DiecastAce Field A-Buzzin'

I've been distracted from posting and updating my web site as frequently as I'd like due to work-related deadlines...lots of 'em, too. However, this is not to say I've been dormant when it comes to feeding my zinc addition--quite the opposite, in fact. It seems there's a directly correlation between how BZ I am and how many models I purchase: The more stressed I become, the more I seem to acquire. I guesss it's a form of retail therapy? Anyone else?

Anyhow, over the last month or so I've seen myself dive, once again, into Franklin Mint waters, which I said I would not do again after purging my collection of most of my FM 1:48s last summer. So why the return? Well, I've grown a bit disillusioned with 1:72, for starters. I just don't like how the models display compared with the larger scales. And, there are just some crazy good deals on FM stuff on ebay at the moment (why anyone would pay full retail for a FM model these days at a brick and mortar shop is beyond me, really). I've landed a French recon P-38 for under $25 (currently listed at $100-$200 at multiple online retailers), a Putt-Putt Maru P-38 for under $30, a couple of T-bolts for good deals...and a massive B-24 (Dragon & His Tail for about $70). The list goes on.

So, I've cleaned out a good amount of my 1:72 models in my one display cabinet and added the new 1:48s. I like the look so much better. It's a cleaner display and looks less...well, like I have a problem (which perhaps I do, but it's relatively harmless). I've added a few of the new FM additions to the web site, http://www.diecastace.com/, and will continue to do so in the next month.

In addition, the Hobby Master 1:32 SBD is due to touchdown at the end of this week--and I'm really chomping at the bit to put this one under the photo lamp and review it. There's been plenty of complaints on some of the forums about the lack of a display stand, the quality of the pilot figs (way too small), and an apparent spinner droop issue. This is a pricey model so it is under more scrutiny. But I shall hold off on making any judgements until I get some hands-on time with the model itself. Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, the HM 1:72 #HA1407 Israeli Skyhawk has taxied into its hangar here, and it is a beautiful model. This one really looks good and I think HM nailed it. I will be posting a full review and pics as soon as I can.

DiecastAce Field is also handling quite a few departures, as I need to make room in my display and storage rooms for the new, larger scale arrivals. I've purged quite a bit, and am now binging again. More on this affliction in a later post.

I'm always on the lookout for deals on all scales and brands of diecast models so I can expand the web site. Towards that end, I grabbed up several new Dragon 1:72 models that are lined up for their turn under the lens in the coming weeks:

Two Me-262s -- 50186, 50243
One FW-190 -- 50083
Two 109s -- 50254, 50068

To further complicate the landing pattern, I've also started to dabble in two previously forbidden scales, 1:400 and 1:200. Several Gulliver 200 and Gemini Macs birds are inbound. I was simply blown away at the level of detail on some of the new releases in these lines during a recent recon trip to a big hobby store and had to get some in for a closer inspection.

That's about it for now, thanks for reading and feel free to share your latest additions in the comments fields. Also, you can see pics of many of the models currently staging for review on the site here: http://www.klett.phanfare.com/album/211193/805041#imageID=37445277.
--The Ace