Armour/Franklin Mint Releases

[CFBC]

Well, I have not vetured into the Armour's as yet, but those new Mosquito's look a little tempting..... Anybody ventured that far as yet? Ive not seen one out of the box...... Seen them on Ebay though...... Mmmmm. Hmmmm.

[Typhoon-MKV]

Theres always an Armour Stall at the Airshows and they always have the F15 on show....Absolutely stunning.

Mentioned on the old forum picked up one of their Catalogues at Fairford show, they certainly do have a lot of choice.....

[Agent X20]

Well, I have not vetured into the Armour's as yet, but those new Mosquito's look a little tempting..... Anybody ventured that far as yet? Ive not seen one out of the box...... Seen them on Ebay though...... Mmmmm. Hmmmm.

Personally I dont think they look right...

Agent X20

[plumstix]

Seen the Mossie, but only cast it fleeting glimpses. I can't start another collection or my missus will go ballistic!! I'm having to remodel the spare room as it is to make way for shelving for the Corgi's.

[Agent X20]

The best so far IMHO is Corgis 1/72 however the nose is NOT pretty and seems more and more obvious as they intoduce new ones.. mould must be getting tired..

Hopefully when they do a FB 1/32, it will be the biz....

Agent X20

[planejunky]

Hi everyone,

First post, nice to be here, and it looks like this could be a good forum. My wife has already joined, what a lucky guy I am!

I managed to get the Armour 1/48th B-25D Mitchell "Grumpy" for £35 on a stall at Old Warden last weekend! It should retail at around the £80 mark, so I thought it was a real bargain. The only down side is that I've now got to build an extension to my home to house it! :rolleyes:

Armour produce better WWII aircraft than modern ones, the Fw-190 is superb, however the F-15E Strike Eagle is simply awful as the weapons let it down. Pave Knive pod? That comes from the Vietnam era, a little research would have told them to put LANTIRN pods under the intakes!
I think many will much prefer the Dragon F-15E.

Cheers

[Agent X20]

Hi PlaneJunky and welcome..

Your wife is on board... absolutely spiffing... Dont know what Mrs Agent posts under these days.. Princess Fiona I think as shes in the dark most of the time...... be coffee mornings soon.. brilliant...!!

Agent X20

[planejunky]

Yeah, and a virtual beer tent for us guys. Oh dear, I really have been hanging around Old Warden too long! :D

She's still on a high after gaining access to John Bradshaw's Hawker Fury at Legends, AND I caught her cavorting with my Armour B-25D yesterday. I really worry about her sometimes, aren't they supposed to be into knitting and stuff! he he :rolleyes:

[Agent X20]

No.. she wasnt trying to do carrier take offs/ landings/ touch and goes.. in the bath was she...

Doing a Dolittle....... :)

Want to watch that cos the airspace round the bath can get a bit clogged from time to time... need some half baked ATC...

Agent X20..

[planejunky]

No we only have a shower, so I think it was a re-enactment of the far east monsoon season, I'm still trying to replace all the decals! :D I think she got the Japs behind the bog though!

[Agent X20]

Nasty blighters... snipers on the showerheads...

thought as much cos at 1/48th... be a big bath to get the USS Hornet in...

Agent X20

[AllenTC2]

The very first diecast plane I bought (listen to me, I sound like I've been doing this for decades, not 2 years!! LOL) was an Armour P-51D...the "Old Crow" I think. I was VERY disappointed with it. For all it's size, it really was lacking in detail, and the way the wings joined the fuselage......I dunno. I just wasn't impressed. I sent it back the next day.

Now, that being said, I understand there is something to do with the Armour line...like they were originally made in Italy (under CDC??) and then the Franklin Mint got them and quality went downhill.

Eitherway, after that debacle, I went and bought a few Corgi "Aviation Archive" models and was much happier.

[Agent X20]

.. and now back to armor and shower heads.. everything is cyclical.. hence I presume the removal of the 'Dog' in the forum...

Agent X20

[snafu]

Not keen on Armour myself, they always look a bit 'plasticy'

[Agent X20]

F104's look nice... (as in 1/48)

Agent X20

[planejunky]

I've had a look at a few of them, and IMHO I think you either love'em or hate'em. There are good ones, mainly WWII, though the Hornet wasn't too bad, and there's utter rubbish.

