Small Scale Military Headquarters

Who makes the best and the most affordable. The 1/18th scale are just to expensive for me, so I'm looking at 1/72 scale. I noticed Corgi looks like they make some good planes at a decent price.

I guess my question is, what is the detail like on the 1/72 scale planes? I'm talking about WWII planes. I know the detail on that small a scale can't be like it is in 1/18th, but is it still decent? Also, are there alot of repaints in this scale?

Also, what would you recommend for a good first plane? I'm mostly fond of P-51's and other fighters of that era. The bombers look like they're quite expensive.

Also,are the planes based off of famous fighter pilots? With correct markings and colors?

Thanks for helping out the newbie and look forward to your comments!!

i think corgi's are more expensive than xd planes arent they? I can buy an xd plane off of ebay and pay for shipping and still pay less than i would for most corgi planes.

Well, it looks like on BCA site you can get a Corgi 1/72 scale for 24.95. If you can get an XD plane off of E-Bay for that price I'm all over that. Is that really the deal? I'm going to have to start shopping on E-Bay.

RedTail,
I collect 1/72 scale Dragon, Corgi and Matchbox...
You can pick them up anywhere from $19 for fighters to $100 if you want Bombers..
Here is a link to another site I frequent for small scale aircraft guys..

http://www.modelhangar.com/forum/

Matchbox Collectibles are your best bet @ $12. Corgi also has a cheaper line of 1/72 scale called Corgi Classics. You can find these for between $15-$20. They aren't quite as detailed as the rest of the line, but they look good nonetheless.

-Ski

aferguson wrote:i think corgi's are more expensive than xd planes arent they? I can buy an xd plane off of ebay and pay for shipping and still pay less than i would for most corgi planes.

Aferg,
Some corgi planes have increased in price to the extent that they are VERY expensive, but if you are like me, that bought one new for $24.99 and then resold it couple of years later for $175.00, then it's become a very profitable collection..
Corgi 1/72 fighters typically go for around $20-$25 depending on whether they are "limited" or "unlimited".. The "limited" ones typically increase in value over a short period of time..
The "Aussie" Mossie, released a couple of years ago is now going for over $600.00 on ebay, that is, IF you can find them..

Corgi, Matchbox, and Dragon are all good bets. Dragon and Corgi can be found most easily with the small retailers, Matchbox is at Target, and for the older planes, ebay is the best shot.

All of these planes are highly detailed. The Matchbox and Corgi planes have a pilot figure in the cockpit (a feature I really like!). Corgi and Dragon have landing gear that can be positioned either up or down, however Matchbox ones are retracted. Some matchbox planes, as well as corgi (I'm not sure on Dragon) have some wear and tear detailed. Matchbox is usually the best deal price-wise.

All the makes mentioned ( Dragon Warbirds, Corgi, Matchbox ) are good and each brand has their pluses and minuses.

But don't forget the new AEROart line, made by Autoart, that just came out. The first release is a P-51 and except for the stars and bars on the upper right wing surface, they are a great 1/72 model. It shouldn't be there and by lightly rubbing with nail polish remover, that has acetone in it, the tampo stars and bars comes right off without doing any damage to the paint under it. The best price I've seen is at Aiken's. They are also available now in 1/144 and soon to be available in 1/48 and 1/24 scales.

Also keep your eye out for Forces of Valor 1/72 WW II planes coming in the spring of 2005. If their 1/72 planes are as good as their 1/32 tanks, they will be a welcome addition.
Happy collecting!!!