Small Scale Military Headquarters

The 1/32 scale has expanded considerably in recent years, and this year improved tremendously with each new release. The old P-51 mold finally giving way to the new shortly, and the B model Mustang finally finding its way to the reach of collectors(XD 1/32 collectors that is ). This year we have seen some of the best 1/32 aircraft made that completely outdo previous offerings. With that said, which aircraft do you think is the best to come out this year?

That is a tough one. But that is good that it is a tough choice because 32nd scale models are getting really nice. I got my BBI F-4J in today, and it is impressive. I also like the 21st Century P-51B alot. And the pictures I have seen of the new FW-190F that Tman posted look great. Awwww crap, I love em all!

Sabrefan wrote:That is a tough one. But that is good that it is a tough choice because 32nd scale models are getting really nice. I got my BBI F-4J in today, and it is impressive. I also like the 21st Century P-51B alot. And the pictures I have seen of the new FW-190F that Tman posted look great. Awwww crap, I love em all!

I figured it would be tough, and it starts great discussion!

I love the Phantom, and have the P-51B, which I love a LOT. Man its so much better than the old P-51D 21st had. Glad its retiring!
Love the Phantom, Love the Mustang, have the Mustang, don't have the Phantom yet. Not sure if this is just on the P-51B/C, but it certainly seems that 21st is making their newer molds more durable. The P-51B is certainly more sturdier than their Corsair from last year. Sturdiness has gone up as well as accuracy and authenticity. I am glad sturdiness is paid attention to! Phantom seems tempting every day that passes by!

This one is tough. All of these airplanes are marvelous.

I would have voted for the new FW190 but seeing as the first confirmed sighting is a week into December I doubt if most of us will see one this year. This is greatly anticipated and can't wait to get my claws on one.

The BBI F-4 is a great model of a great plane by a great company. My hope is that this opens the door wide open for BBI in 1/32. Usually my favorite is my latest but I can't claim this one. Perhaps it is because I really wanted a 1/18 release or because it just doesn't fit in with the WWII stuff.

The ME-109 is incredibly detailed and I would say is the first in a new standard of quality for 21C. It is so beautiful I would often just stare at it for quite some time.

The P-51B/C takes the win in my book. Super detailed, dual canopy types, seven quick paint schemereleases and what appears to be a 21C/WM first: good distribution. I have seen all of these except the "Berlin Express" and have not heard any complaints from anyone on the forum that they haven't seen any of the series out. I usually only buy one of each AC type to save on $ and space but I just can't quit with the new Mustang.

It has been a great year in 1/32!

The Phantom wins in my book, but like the rest of you the choice was particularly tough. The F-4 has always been one of my favorites - it was the first jet fighter I recall being able to identify, largely because the 144TFW of the California Air National Guard (which is based in my hometown) used to fly the F-4s. Also, my dad flew one. Further, the first model kit I ever built was an F-4 and I always wanted one that was at least larger than 1:72 or 1:48 scale. BBI took care of that!

However, again, it was a tough call. They are all great planes! Of the other planes on the poll, the FW-190F wins next to the Phantom in my book. You really have to see it in person to understand how it exceeds the P-51s and Bf-109s. Nevertheless, I have five of the 32x Bf-109F/Gs and all of the P-51B/Cs thus far released, so I guess that means I like them as well

All awesome models but I gotta gowith the P-51B/C. I just love my Shangri-la!

schizuki wrote:

olifant wrote:what appears to be a 21C/WM first: good distribution. I have seen all of these except the "Berlin Express"

That's funny! I'm jonesing for the Polish model, but all I've seen are the Berlin Express!

I think these came in waves. First all the WMs in my AO were well stocked with the Polish and Bald Eagle, and after what appeared to be the first three or four shipments they were replaced with the Princess and Bullfrog. At least it appears that all of us saw some of the releases, which is better than usual.

Do you want me to keep my eyes peeled for a Polish version for you? I haven't seen one in months but hope springs eternal, right?

I really like the 190D. The newer model of Hackl's 109 is sweet as well. I have Don Gentile's P-51B but haven't had a chance to take her out of the box yet - and I've had it for about a month now.

I'm really looking forward to the 190A. I'd gave my right arm for a nice 1/32 B5N2 with the mottled camo. Or a Val.

C2000

The only gripe I have about 21c Gentile's Shangrila, is that the wheels should be red. Other than that, it's great!

My vote goes for the F-4. Even thought I don't have one yet, just looking at those pics is convincing enough to give the Phantom the nod for King of 32x Hill.

The paint schemes I can't wait to see on the F-4 are VF-161 "Chargers" and VF-111 "Sundowners".

Black Lion VF-213 wrote:
The paint schemes I can't wait to see on the F-4 are VF-161 "Chargers" and VF-111 "Sundowners".

Ditto on the VF-111 scheme. The sharkmouth and rising sun on the fin are just awesome.

I went out today to scour WM and TRU to find the FW190A and the FOV Tiger/Sherman in 1/18. Found neither. I can happily report that we are good to go on the parrots, carrot munching horses and the Homies line is still going strong.

I did pick up a P51B Berlin Express which I did not have, so it wasn't a complete waste of time. Schizuki, there is hope for you because I found plenty of the Berlins, Princesses and Polish birds. This is a first because it seemed that the Polish and Bald Eagle shipped together in the first wave and then the Bullfrog and Princess in the second wave. My guess is that they are mixing up the batches now. Best of luck.

Only Mustangs I've ever seen here are tons and tons of Bullfrogs and my single solitary Shangri-La.

I bought a 190F while its nice my favorite will always be my P-47??? Not on the list Oh well the 190 is pretty cool, paint scheme isnt my favorite? I also like the Ju87?

jrs. wrote:I bought a 190F while its nice my favorite will always be my P-47??? Not on the list Oh well the 190 is pretty cool, paint scheme isnt my favorite? I also like the Ju87?

Oh this poll is just for aircraft made/released this year. The JU-87 & P-47 were last year I believe, thought the Jug was probably out earlier than that. Also I think another member had previously made a poll for best 1/32x thus far. I wanted mine just to reflect releases just from this year, that were first released this year and not repaints.

The Mustang is winning so far, I wish I had the Phantom II to compare it too. The Phantom must be a beaut, as its close behind.