I'm kinda into 'unusual' airplanes so the SR-71 was on the want list. I say was because it's finally in my collection I knew it was a big airplane but I still keep thinking 'it's a big airplane'. Everything about this plane says speed, well... Mach 3 is pretty fast.
The model is typical CW but it appears to have the usual 'quality' issues we're complaining. Lots of scratches on the paint with oil marks on the underside. They're not noticeable from a distance but even so for the price CW charges, you'd expect better. That aside, it's a very nice model and a good contrast to the F-22
CarbonPlane, again! yours night shots are awesome!
More, more realism!
The blackbird is pretty nice.
By the way, my favourite blackbird is the ICHIBAN all the way. But, unfortunately i didn't buy it becouse i wasn't interested in the diecast planes in the past.
SuperKungFu, great collection!
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Thanks for your comments guys, appreciate it. As tempted I am to add more, it is a big airplane (have I mentioned that yet lol) so regrettably, one is the limit.
Nice pictures there, that was the infamous fuel flow problem whereby 967 had to divert into Nellis. Imagine my surprise when a buddy of mine and myself were in the desert behind Nellis, and we heard on the scanner NASA 967 said he needed to divert to Nellis.
Aah, those were the good old days at Nellis when the desert was wide open behind the runways.
Yes you are correct. I was there shooting pictures for the "Gun Smoke" competition that was being held at Nellis. These pictures are from Dayton International Airshow, 1985 of SR-71 61-7967 with "Skunk Works" insignia on tail.
Yes you are correct. I was there shooting pictures for the "Gun Smoke" competition that was being held at Nellis. These pictures are from Dayton International Airshow, 1985 of SR-71 782952 with "Skunk Works" insignia on tail.
Yes I was there also to photograph "Gun Smoke" as well. By the way I checked my notes and the callsign was "NASA 832" as he came into Nellis
I bought this particular model because the real aircraft is on display at Barksdale. Unfortunately, I lacked the room for it since it's a big mutha, so I sold it off. I was also disappointed by one feature most would never notice: the shock cones at the front of the engines. On the real aircraft they point in and slightly down, very distinctive IMO. The CW models have them point straight ahead, and it was distracting for me looking at the model, like seeing a beautiful car with a crooked grill. Plus, I decided I liked the bright white USAF lettering better. I have the 1/200 "Rapid Rabbit" version by Herpa, and it's almost perfect..except for the exhaust nozzles being the wrong color. But I painted them, so it passes.
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I was aware of the faults with the CW model but really wanted a 1:72 SR-71. CW is the only diecast maker with the 1:72 version so had no option but to go with them. Now if HM was to release a version...
I love the sr-71 blackbird from CW so much I've got 3 of them and one signed by an actual habu pilot to boot . Theres something about the sr-71 that would fire up the imagination to anybody from the youngest child to the oldest pensioner YouTube - Letter to Kelly This video pretty much sums up my feelings about it
Check out our century wings page for a special Christmas day only price on a model.
-Jim
wow that's some great prices on the Sr-71Bs. I can't believe these are still in stock, they are awesome. the raised cockpit and the real dorsal fins really compliment the looks of the SR-71.
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Interesting.... I'm considering to get the same SR-71 that CarbonPlane got late last year. Aside from scratches on the paint any other defects i should be aware of? I would like to ask whether they got rid of the gaps present on the Ichiban model connecting the forward fuselage to the rear with the engines and wing. There were some complaints i heard a little while ago.
In any case this thing is gonna be huge, I can't wait to make space for this one! On a side note why did they remove the U.S. Air Force label on this plane?
P.S. Anyone gonna watch the new X-Men First Class movie later this summer? Features a heavily modified SR-71. lol.
Interesting.... I'm considering to get the same SR-71 that CarbonPlane got late last year. Aside from scratches on the paint any other defects i should be aware of? I would like to ask whether they got rid of the gaps present on the Ichiban model connecting the forward fuselage to the rear with the engines and wing. There were some complaints i heard a little while ago.
The one major complaint I remember is that the markings needed to be in much brighter red color.
You gotta have at least one CW SR-71 in a collection. It's sexy gorgeous. It even caught the eye of my younger sister. She remembered that it starred in the movie D.A.R.Y.L.
I guess there just one mold to be used for the SR-71 (aside from the B version being a trainer) even for other future liveries or tail art they may produced.whatever errors made i think wont be corrected and remain that way....I just got ! Blackbird....the Ichi Ban and personally...just first and the last.....due to space....
