Do you pay attention to 'professional' reviewers'?

doug seeley · 11-10-2017, 05:56 AM

I find the work of Richard Stretton and Jon Champs helpful and reliable - their opinions DO effect my buying preferences. I don't always agree completely with their reviews, but basically, they provide complete, detailed analysis, and especially when they compare different manufacturer examples of the same model. They provide a valuable tool which I find very helpful. Later, Doug

BPanio · 11-10-2017, 07:24 AM

not really. I buy what I want and prefer to find out that a model is disappointing on my own

RascallyBear · 11-10-2017, 10:47 AM

Hi Doug,
Actually, a list of "professional" or "respected" reviewers would be useful. Save us all from the agony of classic youtube out-of-focus videos by people who don't realise the [pause] button is so we won't realise you're a total cretin when you need to move the model, or stop the camera pointing at your big toe, or you've forgotten what you were saying in your endless mindless rambling.

I'd certainly appreciate a few pointers to great review sites.

BPanio, that was a brilliantly humorous reply. Really made me smile.

Cheers,
Rick

doug seeley · 11-10-2017, 11:14 AM

Rick - Richard Stretton's site: Yesterday's Airlines - Home
Jon Champs site: https://1400reviews.com

Be prepared to spend a lot of time on these two sites - they are very extensive and well done. Doug

Braveheel · 11-10-2017, 01:00 PM

I'm relatively new to the hobby, but both those sites have helped me when I'm comparing brands of same plane. I'm not a rivet counter as they say -or perhaps too lazy! - so like seeing reviews of moulds. I have still bought items notwithstanding reservations that might be expressed in reviews.

Lightsnack87 · 11-20-2017, 10:55 AM

I really like Yesterday's reviews. It doesn't always influence what I buy, but it almost always perfectly reflects on what actually comes out of the box. Richard does such a nice job and the reviews ALWAYS follow the same format so that when you've started to read a review, the direction is predictable and flows.

If you read this Richard, Thank you!

RStretton · 11-20-2017, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lightsnack87

I really like Yesterday's reviews. It doesn't always influence what I buy, but it almost always perfectly reflects on what actually comes out of the box. Richard does such a nice job and the reviews ALWAYS follow the same format so that when you've started to read a review, the direction is predictable and flows.

If you read this Richard, Thank you!

Thanks for the comments. It's much appreciated.

shandaken · 11-20-2017, 02:42 PM

Stretton is too long winded on his reviews.

BWI-ROCman · 11-20-2017, 04:28 PM

Rich's reviews are outstanding. They are very detailed, and the points-summary at the end offers a quick reference.

Jim

Barksdale52 · 01-03-2018, 06:15 PM

I think both Jon and Richard's reviews are full of great information and I appreciate all the time they spend on these reviews for the benefit of collectors. I do disagree on their dark views of most Gemini products though.

Planecrazy · 01-04-2018, 09:17 AM

I appreciate reviews that stay to the details of a model, backed up with pictures. I may not always agree with their opinions but fike the information, especially on models I don't presently own but am considering acquiring.

AirCal · 01-04-2018, 10:51 AM

I agree with you Planecrazy, I like to get as much information/pictures as possible on a model, but the final decision to buy or not is still mine to make.

snowghost · 01-04-2018, 12:23 PM

I agree Rich's reviews are outstanding. A lot of work goes into them and the info is very valuable.

Birdy · 01-05-2018, 03:58 AM

I like 1:400 reviews and yesterdays airlines, I find them to be reliable resources

DC-10_Tony · 01-05-2018, 04:01 AM

No. I make my own decisions.

romeomike · 01-05-2018, 03:54 PM

I'm a fan of Richard's site.

Doug, thanks for sharing Jon's site, I was not aware of its existence.

First and foremost, I buy what I want. If I am purchasing a model made by multiple manufacturers, I will refer to the reviews before making my choice.

GliderPilot · 01-05-2018, 04:03 PM

I have enjoyed reading Richard’s reviews but I like to see a model before I buy it.

