Author
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Topic: Code 3 vs. Franklin lunar modules?
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nasamad Member Posts: 2121 From: Essex, UK Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 12-28-2005 10:44 AM
Anybody out there got both the Franklin Mint's and Code 3 Collectibles' lunar modules and can tell me why the Franklin Mint version commands such high prices compared to the Code 3 version?I know the Franklin one has retractable legs but going by the pics I have seen, it isn't done in a particularly tidy way, so what are the other differences in them? I ask because I was watching an eBay auction for a Franklin one and it has finished at over £200, which would have probably bought six Code 3's at sale price! Cheers.......Adam |
Spacepsycho Member Posts: 818 From: Huntington Beach, Calif. Registered: Aug 2004
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posted 12-28-2005 11:02 AM
I've bought three Franklin Mint LMs over the years and they're considered by most people, the best detailed & nicest produced LM diecast models. These FMs were only made in the early '70's, they sold out quickly and there aren't many around, especially NIB. I've been lucky to find them either new or like new for the same price that Code 3 was just charging for them on sale. I've seen the Code 3 LM and it's very well done also, but there are small details that aren't done or as well done, but the Code 3 LMs are still better than 95% of the diecast pieces out there and for the money, you can't beat it. I saw a FM LM sell for $400+ a while ago and I almost fell over. Given the difference in price, buy a Code 3. Ray |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42982 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 12-28-2005 11:30 AM
quote: Originally posted by Spacepsycho: These FM's were only made in the early '70's
Just a small correction: the Franklin Mint's Lunar Module was issued in 1989 for the 20th anniversary of Apollo 11. Sales weren't as brisk as they hoped, which reportedly led to canceled plans for issuing a companion Command Module. On the secondary market, they have sold well and as Ray suggests, its popular for its style and design. Errors in construction aside, it is a handsome and impressive replica and was, at least to my knowledge, the first mass-marked finished model of the LM. |
Spacepsycho Member Posts: 818 From: Huntington Beach, Calif. Registered: Aug 2004
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posted 12-28-2005 12:02 PM
I stand corrected, I thought the FM's were made back in the 70's, and if anyone would know it's you.Ray |
dsenechal Member Posts: 539 From: Registered: Dec 2002
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posted 12-28-2005 02:24 PM
If you're looking for a nice alternative to the Code 3, take a look at the Danbury Mint Apollo 13 set. This includes not only the Lunar Module, but a nice Command Module as well. The LM is head and shoulders above the Code 3 version in terms of accuracy, and you'd need to buy the RealSpace 1/48 scale C/SM kit to do any better than the Danbury Mint C/SM. I believe they're still available, and the price is quite reasonable. |
nasamad Member Posts: 2121 From: Essex, UK Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 12-28-2005 03:37 PM
Thanks for the replies guys, looking at the pics I can see more detail on the FM version, noticeably on the docking window, rivet detail and handrails.Price they command still surprises me though! David, I still have the dream of constructing a LM ascent stage interior for my Dragon astronaut, just wondering did you make use of the David Weeks' drawings when you made Al Bean's LM? I'm gathering as much data as I can before I start to (try and) build the thing, I have the Virtual LM book with the great images on the disc, loads of PDF documents and masses of web images, but not a real lot in the way of accurate dimensions. They seem a lot harder to find. Thanks to all........Adam |
Mike Dixon Member Posts: 1397 From: Kew, Victoria, Australia Registered: May 2003
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posted 12-28-2005 09:23 PM
I purchased the FM model locally back in '97 and it set me back $295 AUD or around $220 USD at the exchange rate applicable at that time. Does anyone recall what their retail price was in the States when first released? Mike |
Rick Mulheirn Member Posts: 4167 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 12-29-2005 11:31 AM
For what it is worth, I own a Franklin LM and have seen the Code 3 version close-up. In my humble opinion there is no comparison; the Franklin is by far the better model.For sure, both have their faults but the Franklin is generally the more accurate, crisper and bolder of the two. For those of you handy with spray paints and glue check out Custom Replicas. Now this model promises to be the mother of all LM models... Regards, Rick. |
RocketmanRob Member Posts: 268 From: New York City USA Registered: Mar 2005
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posted 12-29-2005 03:00 PM
quote: Originally posted by Rick Mulheirn: For those of you handy with spray paints and glue check out Custom Replicas.
Do you know when this model will be made available and at what cost? Thanks, Rob |
Rick Mulheirn Member Posts: 4167 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 12-29-2005 04:52 PM
I've heard back from the firm responsible for the LM 1/32 scale model. With regards to availability... quote: We're deep into it and there is no set date other than to start initial test castings in the spring and then onward towards kit production.
Price has not been determined but they have a maximum limit of $250. The inference was that it would be less than that.Hope that helps. Regards, Rick. |
RocketmanRob Member Posts: 268 From: New York City USA Registered: Mar 2005
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posted 12-29-2005 09:06 PM
Thanks. This is one model I will keep my eyes open for. Just visited the LM at the Cradle of Aviation museum in Long Island yesterday and now have the itch to build a super detailed version.Thanks, Rob |
dsenechal Member Posts: 539 From: Registered: Dec 2002
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posted 12-29-2005 09:25 PM
quote: Originally posted by nasamad: David, I still have the dream of constructing a LM ascent stage interior for my Dragon astronaut, just wondering did you make use of the David Weeks' drawings when you made Al Bean's LM?
David Week's drawings would have been a Godsend, but I don't think they were available when I was working on Alan's model (1996-1999). I had just a few rudimentary drawings, cobbled together from various sources (and many didn't match!), as many pictures as I could find, trips to as many full-scale LM's as I could manage, and a whole lot of work with a dial caliper and calculator. I expect that I could have shortened the construction period considerably if I'd had the resources that are available today. In retrospect, though, doing the research and "figuring things out" was probably as much fun as actually building the model.Rob, As to the 1/32 scale Lunar Module model, I don't have any additional information to add to availability or cost, BUT I can tell you that the "manufacturer" (Jim Keys) is absolutely top-notch. His 1/20 scale Saturn F-1 engine and his 1/6 scale Mercury LES are works of art. And, when they were released, both were at or below the estimated price. So, whenever the Lunar Module model is ready, you can expect it to be a jewel, and very likely at or less than the $250 price referred to earlier. Dave |
nasamad Member Posts: 2121 From: Essex, UK Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 12-30-2005 07:52 AM
Thanks for the repliy Dave, I can't believe you didn't that have much info on the LM. Your model looks to be a work of art, I know its a long time after the fact but well done!I plan to spend ages practicing my skills before I start cutting parts for my model so I hope the inside of my model even half measures up to the outside of yours! Adam P.S. Thanks for all the info on the FM and Code 3 LMs guys. |