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Helicopters and models (Thereof).
I know there is another thread in which certain individuals wanted more pictures of helicopters with nude or clothed models standing near them. I don’t know if the interest is in the models or the helicopters however I would like to address helicopter models. I just took delivery of a Bell Super Cobra in US Marine camouflage colors. I have an extensive collection of helicopter and fixed wing models so I have a lot to compare this model to.
This model is two feet long and it is in extreme detail both in the cockpit and on the outside as well. Every single rivet is accounted for as well as inspection panels and external weapons. The most amazing thing is the cost, which is $50.00 US plus postage. It is really good value for money. Many of you may not have a personal interest in this particular helicopter but if you appreciate realism in scale models this is it. If you have any interest please contact me and I’ll tell you where you can get the model. :E :E |
Gidday Lu,
Why is it almost impossible to get a model of a civilian helo?? Military models up the gazoo, but few civvy machines. I have tried to find a B206 or 206L (not a Kiowa), an Agusta A109 (not a K2), a Sikorsky S76, an AS 350 or EC 120. No such luck, only military machines. Not even the ubiquitous R22 with the funny lead angle on the cyclic! Bu99er...... |
A friend of mine recently bought some excellent 206 models from the USA on ebay.
I'll speak to him tomorrow and find out where they came from, but for now try 'ebaying' :confused: for them. |
Super Cobra Model
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Robbie
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R-22 R-44 Models
To: Martin1234
I have the Beta II model and I have been waiting over five months for delivery of the R-44 model. Both models are very well detailed. :E :E |
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Who needs twin turbine when you have .... a Bell 47 police helicopter?!
Anyone else notice a slight disparity of prices towards the end of the "helicopter display models"? :E |
Models and their prices.
To: charlie s charlie
Anyone else notice a slight disparity of prices towards the end of the "helicopter display models"? The reason for the price disparity is the amount of man-hours that go into the construction and decorating of the model. The Wood models are mostly hand made and along with the resin models which are cast are all decorated by hand. The die cast models are made in large number where the wood and/or resin models are made in small numbers. :E :E |
I'm sure they are all fantastic models and worth every dime, just a bit of boredom leading to flippant remark feeding my warped sense of humour. Don't want to be sued by anyone! :D I'll reiterate for the benefit of any manufacturer's lawyers, I totally agree with Mr Zuckerman that they are top quality models in which considerable time and care has been invested :ok:
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Variation in pricing
To: charlie s charlie
The models at the beginning of the page are die cast models made for mass distribution and therefore lack the technical detail of a quality model. The prices start to increase when you get to the Corgi models, which are made in limited runs and are numbered. These models are extremely well detailed. On the cheaper models please note the physical size. Some are quite small. In the case of the Robinson models Helicopters only used to have a separate section for them. They obviously included them with the die cast models although they are cast resin with clear canopy and detailed interior. This caused the extreme price jump from the cheaper die cast models and the Corgi models. Hopefully this will explain the price variations. :E :E |
Sorry, it was just one of my off-the-cuff facetious comments, serves me right! Heliport: Any chance of getting a sarcy-smilie for people like me that aren't smart enough to rise above the lowest form of wit? :uhoh:
But thanks for taking the time out to explain that to me, seems you're a veritable font of obscure knowledge! Good job :ok: (no sarcasm intended) CsC If nothing else, we're keeping the number of posts up on this thread :) Talking of obscure knowledge, anyone know where the word sarcasm comes from? Greek, to tear flesh like dogs |
Ahh either way, they are nice. I have the Bell 412 and the second listed Augsta Power 109, those two alone I HIGHLY reccomend to everyone, nicely made, detailed and cheap.
They are coming out with their own line of die cast as well, talking to the rep by email after I had ordered, with a BK117 which was supposed to be out this week, plus a few other models, and all of them will be of the same approximate scale as that agusta and the Bell 412, so they all look kewl on ones shelf :) |
just in case Lu does not know.
