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Author Topic: Civilian Aircraft Kits/Diecast  (Read 2513 times)

Offline Mad Lord Snapcase

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Civilian Aircraft Kits/Diecast
« on: June 16, 2020, 07:10:27 AM »
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?


Offline Westfalia Chris

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Re: Civilian Aircraft Kits/Diecast
« Reply #1 on: June 16, 2020, 08:01:50 AM »
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.

Offline dadlamassu

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Re: Civilian Aircraft Kits/Diecast
« Reply #2 on: June 16, 2020, 08:10:09 AM »
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.


ICM do a Beech C18S


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Offline Mad Lord Snapcase

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Re: Civilian Aircraft Kits/Diecast
« Reply #3 on: June 16, 2020, 08:21:55 AM »
Thanks, some good ideas already, cheers!

Quote
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.

Offline zemjw

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Re: Civilian Aircraft Kits/Diecast
« Reply #4 on: June 16, 2020, 09:38:06 AM »
There are some 1/48 cessna kits out there from Italeri and Minicraft amazon link

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

Offline Mad Lord Snapcase

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Re: Civilian Aircraft Kits/Diecast
« Reply #5 on: June 16, 2020, 11:32:42 AM »
Ah yes, a Cessna would be perfect, thanks.   :)

Offline von der Tann

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Re: Civilian Aircraft Kits/Diecast
« Reply #6 on: June 16, 2020, 11:46:22 AM »
From time to time old (2003) 1:48 Revell Learjet kits pop up on ebay. But they can get quite expensive.

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Offline Mad Lord Snapcase

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Re: Civilian Aircraft Kits/Diecast
« Reply #7 on: June 16, 2020, 12:08:20 PM »
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.
« Last Edit: June 16, 2020, 12:12:14 PM by Mad Lord Snapcase »

Offline madman

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Re: Civilian Aircraft Kits/Diecast
« Reply #8 on: June 16, 2020, 04:20:08 PM »
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.

Offline dadlamassu

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Re: Civilian Aircraft Kits/Diecast
« Reply #9 on: June 16, 2020, 04:26:46 PM »
Britten Norman Islander



Online Doug ex-em4

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Re: Civilian Aircraft Kits/Diecast
« Reply #10 on: June 16, 2020, 04:35:57 PM »
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

Offline Overlord

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Re: Civilian Aircraft Kits/Diecast
« Reply #11 on: June 16, 2020, 05:36:23 PM »
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://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DISNEY-PIXAR-SIDDELEY-CARS-2-TRANSPORTER-SPY-JET-PLANE-MATTEL-2011-16-LONG/293612062270?hash=item445ca4863e:g:3wUAAOSw8xde4Omk
2024 Lead Tally: Acq: 013 Ptd: 055  Total: +042
2023 Lead Tally: Acq: 560 Ptd: 056  Total: -504
2009-22 Tally:  Acq: 3293 Ptd: 905  Total: -2388

Offline Wildman II

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Re: Civilian Aircraft Kits/Diecast
« Reply #12 on: June 16, 2020, 07:24:59 PM »
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.
« Last Edit: June 17, 2020, 02:27:19 PM by Westfalia Chris »

Offline Mad Lord Snapcase

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Re: Civilian Aircraft Kits/Diecast
« Reply #13 on: June 17, 2020, 12:40:25 PM »
Thanks, more great ideas. I have found a cheap Newray Cessna.

Overlord, I am seriously considering that Siddeley jet!

Offline Cypher226

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Re: Civilian Aircraft Kits/Diecast
« Reply #14 on: June 18, 2020, 08:43:08 PM »
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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