I believe that Gaincorp has released a USAF F-15C Eagle...

gavman · 04-08-2004, 03:26 PM

It's the 58th FS "Gorillas" one from The Danbury Mint. Comparison pictures with the Gaincorp JASDF F-15J Eagles to follow as soon as I am able...

David Hingtgen · 04-08-2004, 04:57 PM

Interesting, that's the exact same squadron DW has for their first F-15C release.

gavman · 04-08-2004, 11:12 PM

The Gaincorp and the Danbury Mint models use the same styrofoam packaging clamshell, so if you ever wondered why the JASDF F-15 clamshell had those big empty impressions, they're for the stand included with the DM plane!

More to come...
Gavin

gavman · 04-11-2004, 04:29 PM

Danbury Mint Packaging:

Like the Gaincorp F-15s, the wingtips are protected by tissue. The moving rudders are secured in place by cardboard, rather than plastic sleeves. Instead of an adhesive plastic circle holding down the integrated air brake, a secondary plastic clamshell serves the trick, among its other fuselage-protecting functions. Cardboard straps hold the clamshell together, whereas the Gaincorps use clear packing tape.

gavman · 04-11-2004, 04:33 PM

Gaincorp Packaging:

Wingtips are protected with tissue and moving parts are secured for shipping purposes.

gavman · 04-11-2004, 04:38 PM

Danbury Mint Stand:

The metal arm is on the left, while the base is on the right.

gavman · 04-11-2004, 04:40 PM

Stand Detail:

The metal nameplate on the base is buckled.

gavman · 04-11-2004, 04:42 PM

No Stand with the Gaincorp F-15:

All you get for accessories are a ladder and a brace to hold the canopy open.

gavman · 04-11-2004, 04:45 PM

More Secondary Packaging Material:

Besides the plastic clamshell, there's a plastic tub around the nose.

gavman · 04-11-2004, 04:54 PM

Yeah, I know I'm being a bonehead:

I should have removed the plastic clamshell before shooting the underside, so hopefully that'll be a future photo. Trying to look through the plastic, you might be able to discern: a) Hooks to hold the AIM-7 Sparrows; b) Metal tabs on the pylons that fit into the external fuel tanks; c) Exposed hinges on the opening landing gear doors; and d) Magnets on the outboard pylons to secure the AIM-9 Sidewinders.

gavman · 04-11-2004, 04:58 PM

Accessories:

Either the Danbury Mint F-15 doesn't come with a canopy brace, or I'm missing a part!?!

gavman · 04-11-2004, 05:02 PM

Accessory Inventory:

3 x External Fuel Tanks
4 x AIM-9 Sidewinders (note the two magnets on each missile)
4 x AIM-7 Sparrows
1 x Ladder
1 x Manipulation Tool

gavman · 04-11-2004, 05:53 PM

I'm not completely familiar with the sorts of diecast models available from the collectibles houses, i.e., The Danbury Mint and The Franklin Mint. In terms of the Franklin Mint, they offer 1:48 scale diecast Armour Collection aircraft. But they also have their own super-premium lines of 1:24 scale tanks and Humvees, as well as one-shot attack helicopters, such as the AH-64D Apache Longbow and a Huey gunship.

The Danbury Mint F-15 would appear to be a super-premium model, differing from the Gaincorp version in the following ways: a) Articulated landing gear with hinged doors (if I'm remembering correctly, the Unimax Forces of Valor planes had simple drop-down gear, not true folding gear like the DM model); b) Snap-on ordinance; c) A hinged radome; and d) A display stand.

As far as I know, DM does not carry any other models that substantially differ from what is in general distribution. For example, they offer what are essentially 1:35 scale diecast Minichamps tanks at a common retail price point under the Paul's Model Art Company label (which I understand to be an alias for Minichamps).