There is downloadable video of a Radio Control model Notar. Worth a look. |
TO: Capn Notarious
Every once in a while I peruse the various RC model websites and I am amazed at the detail on some of the models. I would like to get one for static display but I just don’t have the space even if I hung it from the ceiling. My largest models (scale wise) are a P-51 and a BF-109 in 1:16 scale next in scale size are 14 models in 1:18 scale. The rest are all over the place from 1:100th to 1:64th both military and civil and a whole bunch of helicopters in 1:40 scale and some bigger. My basement office is like an aviation museum. :E :E |
You want to be careful Lu. If you tie them to the ceiling with a piece of string, you've got a single point of failure with a catstrophic outcome. You'll need a full FMEA and Stress Analysis, with sign off from the appropriate Certification Authority (the missus, in case it falls on her head!) :D
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....... cheers Robbo Jock! You've just made my day ...... :D :D :D
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Oh ye prophet of doom
To: Robbo Jock
I have been a RMS engineer too long to end up designing something that could fail causing my dear wife misery along with the destruction of a very expensive model. The destruction would be caused not by the model hitting the floor but by my wife hitting the roof and smashing the model. The model would have a multi point suspension consisting of multi windings of 17 pound “Trilene” fishing line attached to three or four National Suspended Ceiling Hooks. This would be a very robust installation. However, I did not design my suspended ceiling and this is what might fail and this would cause both my wife and I a lot of collective misery. Besides a good scale RC model can cost upwards of a thousand dollars and for that price I can get 20 $100.00 models at factory cost. :E :E |
Hey guys, I found a model today when I forced to empty the attic. It appears to be a blackhawk that changes into a little robot. I think the good money is on it being a transformer, but whether it is an autobot or decepticon scum I'm not sure. I am pretty certain its not one of the cheap go-bot knockoffs
I also have what appears to be a 2 bladed rotorsystem. I'm not sure if all ADs will have been complied with, as it has been under a large pile of Robin Hood Lego for a considerable amount of time. So what do you think? I'm accepting offers as of today |
Ironically there were numerous Model Sales at the HAI Conference. I have a few from days gone by and very well done in the Colors and Numbers of various Aircraft.
One in particular that is attending the HAI show was from Bahrain. I have receiverd their literature before, but never purchased anything. I must say they have a beautiful product. One of the finest I have seen. Not Cheap but if its a collectable, I think worth the price. You can visit the site at: www.badermodels.com |
Caveat emptor
To: Bert Sousa
Bader makes nice models but they are vastly overpriced. Here is a cost comparison which is typical for the entire range made by Bader. Toys & Models Boeing 747 in 1:200 $89.95 USD Bader models Boeing 747 in 1:200 $229.99 USD Toys & Models Boeing 747 in 1:100 $299.95 USD Bader models Boeing 747 in 1:100 $499.00 USD Toys & Models prices are often discounted and Bader Models prices are not. Aside from shooting my mouth off on this forum and working as an RMS consultant I have been selling models since 1988. :E :E |
I think I've already adequately displayed my complete lack of understanding of model aircraft, but without wishing to sound like a complete philistine
The R22 model made by Robinson looks *way* better than the picture on the Bader website of their incarnation, I think it must be the clear bubble or something |
Deja vu all over again
To: charlie s charlie
The R22 model made by Robinson looks *way* better than the picture on the Bader website of their incarnation, I think it must be the clear bubble or something The Bader model is solid mahogany where the Toys and Models R-22 is cast in resin, has a clear canopy and the interior is furnished. :E :E |
Well I shall take this opportunity to be educated in another aspect of aviation
You say that die cast models tend to be cheap and mass produced; the better ones are made of wood or resin. The resin T&M model has the interior furnished and a clear canopy, but is 3 times cheaper than the wooden Bader model. Is this difference in price solely down to overpricing of Bader, or are wood models generally better than resin models? |
Lu
