We received an e-mail from Spark Models (we're on their e-mail listing by choice) rebutting an apparent assertion by another model manufacturer of the relative superiority of die-cast zinc over all other media used for models (resin, injection molded plastic, etc.) for reproducing fine detail and superior surface finish. We think the response on their web site should be of particular interest to our site visitors. The technology and economics of producing short run models in high detail requires a variety of techniques to produced the desired results. We know of several manufacturers producing 1/87 scale models currently who are investigating the economics of shorter production runs using the exact same manufacturing materials and techniques. We encourage you to visit the Spark web site and in particular, read their opinion; we highly recommend it! [posted 12/18/2012]