Edward Papazian
19th January 2008, 20:13
I just received my 1:144th scale Altaya FW-200 Condor and I must say I'm pleasantly surprised. Except for a few minor gaps around the wing roots and the tail area, along with some equally small problems with a misaligned insignia plus the missing swastikas---all readily corrected----this is a most acceptable collector's item. The detail is far better than the old Atlas version, as is the paint job and, for the most part, the assembly. The panel lines are deep enough to accommodate weathering and the side windows, which are painted a light gray can easily be converted to a more realistic dark glossy blue with a bit of careful retouching.
After seeing the new Altaya FW-200, I must say that those who are holding back on buying these models, based on prior bad experiences with Atlas, IXO or Altaya creations, should reconsider. Of course, Altaya may botch its HE-177 with a bad paint scheme, or omit a key part on its Short Sterling...or make any number of other mistakes, but most of these will be evident in the pictures posted by eBay and other sellers. So if one is careful, there is a distinct possibility of acquiring some very decent, albeit not perfect, models of some very unusual WW II warplanes at relatively modest cost. In my view this is an opportunity not to be missed.
After seeing the new Altaya FW-200, I must say that those who are holding back on buying these models, based on prior bad experiences with Atlas, IXO or Altaya creations, should reconsider. Of course, Altaya may botch its HE-177 with a bad paint scheme, or omit a key part on its Short Sterling...or make any number of other mistakes, but most of these will be evident in the pictures posted by eBay and other sellers. So if one is careful, there is a distinct possibility of acquiring some very decent, albeit not perfect, models of some very unusual WW II warplanes at relatively modest cost. In my view this is an opportunity not to be missed.