I like the look of the P-40 and the Fw-190, but were do you put them? 1/48th is such a huge scale and you don't need many and they'll take all your available space.

Apart from my much mentioned B-25D, which I've cleared the bookcase to make room for (well, all except my wedding photo, even I'M not THAT stupid! lol :D ) I also have the Armada Harrier II Plus, which is not bad apart from the canopy is a bit bulbous for my liking, but again it came up cheap.

At least the Luftwaffe aircraft are properly marked, none of this "can't put a swastika on the fin" malarky!! :rolleyes:

Toodle pip!

[CFBC]

Whats with the funny looking cockpits on the Armour Mosquito's then? Ive seen a couple in the bxes and on another thread there was a reference to them.... Not good and as such being a Mosquito lover has put me off them.....

Want to see one in the flesh though.....

[Agent X20]

Funny looking cockpits...??? there were basically two designs of Mossie cockpit.. bomber and fighter bomber...

Agent X20

[Typhoon-MKV]

I've had a look at a few of them, and IMHO I think you either love'em or hate'em. There are good ones, mainly WWII, though the Hornet wasn't too bad, and there's utter rubbish.

I like the look of the P-40 and the Fw-190, but were do you put them? 1/48th is such a huge scale and you don't need many and they'll take all your available space.

Apart from my much mentioned B-25D, which I've cleared the bookcase to make room for (well, all except my wedding photo, even I'M not THAT stupid! lol :D ) I also have the Armada Harrier II Plus, which is not bad apart from the canopy is a bit bulbous for my liking, but again it came up cheap.

At least the Luftwaffe aircraft are properly marked, none of this "can't put a swastika on the fin" malarky!! :rolleyes:

Toodle pip!

Yeah - I was gob-smacked when I bought one of the catalogues at Fairford and it was over 100 pages - need a rather Large house for that lot....

[Glenshiel]

I have a couple of Armour 1/48, and they are nice. Underwing stores are excellent. The Achilles' heel of this range is the use of decals, which I think cheapens the overall appearance. If they were to change to pad printing, they would be on to a real winner.

[CFBC]

Anybody seen the latest offerings from Armour and what do we think of them.... Saw this on ebay...... Looks very nice..... Tempting.......

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6919798971&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:UK:1

[Typhoon-MKV]

Would have thought postage would be pretty crippling though.....

[Horrido!]

Not to bad if you use USPS ESLP.

Horrido!

[CFBC]

"USPS ESLP" - Prey tell more Horrido...... :)

[Typhoon-MKV]

Don't know but I think you can get a cream for it.....

[Horrido!]

You silly, twisted boys. (Just been listening to Goon show on BBC7).
United States Postal Service - Economy Surface Letter Post
What else did you think it was? - No wonder you have no money for models if you pay anything else!

Horrido!

[CFBC]

Right - Very interesting Horrido..... Whats the average of a normal AA then? 1/72nd scale.... Stealths gone to fetch that cream I reckon.......

Think he needs it for the Typhoon thread personally......

[Horrido!]

Do I have to do everything around here?

Lets say it's 1lb 8oz then using the splendid calculator on the USPS site we get:

Airmail Letter Post 4 - 7 Days $11.00
Economy (Surface) Letter Post 4 - 6 Weeks $5.10

See? A little patience and it's half price, as long as it's under 4lbs and 36"
HxWxD? (Ask Stealth).

Horrido!

[CFBC]

Wow - Interesting indeed.... Looks like I am heading to the USPS site then to take a peek........

Oh no.... That means more money to buy more!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ARGHHHHHH. A never ending circle........

Thanks Horrido.....

P.S - I'm too busy pushing in the fifty pence pieces into the meter to keep this site running!!!!

[Horrido!]

CFBC,

I guess there are also drawbacks - longer time to be damaged, though I have to say I have not had one car, truck or plane damaged or lost yet.

United States has as many thickos as anywhere else does and some people (and USPS local PO staff) have little or no understanding of their own postal system. I have been told that an item cannot go ESLP as "it won't fit in an envelope" - the item can be a 1 foot cube!

