Brand and international webshop advice

[Kaap]

Hello,

A little short intro, I'm Jeroen, 31, from The Netherlands. Back in my teenyears I used to build kits and than airbrush them using historic reference material. I had a complete 1:72 pacific theater fighter/fighter bomber collection, every 4 engine bomber of WW2 as far as I know, and a 1:72 B52-F black/camo edition.

Naturally girls eventually took over interest and that hobby was abandoned. Now I've been looking for a while to fill up a glas closet (?), you know, to show stuff So about a week ago I figured, hey maybe there are models available to put in it. I'm not interested in building kits due to limited time but I figured maybe there are finished products for sale. So after browsing the internet I got introduced to Diecast models.

So, I'm really anxious to start collection some diecast models of WW2 vehicles on the 1:32 / 1:35 scale but that's also where my questions come in. I live in The Netherlands, and as far as I know my country does not have big toy stores that focus on military. So thus I have to find webshops that ship worldwide.

So my first question is if you guys have some tips on webshops for diecast models that do ship worldwide?

My second question has to do with the above as well. Due to me not being able to visit a store I have to strongly focus on the specific brands. I'm interested in diecast models that have a good buildquality, but if possible have a natural look. Browsing pictures I saw some species come by that had a really crisp look while others looked as if they just came rolling out of the factory. Extremely detailed weathering/battle effects is much to ask, but you might understand what I mean. I'm familiar with Dragon, 21st Century and Forces of Valor.

So which of these brands can be considered the better quality on above mentioned terms? Or maybe you can suggest me to look at some other brands as well.

I hope I've not bothered you too much with my wall of text, just looking for good advice before I start spending (too) much money

Regards,

[AMERICAN_GRENADIER]

for 1/35 i really like dragon armor and thier can.do line of figures . really well done and you can find them at affordable prices

[Epap]

Hello Jerogen and welcome.

If your primary interest is in the larger scales for diecast warbirds, then, I'm afraid, the number of options is extremely limited. If, however, you are considering the 1:48th scale and, especially, the 1:72nd, then many more possibilities open up. One of the companies I would check out is Hobby Master, which puts out a huge number of decent quality models in both scales. In addition to its own website, there is a site called the Hobby Master Collector, which posts news about HM and an allied company called SkyMax as well as showing many pictures. Also a major player, though mostly in the 1:72nd scale, is Corgi, whose products are pictured in great detail on a site called Twinplane ( Triactus ). In addition, there is the now-defunct Carousel 1 line of 1:48th scale planes which included excellent P-36s, P-40Bs, BF-109Es, F4Fs and a superb FW-190D. These models are still available from some U.S. vendors and can often be found on eBay. There are other brands as well---Gemini Aces, Witty, Century Wings, etc. You might take a look at the listings and pictures of all of these models from major online sellers like The Flying Mule in the U.S. as well as others nearer your location, perhaps in England.

As far as weathering, staining, etc. is concerned, few diecast manufacturers make any attempt at this, in part, because this is too hard a job for their factories and also, because many collectors like their models to look factory fresh. There have been attempts, here and there, which often prove unsuccessful leaving it to those like myself to do it themselves.

My final bit of advice would follow some more "homework" on your part. That finished, I would make some sort of plan, with priorities, as to what types of planes you want and what eras or battles ( like the Battle of Britain ) or campaigns ( North African ) you are most interested in. You will quickly see that only the 1:72nd scale offers a wide enough array of models to satisfy most needs, but this should not preclude buying selected larger models as you see fit. I would also suggest picking the best models first, regardless of who makes them. Most diecast lines have their good and bad models; few, always put out a top quality product.

[tparkhere]

Welcome Kaap,

I have the same experience. I used to build military models when I was kid. Now, as a father of three children, I just do not have time nor the motivation to build models anymore. I started with collecting 1/32-1/35 diecast armors. Then, went onto collecting 1/72 diecast armors and 1/72 planes. I am trying very hard not to start collecting in other scales. That’s the “Dark Force” you will eventually encounter. This hobby is addictive and endless.

Here are links to webstores you can start. All are reputable. I have ordered from them many times without any problem. But, I am not sure about international shipping:
http://www.flyingmule.com
http://www.monkeydepot.com
http://www.badcattoys.com
http://www.petescollectibles.com
http://www.die-cast-models.com
http://www.greatmodels.com

Stores in England (I know of these stores, but I have NEVER ordered from them):
http://www.swapmeetmodels.co.uk
http://www.modelenium.co.uk
http://www.tankzone.co.uk

Couple of other forums. One is in UK and talks mostly about diecast planes. And the other one is military diecast forum in USA:
http://www.thediecasthangarpub.com
http://forums.diecast-aviation.eu

Since you are just starting to buy diecast, you may want to check out ebay. Not just to sell and buy, but to find out the current market price.

