1/48 FAA Jet Collection - to wing fold, or not?

[wellsprop]

Hi all, 

 

I've decided that for my big modelling project this year I will build every jet the Fleet Air Arm operated in a front line role (up to 1982);

 

Attacker

Sea Hawk

Scimitar

Sea Venom

Sea Vixen

Bucanneer

Phantom

Sea Harrier

 

The trouble is, my largest shelf is only 1.2m long and that can happily accommodate 8 Spitfires, but all these Navy jet types are significantly larger. 

 

Im thinking about building them all wings folded to reduce the size, but I don't know if that would ruin the good looks of all the aircraft, what do you think? 

[JohnT]

Wings folded is interesting esp in a diorama but it does spoil the lines of a sleek type. 
 

Of course the sensible answer is do one of each. You know you want to 

[wellsprop]

41 minutes ago, JohnT said:

Wings folded is interesting esp in a diorama but it does spoil the lines of a sleek type. 
 

Of course the sensible answer is do one of each. You know you want to 

 

Yes, I think i don't need a lot of persuading that, as interesting as wings folded does look, it does just ruin the looks of an aircraft.

 

To some extent, so does undercarriage down, but there's not much that can be done about that unless all models are done in-flight. 

[Lord Riot]

Sounds like it’ll be a great display, wings up or down. Why not mix it up a bit and have some folded and others down?
 

Good luck finding a Scimitar!

[alt-92]

A SHar can't fold, so that's out

But the Bucc might be an easier one.. you could do them alternating, depending on what's available for wing folds.

Mix it up a bit with one or two in-flight ones, that would save some space on the shelf. One of the reasons I try and snap up stands if they're in stock somewhere.

[Tony Whittingham]

I built my Airfix Sea Vixen folded. It presents a purposeful look, something like an eagle on a nest, but still ready to fly at a moment’s notice.

[Richard E]

6 hours ago, JohnT said:

Of course the sensible answer is do one of each. You know you want to 

 

The modeller's answer should really be: build two of each, one example with folded wings the other with wings spread .......

 

On a more pragmatic note I'd suggest a variety: some examples would have more visual interest folded, for instance the Sea Vixen and the Bucc whilst others will look more elegant wings spread.