This hobby just keeps getting better and better.

samu990 · 09-14-2002, 04:57 PM

And don't forget about the Corgi Lightnings and Hunters, which were the first die-cast 1/72 jets around. These are nice moulds, which now have been produced in a number of interesting schemes. The Lightning also has the ladder as well as jet engine, and both have the dual position canopy. I picked these up in after-Xmas sales for $15 each. Now that's a real bargain.

Danny Samuels

David Hingtgen · 09-14-2002, 05:21 PM

Been researching stuff---seems some of the Corgi fighters have removable cowlings to show the engines--so how detailed are they? Miniture works of art, or a blob of black with some silver pistons and valves painted on? PS--anyone have a pic (or can describe the colors on the upper wings) of Hans von Hahn's BF-109? I was leaning towards Galland's, but I'd prefer one of the more dark blue/purple/grey camo ones, and Hahn's seems to be that way, but I cannot find a SINGLE photo other than the box one, which catches the light in such a way that I can't tell color well. Thanks!

Peter Johnson · 09-15-2002, 02:28 PM

Dave,

Here are some pics of my Lightning, showing the engine bay. I'd put the detail as about the same as a 1/72 kit that has a two-piece engine, just right/left side pieces. Everything is molded on, nothing added.

I really like the photoetch boarding ladder!

Pardon the compression artifacts

-- I didn't want to take up too much space

The red is really much better done than it looks!

David Hingtgen · 09-15-2002, 06:52 PM

Thanks! The engine's pretty nice, IMHO. Same detail as say, a 1/24 car's engine---so if you can do that in 1/72, that's pretty good!

As for the plane itself---I didn't know they had a lightning that colorful! VERY nice.

Finally--I took some pics of the F-4C, and my 50th ann. Sea Harrier, if anybody wants to see.

Peter Johnson · 09-15-2002, 07:38 PM

Please post 'em! The only pics I ever see online are Corgi's catalog pics... not the greatest.

David Hingtgen · 09-15-2002, 09:16 PM

Start with the Harrier---probably my single best pic. Nice "roster shot".

David Hingtgen · 09-15-2002, 09:18 PM

Harrier belly (you'll NEVER see this angle from Corgi)

David Hingtgen · 09-15-2002, 09:21 PM

Sorry, no macro mode--this is about as good as my pics get. Anyways, Phantom, front angle, gear down, canopies open, ladder attached.

David Hingtgen · 09-15-2002, 09:24 PM

Phantom belly, as above, with center fuel tank installed (can't use it if the model's on the stand--they share the same post-hole)

The model would be PERFECT if it had polished metal by the tail--the silver paint's a bit toyish.

David Hingtgen · 09-15-2002, 09:26 PM

Final pic--nice overhead shot showing them both for size comparison (and showing the Phantom's camo to good effect)

funbird · 09-16-2002, 12:39 AM

I love the F4s. Too bad they didn't put some snake an' nape on the Corgi model.

David Hingtgen · 09-16-2002, 01:32 AM

Ah, but the USAF F-4C has the wing-mounted drop-tanks, the Sundowners one does not (that's why I picked it up first). Same for the Sea Harrier--the 50th Ann one has Sidewinders, the white-belly one does not. (And I don't recall if the newest one with the medal has any missiles either). Warplanes should come with some weapons, you know? I would have preferred some 500lb bombs, myself.

Peter Johnson · 09-16-2002, 06:46 AM

Thanks for the pics! The Lightning is the only 1/72 Corgi I've got so far, but I keep checking them out. I'm tempted by the Blue Angels F-4, but I'm a former SAC troop and just can't bring myself to buy it

Now if they would release a Thunderbirds F-4, or Dragon would do a T-Birds F-16, I'd be all set!

David Hingtgen · 09-16-2002, 01:16 PM

IMHO, DW would be stupid NOT to do Thunderbirds F-16 and Blue Angels F/A-18. I mean, even ultra-casual collectors would pick those 2 up, and even non-collectors. You could sell them at airshows, near ANY AFB, etc.

