Big Dave

Anyone out there collect Armour (1/48) or Corgi Military (WWII and Jets). I'm looking for opinions on quality, decals or painted, etc. The pictures of some of the new/upcoming 1/72 Corgis look pretty detailed compared to some of the earlier Aviation Archive offerings. Any and all facts/opinions appreciated. Any other military diecast companies worth considering?

Dave

Peter Johnson

I've got one 1/48 Armour (F-117), one 1/72 Corgi (Lightning) and several 1/144 military Corgis (C/KC-97s, C-121, Victor, Vulcan AA&EE Comet). All are very well done. No decals, only tampo printing. The paint and printing are very crisp and detailed. The Corgis' gear can be up or down, with a swiveling stand provided for gear-up; Armour has gear fixed down. The Armour and Lightning have well detailed cockpits. The F-117 canopy is fixed closed, but the Lightning has alternate parts for open and closed canopies. The F-117 also has the weapons bay open with two LGBs on the racks.

My only gripe with the Armour... a model that large should have opening canopy and removeable landing gears, as well as more panel detail. I've also seen the other 1/48 Armours at my retailer, and they're all very good. I had a hard time choosing the F-117 over the various F-16s and F-15s.

I'm hoping to get to my retailer this weekend, looking for Corgi 707s and NWA Stratocruiser, and maybe an Armour F-15E or F-16. It all depends on what strikes me at the time

justin

I'm a big fan of both companies. If you want to see perhaps the most impressive diecast aircraft model yet made IMHO then take a look at the new 1/72 (yes,1/72!) Corgi Avro Lancaster, just awesome. I agree with all of Peter's comments, both are very well printed with excellent detail. Corgi tend to focus more on retro and/or British subjects like the Hunter, Lightning, Spitfire, Hurricane, Bf109, Harrier GR3, Sea Harrier FRS1 in 1/72 whereas CDC seem to be more into modern stuff. Their Harrier GR5/7 or AV8B is superb, and the bigger models like the F4 are stunning, both companies are very good value for money compared with most other diecast companies too. The only criticism I have of Corgi is that on some of their moulds the seams could have been done better, for instance the 1/144 Lancaster has a big seam running across the upper fuselage mid wing, which spoils that particular model for me. I guess the ultimate compliment is that both of these companies make me wonder why I still build plastic kits!

ANTHONY F DUVA JR

I have the Armour MB 339 A Frecce Tricolore stunt flyer/jet trainer. I have never seen this plane in diecast anywhere else. The quality is very good and so is the packaging. These things are sold by vendors at shows but maybe someday I will find a reliable supplier in my area that carries them (probably not!) There is another series called "Postage Stamp" that is similarly difficult to find anywhere. This line allegedly includes some WWI planes and a B-52!

I think there is some confusion as to what the "Corgi" products are. The first planes that Corgi sold were in the 1970s and they were made by Lintoy (same as Ertl in the US) They included some jets with Canadian livery ie. a CP Air 727 and a Wardair 747. There was also a British Airways VC-10. Actually the Concorde, that was actually manufactured by as opposed to just sold by Corgi, could have been a bit earlier. Versions exist in BOAC, Air Canada and JAL colors. This was made in the UK, and not Hong Kong, as were the Lintoys.

The series that I think this posting concerns is the Corgi series of air force planes that look like the Armour ones. The large airliners are in a different series, I think, The Aviation Archive.

Quality is excellent if this is what you're into!

PS none of these is an "antique" model as they are currently available.

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FLY OUR NEW MODERN RADAR-EQUIPPED PROP-JET ELECTRA!

Peter Johnson

All Corgi aircraft are part of their Aviation Archive collection. This includes 1/144 civil and military, 1/72 military, and 1/48 civil and military Huey helicopters. The military Hueys are part of the "Unsung Heroes" Vietnam War collection, which is listed (with ground vehicles also) in the AA catalog.

Ozz

I have 7 Armour 1:48's a USN F4U Corsair, Rudel's JU87 Stuka with cannons, Lt Graf's BF 109, W German Marine F-104, Col Olds Mig killer F4C, Blue Angels F4B and a VF84 F14 Tomcat. I have a couple of good retailers in town here so I get to "play" with them before I buy, I have looked real close at both models and I think the Armour has far superior detailing and are a much better buy for the money.
That said, Corgi however has a better selection and I have not yet seen the 1:72 Lanc, it sounds like a keeper to me.
Over all I prefer the realistic detail which is a good thing as I could not afford all the Corgi's if they were as desirable as the Armour's.

Ozz

Big Dave

Thanks for the info guys. I've seen a few of the Armour planes and some of the older Corgis. I agree the Armours appear to be a bit more detailed. Did you see that Armour is coming out with the B-25 in 1/48? Now that will be an awesome bird (17" wingspan and 4.1 lbs). Can't wait till they make the B-17. In the meantime I've got the Corgi Air Force One VC-137 coming. Hopefully it will meet expectations.

