OK......So here is the American skinny on the planes. Both the Lancaster and the B-17.

I promised photos. I forgot. Sorry, but I will post some soon. I took so much time examining the planes I completely forgot.

Starting with the B-17:

This is not "Old ASM" this plane is SOLID. I was very pleased with the construction and the weight. The ABS plastic seems very tough and durable. It DOES NOT BEND AND FLEX like the old ASM planes. The inner skeleton is rigid and more than ample for everyday use. The wings and stabs are supurb. The finish is a overspray on the glossy finish of the film such as Monocoat that has a oxidized look and feel. The panel lines are somewhat poor but look like they can be fixed. There are a few places that need some type of modification for strength. The wing fairings for sure! The landing gear are very questionable. They look like ESM gear at a higher price. Fairly cheezy.

So the big question! Is the plane worth $1400 and the gear $500. Answer? No. The price needs dropped down and Im sure it will after the idiots, such as myself, have been filtered out. Yes, I bought the plane. Lets just say I have more $ than brains and call it a day. I did make the hobby shops day! They are great folks and it made me happy to support my LHS. I think the total as $2080.00 USD for the plane and the gear. I left the plane at the Hobby Shop and will be picking it up Friday. The box is about 5'X2'X1.5' just shy of fitting in the car I was driving. As with all my ARFs I will add my personal touches to make her last and look spectacular.

I think/hope its going to be a great plane! I'll fly this one while I build the WingSpan Models B-17 and take my time to do it right.



Now for the Lancaster.

First off I did not completely examine the plane as I'm not interested in it. ( Strange since I'm on this thread?) On the B-17 I unwrapped everything and examined every detail since I was going to buy it. I didnt unwrap the Lancaster.

The box is about the same size. Well packed and everything wrapped. The colors are very nice. The wings are light and well done. The fusalage is a little less firm than the B-17 and gave in a little as you picked up the parts. Still its solid. All of the thoughts for reinforcement would now go to only small details as in the B-17. As far as the price, well you know.....

As far as a crash salvage, I think both would do "OK" in bad landings. Quiggs stated that the Lancaster that crashed at hs field was going slow and torqued in wing low. With its size, I'd bet it was moving a little faster than it seemed with the type of damage pictured. Large amounts of torque on any lagre scale plane is brutal to the fusalage.

Unfortunatly, I wont be able to start building her until next weekend. [&o]

So there you have it. If you have the $$$, go get her. Tomas has a couple left.

SR