Some sellers do not like you to tell them how much you will pay and show how much they were "padding" the postal charges. I recommend you always give them the USPS URL and an example and suggest they print it out and take it to the local PO with them.
Some of the dealers I deal with are spot on with it & of course a little more for the packing is only reasonable.
For some items I consider how much they would be to buy here (if they were available!) + how much it would cost to get it sent to me inside UK and compare that to airmail - if it is less I sometimes go for airmail as well.

Horrido!

[CFBC]

Thanks Horrido, thats great information to know and yes I do much the same when buying from abroad.... How much would they or it be here and then how much for postage.......

Will keep that information to mind in the future...... Sure it will also help others....

Does anybody own any of the Armour Mosquitos? If so, I am trying to get amy opinions.... Keep seeing them on Ebay as I am quite partial to them!!

[CFBC]

I take it then, there are not many collectors for Armour stuff in the Uk.... Thats why we see so much discounted here and there?

Too BIG for the likes of myself......

[Typhoon-MKV]

Must admit if any of the stalls have them discounted at October Duxford (final clearout time), then I'm having an F15, because they look ace.....

[CFBC]

Hmmm. I may take-up that offer too on a Mossie, but will have to have a good look at the cockpit area and nose!!!!

[G-force]

Something that hasn't been mentioned is duty on the items coming in from the States. Has anyone any idea of roughly how much it would be as I know it can be a bit hit and miss?

[CFBC]

G/F,

Duty as they say is duty and it can be a bit hit and miss and you can dodge and duck it also, but a lot of places will not help you out, some will and some will not..... others, no worries.....

Now, from when I looked into it, you do not pay duty on items under £40 (approx, depending on the exchange rate) if the items are marked accordingly, BUT and ITS a BIG BUT, if they think they are worth more, then they will open the package and look at the paperwork and if they see, then you get nobled to pay the duty on delivery......

There are ways around it and this guy in the Far East ive ordered the Dora has not included p/w and has marked down the item for US$12, which should clear through no problems...... A little fib, but shhhh.

Other ways around it, is to ask the supplier to mark the item as a "gift" and then this gets through, BUT provising it's under the level above, however - sorry........ Some peeps will do this and some will not....... Ask them, they can only say no......

As I always think, well it is a gift..... For me!!!

If you buying more than one item, well its a bit of chance and if your spending a good $100-$200, then expect to pay some duty.... As to how much?

Best of luck, but you have to wey-up this countries prices with the possible? Duty and also the postage.... Somestimes it just ain't worth it, others it is........

Hope the above helps and I am sure others have something to add.....

[spock1]

:D Mr. CFBC,

Some good points but one must be careful. No good an International parcel being marked up at $12 and insured for $500. Same $12 parcel will only get you that in compensation if it gets broken or otherwise damaged. :cool:

[CFBC]

Yes Mr Spock1... Slight oversight on my part there.... Thanks. :)

If you insure the item, then that snookers the blelow...... Touch wood, I have never had any problems.......

Says he with two items waiting to arrive!!!!!!!!!!

[G-force]

Would you recommend it? How often do you order? I've had other people tell me it's great but I guess until I do it, I'll never know. Can you give me any other pointers?

[CFBC]

G-Force - It has it's benefits and downers...... Hard to say until you have tried it my friend..... Just make sure its a well know place of supply or if on Evilbay, check their feedback......

As much as ive told you is all you need to know..... The rest is your choice and call..... Ive forgotten how much stuff ive bought internationally, but you will either need a Paypal a/c (normally for Evilbay) or a credit card and make sure it's internet protected..... JUST IN CASE.......

Good luck and may the Force Be With You or as Spock would say "Make It So......." - Opps, wrong Star Trek....... (TNG)..... :)


Oh - A snall P.S - If I tell you anymore, like the chase and hunt of finding those models, well it would spoil it...... Thats the fun!!!!!!! ;) . Even better when you say find a Black N/F in South Africa or a Mossie in South America!!!

I am sure others have tales to tell.... Hey - new thread perhaps? "Collectors Tales" by CFBC

[spock1]

:) Mr. GF,

Good advice from CFBC . You will sometimes find parcels get across the water quicker than they do across the UK. If you stick with eBay and PayPal you have a certain amount of protection as a buyer so the likelihood of getting ripped off is minimal.