Dave

justin

Just to add that the Corgi Huey's are excellent, they are weathered and the weathering is remarkably well done for a mass produced model. The CDC 1/48 B25 will be awesome, it could displace Corgi's 1/72 Lancaster as the diecast champion . The CDC 1/48 models are particularly good, although the 1/100 are nice too. One grumble about CDC, I have a RAF Harrier GR5 which claims to be a Royal Navy FAA Harrier GR5, somebody should tell CDC the FAA only ever had Sea Harrier's, but saying that the actual model markings are 100% correct. I'm very excited by the upcoming Corgi 1/72 De Havilland Mosquito's, in my opinion the Mosquito is one of the greatest aircraft designs ever, the Mitsubishi AM6 Zero (one of which will be heavily weathered) and Vought F4U Corsair should be nice too.

Ozz

I agree with Justin, the Mossie was the coolest of all the warbirds, I can hardly wait.
I went down to my local retailer today and finally saw the Corgi 1:72 Lanc, all I can say is WOW!!! This is indeed the champion of the diecast warbirds, I grabbed it without a second thought to the price. Keep it up Corgi, great job!
Ozz

justin

Hi Ozz, glad you like the Lanc.!! I'm really amazed this didn't create more of a stir on these forums when it was released, usually we see OTT praise for every diecast new release, yet in this case a model that really justifies a lot of praise seems to have passed largely unnoticed.

One point about the CDC 1/48 RAF Harrier GR7 models, none of these have cannon packs. This is very untypical, the cannon packs are external ordinance and removeable, but they are basically a standard fit so not to have them looks wrong. The USMC AV8B models have the cannon packs, maybe because the RAF and the USMC use different gun packs they decided to economise?

Ozz

Justin,
You're right the 1:72 Lanc did not get the attention it deserves, I heard about it from my retailer here in Vancouver after he had sold out of them (which took a couple of days) and thought, oh well it's just another Corgi which to me still has it's roots in the toys they are famous for. Until now these models had done nothing for me. The selection was desireable but they lacked the realism that I needed to spend big bucks for. I would not have given it a second thought if I had'nt seen it. Enough can not be said about this release it is IMHO perfect! Now if they could do a Halifax with the same quality... As for the RAF Harrier cannon pod I did't notice that, I thought the loads on the Harriers looked great but then we don't get much contact with these magnificent machines here in western Canada. If it's part of the normal config they should include it, to do otherwise simply irritates the collectors who look for and expect to see these things and discourages us from buying more.
Another glaring error in the CDC line is that the P51 was made with the gear struts extended as it would look in flight, unfortunately it looks stupid on the ground.
I'm not bashing CDC as I really enjoy the ones I have, it's just that for a company that obviously does a lot of research and turns out a stunning product you'd think they would get the little things right before production begins. I like the Mustang line up and the paint jobs are awesome but the gear thing bugs me enough that I won't buy any. Ah well they get enough of my money as it is. I am looking foreward to the ME262 and the B25 and the Huey and the......
Cheers
Ozz

justin

That's the problem with those CDC models, once you get one you need more, kind of like with Bader models . About Corgi, I hope they'll consider something like a DC3 in 1/72 as a 1/72 DC3 made to the same standard as the Lancaster would be incredible. I read here on DAC (sorry I can't remember who posted it) that a B17 in 1/72 is coming next year.

Justin

Ozz

A B17!!! Oh yeah! I'll be all over that for sure.
If Corgi makes 1:72 airliners I'll buy if they use clear windows instead of those ugly blue painted ones found in the other scales.
One good thing about collecting these is that they are cheaper than Baders. (If Baders were affordable I'd have many more than I have).
Cheers
Ozz

justin

I think people like Bader will bankrupt me one day!!! I've had to take a hiatus from ordering a Bader model this leave to visit China, just have to plan for next leaves model instead .

DDRR

Dave and Posters,

I'm grateful for your discussion of the aircraft from Armour and Corgi. I've been collecting for about 28 years and have some of the Lintoy aircraft mentioned. F-104, F-4E, MIG-21, and Drakken. They are high quality in comparison with the contemporary diecast planes of the time. I also have most of the 1/100 Armour planes with the exception of some of the WWII planes. They are very detailed and moulded in a "gear-up" configuration.
Comments on the lack of retracts or opening canopies is a valid one, however, the manufacturers have to give some features up to get other features into the design. One good example is the current philosophy at Corgi in regard to landing gear. Gear doors fit into the same slots as the landing gear for display on a stand. The "Dambuster" Lancaster (my Lanc) is an outstanding example. Thanks DAC for a great forum!