Is the Danbury Mint F-15 worth the cost of about two basic Gaincorp F-15s? I know that retailers such as The Motor Pool (www.themotorpool.bigstep.com) and On Mark International (www.onmarkint.com) have sold Franklin Mint's super-premium models at a discount to getting them direct, but as of yet, they don't even carry the regular Gaincorp models. The only US retailer that I know of that sells Gaincorps is Martin at the The Flying Mule (www.flyingmule.com), so perhaps he would be the best bet at breaking into the distribution chain of the DM F-15 in order to sell it at a lower price.

One thing that hasn't been addressed is what DM intends to do with their F-15. Usually with these manufactured collectibles, there is a certificate to indicate what number the model was in the production run. That is not the case with the DM model, so it's not clear if huge steaming piles of this plane were made, or if it's just going to constantly be in production. So far, there hasn't been an indication that other paint schemes will be offered. Will a new paint scheme only be offered when all of the "Gorillas" planes are sold out? Furthermore, if Gaincorp introduces other planes, will DM again get first crack at the super-premium versions? It will be interesting to see if a super-premium F/A-22 Raptor is in the works.

- Gavin

David Hingtgen · 04-11-2004, 06:25 PM

When you've actually got it totally out of the packaging, I'd love to see some pics of the landing gear, bays, doors, etc.

gavman · 04-11-2004, 09:35 PM

Belly:

There are actually three exposed hinges, two on the smaller aft doors for the rear gears and one on the front side-opening door for the front gear, which unfortunately you may not be able to see clearly in this photo. The metal tabs on the pylons for the external fuel tanks are in different positions, so the center tank can only go in the center, but the outboard tanks are interchangeable between the starboard and port hardpoints.

Since the landing gear are moving parts, they come pre-lubricated from the factory. However, there was quite a bit of extra machine oil on my plane's belly. I can imagine that oil isn't the best thing to have on painted surfaces... or plastic... or rubber... Sigh...

gavman · 04-11-2004, 09:40 PM

Rear Doors Opened & Sparrows Attached:

I'm not sure of the positioning of my AIM-7s, but I was trying to clear the rearmost doors with the rear fins. In the landing bays you can see the folded rear landing gear.

gavman · 04-11-2004, 09:44 PM

Front Doors Open:

The landing gear is still in the bay.

gavman · 04-11-2004, 09:49 PM

Damn! A Little Fuzzy:

The metal landing gear are fully-articulated with metal joints and springs. Be sure to lock the gear into place, otherwise they can collapse on you. The tires are rubber and the wheels spin freely.

gavman · 04-11-2004, 09:58 PM

All Dressed Up:

Hmm! I can see seams so I know how the model goes together... and I see the plugged screw holes... What I don't see are any holes for the stand! The metal arm for the stand is a rotating two-pronged contraption. I'm not sure if I've been awarded my proctology license in order for me to insert the prongs into the engine exhausts. That doesn't seem secure enough, maybe I'm supposed to lovingly insert the prongs between the upper and lower cleavage between the engines!?!

gavman · 04-11-2004, 10:03 PM

Shares Many Features with the Gaincorp JASDF F-15s:

Moving rudders
Integrated air brake
Opening canopy (Gaincorp F-15 canopies lock into place with two tabs, so these might be the models that the overpressurized Dragon Wings pilots were meant to fly...if they expand over time, I don't think that they'll be massive enough to pop these babies open!)
Opening front access panel on the port side behind the radome

gavman · 04-11-2004, 10:15 PM

Secret Toy Surprise:

Okay, I admit that I haven't tried to pop the radomes on my JASDF Eagles. The radome on the "Gorillas" F-15 readily swings open, but I'm not sure if the parts are prone to wearing out, and I'm not in the mood to test my model's resolve!

gavman · 04-11-2004, 10:17 PM

gavman · 04-11-2004, 10:25 PM

Ownership Certificate:

With no cumulative production number to indicate if this is a limited-edition, operators standing by to take your order, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity...

It's US$99 + $7.80 for Shipping & Service.

- Gavin

David Hingtgen · 04-11-2004, 10:44 PM

Disclaimer: almost nothing's good enough for me, you know, and the F-15C is my fave fighter.