As regards customs and all joking aside best advice is to play it straight and pay your dues should they arise. Many times they don't so the odd occasion you have to pay is just one of those things. Additionally make sure you are only getting items occasionally, large consignments on a frequent basis will undoubtedly attract attention. - :cool:

[CFBC]

Likewise Spock1....... Good advice..... :)

[CFBC]

Now - Bring this thread back to Armour......

Anybody got the Armour Mossies? I like the Mossie (as you will no doubt be aware of), but seeing the cokpit and nose - They don't look right in the box.....

Is that me and my jamjars (glasses) or are they a bit well....... Scue-wiff? (excuse the pun)........

[Typhoon-MKV]

Yes they do look a bit strange - something just not quite right with them....

[plumstix]

Anyone seen one of Armour's B17s? They are enormous!! I was in Venice the week before last and happened to wander by a model shop, mostly Ferraris and stuff, but they had a B17 in the window. Shame it was closed but I would never have got it on the plane as hand luggage I suppose.

[planejunky]

I bought the Armour P-40 "Tex" Hill (unsigned) and thought it looked quite nice! I agree though that many of the Armour models are just not right, take the F-15E with the Vietnam era Pave Knife laser pod on the wing, instead of the modern LANTIRN system that's integral to this machine!!! The WWII stuff seems to be the best bet with Armour, I quite like the look of the Fw190's and Bf109's but 1/48 is too large a scale for our small abode, time to head to B&Q to get one of those huge shed things me thinks!!

[Albert Ross]

I bought the Armour P-40 "Tex" Hill (unsigned) and thought it looked quite nice! I agree though that many of the Armour models are just not right, take the F-15E with the Vietnam era Pave Knife laser pod on the wing, instead of the modern LANTIRN system that's integral to this machine!!! The WWII stuff seems to be the best bet with Armour, I quite like the look of the Fw190's and Bf109's but 1/48 is too large a scale for our small abode, time to head to B&Q to get one of those huge shed things me thinks!!

Yes, too right! Stick to 1/72nd and 1/144th or your shelf space will be used up with only a couple of models.

[Albert Ross]

Now - Bring this thread back to Armour......

Anybody got the Armour Mossies? I like the Mossie (as you will no doubt be aware of), but seeing the cokpit and nose - They don't look right in the box.....

Is that me and my jamjars (glasses) or are they a bit well....... Scue-wiff? (excuse the pun)........

They're scue-wiff!! Be patient and wait for the Corgi Mossies! :cool:

[CFBC]

Mr Ross....


Trust me... I am..... :)

[Agent X20]

Yes, too right! Stick to 1/72nd and 1/144th or your shelf space will be used up with only a couple of models.

mmmm best to stick with 1/72... as it would appear that 1/144 days seem to numbered.. :( :( :(...

[Red Leader]

Anyone know the best places for gettin hold of 1:48 scale Armour? Im thinking of getting some.

[CFBC]

R/L...

Thee seems to be plenty on Evilbay, but Stateside and I am not sure of the postage on those things either with them being bigger than Corgi/Dragon......

Ive beeing thinking about the Mosquito's, but am waiting for Corgi's first to see......

[Typhoon-MKV]

Anyone know the best places for gettin hold of 1:48 scale Armour? Im thinking of getting some.


Actually if you do the Airshow circuit there seem to be a hell-of-a-lot of the Stalls now selling these - in fact at the bigger shows there is one stall in particular who specialises in only these.

They a BIG boxes though, so if you get them from the States you may well get seriously stung by Import Duty, if purchasing more than one.....

[ascot]

So has anyone got any of these models and are they any good, quality wise. I was thinking of getting a Mossie as the 1/32 has not arrived so thought I would go for a 1/48 instead.

Ascot :)

[Red Leader]

There's been mixed opinions on them. The level of accuracy and finish as compared to Corgi doesn't seem to be as good. The Mosis have been criticised concerning the cockpits not being right.

[CFBC]

Ascot... Take a look at he Armour Mossie as I was considering too, but look around the cockpit as pointed out previously as they look sckew-wiff......