Kitty Hawk 1903 · 01-05-2018, 06:15 PM

For the most part,yes. Richard's reviews are pretty accurate. He saved me from buying those recent horrendous color,Jet2 737's. That was my 2017 disappointment in diecast.

aklein707 · 01-06-2018, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doug seeley

I find the work of Richard Stretton and Jon Champs helpful and reliable - their opinions DO effect my buying preferences. I don't always agree completely with their reviews, but basically, they provide complete, detailed analysis, and especially when they compare different manufacturer examples of the same model. They provide a valuable tool which I find very helpful. Later, Doug

I often wonder, who anointed them the "experts" in this hobby!! They have risked ZERO time, ZERO efforts, ZERO Dollars into the development of the hobby and production of the models.

There is an obvious bias in their so-called reviews and opinions, which render them useless.

You have people like Richard Stretton taking free models from Panda to make positive reviews, even though he knows, most of their moulds were illegally cloned from someone else. Supporting piracy is something I for one, won't tolerate.
There is the selfish opinion of "I don't care where my models come from; I just want them" but those people do not realize that those who put the work, research , and efforts into some of the best moulds out there will one day just throw in the towel, because the once fun hobby starts to disgust them.

Here's the topper, you have these so-called expert reviewers trying to influence opinions with a flawed model of the year comparison, whereby the so-called winner was nothing but a bunch of scumbags who illegally cloned someone else's mould, added OUT-OF-SCALE antennas, and called it something new, and your so-called model reviewer Richard Stretton tooting their horn, making them out to be the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Sorry, but I won't buy his load of crap, and I'm sure most serious collectors are more interested in accurate moulds than out of scale gimmicks, such as oversized antennaes and spinning fan blades in a 1/400 scale model.

So to answer the question about "professional reviewers", no they are anything but professional, and their opinions are flawed, biased, and skewed.
I'm smart enough to know what models I like for my collection, and why I like or dislike them.

RStretton · 01-06-2018, 02:15 AM

I have never received a free model from Panda Models. I have only ever received free models from JC Wings (1 RTAF A340). Andrew is a liar and his attacks clearly talk to the kind of unreasonable person he is.

This is probably hardly news to anyone who has witnessed his childish tantrums and threats over the years.

aklein707 · 01-08-2018, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RStretton

I have never received a free model from Panda Models. I have only ever received free models from JC Wings (1 RTAF A340). Andrew is a liar and his attacks clearly talk to the kind of unreasonable person he is.

This is probably hardly news to anyone who has witnessed his childish tantrums and threats over the years.

ACCUSE THE OTHER SIDE OF THAT WHICH YOU ARE GUILTY.

Joseph Goebbels
Nazi Propaganda Minister

Adrian · 01-08-2018, 02:20 PM

Richard may not be regarded as ' a professional', but certainly knowledgeable and unbiast in his reviews,which have certainly influenced my purchases. He gives fair and honest reviews to models from all manufacturers regardless of their origin and has to be applauded for his efforts and for making the hobby more interesting.
Just because he doesn't get involved in politics doesn't mean he supports so-called 'pirates'.

RStretton · 01-08-2018, 02:37 PM

It's not a beauty contest or a game for the souls of diecast collectors. People can read my stuff or not. I will leave it up to them to decide whether they trust my word or Andrew's more. The evidence is available throughout threads of various forums. I am sick of playing the games and being threatened with legal action. Personally I believe I am being harassed and if I had the resources it would be you Andrew that would be being sued.

Thank you to everyone who has been supportive I appreciate it.

ve2nw · 01-08-2018, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrian

Richard may not be regarded as ' a professional', but certainly knowledgeable and unbiast in his reviews,which have certainly influenced my purchases. He gives fair and honest reviews to models from all manufacturers regardless of their origin and has to be applauded for his efforts and for making the hobby more interesting.
Just because he doesn't get involved in politics doesn't mean he supports so-called 'pirates'.

Adrian

With all due respect. To be a professional or knowledgeable one would need to have worked in the production process of die-cast models. It is highly unlikely that any of the reviewers have seen the production from ingots to finished model. So to call the professional reviewers or knowledgeable to follow their reviews is like asking a NY cab driver on which day to buy BITCOIN.

