Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => The Conflicts that came in from the Cold => Topic started by: Mad Lord Snapcase on June 16, 2020, 08:10:27 AM
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I am looking to build a small airfield in 28mm scale. The idea is to be able to use it for bush wars, drug wars, terrorist attack etc. The period would be mainly '60s to '70s although '80s may be OK.
I have a good idea what buildings I want and have some already.
I am looking for some recommendations for smaller civilian aircraft/helicopters to act as set dressing mainly. Although it might also be a means of escape in a scenario. Jet or prop driven.
Scales I suppose from 1/48 to 1/56. I don't want to scratch-build planes so it's commercially available stuff I'm after.
So, any model kits or diecast suggestions, please?
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Over the years, I've built a couple of heli kits for use in Doctor Who and Spy-Fi/Retro Action games. My overall verdict would be, diecast over plastic (for robustness), and possibly older kits over newer ones, since the former tend to be a bit more chunky and, again more robust than modern ones.
See below,
1. a Corgi diecast Bell 47 painted for UNIT (idea appropriated from Anevilgiraffe)
2. a 2010s re-issue Heller 1/50 Alouette II with a pilot from an Academy MD500 with a Crooked Dice head;
3. a late-1980s Revell boxing of the Matchbox 1/48 Wessex with some Crooked Dice troopers for size,
4. the latest, an Academy 1/48 MD-500 with a Reaper figure for size.
Of these, the Alouette and Matchbox helis are surprisingly robust. The Academy kit was very fiddly to assemble (I did another one as a Little Bird back in '03, sans some of the windows, which worked out easier) and is very delicate with the main and tail rotors. The Corgi model I got discounted lacking the rotor, which I scratch-build. Obviously the most robust one.
If you can get fitting-size diecast models (not necessarily toys, although there are some good ones these days, e.g. Siku helis), I would recommend these. On all the models except the Bell 47, I left the rotors removable for handling reasons. During actual games, I'd leave them off unless they are parked in a safe spot.
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I bought a Grumman Goose die cast model - it was a coin bank! They appear every so often on ebay though now they are quite expensive.
(http://www.morvalearth.co.uk/Mnsia_Biggles/100_4089s.jpg)
ICM do a Beech C18S
(https://www.kingkit.co.uk/uploads/shop/large/PA110166.JPG)
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Thanks, some good ideas already, cheers!
1. a Corgi diecast Bell 47 painted for UNIT (idea appropriated from Anevilgiraffe)
That one makes me think of the Man From U.N.C.L.E. It was THRUSH who always seemed to have them, I think?
I like the look of that C18S as well, just the thing.
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There are some 1/48 cessna kits out there from Italeri and Minicraft amazon link (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Italeri-48-2764-CA-172-Skyhawk-vehicles/dp/B01I5GRSMI/ref=sr_1_3)
I bought a 1/48 Lysander at the start of the year - figured they could still be used in some out of the way places :D
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Ah yes, a Cessna would be perfect, thanks. :)
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From time to time old (2003) 1:48 Revell Learjet kits pop up on ebay. But they can get quite expensive.
(https://www.scalemates.com/products/img/1/6/0/114160-11104-pristine.jpg)
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A Learjet would be perfect for a drug lord, nice one.
Looking on eBay I see there is a Hasegawa one too, but very expensive. Cheapest one seems to be nearly £40.
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For '60s and later also look for piper cubs. I did a google image search and without scrolling had 4 manufacturers in 1/48. If you find a manufacturer, especially of the civilian cub versions, search their site as they may have other civilian types.
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Britten Norman Islander
(https://www.kingkit.co.uk/uploads/shop/large/PC180060.JPG)
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Hello, hello - a new project you’re trying to sneak past your faithful
stalkers followers? Sounds intriguing and splendid. Some of these suggestions that are coming through look great.
Sitting back and awaiting more news from Snapcase International Airlines (motto: a stewardess on every lap).
Doug
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Disney/Pixar Siddeley Jet toy might be too big for you, but doesn't need building and is robust.
There is also a hinged roof to place a few minis inside.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/5145/5625498827_dd6c526327_b.jpg)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DISNEY-PIXAR-SIDDELEY-CARS-2-TRANSPORTER-SPY-JET-PLANE-MATTEL-2011-16-LONG/293612062270?hash=item445ca4863e:g:3wUAAOSw8xde4Omk
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For helicopters, look for New Ray toys. I think that's the name.
They are plastic/ die cast. They are close to 28mm. I have seen
them in pictures of Vietnam games.
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Thanks, more great ideas. I have found a cheap Newray Cessna.
Overlord, I am seriously considering that Siddeley jet!
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The Disney Planes toys are great. I've got a Siddely (though mine seems to be different with only the rear opening, so watch out for that. The other one I've got is a 'Cabbie', the flying boxcar. You'll be hard pressed to find a kit that covers the same amount of table space for the price they can be had for!
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Italeri do a 1/48 Cessna 172. Minicraft do a range of Beechcraft and other Cessna types, including floatplanes. Hobbycraft do a rather nice 1/48 DHC-2 Beaver, a classic bush plane.
There's also OTP who do a printed Cessna and a Lear, much cheaper than kits. You can even buy them as a bundle with a control tower.
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Many thanks, some more excellent suggestions. :)
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There are lots of AN-2 Colt kits floating around at 1/48 scale and the green plastic army men make a (armed) C-130. lol
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I would suggest looking at the Pulp forum for planes, as a lot of those early century planes are/were still operating in the '80's. I was going to give you a link, but the Search function appears to be on the fritz this morning. We had a whole thread dedicated to planes in there at one time.
(ADDED) I found it!
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=58045.0