Marine One

[Gannet]

So then, now that the EH.101 is to be transporting Dubya and his successors around Washington, any chance that we might see one or two Merlins in due course? :D

[Hoverbug]

Amen to that. Love Sikorsky, but this was the right decision to be sure.

[datacroft]

I wonder what happened to the 'not invented here syndrome' prevalent with the Yanks?

Balance of payments problem with the falling dollar?

[Hoverbug]

Actually, Dubya won't get to fly on it. It won't be until 2009 that it's operational.

[Gannet]

Well, if Corgi get cracking they could have a Marine One US101 out in time for the inaugural Presidential flight as a commemorative special. And, in the meantime how about one or two RAF/RN Merlins?

[CFBC]

Well, if Corgi get cracking they could have a Marine One US101 out in time for the inaugural Presidential flight as a commemorative special. And, in the meantime how about one or two RAF/RN Merlins?

Don't make me larf.... They won't do that... Will be next year before they even find the p/w request...... :rolleyes:

Would be a good en though..... If they did.... :D

[shuttle]

I think Corgi should consider a Merlin. The RN and RAF versions would sell well and their are several export versions as well. 'Marine One' is the icing on the cake. Corgi have done a good job on the Sea King and Chinook so a Merlin would be a real treat!

:) Shuttle

[CFBC]

I think Corgi should consider a Merlin. The RN and RAF versions would sell well and their are several export versions as well. 'Marine One' is the icing on the cake. Corgi have done a good job on the Sea King and Chinook so a merlin would be a real treat!

:) Shuttle

Yes Shuttle, quite agree indeed... They are good choices.... :)

[BSteinIPMS]

So then, now that the EH.101 is to be transporting Dubya and his successors around Washington, any chance that we might see one or two Merlins in due course? :D

New Ray has one now in 1/72.

[shuttle]

Bob,

Are you going to get one?

:) Shuttle

[BSteinIPMS]

I think I might hold off for awhile, Shuttle, to see if this will be released in "Marine One" markings. Perhaps, instead of a miniature Corgi dog, we'll get a little plastic Dubya with it...... :D

[shuttle]

Bob,

It looks like a reasonable model. I have never seen the 'New Ray' brand in the UK. I know they do some other choppers (including the bird you fly?) but is this their first 1/72 scale model? The Merlin is a big helicopter (there is a Westland prototype in the RAF museum) and it would be great if this model was both up to Corgi standards and produced in RN or RAF markings.

:) Shuttle

[planejunky]

I've never heard of "New Ray" either, is that a Diecast model or plastic kit?

[BSteinIPMS]

Bob,

It looks like a reasonable model. I have never seen the 'New Ray' brand in the UK. I know they do some other choppers (including the bird you fly?) but is this their first 1/72 scale model? The Merlin is a big helicopter (there is a Westland prototype in the RAF museum) and it would be great if this model was both up to Corgi standards and produced in RN or RAF markings.

:) Shuttle

I've never heard of "New Ray" either, is that a Diecast model or plastic kit?

New-Ray is a Chinese (aren't they all?) manufacturer of diecast models. In my opinion (for what that's worth) their products are merely average, this being based on seams, detailing, overall quality, etc. Not nearly up to Corgi standards.

Now, when you factor in price, they become very attractive since they're so inexpensive. They represent excellent value for the money. I have both the Agusta A-109E Power (opening main cabin doors, retractable u/c) and the Agusta MH-68A Sting Ray. Paid about $10.00 each, and when all the flight crew members at work saw mine they made me order dozens of 'em so everyone could have one. :eek:

If you do a dogpile.com search for "new ray helicopter" you'll turn up dealer's Web sites with photos. Here are two which I believe the Mule wouldn't mind me using, both of which are in the automotive 1/43 scale.

[Gannet]

I'll take one!

Unfortunately those dealers mentioned do not seem to have any mention on them on their websites. Any ideas?

[BSteinIPMS]

Hmmm, at the risk of being napalmed by Admin, I'd suggest closer scrutiny of the lower left hand corner of the photos if it's the Agusta A-109 you're after, Gannet. :D

If you want the Merlin (Canadian Cormorant), here's the blurb from the specific Web site which sells it:

Made By: NEW-RAY
Item: 21515
Scale: 1/72
Price $15.99

Canadian Search and Rescue Helicopter with rotating propellers, opening doors, and retractable landing gear.

