Small Scale Military Headquarters

Hi guys,

I am trying to decide if I should get the BBI F-16 model, but after seeing how good it looks I really want one. Should I get this one? Looks great, and thanks.

P39TIME:

I strongly recommend the new F-16. The only complaint I have is the inaccurate AMRAAM. It's cheaper than the Wolfpack versions on ebay, and the new one has combat history in Afghanistan.

If you want to splurge, I recommend the limited edition JSI F-14 "Black Knights" for around $300. My complaint about it is it doesn't include pilots.

I say go for the new BBI F-16, especially if you do not have a BBI F-16 in your collection. Once these dry up at the small retailers, they will only go up in price, just like the first release.

While its the same tooling as the old BBI F-16 - meaning its a bit overscale and has the inaccurate missiles (as dragon53 pointed out) and lacks the intricate detailing of the JSI F-14 - it is the most affordable 1:18 jet at the moment, it includes a pilot, has few to none of the QC issues that plague the JSI aircraft, its paint work is improved over the older F-16, and the plane simply looks fantastic.

I have the first F-16 and really didn't need another, so when I got this version it was definitely a "splurge" purchase. I wasn't disappointed and I don't think you will be either

Thanks guys, just got off the phone with Sally at Aiken's airplanes. My F-16 is on its way to me. Can't wait to get that beauty.

you made a great decision. You won't be disappointed with it and who knows if these will ever be re-issued again?

Currently both Aiken's & The Flying Mule are listing this aircraft cheaper then most other sites with free shipping too.

Aiken's: $159.00 w/ free s/h

http://www.aikensairplanes.com/blue%20b ... 003770.htm

The Flying Mule: $149.00 w/ free s/h

http://www.flyingmule.com/products/BB-03770

Aikens went up. I paid $149 for mine with free shipping for mine. Still, they will always get my business first.

Looks like Flying Mule raised their F-16 to $159 as well.

So if the big retailers are raising the price already, seems like this release is doing well.

Good to see, and it will be interesting to see what people are willing to pay when they are gone from the dealers?

Also, how this release will affect the price of the "Wolpack" version.

I saw a "Wolfpack" go for $450 just before this release.

I would assume that this new release will eventually drop the price on the Wolf Pack. Now all of those people that wanted one have a cheaper alternative.

Does this mean there might be F-18 Hornets released again in the future?

Get one while you can. This doen't mean anything but a future release of an F18 wouldn't be too hard for them to do.

Sure hope BBI might consider an F-16 in the Thunderbirds paint scheme.

Sabrefan wrote:Sure hope BBI might consider an F-16 in the Thunderbirds paint scheme.

Probably too tough to do, and get it right.

I guess it is a tough paint scheme, but it has been done on 72nd, and 48th scale models. Seems a model as large as the 18th scale F-16 would be a nice platform for the Thunderbird scheme. Let us hope so..

Whats the issue with the missiles?

i first called aikens today. no more free shipping. i then called and placed an order with flying mule. 159.99 + free shipping. i have made many a purchase from aikens in the 1/72 scale and will continue to do so. flying mule has earned my business a few times as well when aikens has been out of stock. support them both if you can. on a side note, the wife is just gonna be flat out pi$$ed when the big box shows up. i wasn't planning on this purchase, but y'all talked me into it. after my purcase of a bbi corsair, IMO BBi makes better birds. i got into this addiction via 21C, but i am partial to BBi products. spotcat soured me on JSI.

COREYEAGLE48:

The AMRAAM looks more like a Sparrow than an AMRAAM.

snake wrote:

Sabrefan wrote:Sure hope BBI might consider an F-16 in the Thunderbirds paint scheme.

Probably too tough to do, and get it right.

You may be right, but what an awesome display it would make...I remember having one on preorder at MTS a few years back...Remember? They were going to be $99.99, plus they were also showing an F16 in an Aggresor paint scheme.
For the current price (or close), and the way this new one appears to be selling, I really believe a Thunderbirds scheme would be a huge hit, even with collectors who are not necessarily 1/18 scale fans!