DDRR · 10-10-2002, 04:53 PM

Nyc Planz Gyz. Had to get that out of my system after reading this thread. I have a question though. I can't find a price for DW Warbirds anywhere. I think that's the best kept secret right now-any ideas? Perhaps DW doesn't want to scare away potential buyers-or not? I'm also looking forward to the DW 109 and 190, if only I knew how much to save up for them!

I've only seen the catalog pics of the lightning, thanks for the shots!

David Hingtgen · 10-10-2002, 05:11 PM

I see DW Warbirds (F-16's at least) go for around 30 bucks, plus or minus 2 bucks.

DDRR · 10-11-2002, 12:17 AM

Dave,

It's nice to know someone is watching out for us on some of these price mysteries. By the way, where did you see the prices for the DWs? Does anyone know what the rest sell for and who distributes?

Dave

07-30-2002, 12:42 AM	#1
Ozz Insane Collector Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Canada (CYVR) Age: 50 Posts: 2,763	Corgi Unsung Heroes F4C 1:72 I picked up this bird today and boy am I impressed! I had a feeling that this would be a good one from the pictures in the catalogue and I was not disappointed. The detail on this is typical of the later 1:72 Corgi releases and that is to say it is very good, the paint and lettering are precise although a little too glossy for a Vietnam era F4C. It comes with 4 detailed Aim-7s, 4 Aim-9s two fixed outboard external fuel tanks and a removable centreline tank. The real treat however is the canopies which can be displayed open or closed and a very precise yellow boarding ladder that can be hung off the canopy rail, with the wheels down, the lids open and the ladder hung, this is every bit as interesting as some of the finer 1:72 and 1:48 kits and at $60cdn it's a steal. For what it's worth, I highly recommend this one. __________________ Ozz ORANGE IS BEAUTIFUL *GO WESTJET!!!* We need more CPAir/CDN and don't forget PWA and BA Landor!

07-30-2002, 10:57 AM	#3
Ozz Insane Collector Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Canada (CYVR) Age: 50 Posts: 2,763	Hi Justin, my dealer only had the one so far but if I see the RAF or FAA versions I'll be all over them. Did your F4J come with the open canopies and ladder? I had not seen this mentioned in the ads, this was a well kept secret and would have been a selling feature for me. I'm missing Armour less and less nowadays. __________________ Ozz ORANGE IS BEAUTIFUL *GO WESTJET!!!* We need more CPAir/CDN and don't forget PWA and BA Landor!

09-14-2002, 02:36 AM	#5
David Hingtgen Complete Wacko! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Iowa Posts: 3,941	Hey everyone--this is my first post here (at the "other scales") forum. I just bought my first 1/72 planes---Sea Harrier (50th ann) and the topic of this thread---the F-4C. I've made plenty of 1/72 kits (though I prefer 1/48) but started getting diecast for the same reason I stopped building 1/144 airliners--I suck at painting. Chinese factory-workers kick my * in painting skill. Anyways, The F-4C blew me away----each gear door is separate, and the boarding ladder I believe is photo-etched brass. I might have to pick up the Sundowners F-4. I basically waited until DW made their announcement---with Corgi's F-4 and Harrier (and now Tornado), and DW's F-16 and F-18, there were enough molds to start collecting military jets (Armour simply costs to much, and is too big). And now that DW has F-14's and F-15's coming, that's the big 4 (F-14/15/16/18), so I'm happy. (And I'm a big Luftwaffe fan--the 109 and 190 from DW are much appreciated). While I'm here--how's Corgi's P-51's, specifically "Gunfighter"--I saw that plane at an airshow (1996 I think) and so that'd definitely be the P-51 to get, unless you guys think DW's upcoming P-51's will be better than Corgi's. (Comments on their BF-109 also appreciated, particularly Galland's) __________________ We need more TWA twin-stripes!**

09-14-2002, 01:36 PM	#6
Ozz Insane Collector Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Canada (CYVR) Age: 50 Posts: 2,763	Hi Dave, I only have the Tuskegee P-51 so my opinion is limited, but I found the fit and finish to be superb on this model and the detail is very good. The only problem I've noticed and it may be just me, is that it looks more like a 3/4 scale replica than a full sized Mustang, anyone else notice this? I am looking forward to checking out all the DW 1:72s and if the F16 I just got is any indication of what's coming, then we're in for a real treat! I plan to go after the Sundowners F4J as well and the new Tornado mould from Corgi will be a must have. This hobby just keeps getting better and better. __________________ Ozz ORANGE IS BEAUTIFUL *GO WESTJET!!!* We need more CPAir/CDN and don't forget PWA and BA Landor!

