1/18 Scale F-4 PHANTOM II by Admiral toys!!

[Shin Densetsu Kai 7.0]

Here is the preorder for badcat's exclusive SEA camo version.

http://www.badcataviation.com/f4cphii1adba.html

$140

Other products will be an A-1 Skyraider(announced earlier last week), a Dauntless, and an F-5. Previously they have released F-86E's, and ME-262's

Congrats fellow afficianados, our Phantom is HERE!

[HoveringCheesecake]

Well, I was interested until I saw the price. What the heck?? I've purchased plenty from badcat, and the last 1/18 I got was only 1/3 that price. Geesh.

Oh, and the Forces of Valor stuff is $20 more than it used to be? Come on now. I know that they said the price of the material used in them went up, but that means that the 1/32 scale StuG III has increased price by 80%. WTF?

Edited February 11, 2007 by meh_cd

[Shin Densetsu Kai 7.0]

Well, I was interested until I saw the price. What the heck?? I've purchased plenty from badcat, and the last 1/18 I got was only 1/3 that price. Geesh.

Oh, and the Forces of Valor stuff is $20 more than it used to be? Come on now. I know that they said the price of the material used in them went up, but that means that the 1/32 scale StuG III has increased price by 80%. WTF?

Put it this way, the biggest 1/18 birds are the hornet and the avenger. Both those retail for $70-100. The phantom is a lot bigger than both of them....not to mention its gonna come with more weapons than those 2 as well.

[HoveringCheesecake]

I spose, but it seems like the store is just hiking up prices now. Why else would the FoV stuff go up so high? I find that a little insane considering you can find them at TRU and Target for $25.

[Shin Densetsu Kai 7.0]

I spose, but it seems like the store is just hiking up prices now. Why else would the FoV stuff go up so high? I find that a little insane considering you can find them at TRU and Target for $25.

THe ones in target/TRU are the lesser grade versions. The ones online are the collector grade stuff. The differences being the diecast content and amount of paint apps/weathering.(Though the TRU versions of the warbirds are actually decent I hear).

Anyways since the phantom is much bigger than the current biggest 1/18 toy(the hornet) I think its actually a good price at $140. Keep in mind it is 47" long.

[David Hingtgen]

A C-model? Bah. Same exact paint scheme for every squadron, with a few ANG exceptions. Just wait for Robin Old's and buy that one.

Naval Phantoms have far better schemes.

[Knight26]

Any pictures yet, I am most excited about the A-1 and the F-5, please let me see a 1:18 A-10 and F-8

[reddsun1]

Who knows? Maybe collectors will luck up, and Wal-Mart might carry some? It's been killing me when I go to my local Wally World, cause they have quite a nice selection of 1/18 21st Cent toys.

-"Atlantic" Avenger [this thing's fuggin huge!]

-"Bunker Hill" Corsair

-"Ridge Runner" P-51D

-P47D "Eagleston" and olive drab

-Me109 night fighter

-Ju87 Stuka

Helluva selection, and all at just a measley $39.80 each--even for that big ol' Avenger! But heck, I don't have room enough for the crap I've already got! Alas, maybe someday...you could end up dedicating a whole basement or wing of a house to these big suckas!

[Shin Densetsu Kai 7.0]

Who knows? Maybe collectors will luck up, and Wal-Mart might carry some? It's been killing me when I go to my local Wally World, cause they have quite a nice selection of 1/18 21st Cent toys.

-"Atlantic" Avenger [this thing's fuggin huge!]

-"Bunker Hill" Corsair

-"Ridge Runner" P-51D

-P47D "Eagleston" and olive drab

-Me109 night fighter

-Ju87 Stuka

Helluva selection, and all at just a measley $39.80 each--even for that big ol' Avenger! But heck, I don't have room enough for the crap I've already got! Alas, maybe someday...you could end up dedicating a whole basement or wing of a house to these big suckas!

Whoa hold on the Avenger was $69.99 when it came out. Unless you came across one for discount after xmas(I heard some went down to $25).