Let's see---overall looks *very* nice, but the following things bug me:

1. Turkey feathers on the exhaust. Shouldn't be there on this scheme, and haven't been there for many years regardless of scheme. And I don't think they're correct for the JASDF ones either. But that happens with about 99% of all F-15 models. (No manufacturer ever checks current pics, they just go by the original 1970's drawings)

2. Fuselage-corner missile holders---correct shape and everything, just way too big.

3. Nose gear isn't quite vertical when extended.

Things I'm wondering about/comments:

1. Does the left v.stab have the enlarged housing for the antenna up on top, compared to the right? Can't tell if it does or not. (I'm suspecting no, making it a non-US F-15)

2. Do the main wheels turn 90 degrees to retract? It looks like they do, and if so, that's an amazing feature, one I NEVER thought I'd see.

3. The canopy actually fits and locks into place! If only DW could do that with their F-18's.

4. Can you remove the center tank pylon? That could be where the stand plugs into. Think about all the Corgi and DW planes that have the stand and center pylon attach to the same place.

gavman · 04-11-2004, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David Hingtgen
1. Does the left v.stab have the enlarged housing for the antenna up on top, compared to the right? Can't tell if it does or not. (I'm suspecting no, making it a non-US F-15)

2. Do the main wheels turn 90 degrees to retract? It looks like they do, and if so, that's an amazing feature, one I NEVER thought I'd see.

4. Can you remove the center tank pylon? That could be where the stand plugs into. Think about all the Corgi and DW planes that have the stand and center pylon attach to the same place.

1) I don't detect any asymmetry there, so probably not.

2) Yes! The wheels do turn, so there's no nonsense about making the bays larger than normal, instead, the wheels lie flat like the real thing.

4) I found my instruction sheet:

Quote:

To Display Your Replica on the Stand:
Grasp the replica on the outer portion of the main wing and insert the two prongs into the center of the two exhaust cones at the tail of the jet. Place the stand on a flat surface. You can now rotate your replica to any angle including upside down.

"[i]nsert the two prongs into the center of the two exhaust cones at the tail of the jet." I feel so dirty...

I believe that you've mentioned previously an inability to attach Sparrows to your Hornets. I wonder if gluing micro-magnets, as was done with this plane's Sidewinders, would be a simple, elegant solution. Magnets might also be effective for those problematic DW wingtip launch rails with their sometimes loose-fitting AIM-9s and AMRAAMS.

- Gavin

Sgt Caribou · 04-12-2004, 06:36 PM

Although the seams bug me, but are probably much more noticeable in the pics than in real life, overall this model looks stunning - and my favourite in-service fighter to boot (the CF-18A a close tie, but sucks in a real-life comparison to the F-15C). Wasn't long ago that I was building Hasegawa kits and trying to achieve the sort of finish that this model packs!

David Hingtgen · 04-12-2004, 07:30 PM

Hmmn, the DW Hornet's fuselage corners certainly are shaped accurately enough to try to fit Sparrows w/magnets, might have to try that.

PS, Caribou---I still build Hase's trying to get a finish like that! Every model is a debate for me---accuracy (ensured if I build it myself) versus "having really nice paint and markings"---which is certainly NOT assured if I build it myself! Also the time and effort involved, and the possibility of ruining a kit. I do plan to build all my own Super Tomcats though, so many things I bet they'll miss. (I'll be ecstatic if they get them right though, save me LOTS of time/effort/painting/money)

gavman · 04-23-2004, 09:51 PM

Here's the Danbury Mint item# in case anyone is interested.

- Gavin

Keith · 04-26-2004, 11:15 PM

Hey David, whats the 'turkey feathers'?

And about the center pylon tanks. Is it realistic? I mean, in the DW F-18 I have, I display it on the stand and have the center tank removed but the 2 side tanks stay. Do the Navy F-18s ever fly with only the wing tanks or do they always fly with 3 or none?

Thanks.