Goodluck and welcome to the club!

Tom

[Kaap]

Hello Jerogen and welcome.

I'm going for armored vehichles

Welcome Kaap,

I have the same experience. I used to build military models when I was kid. Now, as a father of three children, I just do not have time nor the motivation to build models anymore. I started with collecting 1/32-1/35 diecast armors. Then, went onto collecting 1/72 diecast armors and 1/72 planes. I am trying very hard not to start collecting in other scales. That’s the “Dark Force” you will eventually encounter. This hobby is addictive and endless.

Here are links to webstores you can start. All are reputable. I have ordered from them many times without any problem. But, I am not sure about international shipping:
http://www.flyingmule.com
http://www.monkeydepot.com
http://www.badcattoys.com
http://www.petescollectibles.com
http://www.die-cast-models.com
http://www.greatmodels.com

Stores in England (I know of these stores, but I have NEVER ordered from them):
http://www.swapmeetmodels.co.uk
http://www.modelenium.co.uk
http://www.tankzone.co.uk

Couple of other forums. One is in UK and talks mostly about diecast planes. And the other one is military diecast forum in USA:
http://www.thediecasthangarpub.com
http://forums.diecast-aviation.eu

Since you are just starting to buy diecast, you may want to check out ebay. Not just to sell and buy, but to find out the current market price.

Goodluck and welcome to the club!

Tom

Thank you very much for the url's. I did ran into tankzone.co.uk last night and they do ship to the rest of Europe

Next weekend there is a big modelling event about 20 minutes from me, 2 eventarea's, 1 which only shops. So definitely will be dropping by there and hopefully get some nice pieces.

I'll make sure to make some photo's if and when I buy models

[tparkhere]

Kaap.

Previously provided forum site has few Dutch members. You may want to send them an email for an advice. Although the site is mostly about diecast planes, I am sure they also know about diecast armors.
http://www.thediecasthangarpub.com

This gentleman has a diecast reference site in your country. You may also want to contact him.
http://henk.fox3000.com

Happy collecting.

Tom

[Epap]

There are a number of other armor lines that are worth mentioning, especially if one is into less conventional stuff. For example Figarti has put out an excellent 1:30th scale Stuart as well as German Tigers, PZ IV tanks, Shermans, Churchills, etc. These tend to be rather expensive compared to the FOV models, however. Also noteworthy are the King & Country models of about the same scale. These are made of a crushed stone material and are both heavy and premium priced, however here, too, you can find many unusual items. These lines are carried by either the Monkey Depot or The Hobby Bunker or both. Repeating my comments, above, regarding any possible interest you might have in aircraft models, I think it's important to have a plan, then find those pieces that fit the plan, regardless of what the brand happens to be.

PS: I'm sorry I misspelled your name, Jeroen.

[snake]

Welcome Jeroen.

Some excellent responses to your question so far. As you are just starting collecting diecast, it is a good idea to ask advice.

Dragon, and FoV are the two best for the money in these scales. 21 Century is okay, but not as good quality wise.

Epap has quite a number of armour pieces and is familiar with lots of different manufacturers, so his advice on Figarti and King and Country will be very helpful.

To start your collection, I personally would go with Dragon, or FoV.

It is important to consider shipping costs, as these can be substantial. As you are in Europe, it would be best to have models shipped to you from as close as possible. Ebay is very good, and a simple Google search will turn up lots of dealers who sell over the internet. You have to balance the cost of the model, with the cost to have it shipped.

It will be interesting to see what you decide to get as your first model[s].

[Kaap]

There are a number of other armor lines that are worth mentioning, especially if one is into less conventional stuff. For example Figarti has put out an excellent 1:30th scale Stuart as well as German Tigers, PZ IV tanks, Shermans, Churchills, etc. These tend to be rather expensive compared to the FOV models, however. Also noteworthy are the King & Country models of about the same scale. These are made of a crushed stone material and are both heavy and premium priced, however here, too, you can find many unusual items. These lines are carried by either the Monkey Depot or The Hobby Bunker or both. Repeating my comments, above, regarding any possible interest you might have in aircraft models, I think it's important to have a plan, then find those pieces that fit the plan, regardless of what the brand happens to be.

PS: I'm sorry I misspelled your name, Jeroen.

I was just browsing the Figarti and K&C collection at The Hobby Bunker. These are really expensive, not just a bit more but a whole lot more. Whats so special about that brand that boosts that price so much?

Welcome Jeroen.

Some excellent responses to your question so far. As you are just starting collecting diecast, it is a good idea to ask advice.

Dragon, and FoV are the two best for the money in these scales. 21 Century is okay, but not as good quality wise.