I'd prefer it if Admiral toys did not get picked up by walmart. Walmart's distribution is very spotty. 21st was a lot easier to find in TRU, where BBI now takes up the mantle and has easy to find products. Walmart may have the money to bankroll projects but if your consumer can't find what your paying to make, whats the point? I miss when they used to be sold at TRU. And remember, 21st was the company reluctant to make an F-4 years back because they couldn't figure out a way to stuff it into a box. And this is also the same company that has yet to release the A-10 that all of us have drooled at.

So far Admiral toys primarily releases their products via online. Admiral has the guts to do what other companies have not done, remember its barely been a year since they came on the scene and already they are tackling the biggest 1/18 scale product ever created.

[Shin Densetsu Kai 7.0]

Any pictures yet, I am most excited about the A-1 and the F-5, please let me see a 1:18 A-10 and F-8

http://www.warbird-photos.com/gpxd/viewtop...sc&start=80

Scroll down when you click on the link. The F-5 hasn't been shown yet, but the A-1 is in there. The F-4 is shown prominently, and the 1/32 corsair and Kate should be around there too. Badcatmatt is asking members on gpxd to tell them what kind of armnaments they want on their phantoms. Jason has said that he wants to see an F-14 in that scale, and i think he said if no one else makes it, his company might try, don't qoute me on that one though but I did ask him on a forum a while back. *Also the 1/32 scale birds from Admiral toys is just being shown at toyfair to gauge interest, seems more people want the Kate in 1/18!*

I want an F-8 also. If Admiral can tackle the F-4, the F-8 is sure as hell possible and cheaper too. I want both!

And speaking of weird but cool...check out who is also putting out a dauntless and F-4....but in 1/32...

BBI!

http://www.warbird-photos.com/gpxd/viewtopic.php?t=7161

As usual BBI comes out of nowhere. I am awaiting new info on it! It will be easier on the wallet and knowing BBI near indestructible yet rivaling the detail of 21st century toys.

[David Hingtgen]

Armament for a Phantom? 4 Sparrows, 4 Sidewinders. What else is there? (nobody wants bombs on their fighter to display---unless maybe it's a Marine Phantom)

I'd buy an F-8, if they actually do the wing/flaps right. If the wing is up, the flaps MUST be down. And vice versa.

[dizman]

Oh wow, I might actually buy that if i had the room. Right now my P-38 and Zero are taking up too much space.

Edited February 13, 2007 by dizman

[Shin Densetsu Kai 7.0]

More news.....21st announces a 1/18 F-4 for $90, they plan on making the F-4C, F-4D, F-4E, F-4S, and F-4S. They also announced 1/32 F-4s as well....

http://www.21stcenturytoys.com/area21/arti....asp?newsID=254

Also, badcataviation.com has took off their price info for admiral's F-4, the price might be lower!

[David Hingtgen]

All I can say is--we'll see. Historically, 1/18 models do pretty piss-poor accuracy-wise. You can get far more accurate stuff far cheaper, buying 1/72 diecast.

And with the F-4, with all its variants--it's a nightmare to sort what's what, possibly the worst of all jets (that I know of). If even something super-common with very few variants and zillions of photos online like the F-18C can't even be done right, what hope is there for the F-4?

[Shin Densetsu Kai 7.0]

All I can say is--we'll see. Historically, 1/18 models do pretty piss-poor accuracy-wise. You can get far more accurate stuff far cheaper, buying 1/72 diecast.

And with the F-4, with all its variants--it's a nightmare to sort what's what, possibly the worst of all jets (that I know of). If even something super-common with very few variants and zillions of photos online like the F-18C can't even be done right, what hope is there for the F-4?

THe best hope is Admiral toys. Maybe 21st...with Roy Sutherland overseeing production(he is called a master modeler).

Rumor has it the Admiral toys version is made to be able to make in different versions.

[David Hingtgen]

I don't recognize the name Roy Sutherland and have no idea of his work, but I'll say this:

I have seen absolutely gorgeous, multi-intl-award winning models---that are totally and completely wrong. We're talking F-14D's with F-14A cockpits and engines here. They're built and painted far better than I could ever dream of doing and usually end up in museums--but doesn't mean they're accurate at all. I'd rather hear "they're being done by someone who lives and breathes ALQ-26 placement variations".