Not me I think as others feel the same, hence me waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and wating and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and wating and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and wating and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and wating and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and wating and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and wating and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and wating and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and wating and waiting and waiting and waiting and waitingand waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and wating and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting for CORGI...... ;)

[plumstix]

I bought a Phantom as a present a coupkle of years ago and was impressed with it. I won't buy one for myself though, can't start another collection!!!

[ascot]

Thanks all for that, looks like I am just going to have to wait with the rest of you for the 1/32 Mossie then :o

Ascot :)

[Typhoon-MKV]

Anyone know the best places for gettin hold of 1:48 scale Armour? Im thinking of getting some.


Actually having now had a closer look at the Armour catalogue I have, it would appear there is a main UK distributor, if you want more info drop me a PM.

Cheers.

[klepto4]

I'd wish they bring back the WWII 1:100 scale. They were great little models and didn't use up much space either :(
It was the only other aircaft collection I was interested in?

[spock1]

Ascot... Take a look at he Armour Mossie as I was considering too, but look around the cockpit as pointed out previously as they look sckew-wiff......

Not me I think as others feel the same, hence me waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and wating and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and wating and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and wating and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and wating and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and wating and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and wating and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and wating and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and wating and waiting and waiting and waiting and waitingand waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting and wating and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting for CORGI...... ;)

:eek: Mr. CFBC - Your keyboard thrown a wobbly or just venting a little frustration ?? :confused:

[Agent X20]

Them dodgy keykeykeyboards he flogs....

[japadvan]

I have just had delivered mail order Armour's latest 1/48 scale Marine F4 Phantom.

Has anyone else seen one in the flesh, could you please tell me if the dark gray colour is right, and also what is your opinion of the humungous great drop tanks on the wings?

Looks like Armour have copied the centreline ferry tank design and used that, instead of the normal wing drop tanks..........................!

May have to do some serious surgery on this one.

I must not buy models I have not seen
I must not buy models I have not seen
I must not buy models I have not seen..........

Regards,

[Red Leader]

I spoke with a guy the other day who speaks very highly of the armour phantoms. He reckoned they were one of their ranges best toolings.

[japadvan]

I agree the Phantom itself is good.

It's just those wing drop tanks, like two submarines!!!!!!!

Regards,

jap

[CKS1]

Yes Mr Klepto4, I would like to see the 1/100's back again, you had to be selective in some cases though. Some models were dodgey!

Cheers CKS1.

[Martin Bull]

Armour definitely got the cockpit canopies utterly 'wrong' on their 1/48 Mosquitoes. As a result the whole thing looks odd and they've missed an opportunity.

However, I've dipped my toe in the Armour waters by buying A N Other type modelled by Armour, via evilbay ( I was the only bidder and it went cheap..... :( )

When it turns up, if it's any good I'll start another thread......

( If it's rubbish, I'll probably just keep quiet and give it to a charity shop ! :rolleyes: )

[CFBC]

Hi M/B,

Have to totally agree with you with regards to the Mosquito that Armour have produced.... It's a GREAT shame as I think it could have looked really spot on if they has got the cockpit canopy right....

Ive also seen the Armour issues going for low money and thought like you, but have not "dabbled" as yet.....

What have you acquired then, or are you keeping stum!!! :D

[Martin Bull]

I'm keeping 'stum' until it arrives. Then I'll either gloatingly tell you all how good it is - or I'll quietly dump it and you won't hear anything if it turns out to be rubbish ! ;)

[NeilD]

had a look last night at an Armour 1/48 Corsair my bro-in-law just bought.. doesnt look bad, thing that lets it down for me is the obvious 'transfers' and the paint finish makes it look like plastic .. but at about £10 inc P&P not a bad shelf filler!

[Martin Bull]

Well, here it is in front of me.....and it's not headed for the wheelie-bin ! ;)

It's a Fw 190 ( of course ! :p ), the A-5 of Hermann Graf. Not in the Corgi/Dragon class of finish and detail, but not at all bad - correct markings ( as per Osprey...) and moderate panel detail. Correct armament and good cockpit detailing. Minus marks for the 'flame' nose art ( a transfer and it shows ) and poorly-executed grey camo 'blotches'.....not good at all. It can only be shown 'wheels down' but that's OK with me. Oh - and it's got a swastika.....

