Small Scale Military Headquarters

I've been putting off buying diecast versions of the Steve Ritchie F-4 because of the slight possibility of the 21st Century
1/18 Ritchie F-4 or the Admiral F-4.
Earlier this year, someone posted that they heard from reliable sources that the 21st Ritchie F-4 was still going to be released in 2008.
So I'd like to know if anyone has any credible updates as to the status of the 21st Century and Admiral 1/18 F-4s.

HA! If there is an update, I doubt any of the two companies would be talking about this again.

Because Admiral had learned their lesson the hard way.

And hopefully, 21st had learned not to be an asshat.

I'm still waiting for 21st to release THE KT & 88

I would just go ahead and get the diecast F-4. As the posts above indicate, there is no telling if or when the 1:18 plane will show up. Besides, per 21c's usual tactics, they know everyone is going to want the Ritchie plane, so they'll make one in a scheme that no one wants first and then wait a couple years before releasing the other. I think a Turkish F-4 is a very logical choice for 21c's first grand release of the 1:18 F-4

The diecast F-4 is the Hobbymaster one, correct? I've seen it in person and it is VERY nice for a 1:72 piece. Lots of ordinance accessories, opening canopies, pilot figures, optional landing gear. The only better small scale F-4 in my opinion is the BBI 1:32 plane

Can not see buying a airplane that in order to look at it you need a magnifying glass!! 1/72 F-4 just to small , on the brite side please post some pictures of it I just like looking at F-4s in any scale !!just me, will not buy one that small, where is the F-4 in 1/18 that they said would be out in 2008

dcmacharlie wrote:Can not see buying a airplane that in order to look at it you need a magnifying glass!! 1/72 F-4 just to small , on the brite side please post some pictures of it I just like looking at F-4s in any scale !!just me, will not buy one that small, where is the F-4 in 1/18 that they said would be out in 2008

I agree that is to small. At several points I had even considered scratch building a 1/18 F-4, but I was afraid I'd get halfway through the build and the 21c version would be released. So, I decided to do a 1/18 P-61. But, that was before the 1/18 RC phantom was revealed, so I may get one and simply add extra detail.

B-29 what 1/18 F-4 are you talking about and how much is it and who makes it ?I to am thinking about getting a F-4 in R/C but the one im looking at is 400.00 and its made of fiberglass by yellow Co,and not bad looking in Viet Nam camo colors, is the one you are talking about silver and about 200.00 ? befor i get the F-4 im getting the B-25 electric R/C for about 300 and it really looks nice about 1/18 in scale, at least this gets me something to do while i wait for the 1/18 F-4 by 21st or AD

I agree that a 1/72 Ritchie F-4 is too small, but the alternative is the Franklin Mint 1/48 diecast Ritchie F-4 with huge seam gaps, no pilots and fixed landing gear. I BUY DIECAST 1/72 PHANTOMS, TOMCATS AND INTRUDERS BECAUSE PLASTIC COMPANIES WON'T MAKE THEM IN LARGER SCALES.

I bought a Century Wings 1/72 diecast F-14 and A-6 with two more on order because the plastic companies will NOT make modern jets. BBI made the great 1/32 F-4 and the upcoming F-104---but why not an F-15, F-14 or F-22?

If you need a small scale fix for now go ahead and get it, otherwise, the wait probably will do you good.

IMMEWW2:

Yes, I could wait and 21st and Admiral may not release an F-4. Unfortunately, the Hobby Master F-4s are limited editions.....a Phantom in the hand is worth two in the bush.

DCMACHARLIE:

I just ordered Hobby Master's 1/72 diecast Steve Ritchie F-4D and Duke Cunningham's F-4J.

