RCW aircraft question...

[Patrice]

Hi, perhaps this has already been discussed, but I have searched in the LAF archives without answer:

- Which plane sellers? I play 28mm skirmish, but I am seriously thinking about 1/72 diecast+plastic models, from Amercom (Poland) who sells Spad, Sopwith, etc, at a very fair price and no need to glue parts etc.

After all, when planes fly in the sky they don't need to be same size than the miniatures; a bit smaller can be convenient; and unless you want to play an airfield scenario, they won't hit the ground (and if they do because of AA fire, some cotton smoke on them will do the trick and not bother about exact size).

- How to base them on the table battlefield? On Ignatieff's pics I have noticed some tripods which seem very practical...?

[Hamilkar]

Patrice,

I too use 1/72 scale aircraft so they look like they are at a higher altitude by being smaller.  Mine are all plastic model kits.  I do the same with my 15mm figs by using 1/144th scale.

The stand will depend on the material the aircraft is made of.  Diecast planes are going to require a heavier stand, else it may be top heavy.  I create my own stands.  I purchased clear acrylic stands off ebay with bases 1 3/4 inches by 1 3/4 inches and a plastic shaft in the center about 3 inches tall.  Then, I purchased Styrene tubes, cut them to the desired length and then slipped them over the existing shaft and glued them in place.  On the top of the Styrene tube, I inserted an alligator clip in the tube, gluing it in place.  I use map pins in the bottom of my planes and the alligator clip grips the pin head (ball) and allows all types of flight angles.  These are light weight stands and would need a much larger base to handle diecast or larger scale aircraft.  These were fairly cheap and easy to make and they have a small foot print on the table.

Hope that feeds the fires of creativity!!

[cuprum]

In "Amerkom" model SPAD S.VII made not on that scale, which is indicated on the stand. Written "1/72" - in fact this model in scale 1/56! And you can feel free to use it at the airfield ... Just need a little repaint.



Variants red aviation - here:
http://siberia-miniatures.ru/forum/showthread.php?fid=12&tid=100

[Schogun]

I use 1/48. The scale may be bigger, but the planes are so small in true size that they fit right in. Pilots match 28mm better, too.

Testor's. Only $7.89 each. Sometimes can be found cheaper.
Spad 13 (617N)
http://www.testors.com/product/0/617N/_/148_Spad_X111_C.1
Nieuport 17C (613N)
http://www.testors.com/product/145040/613N/_/148_Nieuport_17C.1

I don't know if Revell is still making its 1/48 Sopwith Camel (#4580). Around $12.99, I think.
Ref: http://www.karenleehobbies.com/148-sopwith-f1-camel--reve.html

Eduard makes a nice 1/48 (German) Albatros III (#8436) and V (#8406). Cost $11-$13 each (look for the cheaper "Weekend Edition", not the fancy version.)

If you want a bomber, the only source is Roden, and you'll spend more.

SMER also makes 1/48 scale planes.

Chuck

[Patrice]

Thanks guys 

Interesting idea Hamilkar - although I'm not sure I am able to build such a thing, I'll think about it.

Thanks Schogun. I'm a bit uneasy about 1/48 vehicles, which seem big to me.

Ooh cuprum, astonishing link with all these pictures! 
Yes the Amercom Spad is tempting 

[Ignatieff]

All of mine are 1/48. They are things of great beauty.

[smirnoff]

1/48th for me.
The Testor's kits are simple, cheap and as robust as a plastic injection kit gets.

There is also the Corgi diecast range but they were around £30 each (got one SPAD and it is a cracker).

Bombers...I have an old 1/48 aurora Breguet 14...nice kit but a vintage, you would need to get onto a dealer/ebay and my decals were rotted.....

Eduard kits are really excellent but if you are gaming with them I would go for the 'weekend' kits (simple and cheaper):
http://www.eduard.com/store/Eduard/Plastic-kits/Weekend-edition/

Be prepared to simplify and strengthen some types of aircraft.
Never mind thinking 'will the aircraft survive a dog fight?' always think 'will an aircraft survive the grasping mitts of a gamer who is the wrong side of a bottle of malt/case of white ? etc etc'

[Hamilkar]

For comparison:

1/144th Harrier and 1/72 1930s Russian Aircraft (can't remember which one it is) compared to Copplestone Figures


The materials to make the stands.

[cuprum]

Here Amerkom model SPAD S.VII compared with a figure of 28 mm. And photos of real aircraft with people for comparison visual perception.

[sukhe_bator]

I've been able to find refs to Caudrons being used by the Chinese
as well as a variety used by the Whites in S Russia. I'm planning to use 1:72nd
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=9742.0

[zebcook]

The Amerkon models cuprum mentioned are really quite perfect for wargaming. Pre-painted, minor assembly only, cheap, and sturdy as hell for wargaming. And they are really dead-on scale for most minis. There's a Spad, Sopwith, and a couple of Fokker's in the line.

Search for them under EZ Build Models.

[Schogun]

The Amerkon models cuprum mentioned are really quite perfect for wargaming. Pre-painted, minor assembly only, cheap, and sturdy as hell for wargaming. And they are really dead-on scale for most minis. There's a Spad, Sopwith, and a couple of Fokkers in the line.

Search for them under EZ Build Models.

The box says 1/48 scale but they're really 1/35.

[Patrice]

Well I am happy that I started a very interesting thread.

The box says 1/48 scale but they're really 1/35.

Cuprum was talking about the Amercom 1/72 range - which is apparently not 1/72, either.

I don't know any diecast Caudrons? and no Nieuport, this is sad.

[tin shed gamer]

Hi just to let you know that I've been looking at the lack of 28mm Aircraft and have mastered several for production.The first two are a Sopwith Camel and a Fokker Dr1 ,off the top of my head. These have been shown to the North Hull Wargames club,last year purely as practice masters to test me and to test Simon at 1st Corps miniatures mould making skills.They went down so well that we have been nagged into starting a new range.The first is due for release after the York show on the 2nd Feb.as theres only so many things you can display at a show.
As for ease of construction the Sopwith is only four parts including the prop and a piolts head and shoulders.

[Ignatieff]

What's the easiest build 1/48 scale Bristol fighter???

Thanks

Steve