It is very easy to criticize when the finished product is in your hands but once you see what needs to be done to get it there, how many human hands are involved (and only GOD knows how we humans make mistakes and will continue to do so) one will realise that we are very lucky to have such detailed models now. Man when I was a kid I was so happy to have the decaled Schabak or out of proportion ERTL models on my desk. Nowadays with all the progress production has made we are graced with magnificent models and yet all we read is critique followed by another critique.

The manufacturers are not perfect either, they try their best with the resources available and it has to be cost effective. Once in a while one has to make a compromise to make it work. And until they recoup the original investment they will not through good money out to window to please the so called professional reviewer that has no idea what is involved.

If they are so knowledgeable each major city has a Chinese Embassy / Consulate, they can apply for a VISA, take a flight to any city in China and start the process of making the perfect model they desire. Now that I vented off some steam time to go back and enjoy the hobby.

Beetlecounter · 01-08-2018, 08:24 PM

Nowadays, not only do we have diecast model aircraft reviews, we also have reviews for / or airlines, cars, hotels, mobile phones, PCs, restaurants etc but you got the drift.

Similarly, do we need to be a chef to criticise the cooking? Not necessarily.

Richard is free to pen his views and consumers are free to make their final call. The way he has been “shadowed” of late, I find it bordering on being creepy now.

Birdy · 01-08-2018, 10:07 PM

See I never fully base my purchased models on a review, its somewhat of a mix between want/my take on the quality and OCCASIONALLY a review. To me its about what I want or like, not the reviewer. That said, I do enjoy reading their articles and seeing their photos, but they do not necessarily sway my opinion.

Mystère · 01-09-2018, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ve2nw

Adrian

With all due respect. To be a professional or knowledgeable one would need to have worked in the production process of die-cast models. It is highly unlikely that any of the reviewers have seen the production from ingots to finished model. So to call the professional reviewers or knowledgeable to follow their reviews is like asking a NY cab driver on which day to buy BITCOIN.

It is very easy to criticize when the finished product is in your hands but once you see what needs to be done to get it there, how many human hands are involved (and only GOD knows how we humans make mistakes and will continue to do so) one will realise that we are very lucky to have such detailed models now. Man when I was a kid I was so happy to have the decaled Schabak or out of proportion ERTL models on my desk. Nowadays with all the progress production has made we are graced with magnificent models and yet all we read is critique followed by another critique.

The manufacturers are not perfect either, they try their best with the resources available and it has to be cost effective. Once in a while one has to make a compromise to make it work. And until they recoup the original investment they will not through good money out to window to please the so called professional reviewer that has no idea what is involved.

If they are so knowledgeable each major city has a Chinese Embassy / Consulate, they can apply for a VISA, take a flight to any city in China and start the process of making the perfect model they desire. Now that I vented off some steam time to go back and enjoy the hobby.

With all due respect, this is as stupid as asking a film or book critic to be a director or writer himself.

I think most people here do realise the difficulty of manufacturing these little pieces of metal we all cherish. I am myself often amazed by the level of detail and precision achieved along the years. And of course, as this level increase, so do collectors expectations, it's a kind of natural process. Denying it won't help.

I appreciate the fact that some people are using a good part of their time and ressources to provide us with reviews of these models. One can not always agree with them, but it's always informative and, along with forums like DAC, allows us to keep up with the way this hobby is evolving.

Keep up the good work, Richard and Jon.

snowghost · 01-09-2018, 11:47 AM

Wonder why spinning fan blades and antennas are "gimmicks" on 1:400 models, when the new AC DC-8-30s/40s have moveable ejectors.

I for one wouldn't mind antennas and spinning blades if feasible.

bhl777 · 01-10-2018, 05:02 PM

Jeez! I leave this site for ten years and come back to the same wild West...

ideasdejavier · 01-10-2018, 08:37 PM

I follow Champ from a long time ago and his reviews are nice, well written and on point, but the final decision if I buy the model I really mine. I meant that if I like the livery I would buy the model anyway, regardless if isn't accurate in shape.

aklein707 · 01-10-2018, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowghost

Wonder why spinning fan blades and antennas are "gimmicks" on 1:400 models, when the new AC DC-8-30s/40s have moveable ejectors.

I for one wouldn't mind antennas and spinning blades if feasible.

The difference is, the ejectors are in scale, whereas those oversized antennas, the drilled holes they're housed in, and moving fan blades are all out of scale!!

