Crossing Into Plastic
I have strongly embraced my all metal model collection and have periodically wondered about the what if's. In this case, what if I was to begin collecting plastic models in 1/200?
Right now, the idea seems strange, collecting strictly die-cast metal models. I have despised the plastic models and cringe at the fact of receiving a few metal models with plastic vertical and horizontal stabilizers.... I am on the verge of making my first purchase of plastic 1/200 models.
I used to build plastic model airplanes and yes they can be quite delicate, which brings ease when having all metal models. I know a wingtip will hold up much better than plastic when they lightly tap against any surface, which is why I chose only metal models. I can confidently keep a plastic model from damage, but its definitely a pet peeve for me...
I think I am going to have to give Hogan's models a try... I have seen some of their models and they look fantastic and quite comparable to offerings of Gemini Jets and Jet-X... I will probably go for a Boeing 747-8 or the Airbus A380. I have always wanted to have a jumbo in 1/200.... I simply refuse to spend $170 USD and up for one!
I know many of you do collect plastic models, but a question to you all.... how many of you absolutely refuse to buy plastic 1/200 models?
Comment
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Comment by JEAN-FRANCOIS QUILLIEN on March 23, 2012 at 10:45am
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I'm happy for you, Mike! A380 in 1/200 (or 1/100 for Matt !!!) will be awesome !
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Comment by Mikeindigokiloecho on March 23, 2012 at 8:42am
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Yeah, definitely want to get an A380. I bet having an A346 poses a challenge with space, especially if space is limited.... Herpa's offerings have been very attractive, so lets make that a runoff between Herpa, Hogan, and Skymarks.. I notice that A380's don't stay on the shelves too long!
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Comment by Krish on March 22, 2012 at 7:36pm
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I really love my Herpa plastic Qantas A380 and the Herpa iberia A340 - 600 , they did an outstanding job making the model. Especially the wings, alot of detailing. A dislike i have with the model was the landing gears were fragile for the size and weight of the model. I paid between 80 to 90 dollars but i felt i got my money's worth.
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Comment by Matt Whisenant on March 22, 2012 at 10:00am
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I like the Hogan and some Skymark models.... I would be completely out of room if I started to collect both. Plus, with the cost of the diecast it would be hard to afford both. I am really wanting to get a few of the Skymark 1-100 Supreme models... Especially the A380. I just can't swing it right now!
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Hi Steve,
Thanks for the information. I couldn't tell any difference on a picture that Matt posted of a Qantas A 300 whether it was diecast or not and It looked really good.
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Comment by DiecastAirplane.com on March 21, 2012 at 11:08am
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Hi Mike,
As a dealer we go through a tremendous volume of the Hogan Wings and Skymarks. It is true that they don't have the same detail as the metal models, but the paint work is generally quite good, and Hogan has upgraded the landing gear to include rolling rubber tires, so these look nice. I keep a couple of these sitting on my next and most casually observers can't tell the difference between these solid plastic models and the diecast. It is only on picking them up that the difference is obvious.
One detail that is obviously missing on the plastics are antennas. I know that one of my regular customers adds these by using leftover sprues from plastic kits, so this can be fixed with a little work.
And of course, the price is significantly lower then the metal models and I feel the value is very good for the price. Hopefully other collectors with chime in on this discussion, but I'd say the Hogan Wings and Skymarks models are worth a shot (stay away from Flight Miniatures and Long Prosper as these are a much lower grade model).
Steve Howland,
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