(yes, I complain about model planes, sight unseen--a lot. It's what I do)

[Warmaker]

Once you dig around a certain subject long enough, an actual thing or fictional work, you tend to appreciate accuracy. When you see something obviously wrong, it just gnaws away at you.

Like seeing a good friend, out of blind loyalty to the USMC, put "MARINES" on an F-14A model kit Yes, yes, I know the Corps was interested one time at getting the Tomcats when they were first coming out, but it never got 'em!

As for these 1/18 aircraft toys, I'm really appreciating the F4U Corsairs. I'm thinking about getting one.

Edited February 14, 2007 by Warmaker

[reddsun1]

I've often wondered "what's up with all they wildly varying scales, as if picked at random?" Like, just how the heck did they come up with 1/32 for a scale, anyway? I see 21st Cent announced a new 1/48 scale lineup as well, which is kinda cool--it's a scale I've wanted to see their toys done in. It would mean being able to display some pretty well detailed toys and see how they'd compare in size next to my VF-1S Roy. and they've announced a 1/18 Tuskeegee P-51D---ooh, I want one! I want one!

A bit OT I know, but I went to Walmart last night, and low and behold, those 1/18 Avengers are clearanced down to $25. Oh, the temptation! Oh the guilt of it all! In a moment of weakness, I found myself deliberating: hmm, either something for the wife for Valentine's; or snatch up the toy, and risk her wrath? Yes, it's terrible, I know.

To their credit, Bad Cat Toys has clearanced some of their 1/18's down too: the Stukas and P-51D "Hurry Home Honey"s are down to $29, and the first-run F86's are down to $36, respectively.

[HoveringCheesecake]

The only 1/18 I have right now is the 109G6 "Seeman" JG 53 paint scheme. I opened it up the day I got it, set it on the kitchen table for a few minutes, then walk out there to find my cat going to town on the propeller. God damnit.

[Shin Densetsu Kai 7.0]

I don't recognize the name Roy Sutherland and have no idea of his work, but I'll say this:

I have seen absolutely gorgeous, multi-intl-award winning models---that are totally and completely wrong. We're talking F-14D's with F-14A cockpits and engines here. They're built and painted far better than I could ever dream of doing and usually end up in museums--but doesn't mean they're accurate at all. I'd rather hear "they're being done by someone who lives and breathes ALQ-26 placement variations".

(yes, I complain about model planes, sight unseen--a lot. It's what I do)

Honestly I never knew of Roy Sutherland until I got into 1/18 scale offerings. I heard he authored a P-51 Mustang modeling book some years back but I cannot say for sure what the title was. What I do know is that he wants to make a 1/18 scale Mosquito.

And yes I know how you are about accuracy LOL

I've seen you go to town on your posts about the century wings/FOV F-14 over@model hangar. When the new model got your seal of approval thats how I knew it had to be good.

[reddsun1]

All I can say is--we'll see. Historically, 1/18 models do pretty piss-poor accuracy-wise. You can get far more accurate stuff far cheaper, buying 1/72 diecast.

And with the F-4, with all its variants--it's a nightmare to sort what's what, possibly the worst of all jets (that I know of). If even something super-common with very few variants and zillions of photos online like the F-18C can't even be done right, what hope is there for the F-4?

True, a logical conclusion might be: "if it's a bigger scale, then a greater degree of accuracy should be possible..." But I don't think it's nearly so much about that, at least with 1/18 scale toy planes. I figure a lot of folks are willing to forgive minor detail misses for the sake of having one huge-a$$ cool toy to display [and yes, go swishing around the living room with when no one else is home ]. And we mustn't forget these are made to appeal to a pretty broad spectrum of consumers: from discerning adult collectors all the way down to little kids ["ages 5 and up"] who don't give a hang about whether say, the cockpit controls coincide with the prod. block variant--they just dig having one huge a$$ cool toy to play with. That, plus one must remember that these are some pretty big hunks o' plastic that're being molded. I imagine the thickness/viscosity of the material being molded may play a factor? Perhaps some fine details must be sacrificed for cost effectiveness, ability to max out the production capacity for given moulds?

