Things that can go wrong with Air Command planes...

08-16-2003, 08:27 PM

...or why you might want to visually inspect them at a retailer rather than buy them sight unseen!

Model improperly screwed into packaging, finish marred!

08-16-2003, 08:32 PM

"Foam Transfer" (styrofoam adheres to wet decal) & shiny decal film!

08-16-2003, 08:34 PM

"Foam Transfer" & decal tearing! (Part 1)

08-16-2003, 08:40 PM

Foam Transfer" & decal tearing! (Part 2)

08-16-2003, 08:44 PM

Decal ripping!

The design on the belly of this plane is a decal that has minor tears in it.

08-16-2003, 08:51 PM

Misalignment! (Part 1)

The pilot names are partially on the canopy glass.

08-16-2003, 08:55 PM

Misalignment! (Part 2)

a) The pilot names are again partially on the canopy glass
b) The "5" on the engine intake is slightly askew
c) The "Thunderbirds" logo on the tail fin is also slightly askew

B-huj · 08-19-2003, 07:32 AM

Homer,
I mean, gavman...I am sorry for you! those models would have never passed my QC if I had the chance to visually inspect them at a retailer's.
These are def. mayor put-offs for me. I would turn my back on a manufacturer because of these "things that can go wrong". It shows they don't respect their products and their customers by providing inconsistent QC.
I have found that a real problem with most diecast manufacturers: they claim they produce "highly collectible hand-crafted models"...and charge premium prices for the job, but deliver rather defective items.

Don't know about you, but I could use some stricter Qality Control myself (even if that is worth some more dollars)...I want to be sure I can get a model in good conditions if I have to pay for it.

08-19-2003, 09:59 AM

Although Dragon Wings (DW), Corgi, Revell, and Air Command (AC) utilize a plastic window in their packaging to do a visual inspection of the model prior to purchase, in order to do a COMPREHENSIVE inspection, the consumer would have to do a much more invasive procedure; namely, taking the model out of the box!

With DW and Corgi models, this may involve the removal of some tape. However, to thoroughly inspect a Revell or AC model will require a screwdriver to detach the plane from the black plastic cradle/base or styrofoam/plastic, respectively. Screwing and unscrewing a model into the packaging increases the likelihood of damaging the painted underside of the plane if one is not careful.

The worst scenario is when a model is shipped that hasn't been secured to the packaging. Since Revells and ACs are packaged with so much open space, that's a lot of room to bounce around in, which was the case with one of my AC F-117 Nighthawks that broke off a plastic tail fin and bent some of the front antennas.

This is not to say that I haven't experienced quality control issues with DW and Corgi. One of my DW F-16 Fighting Falcons had a loose tail fin that needed to be re-glued. Plus, in trying to bend the front landing gear for one of my DW F/A-18 Hornets, I did manage to break off the front peg that fits in the hole in the landing gear well. Speaking of self-induced mishaps, I've broken the plastic pegs on parts for at least two of my Corgi models.

- Gavin

David Hingtgen · 08-19-2003, 07:00 PM

I think it's nigh-impossible to have a "perfect" 1/72 plane--something always breaks. Especially Corgi gear/doors--they just don't fit. Either the gear is in the way of the doors, or the doors are in the way of the gear. Something has to give--and it's usually a peg. And then there's the 45-coats of white paint on the doors/gear, which makes the pegs not fit in the holes--and if you scrape it off, they're too loose! Argh.

B-huj · 08-20-2003, 02:38 AM

again, manufacturers could actually divise better QC procedures, and design more protective packaging.
we consumers should get the best quality possible for our $$$, and I am sure some of those models came out of assembly lines in perfect condition but got damaged during delivery!

08-16-2003, 08:27 PM	#1
gavman Guest Posts: n/a	Things that can go wrong with Air Command planes... ...or why you might want to visually inspect them at a retailer rather than buy them sight unseen! Model improperly screwed into packaging, finish marred!

