Small Scale Military Headquarters

Hi, recently I'd like to collect 1/72 diecast planes. There are some models made by two or more brands. I will list the planes, their manufacturers and prices. Please help me to decide which are the best buy (value/price).

Abbreviations: Hobby Master (HM), Central Wing (CW), Dragon Wing (DW), Witty Wing (WW), Corgi (C)

A-4: HM($40) vs C($55)

A-10: HM($45) vs C($70)

AV-8B: HM($50) vs C($60)

F-4: HM($60) vs C($70)

F-104: HM=C=WW=$40

F-14: WW($47) vs CW($80)

F-15: DM($50) vs WW($43)

F-18: DM($40) vs WW($44)

ME-262: C($40) vs DM($50)

Mig-21: HM=C=$40

Mig-29: WW($40) vs C($60)

P-38: WW($40) vs C($50)

Especially for A-10 and F-14, is there much difference to warrant the price gap? Thanks.

I always liked WW in the past

The new WW P-38 that just came out on the flying mule is very nice, added it to my wishlist.

I wonder why Corgi is usually more expensive than others. If the quality is the same, I prefer cheaper ones. I think everyone will do so.

A tough call, as with other scales and lines each has their good points and bad, and to a certain extent it boils down to personal preferences and what your wallet can absorb. I never purchased any WW, but Corgi, Hobby Master, and Dragon all make nice models. In the end your best bet might be to acquire a sampling of models from each maker, and see what you like best.

i collect them all and each has some advantages

Hi Jetsmaniac, I think I can assist you in your question. First off the CW is Century Wings, not Central Wings.. I have noted my choice beside your selections..

Hope this helps.

jetsmaniac wrote:Hi, recently I'd like to collect 1/72 diecast planes. There are some models made by two or more brands. I will list the planes, their manufacturers and prices. Please help me to decide which are the best buy (value/price).

Abbreviations: Hobby Master (HM), Central Wing (CW), Dragon Wing (DW), Witty Wing (WW), Corgi (C)

A-4: HM($40) vs C($55) Hobbymaster

A-10: HM($45) vs C($70) Hobbymaster

AV-8B: HM($50) vs C($60) Hobbymaster

F-4: HM($60) vs C($70) Hobbymaster

F-104: HM=C=WW=$40 Hobbymaster

F-14: WW($47) vs CW($80) Century Wings

F-15: DM($50) vs WW($43) Dragon is better, but neither are great

F-18: DM($40) vs WW($44) Dragon

ME-262: C($40) vs DM($50) Corgi

Mig-21: HM=C=$40 Hobbymaster

Mig-29: WW($40) vs C($60) Witty Wings

P-38: WW($40) vs C($50) Corgi

Especially for A-10 and F-14, is there much difference to warrant the price gap? Thanks.

I am indecisive, so a definite answer helps.
Corgi costs more but not necessarily better? Shock.
If nobody has second thought I am ready to spend.

jetsmaniac wrote:I am indecisive, so a definite answer helps.
Corgi costs more but not necessarily better? Shock.
If nobody has second thought I am ready to spend.

Well, Corgis castings are made in co-operation with Hobbymaster so they are basically the same casting with a few mods. The people I have spoken with think that the Corgi versions don't warrant the extra cost as HMs are better. Century Wings makes a great product overall, so you can't really go wrong with them. If you are still debating, you can ask people on the 1/72 forums and they could give you better opinions.

http://www.thediecasthangarpub.com
http://forums.diecast-aviation.eu/

hworth has given you the perfect answer.

So many variables.

Let me just say Century Wings make some of the finest diecast available.Their selection of aircraft is limited,though.

Let your wallet do the talking.

If you don't want to "experiment" check out the forums Harry listed.

Just spend $423 on 12 planes, averagely $35 a piece. Two 1:18 F-14=twelve 1:72.

I browsed five websites all afternoon, placing orders on two. Flyingmule has good bundle deals, since I have no planes yet. Diecastairplanes has closeout sales on Dragon Wings F/A-18 and others, plus 10% off coupon. All offer free shipping. Aikensairplanes isn't user-friendly (no search engine), but has the most complete collection and very good price.

I only ordered one third of my wishlist. I will wait for holiday sale to fill the rest up.