My wife, God love her--she got me the TBF for Valentine's Day. Upon opening it up and inspecting it [i thought I'd never be so psyched over a non-Macross/mecha toy--or a toy period--again], there are some fit and finish issues, to be sure. There are some places where gaps are present between piece edges, and the moving parts feel like they have to be handled gingerly, lest a tab/piece snap off or something; the plastic feels a bit "brittle" for lack of a better word. But I'm willing to forgive that; cause in the end, it's one HUGE A$$ cool toy.

[Shin Densetsu Kai 7.0]

True, a logical conclusion might be: "if it's a bigger scale, then a greater degree of accuracy should be possible..." But I don't think it's nearly so much about that, at least with 1/18 scale toy planes. I figure a lot of folks are willing to forgive minor detail misses for the sake of having one huge-a$$ cool toy to display [and yes, go swishing around the living room with when no one else is home ]. And we mustn't forget these are made to appeal to a pretty broad spectrum of consumers: from discerning adult collectors all the way down to little kids ["ages 5 and up"] who don't give a hang about whether say, the cockpit controls coincide with the prod. block variant--they just dig having one huge a$$ cool toy to play with. That, plus one must remember that these are some pretty big hunks o' plastic that're being molded. I imagine the thickness/viscosity of the material being molded may play a factor? Perhaps some fine details must be sacrificed for cost effectiveness, ability to max out the production capacity for given moulds?

My wife, God love her--she got me the TBF for Valentine's Day. Upon opening it up and inspecting it [i thought I'd never be so psyched over a non-Macross/mecha toy--or a toy period--again], there are some fit and finish issues, to be sure. There are some places where gaps are present between piece edges, and the moving parts feel like they have to be handled gingerly, lest a tab/piece snap off or something; the plastic feels a bit "brittle" for lack of a better word. But I'm willing to forgive that; cause in the end, it's one HUGE A$$ cool toy.

See thats the thing with 21st's products, as hard as the plastic is, its not like the indestructability that BBI has on their products. (I'm sure you would not want to hand your avenger to a child, however the BBI F-18 would probably survive his/her hands).

With that said I believe the target market for these toys are teens to adults. BBI's can be given to kids as it will most likely damage them rather than the other way around. 21st's stuff should not be given to kids. I am almost sure my F-104 would be destroyed in the hands of a child, cannot say the same for my BBI hornet and kiowa. Admiral I don't know right now but from what I hear they are inbetween, I think leaning more towards BBI. Their customer service is topnotch and the head of the company is very friendly.

[Shin Densetsu Kai 7.0]

1/18 B-25 and 1/18 MIG-21

21stcenturytoys.com

[Knight26]

Nice, what about the F-5, any pictures of any of these yet? If they do come out with the F-5 as promised I hope it is an F-5E, then I will paint it up in Area-88 colors. And if they are making a B-25 then there is no reason why they can't do an A-10

[Shin Densetsu Kai 7.0]

Nice, what about the F-5, any pictures of any of these yet? If they do come out with the F-5 as promised I hope it is an F-5E, then I will paint it up in Area-88 colors. And if they are making a B-25 then there is no reason why they can't do an A-10

A lot of people agree with you on the A-10, the minute the B-25 was announced, someone made a thread@gpxd asking when we would say an A-10.

Admiral Toys said that the F-5 that was briefly shown then taken down on ebay was not theirs, I bet it was either BBI's or 21st century's prototype. Thing is, which one would have been the more likely company to produce it?

I too would love to repaint mine in area 88 colors. Speaking of Area 88, if 21st can take the gamble to make the MIG-21(which I personally think is an ugly MIG, but then again it might slowly grow on me like the F-100 did), then there is no excuse for not making an F-8, which is arguably more popular and might draw up more sales. That I would also repaint in area 88 colors.

IF an F-5 comes out, I agree with you, the E is the way to go. I'd love an F-20 but I doubt thats gonna happen....however, 1/32 might be a viable way to get those in.

