Armour - good or not? [Archive] - The Diecast Aviation Web Site and Forum

no4mkit

4th March 2005, 19:36

Based on the Armour Mosquitos I've seen, it's p@@p IMHO, but I don't do 1/48 anyway. My biased opinion would be to go with Corgi. Plus you'll have plenty of other manufacturers to augment your 1/72 Corgis, like Dragon, Matchbox, Witty, Altaya, etc. :)

spitty

4th March 2005, 19:40

cheers,love the dragon models

CFBC

4th March 2005, 20:13

Spitty... Just gonna move this into the 1/48th scale as you have started it in 1/72nd... No worries.... :)

CFBC

4th March 2005, 20:15

Ok.. Personally they have some good stuff out (except the Mossies). I have seen some of the stuff they have produced in various shops around the Uk and the Heavy larger bombers do look good, but so big too.... :)

planejunky

4th March 2005, 20:17

Mmmmmm.. I think this should probably have been posted in the 1/48th section, but.... ;)

I only have three Armour models, you'll need stacks of space and I certainly haven't found them to be that good considering the price.
The B-25s are very good, as is the P-40, but others such as the Harrier are very iffy. :(

If you decide to get any, I would buy at an airshow where at least to can see if you can live with the model before you make a purchase. ;)

planejunky

4th March 2005, 20:18

That's better CFBC, thanks! :D

CFBC

4th March 2005, 20:22

Anybody got any of the heavy stuff?

plumstix

4th March 2005, 20:42

Cue Ara!! :D

Ara1

4th March 2005, 21:12

...slides in....

Thanks Plumstix!

Heya Spitty,

I guess I'm the resident 1/48 guy. I love the scale, quite different from the sweet 1/72s, but still very neat to own.

The quality of the diecast plane can be hit or miss for Franklin Mint. I have heard that they are concentrating on fixing that issue. I own the P-40, the C-47, the Ju 52, and the Rudel Stuka. I have just ordered the Coastal Command B-24 (yeah) and the Mossie B.XVI (see pic below). (CFBC, you'll be proud). These will be in next week and I will post a photo review, similar to my reviews of the P-40 and C-47, also in the 1/48 forum.

What do I mean by hit or miss quality. Well, I've seen some fit and finish problems with not perfect horizontal tailplanes. I have seen a bit of overspray but nothing thats a show stopper. I have seen simplified details (Rudels 37mm cannons are solid tipped, for example) but again, that's ok. Overall, I am proud to own these planes and proud to display them.

I have to say the Ju 52 is a perfect gem of a plane, just perfect in every way. You have to see it, I may do a photo review of it.

Please visit my 1/48 review threads and let me know what you think.

Ara

CFBC

4th March 2005, 21:50

Its the cockpit Ara1... :( On that Mossie... Lets it down...

Coastal Command - Lovely...

Ara1

4th March 2005, 21:56

warbirdguru

4th March 2005, 23:01

This is one I'd consider getting. Any of you guys got this one and/or would like to make comments? Pictures of the actual models seem hard to come by (vs the artwork). Thanks!

planejunky

4th March 2005, 23:15

Martin Bull

5th March 2005, 08:53

The Mossie just don't look right, and I've passed on it.

I do recommend the Me262 and ( especially ) the Fw190 - an excellent display model !

But I never pay anywhere near RRP for Armour models.

CFBC

5th March 2005, 09:54

Inside the cockpit or is the problem with the canopy?

I'm still gettin' the bl00dy thing... It may just needa bit o' love, that's all...

Afterall, you gotta love a diecast model of a wooden plane :eek:

Arai1.. To be honest I don;t blame you, if you like it, go for it.. It's all about peoples choice and this goes with the Forum too.... Hence it makes some good debates.

I am a little like M/B on this one. It just does not look right for me... I have considered a couple of ME's, but thats another collection I will open up and I already spend enough on others.... She would simply kill me.... Oh dear... Another Dragon Armour turned-up today...... :rolleyes:

As for Armour, well.. They do have some nice pieces, but SO BIG..... :)

NeilD

5th March 2005, 10:27

I agree, the F-104 is one of their nicer offerings. As I said, they're not all bad, I just like to see Armour models before I buy. ;) B-25D "Grumpy" has pride of place in the living room, definately one of my favorite models! :)

Mmm the F104 is nice.. I've not taken the plunge and bought one but find myself drawn to a certain stall at every airshow that has one on display!! :D

I'm not keep on the finish on some of the Armour stuff, dont know why just looks a bit 'pastcky'... :confused:

Neil

Agent X20

5th March 2005, 10:36

Yep.. Starfighters are nice.. think I may spash out on the red Italian jobbie one day as that does look nice... really waiting for the likes of Corgi/Dragon to do it..