04-08-2004, 03:26 PM	#1
gavman Senior Collector Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 362	I believe that Gaincorp has released a USAF F-15C Eagle... It's the 58th FS "Gorillas" one from The Danbury Mint. Comparison pictures with the Gaincorp JASDF F-15J Eagles to follow as soon as I am able...

04-08-2004, 04:57 PM	#2
David Hingtgen Complete Wacko! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Iowa Posts: 3,989	Interesting, that's the exact same squadron DW has for their first F-15C release. __________________ *We need more TWA twin-stripes!*

04-08-2004, 11:12 PM	#3
gavman Senior Collector Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 362	Teaser... The Gaincorp and the Danbury Mint models use the same styrofoam packaging clamshell, so if you ever wondered why the JASDF F-15 clamshell had those big empty impressions, they're for the stand included with the DM plane! More to come... Gavin Last edited by gavman; 04-08-2004 at 11:12 PM.

04-11-2004, 05:02 PM	#12
gavman Senior Collector Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 362	Accessory Inventory: 3 x External Fuel Tanks 4 x AIM-9 Sidewinders (note the two magnets on each missile) 4 x AIM-7 Sparrows 1 x Ladder 1 x Manipulation Tool Last edited by gavman; 04-11-2004 at 05:04 PM.

04-11-2004, 05:53 PM	#13
gavman Senior Collector Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 362	I'm not completely familiar with the sorts of diecast models available from the collectibles houses, i.e., The Danbury Mint and The Franklin Mint. In terms of the Franklin Mint, they offer 1:48 scale diecast Armour Collection aircraft. But they also have their own super-premium lines of 1:24 scale tanks and Humvees, as well as one-shot attack helicopters, such as the AH-64D Apache Longbow and a Huey gunship. The Danbury Mint F-15 would appear to be a super-premium model, differing from the Gaincorp version in the following ways: a) Articulated landing gear with hinged doors (if I'm remembering correctly, the Unimax Forces of Valor planes had simple drop-down gear, not true folding gear like the DM model); b) Snap-on ordinance; c) A hinged radome; and d) A display stand. As far as I know, DM does not carry any other models that substantially differ from what is in general distribution. For example, they offer what are essentially 1:35 scale diecast Minichamps tanks at a common retail price point under the Paul's Model Art Company label (which I understand to be an alias for Minichamps). Is the Danbury Mint F-15 worth the cost of about two basic Gaincorp F-15s? I know that retailers such as The Motor Pool (www.themotorpool.bigstep.com) and On Mark International (www.onmarkint.com) have sold Franklin Mint's super-premium models at a discount to getting them direct, but as of yet, they don't even carry the regular Gaincorp models. The only US retailer that I know of that sells Gaincorps is Martin at the The Flying Mule (www.flyingmule.com), so perhaps he would be the best bet at breaking into the distribution chain of the DM F-15 in order to sell it at a lower price. One thing that hasn't been addressed is what DM intends to do with their F-15. Usually with these manufactured collectibles, there is a certificate to indicate what number the model was in the production run. That is not the case with the DM model, so it's not clear if huge steaming piles of this plane were made, or if it's just going to constantly be in production. So far, there hasn't been an indication that other paint schemes will be offered. Will a new paint scheme only be offered when all of the "Gorillas" planes are sold out? Furthermore, if Gaincorp introduces other planes, will DM again get first crack at the super-premium versions? It will be interesting to see if a super-premium F/A-22 Raptor is in the works. - Gavin Last edited by gavman; 04-11-2004 at 05:55 PM.

04-11-2004, 04:29 PM	#4
gavman Senior Collector Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 362	Danbury Mint Packaging: Like the Gaincorp F-15s, the wingtips are protected by tissue. The moving rudders are secured in place by cardboard, rather than plastic sleeves. Instead of an adhesive plastic circle holding down the integrated air brake, a secondary plastic clamshell serves the trick, among its other fuselage-protecting functions. Cardboard straps hold the clamshell together, whereas the Gaincorps use clear packing tape.

04-11-2004, 04:33 PM	#5
gavman Senior Collector Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 362	Gaincorp Packaging: Wingtips are protected with tissue and moving parts are secured for shipping purposes.

