Small Scale Military Headquarters

What are your thoughts on models with the detail of XD or Elite Force, but with "playability" of bbi's Command series? If the model had the same level of accuracy and detail as a static piece, but had additional working features like dropping bombs; firing missles; navigation lights; etc would that be a benefit, or detract from the 'displayability' of your collection? I don't have a connection to any manufacturers, this occured to me and I believe it might be an interesting move in the 1:18 field.

I think there are alot of options in this area as it makes the model more interesting. I don't think I would sacrifice accuracy and realism for play features but if it is possible to combine these features in a highly detailed model then it might work.
Todd

Boy, that is a good topic. And also a very thin line IMO.

I have liked the idea of "features" and even went so far as to put 2 of my models under the knife with features of my own.

I think features would be cool but only if they don't detract from the realism and accuracy of the model.

As an example: I think motorized props would be cool! I have done this to 2 of mine (a corsair and me-109E) both of these models also feature working nav lights on the wingtips made from very small LED's The Corsair is my favorite. I mixed baking soda and superglue to create a clear plastic. I applied it to the wing tips let it dry and sanded it into the correct shape of the wing.

The result is that they look like the real thing and do not look like LED's drilled into the airplane wing.

These kinds of features I have found enhance all the things we like about the realism and doens't take it into the toyish side of spectrum.

I think it makes a model that much more enjoyable if there are working features.

I agree with most that they're cool until they detract. A big red missile firing out of my Panther is not needed, thanks. Nav lights on a Bomber would be very cool. However there are levels of playability that can be explored in 1:18 without adding batteries to the mix (which often keeps people from buying toys):

Engine Access - This should be standard going forward not just on tanks but on planes. If 1/72 can have affordable planes with a removable panel it boggles the mind why this hasn't been done in 1/18.

Gun Bays - I know 21st is introducing them and Admiral will have them too but this should be standard at this point.

Damage panel - Just a thought, but I would have sworn my Cobra Rattler (A-10) as a kid had a few panels with bullet holes and you could swap off the undamaged panels and vice versa.

Crews/Tools - This is what I look forward to with the Legends line: the people and equipment that make the planes fly, or the vehicles roll. I loved when my bbi Sherman came with crates and shells, gas cans, MREs, etc... I think by packing in fuel drums or work benches with the planes you add another level of playability. I do not advocate carded crew though unless you add a bunch of hardware to make them sell.

All these are doable, no batteries, no spring load. I hope they become standard.

Realism first. Playabilty second.

Mark

Ideally, I'd love to have a primed airplane model with different sets of decals, nav lights, electric motor for the prop and realistic radial engine sound. Currently, that's what I'm doing with my B-17 project, although it's a 1:25 scale version.

I'm also experimenting with open cowl flaps, but would defenitely love to have opening engine compartments straight from the factory. The potential for great dioramas would be fantastic if ground crews, benches, fuel drums, tools and other additions were sold with, or witout the model, as previously stated.

I am for realism, then playability. 21c and BBI have, in my opinion, struck a very good balance between these two aspects. While there may not be flashing lights and sounds, the fact that we get model-quality detail, retracting gears, movable control surfaces and the like makes these products some of the best out there. However, as was also expressed, the lack of opening engines on 1:18 aircraft (minus those that were done on the XD Cobra and BBI Kiowa helicopters) is curious. Such a feature is a must!

Realism all the way!!! It's the only reason I ever got into XD. It's gotta look like a model or I'm not interested at all. Working nav lights would be awesome, though.....

-Ski