Who makes the best

[KG_Cooper]

Ok you collectors - you have the best quality Diecast models out there in you opinion and why?

Please post links to examples.

Thanks

[KG_Jag]

OK John--a quick response before I hit the road...

For aircraft, I recommend Corgi in 1:72 or 1:32 scales. See this site to view what they have issued:

http://www.tricatus.co.uk/

Armour/Franklin Mint offers "heavy metal' versions in 1:48 scale, but some are better than others. See a couple examples here:

http://www.aikensairplanes.com/franklinmint48/armour98109.htm

and

http://www.diecastdirect.com/asp_modules/add_item.asp?ProductCode=A-B195

Also excellent, if you can find and afford them are Marushin, which is also a 1:48 scale maker specializing in Japanese aircraft:

http://www.petescollectibles.com/Marushin.asp

Edit to correct Marushin link.

[KG_Jag]

The best and most impressive armor item is the Forces of Valor 1:16 scale King Tiger:

http://www.onsitediecast.com/special2.htm

In a more manageable 1:35 scale, Minichamps is the champ:

http://www.mikes-tanks.com/Minichamps.htm

Also excellent, if significantly more expensive, are the offerings from King and Country in 1:32 scale:

http://www.mikes-tanks.com/Britains.htm#King%20and%20Country

and

http://sierratoysoldier.com/catalog/bba011_--_m10_tank_destroyer_5251784.htm

[KG_Cloghaun]

The best 1/72nd scale tanks are made by Dragon, imo. I have every WW2 offering they've ever released over the last few years. The price range is between $10.00 & $20.00 & they have a wide variety. Jay endorses the line & I value his opinion alot when it comes to realism. He turned me on to them in the first place. Here is a website where I buy most of them.

http://www.onsitediecast.com/images/D60080.jpg

http://www.diecastdirect.com/asp_modules/catalogmfg.asp?Mfg=DW&Type=&RChar=&Scale=72

I've also bought the two Dragon 1/35th scale Tiger tanks here-

http://www.diecastdirect.com/asp_modules/catalogmfg.asp?Mfg=DW&Type=&RChar=&Scale=72

I assume you're after aircraft more than anything. I 2nd Bill's endorsement of Corgi when it comes to diecast. Armour/Franklin Mint is good too, but if I am just starting to collect planes myself & I am sticking with Corgi having seen them 1st hand in model stores.

[KG_Cooper]

Thanks - Christmas is on the way!

[KG_Jag]

If you like the "Little Friends" be sure to check out Carousel 1 in the 1:48 scale. They have excellent WWI and WW II fighters, but no bombers yet.

http://www.carousel1.com/aircraft.htm

For detailed photos of one of their P-40's see:

http://www.diecastace.com/review_carousel1_p40_pappy.html

The Flying Mule currently has an Emil and RAF P-40 on sale for $30 off list:

http://www.flyingmule.com/range/diecast-model/aircraft/carousel-1-aircraft/

[KG_Jag]

The selection is limited to versions of the P-40E and P-51D thus far, but the very finest non-custom die cast planes probably are those issued by GMP in 1:35 scale. It's difficult to find them for less than $150 from dealers, but they can be has for as little as one third that price of less on eBay and other auction sites.

Check them out here:

http://www.gmpdiecast.com/products/default.cfm?category=Airplanes

and here:

http://www.diecastace.com/intro_gmp.html

[KG_SSpoom]

G.M.P makes awesome die cast cars I have 1/2 dozen or so.
Assuming they do as well with the planes Im pretty sure you wont be disappointed