04-11-2004, 04:38 PM	#6
gavman Senior Collector Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 362	Danbury Mint Stand: The metal arm is on the left, while the base is on the right.

04-11-2004, 04:40 PM	#7
gavman Senior Collector Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 362	Stand Detail: The metal nameplate on the base is buckled.

04-11-2004, 04:42 PM	#8
gavman Senior Collector Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 362	No Stand with the Gaincorp F-15: All you get for accessories are a ladder and a brace to hold the canopy open.

04-11-2004, 04:45 PM	#9
gavman Senior Collector Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 362	More Secondary Packaging Material: Besides the plastic clamshell, there's a plastic tub around the nose.

04-11-2004, 04:54 PM	#10
gavman Senior Collector Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 362	Yeah, I know I'm being a bonehead: I should have removed the plastic clamshell before shooting the underside, so hopefully that'll be a future photo. Trying to look through the plastic, you might be able to discern: a) Hooks to hold the AIM-7 Sparrows; b) Metal tabs on the pylons that fit into the external fuel tanks; c) Exposed hinges on the opening landing gear doors; and d) Magnets on the outboard pylons to secure the AIM-9 Sidewinders.

04-11-2004, 04:58 PM	#11
gavman Senior Collector Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 362	Accessories: Either the Danbury Mint F-15 doesn't come with a canopy brace, or I'm missing a part!?!

04-11-2004, 06:25 PM	#14
David Hingtgen Complete Wacko! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Iowa Posts: 3,989	When you've actually got it totally out of the packaging, I'd love to see some pics of the landing gear, bays, doors, etc. __________________ *We need more TWA twin-stripes!*

04-11-2004, 09:35 PM	#15
gavman Senior Collector Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 362	Belly: There are actually three exposed hinges, two on the smaller aft doors for the rear gears and one on the front side-opening door for the front gear, which unfortunately you may not be able to see clearly in this photo. The metal tabs on the pylons for the external fuel tanks are in different positions, so the center tank can only go in the center, but the outboard tanks are interchangeable between the starboard and port hardpoints. Since the landing gear are moving parts, they come pre-lubricated from the factory. However, there was quite a bit of extra machine oil on my plane's belly. I can imagine that oil isn't the best thing to have on painted surfaces... or plastic... or rubber... Sigh...

04-11-2004, 09:40 PM	#16
gavman Senior Collector Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 362	Rear Doors Opened & Sparrows Attached: I'm not sure of the positioning of my AIM-7s, but I was trying to clear the rearmost doors with the rear fins. In the landing bays you can see the folded rear landing gear.

04-11-2004, 09:44 PM	#17
gavman Senior Collector Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 362	Front Doors Open: The landing gear is still in the bay.

04-11-2004, 09:49 PM	#18
gavman Senior Collector Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 362	Damn! A Little Fuzzy: The metal landing gear are fully-articulated with metal joints and springs. Be sure to lock the gear into place, otherwise they can collapse on you. The tires are rubber and the wheels spin freely. Last edited by gavman; 04-11-2004 at 09:50 PM.

04-11-2004, 09:58 PM	#19
gavman Senior Collector Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 362	All Dressed Up: Hmm! I can see seams so I know how the model goes together... and I see the plugged screw holes... What I don't see are any holes for the stand! The metal arm for the stand is a rotating two-pronged contraption. I'm not sure if I've been awarded my proctology license in order for me to insert the prongs into the engine exhausts. That doesn't seem secure enough, maybe I'm supposed to lovingly insert the prongs between the upper and lower cleavage between the engines!?!

04-11-2004, 10:03 PM	#20
gavman Senior Collector Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 362	Shares Many Features with the Gaincorp JASDF F-15s: Moving rudders Integrated air brake Opening canopy (Gaincorp F-15 canopies lock into place with two tabs, so these might be the models that the overpressurized Dragon Wings pilots were meant to fly...if they expand over time, I don't think that they'll be massive enough to pop these babies open!) Opening front access panel on the port side behind the radome Last edited by gavman; 04-11-2004 at 10:08 PM.