Does it cost a lot more to have a model painted in a specific colour scheme and markings? Do you know anywhere in North America which does this? There's a place near Heathrow which does, but they supply mainly to airlines and other aviation companies so their prices are astronomic even for 'standard' non-personalised models. |
In response to:
To: charlie s charlie
There are some die cast models that are quite good and contain good detail. Corgi an English firm makes some very good helicopter models and they are reasonably priced, (60-80 USD you make the conversion to GBP or Euros). On models like the Bell 47 as good as Corgi is they can’t get the tubular structure in scale. This is true for many die cast models. From ten feet away they look good. But up close the purist can detect the flaws. I have a Corgi USN Seaking and it is really nice. I have on order a P-51 that is die cast. It costs about $180 USD. It has removable cowling showing the Merlin engine and access panels that open to show the ammunition feeding the 50 Cal. machine guns. The canopy slides back to show a fully detailed interior down to the gunsight. This type of model is one of a limited edition of 5000 and is a collector’s item. Some companies take the time and effort to put out a good product. Regarding wood v resin models. The resin models are cast from a mold, which reflects a master model. Resin models can be truer to scale relative to thickness of the wing at various stations as well as the empenage. Depending on the production run they are usually made one at a time. Wood models depending on the size of the company use machinery to shape the fuselage and wings/tails. They are finish sanded using metal templates. Smaller companies and custom builder make their models from scratch by hand usually using kiln-dried mahogany. Regarding Bader models they have been overpriced from the very beginning. Once a model is made and fully painted you can not tell the difference between a resin and a wood model. Toys and Models make models of resin, wood and injection molded plastic depending on the projected production run. To; Heliport The "place near Heathrow" is located at the Sheraton Skyline Hotel, which is very near Heathrow. I don't know if he is still involved in the operation of what used to be called Executive Display Models but Brian Austria-Tomkins offered the very best custom made models. His small civil aircraft and helicopters had fully furnished interiors, Full instrument panels; controls and the interiors matched the original aircraft. I have seen their catalog and it seems that they no longer offer this service. There is another English company that provides models to the airlines and airframe manufacturers and they are extremely well made. Their name is Space Models. I'm sorry but I do not know where they are located. To answer your other question there are two firms that offer custom building of aircraft. In order of quality there is Micro West Their address is 955 North Eckhoff, Orange, California 92667. Their prices are getting higher but you get what you pay for. The other is Griffin Aerospace. They bought out Anderson Fine Scale Replicas. They discarded all of the assets of Anderson and in doing so they eliminated the competition. In absorbing Anderson they also discarded Anderson quality so Griffin Models are not the equal of the former Anderson. (My opinion). There is a third firm that is not worth mentioning. If you go on the internet under scale models most of the companies say that they make the models but in most cases they sell Toys and Models products or use the custom building capabilities of Micro West, Griffin Aerospace or some free lance outfits from Indonesia or the Philippines. There is a recent start-up here in Quebec that sells Mahogany models that have resin inserts for all the transparencies and the models are finished with a clear coat of polyurethane. They are beautiful. I have four of them and when friends see them they are more impressed with them that most of my other models. Then there is Jerry Hall. His models are exquisite and finished to the smallest detail. When he can get to it he will be making a 1:24 scale HO3S-1G for me in Coast Guard colors. |
Cheers Lu! :ok:
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Lu
As to the pricing. I agree they are expensive. They had a big discount at the HAI show which put them in line pretty good. But as I said I have a few custom models, and I saw some of their products with my company colors and numbers. Bader does quality stuff. I guess you get what you pay for...... |
Thanks for the information Lu.