The one major complaint I remember is that the markings needed to be in much brighter red color.
You gotta have at least one CW SR-71 in a collection. It's sexy gorgeous. It even caught the eye of my younger sister. She remembered that it starred in the movie D.A.R.Y.L.
Really? Are all of the SR-71 models from Century Wings that terrible when it comes to faded red markings? I mean you would think they could do that right. If Dragon Wings can do it right, surely Century could too.....
I'll get at least one. Rest assured lol . When i think about it the SR-71 from Century Wings while being my soon to-be largest diecast aircraft purchase, is potatoes when you can compare it to my other diecast collectible purchases that i've procured in the past. I got this anime Tachikoma tank that cost almost double of what i would have to pay to get a SR-71 in 1/72 scale.
Really? Are all of the SR-71 models from Century Wings that terrible when it comes to faded red markings? I mean you would think they could do that right. If Dragon Wings can do it right, surely Century could too.....
CW isn't always perfect.
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I'll get at least one. Rest assured lol . When i think about it the SR-71 from Century Wings while being my soon to-be largest diecast aircraft purchase, is potatoes when you can compare it to my other diecast collectible purchases that i've procured in the past. I got this anime Tachikoma tank that cost almost double of what i would have to pay to get a SR-71 in 1/72 scale.
You have an anime toys habit too? Oh, I know how expensive some of those toys can get.
with regards to CWs SR-71, I guess there wont be any other manufacturer that could challenge this beautiful model for at least a decade in this scale.....despite its flaws this sinister looking black beauty will remain No. 1....( Ichi Ban means number ONE in japanese)
Really? Are all of the SR-71 models from Century Wings that terrible when it comes to faded red markings? I mean you would think they could do that right. If Dragon Wings can do it right, surely Century could too.....
I'll get at least one. Rest assured lol . When i think about it the SR-71 from Century Wings while being my soon to-be largest diecast aircraft purchase, is potatoes when you can compare it to my other diecast collectible purchases that i've procured in the past. I got this anime Tachikoma tank that cost almost double of what i would have to pay to get a SR-71 in 1/72 scale.
The colour matching problem isn't just CW. You've already noted one with HM's F-2. Others I will mention are Witty's Gannet with an incorrect blue and the bright roundels on Corgi's Defiant. Altogether that's four different brands. It all points to an industry wide problem rather than one company.
We should have an Anime gokin thread. I'm into collecting Anime diecast too.
Ooh, that'd give me a reason to post pics of my gokin Gatchaman mecha and grumble about them!
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@Airwolf
Did you get the Aoshima AIRWOLF diecast 1/48th scale?
No.... 1/48 wasn't my scale....
I promised myself I would not buy any model, diecast or otherwise, in size that's bigger than 1/72. Because if I breakdown, I know it becomes another scale I start collecting. I have to draw the line somewhere right?
But.... if I were to buy an Aoshima Airwolf off Ebay or YahooJapan auctions, what would be a reasonable price to pay for one?
Anyway, getting back to the CW SR-71, I have Ichiban as well. Despite a few issues, it still ranks as one of the best diecast models I've ever purchased. Probably #1 in terms of shelf presence.
Really? Ghost in the Shell is my favorite anime, and I never knew they had models of the Tachikomas. Funny little tanks.
Yeah....To Gospodin, AIRWOLF and others, I do or rather used to have a brief interest in diecast anime figures. I really only have about 3-5 of them in my collection. But yeah they can be mighty expensive. But yes to answer your question Gospodin, the Goodsmile Company Diecast Tachikoma is the creme de la creme of my diecast collection. Fully poseable legs, arms, opening cockpit. THe eyes all swivel around and even the fingers on the tachikoma are individuallly poseable. Oh and the gorgeous Motoko figure that comes with it too.
Its currently the most intricate and awesome diecast figure i own.
As for size, its about the size of HM's F-22 Raptor. Both in length and width.
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Originally Posted by ANA Mohican
We should have an Anime gokin thread. I'm into collecting Anime diecast too.
Yes we should. I would like to contribute an extensive review of my diecast Tachikoma there. Theres little to no reviews online on this baby and yeah its mighty rare now.
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Originally Posted by ANA Mohican
I have the "Ichiban" version, and the gap issue is not really noticeable on mine. Must be lucky I guess.