Overall, it's nice and heavy and doesn't feel at all plasticky. Most important, it has the 190 'look' as it sits next to the Corgi Hahn 190.

Overall verdict - a very nice display model if you don't get the magnifying glass out. I paid 20 quid on ebay for a real 'minter' and reckon I got a bargain.

Would I pay full RRP ? Definitely not, but I may be tempted again....... ;)

[snafu]

Corgi, please give us one of these.....Loads of schemes and aces

[raff]

And very nice too! I see that like mine your's doesn't seem to have any trouble standing on it's gear. :rolleyes:
Still can't understand that Corgi excuse! :mad:

Raff

[Martin Bull]

I've added another cheapie - the Heinz Baer Me 262 Red 13 ( naturally ! :rolleyes: ). Not quite as nice as the 190 model, transfers definitely not up to scratch, strangely though - the colour scheme looks much better 'in the metal' than in Armour's catalogue photos.

But a good model of a 262, a nice display piece - until the 1/72 Corgi ones arrive, of course ! :p :D

[CFBC]

I've added another cheapie - the Heinz Baer Me 262 Red 13 ( naturally ! :rolleyes: ). Not quite as nice as the 190 model, transfers definitely not up to scratch, strangely though - the colour scheme looks much better 'in the metal' than in Armour's catalogue photos.

But a good model of a 262, a nice display piece - until the 1/72 Corgi ones arrive, of course ! :p :D
Sounds good M/B... I just wish Raff would shut-up and buy that N/F Hurricane yer know.... Make him a happy man!!!!

Think we can all dream that the ME262 will come from Corgi one day....... (I may live to eat those words in a few years time).....

[raff]

[QUOTE=CFBC]Sounds good M/B... I just wish Raff would shut-up and buy that N/F Hurricane yer know.... Make him a happy man!!!!


That and Claudia Schiffer.
YUP, I think that may well be a Christmas pressie to myself at the NEC..... the Dauntless in US colours is another I keep admiring. .... must be strong.

Raff

[Martin Bull]

Don't worry, raff - we feel your pain...! ;) :p

[Agent X20]

Different scale old fruit.. you shoving them in your shrinkin machine..!!

[CFBC]

So M/B... How many Armour you got nowadays?

[FROGGY]

Just an news for the fan of armour 1/48, the new toolings for 2005 are :

Eurofighter Typhoon and B26 marauder, nice, no ?

I want the same plane in 1/72 ! :cool:

[Agent X20]

mmm .. Marauder.... nice...

[Martin Bull]

Am I right in thinking that this will be the first die-cast Marauder from any manufacturer ?

It will make an amazing display alongside one of Armour's Me262s...... :)

[Agent X20]

Be nice in a metal finish..

[FROGGY]

Atlas in 1/144 produce a B26, i'm think ! :confused:

[Martin Bull]

You could well be right, but I've never seen one - then again, I'm not really a 1/144 collector.

The B-26 is one of WWII's foremost 'forgotten' aircraft - it's a nice-looking machine, too.....

[nucleartiger]

Here's my Armour/FM Jolly Rogers ;)

VF-17 F4U Corsair
VF-84 F-4 Phantom
VF-84 F-14 Tomcat

and for kicks, my Yamato Skull Squadron VF1S Valkyrie

http://home.hawaii.rr.com/nucleartiger/planes/jollyrogers.jpg

[CFBC]

Ive been toying with the idea of a couple of ME's along with a couple of FW's from Armour/Franklin Mint and know some of you guys have already got some...

So, what are they like and whats the sort of retail on them? They seem to vary in price.... Any idea's... Please... :)

[Rusty]

Does that F-14 above you have legs???? :confused:

[goonybird]

I see today Franklin doing a 1/48th Zero on float(s) :) . something Corgi is missing. :o

[DCRanger]

Think we can all dream that the ME262 will come from Corgi one day....... (I may live to eat those words in a few years time).....
How's your appetite these days? :D

Years? Oh yea of little faith :)

[japadvan]

Hi,

Does anyone know when this plane will be released in the UK?

Tried to order it from CAM but they seem to advertise things they do not have.