Here are some photos you asked for:

dcmacharlie wrote:B-29 what 1/18 F-4 are you talking about and how much is it and who makes it ?I to am thinking about getting a F-4 in R/C but the one im looking at is 400.00 and its made of fiberglass by yellow Co,and not bad looking in Viet Nam camo colors, is the one you are talking about silver and about 200.00 ? befor i get the F-4 im getting the B-25 electric R/C for about 300 and it really looks nice about 1/18 in scale, at least this gets me something to do while i wait for the 1/18 F-4 by 21st or AD

This is the one I was talking about:http://rc-castle.com/shop/product_info. ... cts_id=888
It is 1/18.3 scale and the exchange rate makes it about $127.00

Wow! The HM F-4 looks pretty darn good for its size.

Who else makes modern jets with this much detail?

Century Wings and Dragon have very well detailed jets in the 1:72 scale in addition to Hobbymaster. The FOV 1:72 F-14 (second version) is also well detailed. The BBI 1:32 F-4 is simply amazing, packing more detail in both looks and function than either the 1:18 BBI F-18 or F-16. Alot of good stuff going on in the smaller scales these days

TMANTHE GREAT:

I've got the BBI 1/32 F-4J, a Century Wings 1/72 diecast F-14 and A-6 with two more on order. I've also got a Dragon Wings 1/72 F-15E and the Hobby Master Ritchie/Cunningham F-4s on order.
My favorite is the BBI F-4J. If the Ritchie/Cunningham F-4s, F-14s, F-15s and A-6s were available in 1/32 plastic from BBI, I would buy them over diecast. The only reason I'm buying small 1/72 diecast jets is because the plastic companies won't make them.

IFLABS:

Century Wings makes some very good diecast jets, but like the Hobby Master, they're limited editions that sell out quickly. The Century Wings jets sell for around $70 now while the Hobby Master F-4 sell for around $50.

Here are my Century Wings F-14 and A-6:

Shoot...looks like I'm going to have to go back on my words regarding smaller scales. -_-

I take back what i said about small airplanes ,the ones you are showing us really are good looking !!!im impressed, nice catch I also went and bought the 1/32 BBI F4 and im really happy with it but i do not park it next to the 1/18 F16 or 1/18 F18 it takes something away from the F4 it is on the other side of the room by itself!!!

tmanthegreat wrote:Besides, per 21c's usual tactics, they know everyone is going to want the Ritchie plane, so they'll make one in a scheme that no one wants first and then wait a couple years before releasing the other.

Got that right

tmanthegreat wrote:I think a Turkish F-4 is a very logical choice for 21c's first grand release of the 1:18 F-4

lol

www.Aikensairplanes.com now has mig mad mavis listed for early 2009 and the B-25 and F-4 for late 2009. Looks like it will be another year without seeing them.

In my opinion, the BBI 32nd scale F-4J is the finest model I have in any scale. I just love the look of it.

I've had my Hobby Master 1/72 diecast Steve Ritchie and Duke Cunningham F-4s for several days. They're nice models---but when I hold the tiny 10.5"1/72 Cunningham F-4J next to my BBI 22" 1/32 F-4J, there's not much of a comparison even though both cost about the same.
I bought the 1/72 F-4s because no one makes a 1/32 or 1/18 Ritche/Cunningham F-4. Hopefully, 21st Century will solve that problem in 2009.

Sabrefan i finaly got the F4 from e bay at a price that i could afford 32 00 for a revell 1/32 and i plan on making it a Viet Nam model and put it next to the BBI F4, you made a statement that your BBI F4 is your best model you have, well to tell you the truth i would put up the 1/18 Huff F86 right there with it , by the way,i have painted left and right speed brakes red inside on the BBI F4 and im looking at the inside of the wheel wells for some mods that i may be able to do when i start panting the Revell kit ill see what can be done to the BBI Bird, im thinking of adding the L/R main strut actuators but we will see, have got to get some time to play with them and right now im really busy and can not do anthing with them

I agree, the 21st Century 18th scale F-86 is a beauty. I have "The Huff" sitting on my desk. Everyone that sees that model loves it!

Themotorpool.net has changed the Ritchie F-4D from a September, 2008 to "to be determined" release.
The 21st Century 1/18 King Tiger is listed as a September, 2008 release.