If you can't find it still, send me a PM and I'll give you the URL. ;)

[BSteinIPMS]

Here's what Lockheed has to say:

http://www.lockheedmartin.com/wms/findPage.do?dsp=fnec&ti=100

[raddger]

If you're interested, try this link on evil bay. Works out at about 23 quid delivered to the uk.


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=17302&item=5955610509&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

Raddger

[Gannet]

Thanks for the pointers chaps.

Much appreciated.

[BSteinIPMS]

Here's a link to Agusta/Westland's new Web site for photos for those with the interest:

EH-101: http://www.agustawestland.com/communication04.asp?id_product=13

[Rusty]

New Ray has one now in 1/72.

Cool, I gotta get me that Canadian one! Bit much to pay £23 when you can get it for $14.99 though...

[planejunky]

That looks very nice, but the ramp looks a bit toy like, anyone got one?

So looks like the Pres is gonna ride in style!

[Rusty]

That looks very nice, but the ramp looks a bit toy like, anyone got one?

So looks like the Pres is gonna ride in style!


Yep got mine a couple of days ago! Paid $15 plus $20 delivery. A bit weird to pay more for the postage, but still cheaper than anywhere in Europe (they're made in Italy so what the...?)

So, my impressions.

1) one of the rear rotor blades had snapped off. Didn't evn think of complaining as an enclosed piece of paper form the shop said "be careful, delicate parts. all products inspected for damage before being shipped"

This got me thinking about the rotors. They seem to be a bit on the thick side, especially the rear one.

2) Ramp is good. Not toylike at all (though it does remind me of the diecast thunderbirds models I have), if anything, a more satisfactory ramp experience than the Corgi Chinook, of which I have 3.

3) Scheme very cool and very well done (probably adds to my thunderbirds feel)

4) Join lines etc. all reasonable

5) Most side windows are painted on - not great but no big shakes

6) Because the side door and the rear ramp open, they made a bit of an interior for the helo which is nice....

7) Retractable undercarriage works well. No need to include a seperate up and down version like with the Corgi Sea Kings for e.g.

8) Search light on the side looks a bit fake, but mind you I'd complain if it wasn't there.


All in all I'm very happy with the model, and I'd certainly buy any more (RN, RAF, Marine One variants) were they to be issued!


Any other questions? Just ask!

[BSteinIPMS]

Thanks for the info, Rusty, nice post. I have one, too, and agree with all you've written except where the models are made. New-Ray is headquartered in Hong Kong (Kowloon), and my guess is these are made in mainland China. :)

[planejunky]

Thanks for that Rusty, sounds quite nice! I would probably wait for a Royal Navy HM1, or RAF version.

[Rusty]

Thanks for the info, Rusty, nice post. I have one, too, and agree with all you've written except where the models are made. New-Ray is headquartered in Hong Kong (Kowloon), and my guess is these are made in mainland China. :)

Ahh of course it's made in China, or PRC as they say on the side of the box nowadays. I was confused by the fact that New-Ray is an Italian company. In my mind it travelled China-Italy-USA-UK. Not bad for a Merlin...

[ForkTailedDevil]

Heres some more good photos of the Cormorant from an Italian seller

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6001814547&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Nice. Has anyone informed New Ray that, as an Italian company, there own military fly these. Would that not have been the best starting point? Anyway, if they could put together a RAF or RN version for next years airshows at the price they sell in American for, they could sell THOUSANDS.

[BSteinIPMS]

Has anyone informed New Ray that, as an Italian company, there own military fly these.
New Ray is a Chinese company based in Kowloon, Hong Kong, FTD. They do have a distributor in Italy. :)
http://www.new-ray.com/info/cont.htm

[ForkTailedDevil]

Ah, I thought they were Italian with their factory in China.

I was thinking New Ray wasn't the most Chinese (or Italian) of names, though neither is Gaincorp and others i suppose.

[Rusty]

Comes in a nice box too, think Cyber-Hobby FW190 Specials box crossed with a Dragon Leopold gun box! :D

[Albert Ross]

....have lots of nice choppers coming out next year that many have asked for:rolleyes: Real classics!!

[PH-LKK]

....have lots of nice choppers coming out next year that many have asked for:rolleyes: Real classics!!Sheesh Albert, you're such a tease! :p

[sniperUK]

Was the S58/H34 ever use as Marine or Army One?