Any definite news please?


Regards,

Jap.

[ANDYGRAY]

Hi,

Does anyone know when this plane will be released in the UK?

Tried to order it from CAM but they seem to advertise things they do not have.

Any definite news please?


Regards,

Jap.

I got this one from my local retailer about 6 weeks ago, and very nice it is too!!!

[japadvan]

Thanks, picked up Marauder (out of the blue - excuse pun) from CAM this week.

Compliments my "Grumpy" Mitchell perfectly, well pleased with it.

Regards,

Jap.

[ANDYGRAY]

I have heard that next years releases will see a HEINKEL 111 - in 1/48th !!!

[japadvan]

Oh Dear.......

I do not buy Armour models if Corgi do the same aircraft type, and vice versa.

Never mind the scale.

Unless....It's a Phantom of course!

Interesting news though, thanks.

Regards,

Jap.

[MiGAlley]

As some of you may have noticed, now that Corgi has turned its attention to the Korean War again, Armour too has seen fit to follow up upon its earlier Sabre and Mustang releases. It's now released a MiG-15, and at the moment it comes in three versions: one regular silver Soviet Air Force with a nice red nose, a silver and red one from a Chinese aerobatics team, and the most interesting one for Korean War adepts, a silver North Korean airforce version, as flown by many Soviet and Chinese pilots early in the war.

I can't comment on the model itself as I haven't seen one in the metal yet - none of my regular model suppliers seems to have it yet. It does sell on eBay already, and for some interesting prices if you check the right sellers.

In addition, on eBay one seller is already offering a Vietnam War MiG-17, apparently another of Armour's releases for this year. The quality of the Armour Collection generally is well below that of Corgi, but nevertheless it's great to see someone do some more Soviet planes. They've been used in God knows how many conflicts around the globe, but hardly any manufacturer it seems was interested in doing any. Much like the Altaya range in 1/72, it's refreshing to see Armour do some unconventional planes. For the right price I might add both the 15 and the 17 to my collection, as I'm focusing on the East now anyway. I'll post my impressions when I get one!

Perhaps someone who has the 2006 Armour catalogue can comment on further releases?

[Agent X20]

Hi.. welcome to the forum..

It would be nice to see a Mig (of some description) If they carry on with their ridiculous panelling then Corgi be best to do a Mig 15 to go with the Sabre... However if they could accept that most supersonic stuff was smooth I would like to see a 21... but at present with such a penchant for lines, it would just look a mess... (IMHO..)

[MiGAlley]

For those interested, here are some photos of Armour's MiG-15s. Unfortunately there aren't too many images of the Armour 2006 releases yet. There will be a new Chinese Air Force camouflaged MiG-15 from the Korean War. This one has the same colours as the MiG from the Matchbox series.

The MiG-17 they plan to release is that of the mythical Col. Toon, allegedly the highest scoring Ace of the Vietnam war, although many have questioned whether this character has really existed at all. For the model, this is not so much of a problem, of course, as long as it is representative of a North Vietnamese MiG-17. However, the camouflage scheme Armour have chosen is dubious in my eyes... I've done a quick search of the web (haven't brought out the books just yet) and I can't find any 'Nam 17s with that colour scheme. Those that do feature blue have dark blue blotches on a lighter, almost tan background, not the other way around like this one. Would be a shame if they'd messed up the colour... I'll have a check in my books tonight, perhaps anyone who owns anything good on the Vietnam War would care to comment?

[Red Leader]

Those are nice pics of the Mig 15! Thanks for posting!
Yep agree Agent the Mig 21 would be a logical choice as it was (and I think still is) in service for donkeys years!!
What kind of runs do Armour do? I mean are they like Corgi, and do runs of 2000 ish?
Don't think they come with Ltd edition certs!

[MiGAlley]

Armour's strategy has always been unclear to me as far as release numbers are concerned. Some of their models get canned after a very short time, while others soldier on for years and years. I believe they normally are not produced in limited editions, although they do make some 'on special request' versions that are quite rare. There used to be certificates with them, I'll check out one of my old 109s today to see if it has any numbers on it. I seem to recall it had not, though, but I'll check.