If they were true to scale, I would have made them too, like I do in 1/200 scale.

Birdy · 01-10-2018, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aklein707

The difference is, the ejectors are in scale, whereas those oversized antennas, the drilled holes they're housed in, and moving fan blades are all out of scale!!

If they were true to scale, I would have made them too, like I do in 1/200 scale.

You cant say that, some are in scale, some aren't. The point is, its more noticeable if a model doesn't have aerials than if it does. Judging my aeroclassics vs my phoenix A320s, the antennae make the Phoenix look so much better.

aklein707 · 01-11-2018, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Birdy

You cant say that, some are in scale, some aren't. The point is, its more noticeable if a model doesn't have aerials than if it does. Judging my aeroclassics vs my phoenix A320s, the antennae make the Phoenix look so much better.

If you don't care that they're out of scale, then it's your collection, and buy what makes you happy!
All I'm saying is that AeroClassics will not add gimmicks which render the model inaccurate to scale.

jcahea · 01-11-2018, 11:12 AM

I read them and find the comparisons interesting if not too long. I end up buying what appeals to me. Nothing like seeing the planes up close and personal and if I do not care for it once received, I eventually end up selling it. That is why I miss good hobby shops where you can walk in and see them for yourself before purchasing. Or take your chance in passing on something and then trying to find it at a show, on Ebay, or on the for sale section. Just received a plane second or third hand that I am currently airing out after cleaning it as it smells like a 20 year old litter box or habitrail!

BWI-ROCman · 01-11-2018, 11:46 AM

One thing I find helpful about a review, is learning the history of moulds and types. You learn about things like mould sharing, why certain moulds seem to have disappeared, and who's bought what mould.

For instance (in this case, I learned through conversation) Aeroclassics' excellent BAC-111 mould had simply worn out from use and is defunct. That's why we don't see AC BAC-111's any more, even though there are still some that I'd like to see. I doubt they'll invest in another BAC-111 mould, but at least I know what the situation is!

jcahea: I once bought a Gemini Delta 727 on eBay that arrived literally caked with dried food. It looked like someone had been eating gloppy finger food while they handled it. The model needed some patient TLC using a damp cloth and I think hand soap, to soften the chunks and wipe them off. But when all was said and done, the model was completely undamaged and looked like new!

Habitrail! There's a word I haven't heard in a while. I remember those when I was a kid. Here's someone who took their Habitrail a bit too seriously. Note that they also have a rooster in their living room.

Jim

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUxFtLuXqY4

caut19 · 01-11-2018, 12:02 PM

As some people already mentioned, there is no doubt that the work of Richard Stretton and Jon Champs is helpful and reliable.
However I don't always agree with their reviews, and sometimes I've found their words too strong against manufacturers.
I wish I could see and touch every model plane up close and personal before getting it, so when I can't, here is when their reviews are most valuable.
Anyway, the final word for getting (or not) a model plane is based on my own wishes.
Bottom line: Please consider their reviews, but do not make your final decision based only on them.

Birdy · 01-12-2018, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caut19

As some people already mentioned, there is no doubt that the work of Richard Stretton and Jon Champs is helpful and reliable.
However I don't always agree with their reviews, and sometimes I've found their words too strong against manufacturers.
I wish I could see and touch every model plane up close and personal before getting it, so when I can't, here is when their reviews are most valuable.
Anyway, the final word for getting (or not) a model plane is based on my own wishes.
Bottom line: Please consider their reviews, but do not make your final decision based only on them.

I can see what you mean. Manufacturers have their ups and downs, so to start generalizing and calling them bad would be bias.

jcahea · 01-12-2018, 10:38 AM

regarding the video of the Habitrail! At first I thought it was a gaudy fake brass entertainment center that you would see in a Chinese Restaurant!...

. Holy Mackerel! Person also is requesting more Habitrail tubes! That place must smell like a pet shop.

Something else...chunks of food on your Delta. Seller should have wrapped it in an air sickness bag. Reminds me of one time when I was catching a connecting flight out of Denver to the Left Coast on a quick turnaround flight on business. When I sat in my seat, I went to reach for the back seat pocket and caught myself just in time as previous passenger had barfed all in it. Pointed it out to the flight attendant and she said I could deplane or deal with it...United of course. Short flight so I just to the damned flight as I had meetings! Funny thing is she later brought some paper towels to me in case I wanted to clean it up...

