While I'm not one of the die-hard 1:72 collectors, I do collect a little and will give you my input. You might want to check out diecast reatilers such as
www.theflyingmule.com,
www.themotorpool.net, and others.
There are a number of companies that make diecast planes in 1:72 scale. Nearly all the 1:72 diecast planes have optional landing gear and some ordinance accessories.
My personal favorite is Corgi. They have a wide range of planes in this scale from fighters to bombers. They have a few modern aircraft, but specialize, overall, with WWII aviation. Their planes include crew figures and are well detailed. They also tend to have moving parts such as rotating turrets, elevating guns, opening bomb bays and rolling tires.
Dragon is another company that makes excellent 1:72 planes. They have a wide selection of WWII and modern fighters. The detail is excellent, perhaps the best on the market. No pilot figures, however.
Hobbymaster is also another excellent company, and pretty much equals Dragon in terms of detail. They are a new manufacturer and have a rapidly expanding aircraft selection. They specialized in WWII and Modern aircraft. Many planes come with pilot figures, and for those that don't HM has sells packages of 1:72 scaled WWII and Modern pilots. These planes feature excellent sculpting, interior detail, and lots of accessories.
Unimax Forces of Valor makes some good 1:72 planes. These have opening engines, pilot figures and optional landing gear and ordinance. They are readily available at mass retail and are cheap for what you get. They make only WWII fighters and bombers.
Other companies that make premium diecast planes are Century Wings. They make modern aircraft that are top quality with lots of detail and function. I don't own any of their planes yet...
There is also Witty Wings. They make a variety of WWII and Modern fighters. Landing gear are usually fixed, but the cockpits have pilot figures.
IXO also makes decent diecast planes. They are a European company, though, so selections are often limited. No pilot figures, however, they offer some unusual aircraft choices.
MRC also makes decent 1:72 scale planes. These are plastic in construction and have little in the way of cockpit detail and no figures.
