Geordie

On a previous thread (“Corgi Lanc fixed”), I asked for any verification on the accuracy of the new Corgi Lancaster Mk VI. Garindan kindly replied and added that the accompanying Mosquito may also have inaccuracies. The Mosquito is a Mk IX and was fitted with the Merlin 72 engine and required slightly longer cowlings, a slight step under the prop and a larger air intake.

Last week I got the Corgi USAAF Mosquito PR Mk XVI and surprisingly, these modifications are present (the B/PR Mk IX, B/PR Mk XVI and B.35 all having similar engine installations). There is no astrodome on the cockpit, which I have read somewhere should be present (at least on the PR Mk XVI) but then again it is not present on an illustration I have.

So if the Pathfinder set’s Mossie has the same cowlings as the US one but minus the drop tanks it should be ok (all or most B Mk IX s had their bays bulged at a later date to take a Cookie).

Garindan remarked how easy it would be for Corgi just to change the paint job on current models and though Manufacturers should be encouraged to diversify a bit I agree there are a heap of schemes that can be applied to the existing ranges. The US market would welcome Eagle Squadron Hurricanes/Spits and how about USAAF Spitfire Mk Vs in European and Med colours. Whilst I am on about it, how about an Italian Ju 87 or a Romanian He 111.

FlyingMule

Geordi,

Some great ideas, but I think we may have to wait a while before manufacturers will branch out like that. There are plenty of us who would love to see some really original aircraft and/or paint schemes, but I think interest in diecast aircraft in general is still relatively in its infancy. A very large sustaining part of the market is the casual enthusiast who probably isn't aware that so many designs saw service with different forces. For example, despite the current selection offered by various manufacturers, our store probably sells more P-51s than all the other types combined! (I'm betting it's a similar deal with Spitfires for stores based in the UK).

Despite all this, there's still plenty of cool stuff to look forward to in the near future. Rumor has it Corgi's next 1:32 model after the P-51s (see what I mean? ) will be a Mosquito... large and expensive though I'm sure it will be, it will be a hard one to say no to.

Cheers,
Martin.

Geordie

Point taken Martin

I guess they have to go with what they think sells and you your self do not want stock cluttering up shelves for too long. However they do repeat stuff a bit to much. For example the first Corgi Spit Mv Vs had a a Med scheme included and they followed it up with another. Ok the pilot was famous but the plane is barely different to the previous release. Lets face it WWII RAF schemes were pretty limited. Surely it would help to sell going for the different national units that flew with the RAF, usualy with their own National insignia included somewhere. This broadens the International market as RAF Spits and other aircraft were flown by French, Beligian, Dutch, Polish, Czech, American, Norwegian and various Comonwealth/Empire units.

The trend towards bigger scales will also limit choice and their much higher cost (everything is a lot more expensive this side of the pond) might be off putting to the casual buyer.

Its sad the lack of intrest in 1/144 but I must admit that 1/72 has been slowly increasing and that is most welcome.

Geordie

FlyingMule

Geordi,

You're right, at the end of the day, it's the number of sales that will determine how much variety we'll all see but I do think the future holds promise. As the quality continues to improve, more and more enthusiasts are giving diecast a chance.

I agree with you on the repetition issue though, especially between differing manufacturers. I'm actually a certifiable Spitfire fan myself, but I do have a much harder time convincing my girlfriend that two seamingly identical brown/green camouflaged Spits are in fact different, when all the US planes have such wildly different nose art and such.

In 1:72, Corgi have given us a Czech and a Polish Spitfire (49003 Adolph Vybiral, AA31903 Jan Zumbach) but I would like to see something from an Amercian Eagle squadron... just so long as they don't put Ben Afleck in the cockpit.

1:72 is definitely my preferred scale but some of that larger stuff does get awfully tempting once you see it up close and play with all the moving parts etc. I've never cared much for smaller scales, but from looking at the size of the 1:144 B-52s, it is apparent that 1:72 may not be appropriate for everything!

Cheers,
Martin.

Geordie

I sympathise Martin

I have a 17 year old daughter who has her bedroom filled with several hundred (actually well over a thousand) “collectibles, soft toys and bears of the soft and solid variety”. She bemoans her “Sad Dad”s obsession with collecting “toy aeroplanes” which all look the same. The fact she has dozens of “Beanies” from 2002 World Cup which are identical apart from their “National Noses” and dozens of others of almost “identical sets”. There is little sympathy from the Wife either, as she collects “Lilleput Lane” whose models are, I admit, a lot more varied (and which actually do rather well in value speculation).

The big models I can not see selling. Over here they are the first to get big discounts and I have never paid full price on a 1/72 four engine heavy. I have five 1/144 B-17s and maybe I would buy a couple more but in 1/72 I have one B-17 F and I am waiting for the G. I have one B-24 D and am waiting for a suitable J. The upcoming Fortress RAF IIA I all ready have in 1/144 as does any body else who would be interested. The Lancaster as you well know, its variation in schemes is small. The early 1942 is rare, hence the previous thread. The latest Mk VI was optimistic (see previous thread) as only ten were built.(they must have been scary beasts though, 350mph Lancs!).

The 1/32 scale has so far not interested me. Though the rumour of a 1/32 Mosquito did stir memories of when I was kid tackling the Revel 1/32 Mosquito B IV (will they supply a truss to go with it).

I got into diecast aircraft relatively recently but have always been at air shows etc (WWII and earlier has always been a keen interest in aviation). Armour never appealed, they always looked like toys. Then when Corgi started releasing 1/72 some kind of switch that had been turned off for nearly 25 years switched on. I guess it’s the scale, its Airfix.

By the way I have got the Polish Mk V but just missed the Czech Mk II. But not to worry there were plenty of Czech squadrons until the end of the war, so a Mk IX must be on the cards (but totally new tooling).

Geordie

FlyingMule

Geordi,

Yep, this collecting thing seems to infect a lot of folks. I guess we all have our own little domains of geekdom.

The jury is still out on the popularity of the 1:32 models, but I'd say the 1:72 bombers have been a success in the US. Having spent the greater portion of my life struggling to pay the rent on tiny accomodations in England, I can appreciate why they might not be such a big hit over there! Personally, I've really enjoyed the B-17s and B-24s, but the Lancs are still my favourite of the heavies.

I think there are a lot of us who feel a connection to 1:72 from plastic kit building days. I still think its the best all round scale for having fighters and bombers side-by-side on the shelf. Still, if you get a chance to examine the 1:32 AA models up close you should take a look. I was convinced I'd never own one until I actually saw one up close!

I'm sure you're right about the later mark 1:72 Spits. I know that Corgi do sometimes modify molds to come up with alternate variants although I understand this is usually a one way process, so they won't do it until they're certain they're done with the original design.

I think we might have a Vybiral tucked away somewhere if you're interested. We're planning on adding a "rare models" section to the store but haven't got round to it yet. Shipping to the UK might be a little pricey though.

Cheers,
Martin.