Ara1

5th March 2005, 12:43

But I never pay anywhere near RRP for Armour models.

It's funny that you say that. Because I'd spend twice as much, if they'd provide 50% more quality.

My problem with Frankin Mint is that they are obsessed with keeping their price point low-- many planes can be bought for $40-50 USD (fighters and some twin engines), and $80-120 USD for complex twin engines and all four engined bombers. And as a consequence of keeping their price low, some of the finer attentions to detail and quality cannot be maintained as a standard.

And as a result, some models will look great- others not so great.

So I would be happy to pay twice as much, say $80-100, for a prisitine 1/48 diecast. And lo and behold, look who's done just that, Eagles International. It's the way to go for the future. And Frankin Mint must make a slight shift if they're to keep up.

Ara1

5th March 2005, 12:47

B-25D "Grumpy" has pride of place in the living room, definately one of my favorite models! :)

Planejunky my friend,

Ah you've mentioned Mr. Grumpy a few times now, and methinks it's time for a photo or two of yer B-25... (hint, hint). ;)

Ara

planejunky

5th March 2005, 15:16

Planejunky my friend,

Ah you've mentioned Mr. Grumpy a few times now, and methinks it's time for a photo or two of yer B-25... (hint, hint). ;)

Ara

Allrighty then, you asked for it! :D

Ara1

5th March 2005, 15:43

Sheet!

What a sweet bird! Y'r not to keep this stuff to y'rself!

Does she stand on just the landing gear or is she tail heavy?

planejunky

5th March 2005, 16:02

Sheet!

What a sweet bird! Y'r not to keep this stuff to y'rself!

Does she stand on just the landing gear or is she tail heavy?

A real beaut ain't she?! :D If you give it a nudge it'll fall onto it's tail, but it normally sits on all three wheels with no problem. Having been onboard the real thing, this model is a personal fave.

Ara1

5th March 2005, 16:08

Yes. Nice. Hey, was there an audience member behaving badly, or was the nose .50 cal pointing down just by chance? :)

Hey fella you're good at photography.

planejunky

5th March 2005, 16:32

Yes. Nice. Hey, was there an audience member behaving badly, or was the nose .50 cal pointing down just by chance? :)

Hey fella you're good at photography.

They were taken in 2003, so to be honest I can't remember who took em, it may well have been Snapper. That's why all our material is now just copyright UK Warbirds as it stops any confusion! :D
Having been based at Duxford for many years, "Grumpy" is now owned by Microsoft No.2 Paul Allen, and is currently at North Weald wearing a less than discreet US registration number! We have all resigned ourselves to the fact that the US will gain yet another B-25, and Britain will not have a single example. :(

Martin Bull

5th March 2005, 16:46

A little bit O/T, but I'll really miss 'Grumpy' - although I'm not a B-25 fan, this one seemed to have real charisma, especially as it chugged past the flightline at Legends. :(

planejunky

5th March 2005, 17:01

A little bit O/T, but I'll really miss 'Grumpy' - although I'm not a B-25 fan, this one seemed to have real charisma, especially as it chugged past the flightline at Legends. :(

I suppose the up side is that we'll still see the Dutch Duke of Brabant AF B-25J. There is another operating in France as well, as of 2004. Could be seen at Legends at some point given that French operators do contribute a number of aircraft to the show. :cool:

Anyway back on topic, anyone got any of the other B-25s?

BSteinIPMS

5th March 2005, 17:43

Very nice photos, P/J, of both the model and the real thing. Thanks for sharing. :D

charley

5th March 2005, 18:18

P/J do you know if she has left for the states yet?

lovely aeroplane....just waiting for Corgi's!!!!

warbirdguru

5th March 2005, 18:39

Understand she is still at North Weald.....

charley

5th March 2005, 19:20

Thank You... :)

planejunky

5th March 2005, 20:01

Charley
She's still at Weald so far as I'm aware. Mr Allen had given permission for aircraft to be operated in the UK last year, and may be seen this year too before she makes the trip Stateside. The arrangement was something along the lines of "if you can fuel it, you can fly it"! :cool:

Gambit

4th May 2005, 00:51

I bought an ME262 "Nowotny" that had no Swastikas on the tail which matched the catalogue picture.
However, I've seen pictures of the plane on several U.S. websites with the Swastikas and also noticed on the box it had the letter G after the serial numbers and also said "Ger. only".
Does anyone know if Armor has a line of planes for the German market with no Swastikas?

tuck257

5th August 2005, 10:06

Getting back to quality for Armour, i have the full set of Hurricanes in this scale, and yes the quality does change throughout, on one of mine the starboard top wing roundel has lifted round its edge, not happy as its my Stanford Tuck one :mad: also, why depict the red gun port patches on Mk11c's ?. Overall i still like them and shall continue to collect them even though the floor may need strengthening in the future.