09-14-2002, 04:57 PM	#7
samu990 Senior Collector Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Houston TX USA Posts: 312	And don't forget about the Corgi Lightnings and Hunters, which were the first die-cast 1/72 jets around. These are nice moulds, which now have been produced in a number of interesting schemes. The Lightning also has the ladder as well as jet engine, and both have the dual position canopy. I picked these up in after-Xmas sales for $15 each. Now that's a real bargain. Danny Samuels Last edited by samu990; 09-15-2002 at 02:57 PM.

07-30-2002, 09:59 AM	#2
justin Insane Collector Join Date: Feb 2000 Posts: 2,005	Hi Ozz, I bought the Corgi RAF F4J and love it, they've done a superb job of capturing the spirit of the F4, it just looks right. Great detail, on the RAF version the low viz finish looks just right. I'll probably be buying more of these Justin

07-30-2002, 11:25 AM	#4
justin Insane Collector Join Date: Feb 2000 Posts: 2,005	Hi Ozz, yes it's got the ladder and choice of open/closed canopies, very nice touches This is basically the only British version they can model as the RAF only had 15 GE J79 powered F4J's they got secondhand in the early 80's after the Falklands war, some kept their old USN grey/white livery! I'm looking forward to getting more of these, as you say, Corgi are filling Armour's niche nicely, and with Dragon about to enter 1/72 things are looking up for this scale Justin

09-14-2002, 05:21 PM	#8
David Hingtgen Complete Wacko! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Iowa Posts: 3,941	Been researching stuff---seems some of the Corgi fighters have removable cowlings to show the engines--so how detailed are they? Miniture works of art, or a blob of black with some silver pistons and valves painted on? PS--anyone have a pic (or can describe the colors on the upper wings) of Hans von Hahn's BF-109? I was leaning towards Galland's, but I'd prefer one of the more dark blue/purple/grey camo ones, and Hahn's seems to be that way, but I cannot find a SINGLE photo other than the box one, which catches the light in such a way that I can't tell color well. Thanks! __________________ *We need more TWA twin-stripes!*

09-15-2002, 02:28 PM	#9
Peter Johnson Collector Join Date: Jul 1999 Location: From KDAW, 316deg 3.11nm Posts: 108	Dave, Here are some pics of my Lightning, showing the engine bay. I'd put the detail as about the same as a 1/72 kit that has a two-piece engine, just right/left side pieces. Everything is molded on, nothing added. I really like the photoetch boarding ladder! Pardon the compression artifacts -- I didn't want to take up too much space The red is really much better done than it looks! __________________ Peter

09-15-2002, 06:52 PM	#10
David Hingtgen Complete Wacko! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Iowa Posts: 3,941	Thanks! The engine's pretty nice, IMHO. Same detail as say, a 1/24 car's engine---so if you can do that in 1/72, that's pretty good! As for the plane itself---I didn't know they had a lightning that colorful! VERY nice. Finally--I took some pics of the F-4C, and my 50th ann. Sea Harrier, if anybody wants to see. __________________ *We need more TWA twin-stripes!*

09-15-2002, 07:38 PM	#11
Peter Johnson Collector Join Date: Jul 1999 Location: From KDAW, 316deg 3.11nm Posts: 108	Please post 'em! The only pics I ever see online are Corgi's catalog pics... not the greatest. __________________ Peter

09-15-2002, 09:16 PM	#12
David Hingtgen Complete Wacko! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Iowa Posts: 3,941	Start with the Harrier---probably my single best pic. Nice "roster shot". __________________ *We need more TWA twin-stripes!*