RStretton · 01-12-2018, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Birdy

I can see what you mean. Manufacturers have their ups and downs, so to start generalizing and calling them bad would be bias.

Nobody is 'generalising' in the way you mean it Harry. Both Jon and I have done large numbers of reviews and they provide detailed statistics and from those you can see patterns and make deductions. I almost hate to say it but this is my job (analysis I mean not model aircraft). You can clearly draw sensible conclusions from the results. It's not rocket science - anyone can do it. When you are spending thousands of $$ you probably ought to.

The manufacturers do have ups and downs but even them out and you get a clear picture of the good things they do and their failings. The fact that most of the manufacturers continue to make the same mistakes year in, year out should not be brushed off as if it is fine. It is not. The truth is not bias but if you think it is you can simply ignore the reviews. Nobody expects you to agree 100% with what either of us say after all.

hkgdave · 11-23-2020, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shandaken

Stretton is too long winded on his reviews.

Then skip to the end and read the overall score.

EDIT: Just noticed this is a three year old thread!

doug seeley · 11-23-2020, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhl777

Jeez! I leave this site for ten years and come back to the same wild West...

Yeah, we be some bad cowboys, and we shoots from the hip. Yippee-ki-ya. Outta here, Shooter (Doug)

CXDiehardfan · 11-23-2020, 09:51 PM

I'm here with my popcorn

snowghost · 11-23-2020, 10:02 PM

I’m here with my Kentucky Bourbon.

vellnueve · 11-23-2020, 10:28 PM

Thread is nearly 3 years old...

RStretton · 11-23-2020, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vellnueve

Thread is nearly 3 years old...

Yes move along - nothing to see here. Just some bot account asking stoopid bitcoin questions.

Tris10&11 · 11-24-2020, 03:49 AM

Each to their own! One man's poison is another man's wine. There are so many of these quotes that can be directed towards the hobby. I for one like the reviews Richard does and find them an interesting read. Even though I won't base my decisions on these reviews,they do give some kinda heads up on the quality of a model. As for the 'aerials debate' I'm one for aerials and not all manufacturers get them correctly sized. AV400 being a perfect example. But when you look at an aircraft,these are so obvious to the eye that leaving them out is tantamount to leaving out vital detail. At the end of the day,these models have to represent the real aircraft ( just 400 times smaller). So every panel line,every light and every protrusion ( aerials) should be visible! That's my opinion. I understand Andrew's gripe ( to a point) but think he should go with what every body else wants not what he thinks they should/shouldn't have! And as for the reviews..Richard pls keep them coming, I for one sure do appreciate them!

captainflynn · 11-25-2020, 10:44 AM

I don't really read the reviews in detail, but I do sometimes have a quick look at them, however they do not influence what I buy. I've been collecting for nearly 30yrs so I know what I like. I normally collect rare models (samples) and also models of aircraft/airlines I saw growing up.

jcahea · 11-25-2020, 12:26 PM

I read what they have to say and look at their pics re plane reviews, but don't base my buying on reviews.

Last time I bought based off of recommendation of a review I ended up with a 2003 Toyota Tundra 4x4 lemon! Car and Driver named it truck of the year...may have been for others, but not for me. After going through the laborious lemon law process and arbitration Toyota bought it back! So what did I buy afterwards you ask...a Dodge 1500 4x4 Hemi that I loved til the day I traded it in for a Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummings diesel that I loved til the day I sold it! No I didn't read reviews on those 2, just took em for a long test drive and kicked the tires a bit going with my gut!

doug seeley · 11-25-2020, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcahea

Last time I bought based off of recommendation of a review I ended up with a lemon!

Yeah, but I bet you never drove a Ford Pinto... At least mine never got hit from the rear and exploded. Coming to terms with my past, Doug

jcahea · 11-25-2020, 12:59 PM

...too funny Doug! I remember when they came out along with the good ole AMC Pacer and Gremlin!

Neighbors behind us in Taiwan had a new Pinto shipped over...everybody was like wow look at that!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!