ANDYGRAY

5th August 2005, 10:54

I have collected many armour 1/48 models over recent years and the quality does vary from model to model.

The Corsairs and Hurricanes being my favourites.

I am now in the process of reluctantly selling some of them however, as I have run out of storage space and have decided that I like the new 1/72 stuff which is coming out too much to not buy it.

It also takes less storage space.

Either I win the lottery and buy a huge house soon, or something has to go.

Sad isn't it? But I realise that I cannot collect everything.

Cooper

5th August 2005, 11:47

I've mixed views regards quality of Armour Models.

I was stupid enough to pre-order B-17 A Bit O'Lace without having seen the model in the flesh - a beautiful, gleaming aluminium finish, or so I thought!

What did we get? Something finished in Halfords Grey Primer!!! :mad: And I see they've repeated the same trick with the Swiss B-17 - and we moan about the wrong shade of grey on the Jag!!!! :eek:

But, when Armour do get it right, I think their models are spot-on. I replaced the B-17 A Bit O'Lace with Carolina Moon - a lovely (if big) model. I've also recently acquired the P-38 California Cutie, again a really nice model.

And I have to admit, seeing the Eurofighter in the flesh it looks a half-decent model. Has anyone any views on this, or has anyone actually got one?

rmorley

19th August 2005, 18:43

I have very mixed views on the subject of Armour.

On the plus side, they do do some interesting subjects, e.g. the RN Dauntless, something I would never expect to see in mainstream diecast, since they only operated a few of them as trials planes. The "Grumpy" B-25 is a real winner, and nearly turned me to "go 1/48."

However, in the same display cabinet in MZ, there were a couple of Mosquitos on display, and they looked absolutely awful! Not a lot fitted, and the model seemed crude. In the end, I plumped for a much neater TT Mosquito in 1/72 scale from Corgi, and thus ended much of my brief association with Armour.

Drawing comparisons with the model railway world, seeing the FM Mossie and B-25 together looked like a crude starter set engine and a top of the range express train alongside each other. They just don't look right together.

Regards

planejunky

19th August 2005, 22:44

"Grumpy" is a great model, I'd also vouch for P-38J "California Cutie" a very nice model of a very nice aeroplane! ;)

They do seem to have a mixed bag though, the Tornado GR.1 dressed as an "XI (F) Sqn F3" was just an insult! :mad:

Gambit

19th August 2005, 23:20

I've picked up the following over the years at sales mostly as they're too expensive to ship because of the box size and weight.
- F4 and F14 Jolly Roger
- A10 Hoosier
- Junker JU52 Crete
- C47 Camel to Berlin
- Nakajima w/float
- Limited Huey and Longbow
I like them but it's too bad they can't be displayed in-flight. They're also very heavy and take up alot of space. I've tossed the boxes except for the Huey and Longbow.

CFBC

20th August 2005, 09:45

Have to agree with a few of the comments... They are "ok", but not for the higher price.. I have a couple of the ME's and P51's. They are like has been said alright, but not as detailed as other 1/48th manufacturers, but then again not as expensive.... The boxes are very bulky as Gambit has said and they seem to be mass issued????

As for the larger 1/48th bombers. I like them very much, but SO BIG....... I know PJ also lives in a mansion and has the room!!! :p

planejunky

20th August 2005, 09:50

As for the larger 1/48th bombers. I like them very much, but SO BIG....... I know PJ also lives in a mansion and has the room!!! :p

PJ has a mansion??? :D :D :D :D :D If you saw the size of this place, you'd curl up laughing!

Martin Bull

20th August 2005, 10:00

You'd probably have to curl up anyway to avoid treading on all P/Js models..... ;)

rmorley

20th August 2005, 11:50

You'd probably have to curl up anyway to avoid treading on all P/Js models..... ;)

Might not be able to get into the house...

david cotton

17th November 2005, 18:16

ruger357

17th November 2005, 20:32

Have Tex Hill's P40. It's ok, but with other manufacturers starting to do 1/48 scale with better detail I think it is the only FM I am going to own.

david cotton

17th November 2005, 20:56

Have Tex Hill's P40. It's ok, but with other manufacturers starting to do 1/48 scale with better detail I think it is the only FM I am going to own.