[Knight26]

True but an enterprising customizer might be able to bash together an F-20 out an F-5E and an F-18, I've seen it done in smaller scale with surprising accuracy.

Also are there any pictures of the suppossed 1:18 F-5, I've looked but to no avail

Edited March 8, 2007 by Knight26

[Shin Densetsu Kai 7.0]

True but an enterprising customizer might be able to bash together an F-20 out an F-5E and an F-18, I've seen it done in smaller scale with surprising accuracy.

Also are there any pictures of the suppossed 1:18 F-5, I've looked but to no avail

Not yet, the only ones were from the ebay auction that got taken down the day it appeared. I have looked as well but it seems no one saved it to their drives.

With 21st going a vietnam route, it would not surprise me at all if BBI and Admiral toys come out with a modern fighter.

Difference is, BBI and Admiral toys do actually talk to each other, I think to make sure none of their releases overlap. 21st keeps to themselves.

BBI has me very excited for their 1/32 F-4. I want to see an F-14 at that scale.

I wonder which MIG-21 21st will make. I hope they make a MIG-29K/33. That would be awesome and I b et it'd sell more than the fishbed. Looks a hell of a lot better too.

[HoveringCheesecake]

Anyone here have the 1/48 Franklin Mint Robert Old's F-4? If so, how is the quality? Worth the price?

[Warmaker]

Big scale F-14 Tomcat, F-15 Eagle, and a Russian Flanker.

Yeah... pending space, of course.

[s10sakota]

Hey guys, I'm new to collecting 1/18 scale (I have the F-16, F-18, F-86, 2 P-51's, and a P-47 so far). I will certainly buy the F-4 and F-5 when they come out, but how come no one has mentioned the F-35? What a SWEET looking plane! I'd pay a ton of cash for 1/18 F-35! I wonder if anyone would make one?

Mark

[Shin Densetsu Kai 7.0]

Hey guys, I'm new to collecting 1/18 scale (I have the F-16, F-18, F-86, 2 P-51's, and a P-47 so far). I will certainly buy the F-4 and F-5 when they come out, but how come no one has mentioned the F-35? What a SWEET looking plane! I'd pay a ton of cash for 1/18 F-35! I wonder if anyone would make one?

Mark

No one knows who made the prototype F-5 that showed up on Ebay. No news has been heard of with regards to that and the F-4. The 1/18 F-4 21st advertised at toyfair was apparently 1/32. If anyone makes the F-35 I think BBi would be the first to take it on. If anything, we can expect fan favorite planes in 1/18, but more leaning towards 1/32 now. The BBI F-4 1/32 scale has just been released and I've heard nothing but positive reviews. Admiral Toys chimed in and said if they were to make their F-4 in 1/18, it would have removable/swappable gear like that on the new 1/32 BBI F-4. Jason from Admiral Toys said the landing gear on their F-4 were the hardest pieces to engineer. Admiral Toys does have theirs designed up on CAD and ready to go pending on whether they decide to or not. After the Toyfair debacle in febuary, they have been more secretive. I can't blame them either. Even 21st, who announced their Phantom the same day, as well as a MIG-21 and B-25 soon afterwards, have not said a thing concerning those releases lately.

I predict a Tomcat, Warthog and Eagle in the 1/32 before we see them in 1/18. I think we should expect more warbirds in 1/18 with jets trickling in. The F-35 will probably be made in 1/32 before 1/18. 1/18 seems to be reserved for the most popular aircraft and with a size that will fit into boxes at retail. Nonetheless I still dream of seeing a VF-1 Wolfpack early 70's high viz F-14A Tomcat with retractable landing gear.

[dizman]

Ooh, I'm always in hopes of some company making a 1/18 F-14A or D and eventually we will see one. It will probably take a few years but we will definately see one due to the large fanbase surrounding the tomcat. Shame theres no new news on the F-4, maybe with the 1/32 scale version doing so well someone will have enough guts to stand up and make one. I wouldn't buy it but it would lead the way to the aircraft model companies making larger jets (like the F-111 and F-14).