New Italian and Russian Diecast models

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I thought I'd pass some of the latest developments along. Two new lines of diecast aircraft are being sold via publisher subscription deals in Russia by DeAgostini and Italy by Fabbri. The Russian line includes 24 planes ranging from WWII's Yak-9 and PE-2 to the modern era's Mig-35, SU-47 and Yak-38. It is a typical mass produced line that features variable scales ( 1:100 and smaller ), depending on the size of the plane and the quality also is variable. While there is considerable detail in the basic toolings, the assembly sometimes creates large seam gaps where the fuselage joins with the wings. Also, the wing guns and pitot heads---when these are provided---are stick-on parts, there are no crew figures and the models come only in the "wheels-up" mode.

The Italian line is considerably larger---50 planes----and wider ranging, starting with WWI and continuing to the modern era. Its quality is somewhat better than the Russian series, though, once again, the scales are small, starting with 1:72nd for WWI fighters and considerably smaller for larger planes such as the four engined WWII bomber, the Piaggio P.108. Here, too, there is a lot of detail in the toolings, but the "wheels-up" option is all you get, guns and pitot heads are "stick-ons" and there are no pilot or crew figures. Still, this is the first time we will see diecast---or mostly diecast----renditions of Italy's WWI bomber, the Caproni CA-3, the WWII, RE-2005, MC-200, Fiat G.50, SM-81, etc. and post WWII planes like the AMX Ghibli or the Fiat G.91.

In any event, I have a Yak-9 from the Russian series and a Fiat G.55 from the Italian one---both in 1:100th scale. Here are pictures. First, the Yak-9:

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And the Italian Fiat:

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I also pulled a few additional pictures from the Leomodel site---this is the supplier for the Fabbri series. These, too, are part of the Italian line:

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Another:

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The Piaggio P.108:

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The MC-202:

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And a fighter jet:

[richardstarr]

Thanks for posting colour pictures of these beautiful ITALIAN and RUSSIAN
diecast airplanes. These are simply magnificent. Both the jets and the
propellor aircraft.
Richard Starr

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I just received a 1:150th scale DeAgostini diecast rendition of the Soviet Mig-31, which I've weathered and touched up here and there. Here's a picture: