Since Franklin Mint decided to discontinue production of their 1/48 aircraft, I decided to try 1/72 variants. My first was the RNLAF F-16 by Gemini Aces and I was stunned by the amount of detail on there for its size. I would say the detail on that F-16 far surpasses that on the 1/48 FM Thunderbird and I wish I had thought about 1/72 before. That said I started out with 1/48 Hueys and wanted to keep up with the same scale.
I wonder what the general opinion is re Sky Guardians and the quality and details of their products? I see they are the only ones, that I can find anyway, that produce and are about to release a die cast 1/72 Blue Angel. So I thought I'd ask for your opinions on them. I'd like one to go with my FM 1/48 Blue Angel, but if quality is not up to scratch, I'll consider passing it up.
Thanks in anticipation
I was like you first, started off with FM products, then moved to 1/72 (Witty Wings/Sky Guardians) were my first models- very impressed with them.
But then I found out about the other manufacturers in 1/72 like Hobby Master, Century Wings...etc.
Overall...Witty Wings quality is....ok. I wouldn't highly recommend it, I say go for Hobby Master. True that Witty Wings did make the only 1/72 Blue Angel F-18, but it's actually not that great. The profile of the model isn't accurate- I believe Dragon Wings made a better F-18C, but Witty Wings (in my opinion) did a better job with the superhornet (wished some of their past models featured optional weapons/gears). Anyway, the blue angles F-18 also had problems with it not being glossy enough, no white intakes...and the biggest mistake of all....getting the pilot's name wrong.
This particular model is a bad example of what 1/72 has to offer, the majority of 1/72 models beats Franklin Mint 1/48 any day of the week. For example, you should compare Century Wings F-14 to FM F-14...CW wins by a mile.
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Thanks for your response. I saw a Sky Guardian Thunderbird F-16 at RIAT in 2007, when they appeared there as part of their world tour. I didn't buy that at the time, because it appeared to to be dull, whereas the real thing is definitely glossier. I thought that it might have been because it had been exposed to sunlight at airshows over time. Having read your response, I now wonder if it was actually a matt finish after all. I don't fancy the idea of a non glossy Blue Angel, it wouldn't look right at all.
I wonder if maybe the 1/72 Blue Angel model you are referring to might be an earlier one? The one I have seen is only available on pre-order at the moment. Available later this month. But no sites I have viewed have actual pictures of the product, just a profile drawing. Have to wait and see if pictures are released of the model and see if it carries a dull or glossy paint scheme.
Sadly it wasn't an "early" pre-production model, it was the final product. Remember these models are made in Hong Kong/Asia first so it would be available there first. It takes some time for them to ship it here to the US. In addition, I saw the final product at merit-international (which is the north American distributor) and it's only a couple miles away from my house.
Like many manufacturers Witty has run afoul of factories who either don't follow instructions or make careless errors. As a result, while the Witty Zeros and P-51s are decent replicas, its BF-109s and FW-190s are very poor. A general problem with Witty is its penchant for midget pilots and, worse, in my opinion, its rendering of panel lines to scale, which makes them all but invisible and makes the models seem toy-like. I'm not advocating deep "trenches", however if Witty followed the current HM model, with panel lines about two tenths of an inch deep---even if this is off-scale-----that would be a huge improvement, especially if you like to lightly weather your models, as I do.
Like many manufacturers Witty has run afoul of factories who either don't follow instructions or make careless errors. As a result, while the Witty Zeros and P-51s are decent replicas, its BF-109s and FW-190s are very poor. A general problem with Witty is its penchant for midget pilots and, worse, in my opinion, its rendering of panel lines to scale, which makes them all but invisible and makes the models seem toy-like. I'm not advocating deep "trenches", however if Witty followed the current HM model, with panel lines about two tenths of an inch deep---even if this is off-scale-----that would be a huge improvement, especially if you like to lightly weather your models, as I do.
very accurate and down to the point comments about witty models. For a while I didn't like witty and never knew why. I was able to guess the pilot problem right at the first sight cause that was easy to tell but the panel lines were hard to know about. Too shallow of a panle lines makes the model look like a slab of metal and not the surface of a jet. I agree about making some parts out of scale to make them visible in a 1/72 scale model. For example while CW beats DW in many aspects, the DW model can beat CW in their making of the pitot tubes. CW pitot tube simple fail to look like anything realistic of even visible. So yes, some parts need to be done out of scale intentionally.
If the model looked as good as Aki's avatar, I would consider buying it
However, having seen these pictures, I would think twice. The nose section looks like it belongs on something else. To me it also appears to be a little humpbacked, which has had the effect of making the canopy look too small. I also wonder what CDR Greg McWherter thinks to being deposed as Blue Angel 1.
