JL Military Muscle

[ForkTailedDevil]

Does anybody know anything about the quality of Johnny Lightning's Military Muscle range. They offer several WW2 fighters in 1:144 scale in assorted twin packs.

[no4mkit]

hi GabelSchawnz,

These models are surprisingly well done considering the small size and the fact they are diecast metal. I have the full set of 8 (2 ea. of P-51, P-40, P-47, F4U) and yes, a stand is included with the unit badge screened on the base, a nice feature. I did hear that there were special limited edition "White Lightning" sets which were the same basic model with a white propeller, but didn't find any at retail. The JL website only has this one pic:

Johnny Lightning (http://www.playingmantis.com/jl/products_details.php?productid=285)

I only ever saw these sets in Toys R Us stores in the US, and they came and went quickly.

[ForkTailedDevil]

I just found a full set of these on eBay in the US. A bit torn over whether to bother shipping them over here. Any further comments from our members as to the quality of these 1:144 fighters as i has been a while since i asked?

[no4mkit]

I don't know what they're asking and what you're willing to pay, but I can post some pics here if it will help your decision FTD.

[ForkTailedDevil]

I would be very appreciative if you could do that no4mkit. This is the problem with being a 1:144 collector, very few well put together fighters.

[no4mkit]

Too true FTD, there just aren't enough good ones, but at least there's more now than there were years ago!

Here's a few (sorry, poorly done) pics I snapped late this evening of the 8 planes in the JLMM line.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-10/843618/JL144-1.jpg

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-10/843618/JL144-2.jpg

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-10/843618/JL144-3.jpg

Quality-wise I'd say fair enough for what amounts to $2 ea. paid at retail.


Now if your looking for something much higher in detail and accuracy, and your not opposed to a plastic model you might look into the Bandai Wings Club models in 1/144, unless you have already.

Thought you might like this....



http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-10/843618/BandaiP-38.jpg

Comes with optional noses for P38 or F5 versions, retracted or extended gear, removable drop tanks, stand and pilot figure. Via EvilBay for $6. :D

[ForkTailedDevil]

Thanks a lot for going to the trouble of taking those photos for me.

Hm, I might wait a while. I'd be paying to much to bring them over now that I received postage costs.

I have already got a few Bandai planes about. I'm not a fan of the stands. I wouldn't mind getting them to fill in a diorama of Corgi types to draw the eye.

I've literally just came across another maker of 1:144 fighter sized planes. Area 88, another Japanese Candy manufacturer moving up the food chain
Their first offerings are

Buccaneer
USAF Thunderchief
USAF A-10
US F-14 Tomcat

and one of those forward swept wing thingys

[no4mkit]

no probs FTD, happy to help out.

Haven't heard of Area 88, thanks for the tip.