Later version of SR-71 has a color mismatch issue between the neck and body. Look closely and you'll see that the black does not match.
Your kidding right? I would normally get the Ichiban SR-71 but its going for above 200 bucks on Ebay right now and sold out everywhere else. But correct me if i'm wrong, your saying that all the recent SR-71 birds from Century Wings have a colour mismatch of black between the front fuselage and the back? Your kidding me?
And i recently noticed the gap on CarbonPlane's model. What the heck? I'm paying close to 200 bucks for a model that may have a gap that big? Its not flush between the front and back ends of the plane? Hmm....a bit put off by the prospects of investing in a Century Wings SR-71 now.....
Maybe i should just invest in that 500 bucks worth Bandai diecast Space Shuttle Endeavor?
But.... if I were to buy an Aoshima Airwolf off Ebay or YahooJapan auctions, what would be a reasonable price to pay for one?
I would not pay more than $125 for normal version (cobalt blue) and $150 for limited version (matt-black/non-weathered) from any auction sites. I paid only little above 6000yen for normal version............2 month ago........from HLJ.
Although it is nice, I have to make several alteration to my liking.
Your kidding right? I would normally get the Ichiban SR-71 but its going for above 200 bucks on Ebay right now and sold out everywhere else. But correct me if i'm wrong, your saying that all the recent SR-71 birds from Century Wings have a colour mismatch of black between the front fuselage and the back? Your kidding me?
And i recently noticed the gap on CarbonPlane's model. What the heck? I'm paying close to 200 bucks for a model that may have a gap that big? Its not flush between the front and back ends of the plane? Hmm....a bit put off by the prospects of investing in a Century Wings SR-71 now.....
Maybe i should just invest in that 500 bucks worth Bandai diecast Space Shuttle Endeavor?
This is my sr-71a Ichiban. I don't know how much "gap" is too much gap for you, but I am satisfied with mine's. Perhaps you should consider Herpa's smaller scale Blackbird instead?
This is my sr-71a Ichiban. I don't know how much "gap" is too much gap for you, but I am satisfied with mine's. Perhaps you should consider Herpa's smaller scale Blackbird instead?
That really sucks!!! Honestly if they could get it right for the earlier releases how could they afford to screw up the later releases? That Ichiban looks awesome! I wish i had invested in one earlier. BUt yeah the gap still bothers me a bit. I think i'll just hold off from buying a Blackbird for now. If anything i'll go on the hunt for an Ichiban sometime. At the moment though, i think i'll just look into getting that Bandai Space Shuttle.
yeah...i guess the level of acceptable and unacceptable tolerance in mistakes depends on each individual who buys any particular model. If every collector are that perfectionist, no diecast are sold. Can anybody name a particular model that is perfect or even close to perfect copy of the real aircraft? As previously said time and time again....even a close to perfect diecast model does not or will never be made whether it be ixo or xplus......its a never ending topic whos brand is better than the other.....who makes the most or least mistakes....one brags that his model is better than the other...its just a fool who says that....just get whatever model you want and be happy regardless of what others say...A perfect or close to perfect model shall NEVER be made...Everybody has anyway their own opinion of whats wrong or right.....reading anything in the forum must not influence ANYBODY from choosing and buying any model....just my opinion.....
Good point Marji, but i personally nitpick over paintjobs so i dont really know. Anyways im still open to getting a Century Wings Blackbird, but I really want to ask for someone's help next. To SuperKungfu or anyone that has both the Beale and Ichiban versions of the Century Wings SR-71, could you tell me if its really true that the second half of the fuselage is lighter in colour on the Beale version, while the Ichiban version is completely black all the way through?
ANA Mohican claims that that this is the case, but after looking through the photos on Flyingmule.com im not so sure anymore.
yeah...i guess the level of acceptable and unacceptable tolerance in mistakes depends on each individual who buys any particular model. If every collector are that perfectionist, no diecast are sold. Can anybody name a particular model that is perfect or even close to perfect copy of the real aircraft? As previously said time and time again....even a close to perfect diecast model does not or will never be made whether it be ixo or xplus......its a never ending topic whos brand is better than the other.....who makes the most or least mistakes....one brags that his model is better than the other...its just a fool who says that....just get whatever model you want and be happy regardless of what others say...A perfect or close to perfect model shall NEVER be made...Everybody has anyway their own opinion of whats wrong or right.....reading anything in the forum must not influence ANYBODY from choosing and buying any model....just my opinion.....