Epap has quite a number of armour pieces and is familiar with lots of different manufacturers, so his advice on Figarti and King and Country will be very helpful.

To start your collection, I personally would go with Dragon, or FoV.

It is important to consider shipping costs, as these can be substantial. As you are in Europe, it would be best to have models shipped to you from as close as possible. Ebay is very good, and a simple Google search will turn up lots of dealers who sell over the internet. You have to balance the cost of the model, with the cost to have it shipped.

It will be interesting to see what you decide to get as your first model[s].

Well Tankzone.co.uk is really close and The Hobby Bunker also ships worldwide while having a lot to offer. So shopping shouldn't be a problem.

As you said yourself, Dragon and FoV will be what I'm focussing on but having just checked out King and Country, they have some really sweet stuff.

Shame that K&C, FoC and Dragon all have diffirent scales

[Epap]

In the case of the Figarti and King & Country lines, these are limited run manufacturers, which is part of the appeal for many "high end" collectors. In my case, I buy such models very selectively, for example the Figarti Stuart or the K&C Char B, and mix them in with mass produced models by FOV and others, which, to be honest, are surprisingly well done. The Figarti models, in particular, are not only finely detailed, but are weathered and quite heavy, but I have only a few of them and would not recommend that anyone start a collection with this line. It's far better to go with the cheaper models for basic items like the Sherman, Panther, Tiger, etc. However, when you decide to expand into more unusual types that the mass marketers are afraid to touch due to business risks, that's when I'd take another look at Figarti and K&C.

[Epap]

I thought I'd post some pictures from my computer file of my "unusual subjects" in the 1:30-1:35th scale armor range. First, a couple of Figarti Stuarts, the desert "Honey" being a repaint:

[Epap]

Next, some K&C models:

[Epap]

More of the same:

[Epap]

Two more. The WWI French tank is from the Old Northwest Trading Co.

[Epap]

Two models from The Collector's Showcase, another premium line:

[Epap]

Finally, I, too, dislike the chore of assembling kits, however built models are readily available on eBay, sometimes at astoundingly low prices. Just use the key word "built" and many pages of such listings pop up. Here are some examples of buys I've made in the past year or so:

[Epap]

One last batch:

[Kaap]

Amazing collection you have there. Those details on the Stuart are stunning!

I have to agree, the models from K&C and Figarti are a bit too expensive for starting out. Next weekend I'm going to a modelling convention in my area, plenty of shops there and hopefully I'll run into some sellers of Dragon and FoV.

Keep ya updated!

[Heer]

I love those models epap, especially the panther.

[StormyThoughts]

Love Your collection Epap. No offence, but I think K&C models are premium only in price. I don't own any, but I have seen them in Edinburgh and must say, they're nice but not for that kind of money.

Cheers

Luke

[Kaap]

There's 1 more thing I'd like to know. The 1:32 / 1:35 models, about how heavy are they?

[tparkhere]

There's 1 more thing I'd like to know. The 1:32 / 1:35 models, about how heavy are they?

1/35 Dragon Armor: 100% plastic. Details and paint are great. It’s as if you had hired someone to build the plastic model and paint it. In essence, it is. This is actually the same Dragon plastic model that you need to glue and to paint . Someone in China glued and painted for you. Extremely light.

1/35 Minichamps. 95+% diecast. This is the other extreme. The tank is solid and very heavy like a brick. Too pristine but worth checking out.

1/32 21st Century. Mixed bunch. Some are 100% plastic and others are combination of diecast and plastic. All armors have more plastic than diecast. Least expensive. No longer in business. Not bad for the price.

1/32 Forces of Valor. In my opinion, you should start with these armors. More diecast than plastic. Some details are not accurate and some have too much paint.

[Kaap]

I actually meant, about how heavy the FoV 1:32 are as in weight

[StormyThoughts]

I actually meant, about how heavy the FoV 1:32 are as in weight

U mean 1/32?

They have a nice heft, not as heavy as Minichamps, but still quite heavy

[tparkhere]

“Who’s on first? What’s on second?”

Kaap, it’s an old, classic American baseball joke. There is a confusion due to the first baseman named, “Who.” and, second basement named, “What.” You can go to “Youtube.com” and type in “Who’s on first?” to see and hear the joke.

Weight shown are loose, not in a packaging.

Forces of Valor 1/32 armors:
Wirbelwind tank 1 lb = .45 kg
Pz IV 1.4 lb = .64 kg
Tiger 1.7 lb = .77 kg
Jagdpanther 1.7 lb = .77 kg
King Tiger 1.7 lb = .77 kg
Panther 1.8 lb = .84 kg

I always thought that King Tiger was the heaviest. But, surprisingly, Panther is the heavyweight champ. I hope this answer your question.

Tpark