Ozz

If Corgi makes a 617 lanc in 1:72 I'll buy it even though I already have a 647 sqn S for Sugar. You hear that Corgi? Bring em on! Any plans for a Halifax from 6 group?
In the mean time I'm chomping on the bit for the UH1 and Mossies (I'd like to get both versions of the Mosquito) and from CDC the ME262, B25, Spitfire, UH1 and Hellcat.
Ozz

DDRR

Justin & Posters,

I'm not too sure what a "Bader" Model is. Can anyone enlighten me?

Ozz

DDRR, Bader is the premier custom model builder IMHO. All his models are hand made to order out of mahogany and hand painted to your specs. If you have a picture he can usually do it and do it well. He offers a choice of scales as well. They are not cheap but they are well worth the cost. Just think of them as fine art. I have collected 8 over the years and I'm sure there is more to come.
Here's the link, enjoy.
Ozz

http://www.badermodels.com/

Big Dave

Ozz, Justin (and all),

If you want to see the true airplane model champions check out www.fineartmodels.com. The Corsair is especially nice but I think only Bill Gates could afford to actually collect these things.

Dave

Ozz

I've been drooling over this website for over a year now, if I had 13k laying around I'd be all over the Corsair.
I can hardly wait to see the completed B-17.
Ozz

justin

Just to add my comments to those of Ozz, I'd also rate Bader as the best airline models in 1/100,1/144 and 1/200 without going to the real VERY high end types of models like Fine Art. Bader are not cheap, but the quality is in line with the price and I think the value for money is fair, and the excitement of selecting your custom model is great. I collect mainly models of airliners of Asia in 1/144 from Bader, one day I want a full BA/BOAC/BEA fleet from him, one day.....
Those fine art models are incredible, like minituarised real prototypes. The only thing that turns me off (apart from the price ) isthe tone of the guy running the show, which seems a bit bombastic to me.

Justin

oirama

I am an avid collector of Armour 1/100 scale models. I have 70 of Their aircraft. For their size the detail is excellent. I have purchased most of these models herein The USA. with a few exceptions those being from Canada, and a couple from The UK. I only wish that some of their models that available only overseas
would be available here in The USA. The Camo and Markings on some of these models is striking. Recently I have purchased a couple of Model Power Postage Stamp models, The packaging says "1/100 Historically Accurate collectible" on it, but they are much smaller then The Armour models. One is an F4 Phantom, and the other Mig 29 Fulcrum, They are in my opinion for
the price little jewels, they are absolutely beautiful. Without a doubt I will start an extensive collection of these, as the price of these models is very reasonable.
Nice forum.

oirama

Jao

I only have 5 Armour 1:100 aircrafts. I actually got hooked to this before collecting commercial planes. I like them very much but I wanted them with the landing gears.

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egonzinc

Wow that models site is something.
if I had 13k to blow it would be the Titanic....
When I first saw an Armour 1/48 model I decided I would never build a model again!
The first one I got was the Marseille "yellow 14" and its great as are others in the collection.
From this post I realize that there are Stukas now available...I have been out of the loop for a while.
Saw the Corgi Lanc and must say that it brought back memories of one of my favoriye models...the Tamiya Lanc in 1/48...
In terms of Corgi the subjest s of their 1/144 comercial models are excellent but there is something missing for me.... maybe its the plastic gear... i don;t know what it is but they seem a bit toyish... Maybe whenever I get to display them they would look better then... Haven't seen the 707 yet...that one will be hard to resist....
But as far as Amour models the only draw back is the weight of the models. The modern jets are huge and heavy. I wonder ifm their gear will hold all that weight over the long haul. For now they are in their boxes with no weight on the wheels...so there is no problem. The F-117 was so much larger than I expected... its a monster....
On the F-15 box(I saw it at a retailer I do not have an F-15) there is a picture of a Puerto Rico National Guard F-15!!! As far as I know this was never produced but if anyone knows anything else about this model pleaselet me know...
Now lets start looking for those Stukas...

Ozz

I picked up the Rudel tankbuster JU-87 with the twin 3.7mm cannons under the wings.
I also got the Bader Spitfire, and it looks better in person than I could ever have hoped for.
These models are absolutely the best I have seen in this scale and IMHO they are worth every penny.
I can't wait to see the ME 262 and the B-25!
I wonder if they'll do a Mosquito?

__________________
Ozz

ORANGE IS BEAUTIFUL
GO WESTJET!!!
We need more CPAir/CDN and don't forget PWA and BA Landor!

justin

I'd love them to do a Mosquito! I agree 100% that these are superb and worth every penny. Compare the price with 1/400 scale models and the value for money seems amazing. Also they have a nice balance, WW2, early jet age and the latest aircraft, and liveries in lot's of styles and nationalities. Corgi are improving, their latest releases like the Zero, 1/72 scale Lancaster have been excellent but let down a bit by the 707 which could have been a great model but is a bit dissappointing for me mainly because of the tail antenna and blue windows, and they really irritated me with their Mossie blunder, I wait ages for one my favourite ever machines and when it arrives it's got the wrong nose ( .