You've made some very good points Mar_ji. I did post in another thread if one is seeking a high degree of accuracy then model kits is the route to follow. In agreeing with the original poster's statement. I don't have the time nor skill to assemble model kits. Collecting diecast models is my alternative choice. Of course it means accepting whatever compromises which comes with diecasts. My collection isn't a perfect replication of real aircraft however I am happy with the models I've collected
Not sure if the color mismatch problem is a wide spread or just an isolated case. I first came across about the issue in Japanese blog. Soon another member in 400SH pointed out a similar complaint on his NASA version. He quotes "The front part of the fuselage is finished in matt black, the rear one in a shining balck color."
Not sure if the color mismatch problem is a wide spread or just an isolated case. I first came across about the issue in Japanese blog. Soon another member in 400SH pointed out a similar complaint on his NASA version. He quotes "The front part of the fuselage is finished in matt black, the rear one in a shining balck color."
Well in any case, I have studied a few promotional shots and documentaries that show the Blackbird in flight. It would appear that the front half of the plane when photographed or filmed in sunlight remains matte black while the back half of the plane does indeed shine a great deal more than the front half.
Whatever the deal, it would seem that this may....have been done intentionally on the latest SR-71s from Century Wings. Still a comparison between the Beale vs Ichiban or Beale vs Rapid Rabbit would be nice. If anyone here has both in their collection please do us a favor and snap a few pics?
In flight, the SR-71 stretched literally 2 inches. It was a flexible body and the fuel leaked onto the rear second half because of this. So most flight pictures are the gas streaming over the body to give that reflectivity. In the image below, you can see the fuel streaming across the rear body of the aircraft.
I've also seen the television documentaries. The Blackbird expands quite significantly during high speed flight. To compensate for the stretching there are panel gaps on the fuselage. The gaps can be wide enough to allow fuel to leak out.
The whole outer skin of the SR-71 was actively cooled by circulating fuel.
AFAIK it was a specific characteristic, that fuel leakage on the ground was tolerated for the SR-71, because these leakages where closed during flight due to the expansion through the frictional heat.
Yeah....To Gospodin, AIRWOLF and others, I do or rather used to have a brief interest in diecast anime figures. I really only have about 3-5 of them in my collection. But yeah they can be mighty expensive. But yes to answer your question Gospodin, the Goodsmile Company Diecast Tachikoma is the creme de la creme of my diecast collection. Fully poseable legs, arms, opening cockpit. THe eyes all swivel around and even the fingers on the tachikoma are individuallly poseable. Oh and the gorgeous Motoko figure that comes with it too.
Its currently the most intricate and awesome diecast figure i own.
That's a heck of a nice model there. But it's kind of funny that the Major is the figure included with the Tachikoma. You'd think it would be Batu. I may have to look that up if there's any on eBay.
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Yeah....To Gospodin, AIRWOLF and others, I do or rather used to have a brief interest in diecast anime figures. I really only have about 3-5 of them in my collection. But yeah they can be mighty expensive. But yes to answer your question Gospodin, the Goodsmile Company Diecast Tachikoma is the creme de la creme of my diecast collection. Fully poseable legs, arms, opening cockpit. THe eyes all swivel around and even the fingers on the tachikoma are individuallly poseable. Oh and the gorgeous Motoko figure that comes with it too.
Its currently the most intricate and awesome diecast figure i own.
Really off topic, but that Dinosaur in the background (name escapes me, it's like a T-rex with a huge dorsel fin on the back)- thing looks unreal! What company made that, or could you point me in the right direction to find others like it aha
This is a really nice model. I bought a 1:200 Herpa SR-71 but I really wanted something that was outstanding. So, I bit the bullet and bought one in 1:72 from Hobbyco. Was not cheap but when people look at my collection it is a real attention grabber.
This is a really nice model. I bought a 1:200 Herpa SR-71 but I really wanted something that was outstanding. So, I bit the bullet and bought one in 1:72 from Hobbyco. Was not cheap but when people look at my collection it is a real attention grabber.
Glad to see that youre very happy with the Blackbird....as you say, this aircraft is really the center of attraction of anyone that has collections on display.....even for non-aviation guest that sees my collection....they always ask....whats that black jet........its just the most impressive looking military aircraft above all others...in my opinion....
782952 CW Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird
I knew it was a big airplane but I still keep thinking 'it's a big airplane'. Everything about this plane says speed, well... Mach 3 is pretty fast.
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