Franklin Mint / Armour 1:48 Allied Bombers?

Tinman · Post by **Tinman** » Fri May 13, 2005 9:03 am

I've been strictly a 1:18 collector but am considering these. Does anyone have them (B-17, B-24, B-25)? Are they worthwhile?

Thanks!

cruizin2000 · Post by **cruizin2000** » Fri May 13, 2005 10:41 am

Tinman,

I have the Doolittle B-25 and really like it. Due to my curio space I don't have any of the other larger Armour/Franklin Mint airplanes.

I am planning on buying or even making a new curio that can hold my 1/48th Betty and then will definately get a B-24, B-17, JU-52, and the C-47.

C2000

vmf214 · Post by **vmf214** » Fri May 13, 2005 5:19 pm

These planes are most assuredly worth while. The Ju-52 is particulary outstanding. I have the Austrian campaign version, love it!

OnWu · Post by **OnWu** » Fri May 13, 2005 6:40 pm

Some of the Franklin Mint aircraft are stronger entrees than others but they are worthy in any collection. Their A-10 is my personal favorite but that Japanese Rufe has got to be a close second.

Tinman · Post by **Tinman** » Sat May 14, 2005 2:28 pm

Thanks!

donnieboy · Post by **donnieboy** » Sat May 14, 2005 7:33 pm

Tinman: IMHO the Franklin Mint bombers defy adequate praise-they are superb! They are super-detailed and accurately painted. My only quibble is that the wings on the B-17 lack any dihedral (I'm pretty sure they had some), but the planes are still very nice. Also,the B-24 has a built-in skid to prop up the tail. Nonetheless, I recommend them all. You may already know this, but Franklin Mint is coming out with a B-26 Marauder this year as well. Bring it on!

smh_1021 · Post by **smh_1021** » Sat May 14, 2005 8:48 pm

Won't disagree that the bombers are probably some of the nicer planes in the Franklin Mint collection. But, and more frequently with the smaller planes, quality can still be a concern. I don't care if you are paying 90.00 or 50.00 for a P-51 Mustang ...... but, what individual was placing that American insignia on the side of the fuselage of the 'Jumpin Jacque' at a 15-degree angle. Every picture I have seen of he plane show a horizontal insignia.

Maybe I am a lil' too demanding, but I still have a problem when either the individual placing the decals, insignia, tampo-prints, etc. on the plane can take an extra second or two to make sure the darn things are aligned properly. Th one thing that the Franklin Mint has going for it is variety - but (and I know Franklin Mint pricing has dropped - pricing should also be dropping for companies like Eagles International) the aulity of the Eagles Internation Mustangs humbles the detail and quality on the Franklin Mint planes.

Eagles International has some P-47 Thunderbolts coming out next from what I heard (and, as stated, I did hear that their pricing will be coming down). GMP Diecats makes a fine 1/35th scale P-51 - I just got the 'Missouri Armada' - quite impressive. And you should see the prototype of the P-40 Warhawk coming out in mid-summer. I also heard that they will be making an F4U Corsair (with folding wings) and a P-38 Lightning. I have all six (6) of the GMP P-51s and the detail/quality is exceptional - when paying $150.00 per plane, I guess it should be, but GMP puts out a fine product.

Tinman · Post by **Tinman** » Sun May 15, 2005 5:10 pm

I really appreciate all of your comments! And if FM does come out with a B-26, then I'd be very interested - the B-26 is among my favorite aircraft of all eras.

Searched on google and found a mention of "Dihedral: 4.5 degrees" for the B-17.

donnieboy · Post by **donnieboy** » Mon May 16, 2005 8:40 pm

Tinman: The B-26 Marauder is definitely coming in June. I must also agree with smh_1021 that the quality of FM/AC planes is definitely slipping. Both versions of the Zero I got from them had a crooked prop blade and incorrectly-angled landing gear. The Bf-109Gs lack the little side air intakes on the cowling they're supposed to have (even Yat Ming's version has them).
They tried selling a Spitfire last year as a Mark IX, when it was really just another Mark V. That really got my panties in a bunch! Kvetching? Perhaps, but when you're paying $70 you expect faithful detail and quality, not crap!

Tinman · Post by **Tinman** » Tue May 17, 2005 9:22 am

donnieboy:

Then I'm excited about the B-26B, but nervous about potential quality issues!

Rogo · Post by **Rogo** » Tue May 17, 2005 1:34 pm

Hi Tinman,

I was in the same boat... I had been collecting XD 1:18 scale, but I love bombers and had to decide on a diecast scale/manufacturer to go with. After looking over the different offerings, I went with Corgi. Now the Corgi are by no means perfect either but these features swayed me:
Supplied with a stand and 2 sets of landing gear (up/down), they have a crew in them, they don't take up as much space, and, to my eyes, it seemed to have better detailing/accuracy. Anyway, I'm sure that there are others who would argue in favor of FM over Corgi, and I would like to hear the thoughts of others on this. But anyway, just some food for thought.
Enjoy building that bomber fleet!

Rogo

Tinman · Post by **Tinman** » Fri May 20, 2005 8:08 pm

Thanks. Rogo! I figured I'd try FM 1st, due to their larger 1:48 scale (as opposed to the 1:72 Corgi).

MightyMustang · Post by **MightyMustang** » Sun May 22, 2005 8:47 am

Hey Tinman I bought the Franklin Mint B-17G "General Ike" release and it is awsome to say the least. Great detail through out but on the negative side they could have done a little better with the nose art which wasnt to ba but not too good either, but its a must have.

Tinman · Post by **Tinman** » Mon May 23, 2005 6:50 pm

MightyMustang:

So it's a nice piece, but the nose art left a little to be desired?

MightyMustang · Post by **MightyMustang** » Mon May 23, 2005 7:25 pm

Hey tinman.

I just think they could have made the nose art a little bigger thats all. But otherwise its a beautiful B-17.

Tinman · Post by **Tinman** » Tue May 24, 2005 9:09 am

Thanks!

Small Scale Military Headquarters

Franklin Mint / Armour 1:48 Allied Bombers?

Franklin Mint / Armour 1:48 Allied Bombers?

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Franklin mint/Armour 1:48 Allied Bombers

Franklin Mint/Armour 1:48 Allied Bombers