[Closed] Corvette question: From what I can see DM has pretty much eclipsed every Corvette that FM also did.

You know, Dan, I don't think there are any FM corvettes that are on par with the lastest offerings from DM. But for me, it's not a big deal. I have almost all of the FM 'vettes, and really enjoy each and every one. The DM 'vettes can't be beat for detail and such. But, I have no issues with the FM versions. I think they have done a great job with the C5 models. Got 'em all! And the new C6 looks great. Can't wait for Randy May's Velocity Yellow version later this year.

When they are sitting in the cases, they all display very nicely. And I have no need to rag on TFM. That's been accomplished here on this Forum ad infinitum. I'll stick to the positive side.

I Second All That Was Just Said!

FM did a very credible job on the fiberglass 57 and 63's...

...That said, do they equal or surpass any Corvette from DM? Not to my own personal taste they don't. DM's Penske 66, their 96 Grand Sport and the Pro Mod 63's, just to name a couple, are in the upper stratosphere of model building.

Very well written and said, Rick.

I agree

That beautiful blue Z06 and our very own "Raffi-tweaked" LECClV Aztec Silver '57 are the two standouts in the FM stable. If you ain't got'em, they're "must-haves". If you got'em, they are keepers.

I might be too picky, but I still find the FM 1963 Z06 Blue Corvette...

To be too elevated on the ride height and the tires to be too big for the scale size. I might be wrong and please correct me. I am not a Vette expert, its just a personal perception. I appreciate the fact that its made from fiberglass, this is a nice feature that no one can't ignore and I do like it, but I think its ride height and wheels are inappropiate for the scale intended.

Martin, you may be right about the ride height and wheel size, but that still is one nice lookin' 'vette. It just looks great-in-the-case. Overall fit and finish was (is) very good and the paint color and quality is perfect.

I couldn't 'correct' anyone, Martin

I am not particularly versed in the minutia of Corvettes. I've learned more about them from our distinguished colleagues on this site (Hi, Tony!) than I ever knew before. I just love the look and the kickass color combo of this Z06.
As to ride height, as a creature of that era, I like the "jacked up" look that everyone was doing back then if it is indeed a bit higher than stock.
I don't apologize for not being a "purist". If a model tickles my esthetic fancy, then it's love at first sight. I like these models for their art and I guess the one thing that is a constant here is that everyone sees these models through different eyes and looks for different things to satisfy their sense of veracity and whether it captures the true image and spirit of the car in their mind.
I don't know how many times I've poured over a new acquisition and have been totally satisfied that the model is truly the definitive image of the 1:1 and then someone on this Board points out something like "Did you notice there's no gearshift?"
DOH!!!

Martin, Rick and Rich give high quality advice in their replies...

...Additionally, truth is the FM fiberglass '63's do sit a trifle higher than they should but not enough out of line for a stock 1963 split-window coupe. Amazingly, we get used to seeing them ride a little lower as over the years the suspensions sag a touch due to spring settling. Interestingly, when a midyear owner pops for a full restoration they are sometimes dissatisfied with the 'look' of the car sitting up so high. But that's the way they sat when new. The tires on the FM car is scaled pretty well.

Thanks guys!

Yes, I am used to see these beauties at the local shows seating on a lower, perhaps tired suspension. Tony is right about the suspension deal. I was disappointed after they restored the suspension on my 1970 Boss 302 Mustang back in 1992. I found it real repulsive and complained at the shop. Fortunately, they did have the original specs and photos of the car on hand and showed me their job was right, but I was real disappointed at first and took me sometime to get used to it. There were times where I thought of cutting springs, but I wanted it original and I had to stick to my initial decision. I think DM had more of this fact in mind. Its just that I was trying to park the FM '63 Z06 next to the DM '63 in my display and the difference is real noticeable. True, to each its own. No matter what I still recognize a nice color combo and great work on the FM '63 Z06, especially the fiberglass feature!