08-19-2003, 07:00 PM	#10
David Hingtgen Complete Wacko! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Iowa Posts: 3,989	I think it's nigh-impossible to have a "perfect" 1/72 plane--something always breaks. Especially Corgi gear/doors--they just don't fit. Either the gear is in the way of the doors, or the doors are in the way of the gear. Something has to give--and it's usually a peg. And then there's the 45-coats of white paint on the doors/gear, which makes the pegs not fit in the holes--and if you scrape it off, they're too loose! Argh. __________________ *We need more TWA twin-stripes!*

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08-16-2003, 08:32 PM	#2
gavman Guest Posts: n/a	"Foam Transfer" (styrofoam adheres to wet decal) & shiny decal film!

08-16-2003, 08:34 PM	#3
gavman Guest Posts: n/a	"Foam Transfer" & decal tearing! (Part 1)

08-16-2003, 08:40 PM	#4
gavman Guest Posts: n/a	Foam Transfer" & decal tearing! (Part 2)

08-16-2003, 08:44 PM	#5
gavman Guest Posts: n/a	Decal ripping! The design on the belly of this plane is a decal that has minor tears in it.

08-16-2003, 08:51 PM	#6
gavman Guest Posts: n/a	Misalignment! (Part 1) The pilot names are partially on the canopy glass.

08-16-2003, 08:55 PM	#7
gavman Guest Posts: n/a	Misalignment! (Part 2) a) The pilot names are again partially on the canopy glass b) The "5" on the engine intake is slightly askew c) The "Thunderbirds" logo on the tail fin is also slightly askew

08-19-2003, 07:32 AM	#8
B-huj Insane Collector Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,638	Homer, I mean, gavman...I am sorry for you! those models would have never passed my QC if I had the chance to visually inspect them at a retailer's. These are def. mayor put-offs for me. I would turn my back on a manufacturer because of these "things that can go wrong". It shows they don't respect their products and their customers by providing inconsistent QC. I have found that a real problem with most diecast manufacturers: they claim they produce "highly collectible hand-crafted models"...and charge premium prices for the job, but deliver rather defective items. Don't know about you, but I could use some stricter Qality Control myself (even if that is worth some more dollars)...I want to be sure I can get a model in good conditions if I have to pay for it.

08-19-2003, 09:59 AM	#9
gavman Guest Posts: n/a	Although Dragon Wings (DW), Corgi, Revell, and Air Command (AC) utilize a plastic window in their packaging to do a visual inspection of the model prior to purchase, in order to do a COMPREHENSIVE inspection, the consumer would have to do a much more invasive procedure; namely, taking the model out of the box! With DW and Corgi models, this may involve the removal of some tape. However, to thoroughly inspect a Revell or AC model will require a screwdriver to detach the plane from the black plastic cradle/base or styrofoam/plastic, respectively. Screwing and unscrewing a model into the packaging increases the likelihood of damaging the painted underside of the plane if one is not careful. The worst scenario is when a model is shipped that hasn't been secured to the packaging. Since Revells and ACs are packaged with so much open space, that's a lot of room to bounce around in, which was the case with one of my AC F-117 Nighthawks that broke off a plastic tail fin and bent some of the front antennas. This is not to say that I haven't experienced quality control issues with DW and Corgi. One of my DW F-16 Fighting Falcons had a loose tail fin that needed to be re-glued. Plus, in trying to bend the front landing gear for one of my DW F/A-18 Hornets, I did manage to break off the front peg that fits in the hole in the landing gear well. Speaking of self-induced mishaps, I've broken the plastic pegs on parts for at least two of my Corgi models. - Gavin

08-20-2003, 02:38 AM	#11
B-huj Insane Collector Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,638	again, manufacturers could actually divise better QC procedures, and design more protective packaging. we consumers should get the best quality possible for our $$$, and I am sure some of those models came out of assembly lines in perfect condition but got damaged during delivery!