Im tempted to use an air rifle on mine :eek:

Regards
David

planejunky

17th November 2005, 21:58

I recently got the P-38J "California Cutie", and have to say it's a real beauty. That said, I do have to agree with the other comments here as FM models could be much better.
If you're tempted take a good look at the range first, as they are far from consistant in their quality. Who was really gonna be fooled by that Tornado GR1 posing as an 11 Sqn F3! :D :rolleyes:

CFBC

18th November 2005, 12:29

I have a few of the FM's and they are "ok" in my eyes, but nothing special and they lack detail also that some other manufacturers seem to be able to achieve. I have the Old Crow P51, Eismeer 109, Tropical 109 and I also have a P38 hidden away that Mrs CFBC does not know about yet (not opened as yet) so I cannot really say on that.

For the money I feel they are ok, but with all the otehr releases coming out I am going to have to sit-tight and probably not acquire anymore..... :)

ruger357

18th November 2005, 13:13

Im tempted to use an air rifle on mine :eek:

Regards
David

I have some better hardware to use on them. ;)

P51D

18th November 2005, 13:52

OK we are always on about Corgi dumping their models.

Today I was quite surprised to see 1:48 Armour (good or otherwise) being dumped.

Don't collect this scale but for the money was certainly tempted (especially by the hellcat)
e.g
mossies £14.99
Hellcat £14.99 (all we can get in 1:72 for this price are a couple of plastic ones)
Stuka £19.99

Then I remembered.....SPACE....LACK OF IT!! :(

Agent X20

18th November 2005, 14:15

I have some better hardware to use on them. ;).. as in three fifty seven..... shame .. we cant have them now.. :D

david cotton

18th November 2005, 16:03

Rusty

18th November 2005, 17:11

Hello all
I have about 5 Armour 1:48 and I simply don't like em. They are good to take to work and put on your desk.... because you won't feel so bad when they get nicked !

No pilots, no stands, inaccurate markinga and weapons. I get the impression that armour are looking towards the coffe table collector who has watched a few aircraft documentries on cable TV.

I got a 1:48 Tornado on impulse..... its went back in the box after a few weeks. What a waste of money that was..... makes a good door stop tho !

Regards

Which others do you have? In my experience the quality is very variable. I now have 5 having recently acquired a Sabre and Eurofighter Typhoon.

Lufthansa Ju52 - Perfect

Spanish Civil War Stuka - Almost perfect

Spanish Me109 (not civil war) - worst of the lot

Spanish Sabre - OK, seems a bit smooth and shiny to me though. Maybe I've been looking at the 52 for too long though...

Spanish Eurofighter - I quite like it and it certainly seems well done, but there's something about the fighter itself and not having seen it all that often (yet) which makes the model seem a bit odd to the eyes on occasion. Very detailed though, almost polar opposites in terms of detail to the Spanish 109...

david cotton

18th November 2005, 17:59

Hello
I have the 262 Red 13, the Tuck spitfire V, The Hartman 109 and the Norwigian Tornado. I did have the Priller 190, but I traded it.

The Hartman 109 has to be the worst of the lot. A cheap duff conversion to cash in on Hartmanns name. The 262 is the best of the ones I have got, but it just don't ring my ding al ling. The Tuck spitfire sits on top of my PC at work, and after 4 mounths it still aint be nicked..... that means it must be poor. The Tornado sits in my King Tiger crate and collects dust... its just a big lump of nothing.

I think that the problem with Armour, they are big but not a lot else.

Has any one taken the screw out of the bottom of a Armour 262 to see what happens? There are many things you can screw the A*se off ,while in front of the wife.... but the armour 262 apears to be one of them :)

Regards
David

Habilis

12th May 2006, 15:08

I have a couple of FM's. The Losigkeit FW I have looks pretty good although I havn't researched it much at all yet. I was very happy unwrapping it and looking it over when.......I found the propeller shaft bent.:(

If there is a way to fix this please let me know.

As nice as some of them are, I have to say there is a kind of static emptyness about these models and that's down to the absent pilot and it's a shame they can't be viewed in flight.

strix1998

12th May 2006, 15:33

As a plastic modeller (of years gone by) in 1/48 i must admit to having an affinity to this scale. Have a reasonable collection of Armour although storage is of course a bigger isssue than with the hound. I can't contemplate the B17s and B24s in 1/48 but there is more of a sense of being with say Tomcats in 1/48 compared with 1/72. As observed there are some bargains pricewise out there and I have yet to pay RRP.
With regard to Armour's wheels down approach on balance I don't mind it as I am always worried with (nonlegends) Corgi that on occasions you are going to be left with a bit of U/c leg in the wing socket.
On balance it might have been better if somebody had opted for a scale between 1/72 and 1/48 but that I guess is history.