I wouldn't say it looked like the Blue Angels I photographed at Fleet Week this year or MCAS Miramar in 2009
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperKungFu
Sadly it wasn't an "early" pre-production model, it was the final product. Remember these models are made in Hong Kong/Asia first so it would be available there first. It takes some time for them to ship it here to the US. In addition, I saw the final product at merit-international (which is the north American distributor) and it's only a couple miles away from my house.
Aye Witty/Sky Guardians are a little hit and miss in their quality and accuracy and the fixed undercarriage can be a little bit annoying, but i will give them this; their Hawker Sea Fury is utterly superb, one of the top models of the past two years for me. Also the Sea Vixen and Javelin are getting pretty good reviews, but i'm not a jet head tbh, so couldn't give much of an opinion on them.
That looks to be a Witty F-16 model in mar_ji avatar- Although the general opinion is that Dragon Wings made the best F-16 in 1/72 diecast (although they are fairly hard to come by now)
And yes I agree there is something wrong with the nose of Witty's F-18....kinda reminds me of snoopy.
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but the model looks quite like the witty models and perhaps that is why SKF thought it was witty.
There are many problems with Dragon F-16, and here they are:
1-absent pitot tube
2-absent (two) antennas below the radome
3-two absent AOA probes on each side of the radome.
4-nose wheel is vertical and straight, unlike the real F-16 which is a bit slanted.
5-the horizontal stabe are not canted.
6-also, you will not be able to mount the central fuel tank (or pods) when in flight position
They do have a very nice pilots thought, perhaps the best so far. Golden tint is applied to the canopy. Ans yes, even with the F-16 the witty model have a nose that looks like snoopy. Dragon's F-16 nose looks more sleek.
i dloaded it from flying mule s website almost 2 years ago....its an anniversary tail art named Dirty Diana....looks sexy. isnt it?....
It is nice, yes. Not my favourite though. I prefer the Flying Tigers and of course the RNLAF F-16 as featured in my avatar and also the Belgian Air Component F-16 demo bird.
Have I come in to the 1/72 a little late for F-16's then?
not necessarily, Dragon Wings announced they might put out a few more F-16s next year and Witty Wings also also coming out with their F-16s now with optional gears/ordinance.
But I hope HM takes on the F-16 since both DW and WW has their flaws.
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not necessarily, Dragon Wings announced they might put out a few more F-16s next year and Witty Wings also also coming out with their F-16s now with optional gears/ordinance.
But I hope HM takes on the F-16 since both DW and WW has their flaws.
sorry about the confusion, yes dirty diana is witty. I know soemone that calls that model "F-16 with ****".
I am in complete agreement with you regarding the HM F-16. Write them about that too SKF, I think they might be putting out an F-16 at the end of next year or so. But just to support their plan an email from us would be very good.
One thing I will say about HM, they certainly do listen to constructive criticism of their pre pro models and make amendments. Seen that many a time with their ww2 aircraft.
Many thanks for the great discussion about the Witty Blue Angel F-18 hornet... Yep, Maj. Nathan Miller was the lead solo (Blue Angel No. 5) of the 2009 and 2010 team... The Witty model was really tempting. I really hope that Hobby Master does eventually release a 1/72 F-18 and the F-16, and when its said and done, you can bet they will release a Blue Angel and Thunderbird! I will hold off on this Witty release...
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Last edited by Blue Angel No.5; 12-19-2010 at 02:15 AM.
That looks to be a Witty F-16 model in mar_ji avatar- Although the general opinion is that Dragon Wings made the best F-16 in 1/72 diecast (although they are fairly hard to come by now)
And yes I agree there is something wrong with the nose of Witty's F-18....kinda reminds me of snoopy.
That statement always cracks me up Maybe Witty can make a model of Snoopy's flying doghouse
Yea, I like HM to make a F-16. F/A-18 would be good too if CW doesn't pick it up, like the Super Hornet
That statement always cracks me up Maybe Witty can make a model of Snoopy's flying doghouse
Yea, I like HM to make a F-16. F/A-18 would be good too if CW doesn't pick it up, like the Super Hornet
As much as I would appreciate CW for releasing an F-18, we would end up paying well into $90 USD. And to think that the USN carriers are more of a hornets nest these days (Think of all the possible variants from tankers, to jamming, as well as bomber and fighter configs / Squadrons) I would far prefer HM, whose quality is just as good. I would only ask that ALL stabilizers be made of metal as well. As for the F-16, there are so many fighter wings across the US, not to mention across the globe too! Maybe best for HM not to throw down all their cards on the table just yet...
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I can't argue with the point about price. CW is over-priced for what you get compared to HM. I agree, preferably if HM picked up the F/A-18. I only mentioned CW with the F/A-18 because of their Navy birds line-up - A-6, A-7, F-8, F-14.
I'm really happy with my 1/72 Sky Gurdians F-16 IDF/AF and also F 18 F Black Lions and F 18 E Royal maces they look very nice and there is no other competitor
Im satisfied tho with the finish of the latest F-16 Arkansas....with options for the gears (up or down) and the fully loaded wings with missiles tanks.My only comment is the pilot which looks horrible but it isnt a problem...replacing it with a hasegawa pilot makes the model look perfect....