I agree a MiG 21 would be great, it's one of my favourite 'modern' fighters. What's more, it would be quite a smart release marketing-wise: tonnes on schemes to choose from, dozens of conflicts in which it's served (e.g., Gulf War, 'Nam, India v. Pakistan, pretty much every Arab war...). Let's hope Armour think the same, I've little hope Corgi will ever be making MiGs, although if we're lucky they might sometime make the 15. But I'm not sure the Korea series has been selling enough to warrant more releases...

[Typhoon-MKV]

I've picked up a few - The Typhoon is outstanding and highly recommended - I also have the Gulf War Tornado which is quite good, and the Tex Hill signature P40, which now sits nicely with the Mules P40.

But yes some of their choices are rather bizarre and in some cases quite dire.

[Red Leader]

I'd say their strong point is that they've done types no one else has done.

[CFBC]

I was talking to a few people today and it seems that certain wholesailers are having a clearout of FM items in the Uk which sort of confirms so many hitting the bay recently... Saw the JU52 (1/48th scale) which is BIG and looks very nice for around the £40.00 mark. Bargain indeed.....

I have a few P51's, ME109s and a P40 which are good, but detailing is not there strength though.... :)

[Red Leader]

I have one of the P51's and it's legs are wrong. Are yours?
The guards stop short and do not come down low enough!!

[Typhoon-MKV]

Always fancied a 1/48th ME262 - might keep a lookout if they are shifting some gear.

[Agent X20]

Saw the JU52 (1/48th scale) which is BIG and looks very nice for around the £40.00 mark. Bargain indeed.....:)

Same with the Fortresses.... shame about the engine cowlings... but it is a lot of metal plastic or what ever for your GBP..!!

... but why why such strange colour schemes... they dont seem to be able to turn out a basic European Spit/Hurri or what ever that looks right... either the colours look a little strange or the codes appear to be all wrong etc etc..

[MiGAlley]

I've had a look at one of my earliest Armour models, the HJ Marseille Me-109F. It does have a certificate, but no reference to any limit to the edition. This one does have the early box design (red and tan), which I prefer to the later silver one and to the current very busy Mint design.

I've bought a lot of 1/48 Armour models in the past, but stopped a couple of years ago when they started doing the bigger models. Build quality on these large models can be appalling, particularly on the JU-52 with too much ugly plastic and huge gaps where the upper and lower fuselage meet. I also feel they're, well, just a bit too big perhaps. Armour is very inconsistent in its models: many of the earlier fighters are nicely done if not overly detailed (but at least they do come with tropical filters - pay attention, Corgi Legends!). Some of my faves are the 109F, some FW190s, the Stuka, the 262, and the Lightning (it's just so... massive!). But for all Armour planes, some versions have weird colours and designs - which is a shame. Especially the blotching on German planes can look very crude. Still, hardly anyone does these planes at this scale, and some do really look nice. I haven't compared them to Eagles or Carousel1 myself, but I do hope to compare my Armour Zero to Marushin's. I have a number of Marushin fighters and these are heavier and have nicer panel lines - if you can stretch to these, they're even nicer (though cockpit detail is appalling). As for modern planes, they do a pretty nice line with some unusual entries, such as the MiG-29 and the A10 Warthog, both of which I have. I'm less fond of the Sabre: panel lines are very wide and not that deep, which looks fake. Haven't seen the MiG-15, though, that might be better as it's a more modern casting.

All in all, they're obviously far too expensive at RRP - I only got them at that price in the past because Corgi didn't really have a fighter line back then. If you can get them cheap, then you can get some very nice models, but be sure to check the scheme first (or ask for pictures if you buy online). It's very nice to have some, but they do take up an awful lot of space! You do get far more metal for your buck than you get with Corgi, though, and I have at times found it frustrating to splash out so much on so, albeit very nicely detailed, little. If you like to feel where the money's gone, this is the range for you.

PS. The 1/100 range also features some interesting entries, such as the Super Sabre, Skyhawk, Skyraider, Mirage, and Aggressor versions of most US planes. You can often get these rather cheap on the Bay - although some versions are very rare and fetch huge prices. Think Japanese or Spanish AF Phantom, or Kondor Legion Me 109. All in all, the WOII warbirds are a bit smallish in 1/100, though.