BTW, I knew where the shop was but their prices are so high I didn't feel like doing anything which might help their sales. You say you have their price list. Just as a matter of interest, how do their prices compare with those in the US/Canada for the same models? The problem with UK prices generally is that 'you get what you pay for' only relative to other UK prices. Most things are £ for $ or worse, compared with US prices. |
Lu,
Do you know where I could order a TH-57 in U.S. Navy training colors in 1/32 scale? All the ones I have found are way to large, and look out of place with my 1/32 scale Huey, Black Hawk, Jayhawk, and MH-68A Sting Ray. Any advice you have would be most appreciated. Thanks! |
Price comparison
Heliport
Here are some comparison prices for Toys and Models products. US v. UK B-377 Strato cruiser. US $119.95 UK price 119.95 GBP B-314 Dixie clipper US $119.95 UK Price 119.95 GBP B-707-320 US $139.95 UK price 139.95 GBP I believe the difference covers the shipping from the USA. In most cases these same models are discounted by US sellers by 15% or more. If you bought them from a US supplier you would have to pay customs shipping and VAT so they are cheaper in the UK. It appears that Brian Austria-Tomkins' son is now running the shop. In looking through their entire site I could find no reference to custom built models and the only 1:100 scale commercial models they have are made by Atlantic models of Miami, Florida. They have models that are at present not available in the US or Canada and from looking at their prices they are not really out of line. :E :E |
Lu
"I believe the difference covers the shipping from the USA" :confused: US - $139.95 and UK - £139.95 Do the math. Our British friends are being charged $256 (£139.95) for something which costs $139.95 (max) in America. Even if they had to pay their Value Tax and shipping, they could still buy it on the net for less than a £100, a saving of £39.95 on the British price. If they get the 15% discount you said, it would cost them less than £90. If they buy on a visit to America, the same product will cost them only £76 - not much more than half the UK price. Or £65 if they get 15% discount which is less than half what they'd pay in England |
In response to;;;;;
To: HeloEagle
You can contact Griffin Aerospace at HTTP://griffinaerospace.com/ They do custom building to any specified scale. Log onto their website to see samples of their work. I don't know if Micro West builds models in 1:32nd scale or not however they do have 206 models that can be painted up to your requirements. Contact them at 1-714-771-2521 To: Bronx When youse is right youse is right. I was thinking along the lines of US v. Canadian :E :E |
Unfortunately civilian helos are not that popular in terms of modelling. Revell Germany released a thoroughly charming little EC-135 in 72nd a couple years ago, and have a 72nd EC-145 listed for this year. They also own the old Matchbox BK-117 and AS-365 moulds, not fantastic but still buildable little kits. They have also done a 32nd BO-105, BK-117 and EC-135 to date. Other than that, for the most part it's strictly military. Ukranian Ltd run company A-Model are also releasing lots of kits of the Kamov co-axials in 72nd , but these are aimed at the enthusiast market rather than the casual buyer
You may want to check out this forum:- Heli-Kit News Ask away, someone on there will know what you want to know! |
Thanks Lu, I will give them a call.
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Tidbit of info on Lu's AH-1W model.
The aircraft from which the model was made is alive and well and now flying at Pax River as a chase aircraft for AH-1Z and UH-1Y flight test. |
Lu writes:You can contact Griffin Aerospace at HTTP://griffinaerospace.com/
They do custom building to any specified scale. Log onto their website to see samples of their work. I have one that was made by Griffin. I had a Long Ranger done in Company colors. www.aircenterhelicopters.com They did a wonderful job and cheaper than Bader. Again both do good work. Fred Griffin is a 412 driver who also used to fly for Air Center. He knows what Pilots like to see. |
I have just taken delivery of a couple of models via our resident iconoclast, Lu Zuckerman.
One is an Agusta A109, made of plastic with a clear canopy and detailed interior. The other is an S-76B, from solid wood and painted. Both are excellent, have display stands, and look SO COOL on my side table. First kid to touch them gets fingers broken. Thanks Lu!:ok: |
Interesting thread - to be honest I'm surprised that so many members "care" about models.
I collect resin (not wooden) "factory" civilian helicopter models. So far my collection is very small - just one! (Huges Helicopters MD500E.) I have other models but they're all either metal or lower quality plastic specimens. I monitor EBay for such things but they rarely come along. So if anyone has 1/24-ish to 1/20-ish resin models of: Bell 47/Jetranger/222/230/430, A109, BK/MBB, Schweizer 300x, Enstrom, Robinson, K-Max, MD***, anything tilt-rotor other than the V22, etc., please contact me if you want to part with such a thing at a reasonable price. I am also interested in resin models of certain research (e.g. "X" series) aircraft. thx, Dave Blevins San Jose, CA |
Good things will come to those who seek them.
To: Dave Blevins
Dave check your PMs :E :E |
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