Just coming back to this subject, I notice Angel 7 is due for release from Witty. I wonder what your opinion is of this one?
It looks to me like this and the F/A18-E's have had nose jobs and look better than the earlier release F/A-18 models. I use Flying Mule for my picture references as they're the only sight that I am aware of that give you multiple views of the models. There's currently only one image of Angel 7 in profile. I'm actually also looking at the USN 100th anniversary Super Hornet. Can't afford to buy the two, but notice the latter is limited to 1,000 pieces. Usually struggle to get them in the UK when they are limited. Missed out on the 1/200 C-17 earlier in the year because it was limited. That worked in my favour because an RAF version was released later, which I managed to get my hands on.
Well, one thing to consider is HM. We know they are releasing C and D versions of the Hornet. It's likely they'll do the Super Hornet but unconfirmed. Presumably there's also the question of whether they will do the liveries you like.
I say, if you really are in love with the SG liveries then go for it. LE isn't always a good indication of demand. HM's Sundowner Phantom isn't an LE and it's sold out in the UK shortly after release. HM's Syrian MiG-21 is an LE of 750 yet you can still find it on sale with certain retailers.
However, if you can only buy one SG I think it's purely down to you which one. My preference will be to buy the 100th but it is my personal preference.
Personally, Ive got a very limited WW in my collections...theyve got good F-16s and super hornets too which I have...a pair of F-14s which I bought at the start, a mig-29 and a sukhoi 27.....its the panel lines on their molds that are not too appreciated by most collectors and makes the model look bland, dull and unattracive thus the unpopularity of witty among collectors.....just my opinion. By the way Im curious how HM and Av 72 fairs against Wittys F-18s
HM has to be better than WW. It will be quite a disaster if they aren't. Aviation 72 is likely to be on a par with WW. The advantage Aviation 72 has is covering subjects not available from other brands.
WW Sea Fury, one of the best models out there, Gannet OK but could be better, Tornado F.3 total abortion of a model, only other WW I have is an F-15 and I quite like it.
Avoid the Witty Legacy Hornets. The nose shape is bad and HM will soon be releasing theirs.
Witty's Super Hornets are decent. Worth getting if there's a livery you really want. I'm actually thinking of getting one of the upcoming VFA-115 CAG Super Hornets.
Hi I'm Michael
just some question because all my collection has been Dragon Wing Warbird series from the F-14 to the F/A-18F Super Hornet and also the F-22 HM 1/72 and is very pleased with both DW and HM with their accuracy and detail. however looking at Sky Guardian I have noticed that their quality control is inconsistent with some aircraft having better finish than the other, which make me reluctant to buy their product. So my question is does anyone knows if HM, DW or CW going to release any modern fighters in the near future (NATO)?? because all I can see right now is the Hornet from HM, are they planning to make F-15's etc.
but the model looks quite like the witty models and perhaps that is why SKF thought it was witty.
There are many problems with Dragon F-16, and here they are:
1-absent pitot tube
2-absent (two) antennas below the radome
3-two absent AOA probes on each side of the radome.
4-nose wheel is vertical and straight, unlike the real F-16 which is a bit slanted.
5-the horizontal stabe are not canted.
6-also, you will not be able to mount the central fuel tank (or pods) when in flight position
They do have a very nice pilots thought, perhaps the best so far. Golden tint is applied to the canopy. Ans yes, even with the F-16 the witty model have a nose that looks like snoopy. Dragon's F-16 nose looks more sleek.
& also: absent stick (but with locating hole) in an otherwise detailed cockpit- kinda defeats the point of having a detailed cockpit in the first place! in fact, dragon omit the stick in some of their other planes too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael.Esa
Hi I'm Michael
just some question because all my collection has been Dragon Wing Warbird series from the F-14 to the F/A-18F Super Hornet and also the F-22 HM 1/72 and is very pleased with both DW and HM with their accuracy and detail. however looking at Sky Guardian I have noticed that their quality control is inconsistent with some aircraft having better finish than the other, which make me reluctant to buy their product. So my question is does anyone knows if HM, DW or CW going to release any modern fighters in the near future (NATO)?? because all I can see right now is the Hornet from HM, are they planning to make F-15's etc.
Thanks
yes, they are. HM are gonna release an F-16, & an F-15E strike eagle.
& also: absent stick (but with locating hole) in an otherwise detailed cockpit- kinda defeats the point of having a detailed cockpit in the first place! in fact, dragon omit the stick in some of their other planes too.
yes, they are. HM are gonna release an F-16, & an F-15E strike eagle.
Sky Guardians 1/72 - what's your verdict?
Re: Sky Guardians 1/72 - what's your verdict?
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