09-15-2002, 09:18 PM	#13
David Hingtgen Complete Wacko! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Iowa Posts: 3,941	Harrier belly (you'll NEVER see this angle from Corgi) __________________ *We need more TWA twin-stripes!*

09-15-2002, 09:21 PM	#14
David Hingtgen Complete Wacko! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Iowa Posts: 3,941	Sorry, no macro mode--this is about as good as my pics get. Anyways, Phantom, front angle, gear down, canopies open, ladder attached. __________________ *We need more TWA twin-stripes!*

09-15-2002, 09:24 PM	#15
David Hingtgen Complete Wacko! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Iowa Posts: 3,941	Phantom belly, as above, with center fuel tank installed (can't use it if the model's on the stand--they share the same post-hole) The model would be PERFECT if it had polished metal by the tail--the silver paint's a bit toyish. __________________ *We need more TWA twin-stripes!*

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09-15-2002, 09:26 PM	#16
David Hingtgen Complete Wacko! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Iowa Posts: 3,941	Final pic--nice overhead shot showing them both for size comparison (and showing the Phantom's camo to good effect) __________________ *We need more TWA twin-stripes!*

09-16-2002, 12:39 AM	#17
funbird Master Collector Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: north florida Age: 41 Posts: 518	I love the F4s. Too bad they didn't put some snake an' nape on the Corgi model.

09-16-2002, 01:32 AM	#18
David Hingtgen Complete Wacko! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Iowa Posts: 3,941	Ah, but the USAF F-4C has the wing-mounted drop-tanks, the Sundowners one does not (that's why I picked it up first). Same for the Sea Harrier--the 50th Ann one has Sidewinders, the white-belly one does not. (And I don't recall if the newest one with the medal has any missiles either). Warplanes should come with some weapons, you know? I would have preferred some 500lb bombs, myself. __________________ *We need more TWA twin-stripes!*

09-16-2002, 06:46 AM	#19
Peter Johnson Collector Join Date: Jul 1999 Location: From KDAW, 316deg 3.11nm Posts: 108	Thanks for the pics! The Lightning is the only 1/72 Corgi I've got so far, but I keep checking them out. I'm tempted by the Blue Angels F-4, but I'm a former SAC troop and just can't bring myself to buy it Now if they would release a Thunderbirds F-4, or Dragon would do a T-Birds F-16, I'd be all set! __________________ Peter

09-16-2002, 01:16 PM	#20
David Hingtgen Complete Wacko! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Iowa Posts: 3,941	IMHO, DW would be stupid NOT to do Thunderbirds F-16 and Blue Angels F/A-18. I mean, even ultra-casual collectors would pick those 2 up, and even non-collectors. You could sell them at airshows, near ANY AFB, etc. __________________ *We need more TWA twin-stripes!*

10-10-2002, 04:53 PM	#21
DDRR Collector Join Date: May 2001 Location: Las Vegas, NV, United States Posts: 53	Fit th'shoe Nyc Planz Gyz. Had to get that out of my system after reading this thread. I have a question though. I can't find a price for DW Warbirds anywhere. I think that's the best kept secret right now-any ideas? Perhaps DW doesn't want to scare away potential buyers-or not? I'm also looking forward to the DW 109 and 190, if only I knew how much to save up for them! I've only seen the catalog pics of the lightning, thanks for the shots!

10-10-2002, 05:11 PM	#22
David Hingtgen Complete Wacko! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Iowa Posts: 3,941	I see DW Warbirds (F-16's at least) go for around 30 bucks, plus or minus 2 bucks. __________________ *We need more TWA twin-stripes!*

10-11-2002, 12:17 AM	#23
DDRR Collector Join Date: May 2001 Location: Las Vegas, NV, United States Posts: 53	Where'd you see that? Dave, It's nice to know someone is watching out for us on some of these price mysteries. By the way, where did you see the prices for the DWs? Does anyone know what the rest sell for and who distributes? Dave