04-11-2004, 10:15 PM	#21
gavman Senior Collector Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 362	Secret Toy Surprise: Okay, I admit that I haven't tried to pop the radomes on my JASDF Eagles. The radome on the "Gorillas" F-15 readily swings open, but I'm not sure if the parts are prone to wearing out, and I'm not in the mood to test my model's resolve!

04-11-2004, 10:17 PM	#22
gavman Senior Collector Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 362	Box:

04-11-2004, 10:25 PM	#23
gavman Senior Collector Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 362	Ownership Certificate: With no cumulative production number to indicate if this is a limited-edition, operators standing by to take your order, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity... It's US$99 + $7.80 for Shipping & Service. - Gavin

04-11-2004, 10:44 PM	#24
David Hingtgen Complete Wacko! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Iowa Posts: 3,989	Disclaimer: almost nothing's good enough for me, you know, and the F-15C is my fave fighter. Let's see---overall looks very nice, but the following things bug me: 1. Turkey feathers on the exhaust. Shouldn't be there on this scheme, and haven't been there for many years regardless of scheme. And I don't think they're correct for the JASDF ones either. But that happens with about 99% of all F-15 models. (No manufacturer ever checks current pics, they just go by the original 1970's drawings) 2. Fuselage-corner missile holders---correct shape and everything, just way too big. 3. Nose gear isn't quite vertical when extended. Things I'm wondering about/comments: 1. Does the left v.stab have the enlarged housing for the antenna up on top, compared to the right? Can't tell if it does or not. (I'm suspecting no, making it a non-US F-15) 2. Do the main wheels turn 90 degrees to retract? It looks like they do, and if so, that's an amazing feature, one I NEVER thought I'd see. 3. The canopy actually fits and locks into place! If only DW could do that with their F-18's. 4. Can you remove the center tank pylon? That could be where the stand plugs into. Think about all the Corgi and DW planes that have the stand and center pylon attach to the same place. __________________ *We need more TWA twin-stripes!*

04-12-2004, 06:36 PM	#26
Sgt Caribou Insane Collector Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, CANADA, eh Age: 45 Posts: 1,663	Although the seams bug me, but are probably much more noticeable in the pics than in real life, overall this model looks stunning - and my favourite in-service fighter to boot (the CF-18A a close tie, but sucks in a real-life comparison to the F-15C). Wasn't long ago that I was building Hasegawa kits and trying to achieve the sort of finish that this model packs! __________________ THANK YOU FOR THE AIR CANADA A340's! How about an AIR TRANSAT L1011, A330 OR A310 in n/c? Needed: DHC-8, ATR & regional jets in 1/400th please! Keep the memory of Canadi>n alive in 1/400 Brian

04-12-2004, 07:30 PM	#27
David Hingtgen Complete Wacko! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Iowa Posts: 3,989	Hmmn, the DW Hornet's fuselage corners certainly are shaped accurately enough to try to fit Sparrows w/magnets, might have to try that. PS, Caribou---I still build Hase's trying to get a finish like that! Every model is a debate for me---accuracy (ensured if I build it myself) versus "having really nice paint and markings"---which is certainly NOT assured if I build it myself! Also the time and effort involved, and the possibility of ruining a kit. I do plan to build all my own Super Tomcats though, so many things I bet they'll miss. (I'll be ecstatic if they get them right though, save me LOTS of time/effort/painting/money) __________________ *We need more TWA twin-stripes!*

04-23-2004, 09:51 PM	#28
gavman Senior Collector Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 362	Here's the Danbury Mint item# in case anyone is interested. - Gavin

04-26-2004, 11:15 PM	#29
Keith Junior Collector Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 3	Hey David, whats the 'turkey feathers'? And about the center pylon tanks. Is it realistic? I mean, in the DW F-18 I have, I display it on the stand and have the center tank removed but the 2 side tanks stay. Do the Navy F-18s ever fly with only the wing tanks or do they always fly with 3 or none? Thanks.