Tamiya plane kit suggestions
Discussion
Hi guys,
Spent last night with the missus putting together two Airfix kits, a boxed set of Hurricane and Heinkel (I think!!).
Utterly, utterly frustrating...
Major flash, huge connections to the sprues, dodgy parts fitment, a whole host of issues that I'm unused to, as previous experience for me is limited to Tamiya car and bike models. (These are the first kits my OH has put together, it's a 'bonding' exercise!)
So, seeing as the OH wants to carry on with planes (she at least enjoyed herself), I thought that the next subject should be a 1/48 Tamiya plane kit, hoping that the excellent fit and finish of the cars is replicated in their planes...
Question is, what kit? We haven't got a comressor, and, to be honest, can't be fussed with spraycans etc., so the paint scheme has to be fairly simple. It would also be nice to do something that could build into a nice display, rather than load of disparate types.
I really love the F-series of American jets, from F4 through to F16, OH seems to be drawn to German WW2 stuff (I'm close to binning her for this!). Also noticed the Harrier they make, so wondered if there was a potential Falklands display possible, bringing in warship models etc. for a bit of variety.
Basically, flooded by a wealth of choices, help!!
Sam
Spent last night with the missus putting together two Airfix kits, a boxed set of Hurricane and Heinkel (I think!!).
Utterly, utterly frustrating...
Major flash, huge connections to the sprues, dodgy parts fitment, a whole host of issues that I'm unused to, as previous experience for me is limited to Tamiya car and bike models. (These are the first kits my OH has put together, it's a 'bonding' exercise!)
So, seeing as the OH wants to carry on with planes (she at least enjoyed herself), I thought that the next subject should be a 1/48 Tamiya plane kit, hoping that the excellent fit and finish of the cars is replicated in their planes...
Question is, what kit? We haven't got a comressor, and, to be honest, can't be fussed with spraycans etc., so the paint scheme has to be fairly simple. It would also be nice to do something that could build into a nice display, rather than load of disparate types.
I really love the F-series of American jets, from F4 through to F16, OH seems to be drawn to German WW2 stuff (I'm close to binning her for this!). Also noticed the Harrier they make, so wondered if there was a potential Falklands display possible, bringing in warship models etc. for a bit of variety.
Basically, flooded by a wealth of choices, help!!
Sam
Some AIrfix kits are fine. The problem is that they have some moulds which are 50 plus years old. The same holds true for Revell and some other manufacturers.
If you want to stick with a simple 1/72 kit for the moment, you wouldn't go far wrong with a Revell 1/72 Messerschmitt Bf109G or their Focke Wulf Fw 190A or R. DO NOT be tempted by the Revell Bf109E, which is an ancient moulding and is just as poor as an old AIrfix kit.
These 1/72 are usually less than £7.00 to buy
Tamiya do a lovely 1/72 Mosquito and Spitfire Mk I. Tamiya kits are quite a bit more expensive for what you get.
I don't build in 1/48.
If you want to stick with a simple 1/72 kit for the moment, you wouldn't go far wrong with a Revell 1/72 Messerschmitt Bf109G or their Focke Wulf Fw 190A or R. DO NOT be tempted by the Revell Bf109E, which is an ancient moulding and is just as poor as an old AIrfix kit.
These 1/72 are usually less than £7.00 to buy
Tamiya do a lovely 1/72 Mosquito and Spitfire Mk I. Tamiya kits are quite a bit more expensive for what you get.
I don't build in 1/48.
The Tamiya F-16 in 1/48 is reckoned to be one of the best 1/48 models out there in term of fit, finish and detail.
If you are into extras there is more photoetch and resin than you can think of.
Also, the Promodeller site did a complete video build of it.
I'm about 2/3 through mine and even mine is starting to look quite good.
If you are into extras there is more photoetch and resin than you can think of.
Also, the Promodeller site did a complete video build of it.
I'm about 2/3 through mine and even mine is starting to look quite good.
Thanks guys,
Eric, I think these must be from very old moulds, just appalling to try and build, I'm sure a dedicated modeller, with time, could get good results, but with two young kids and a hectic lifestyle, this really is just a small hobby for quiet evenings, ideally with measureable progress each session to help with motivation.
I think we'll finish these two, then maybe start on Tamiya's F4, in 1/48. I know where you're coming from Eric regarding the simplicity of 1/72, but in some ways I think this makes things harder - with simple lines and moulded rather than seperate detail, any blemishes seem magnified to my eyes, whereas a slightly larger scale IMO, makes life somewhat easier...
Then we can go through the F14, 15 & 16, which should both increase our mutual skills, while away a good few hours, and give us a better idea of how we want to continue, if at all.
As there aren't any decent modelling shops near me, I'll be going mail order. Is there anywhere where I can get the full list of needed paints prior to purchase of the kit, so I can order all at the same time, and also potentially postpone some kits until we've built a stock of the more common paints through building simpler kits?
Eric, I think these must be from very old moulds, just appalling to try and build, I'm sure a dedicated modeller, with time, could get good results, but with two young kids and a hectic lifestyle, this really is just a small hobby for quiet evenings, ideally with measureable progress each session to help with motivation.
I think we'll finish these two, then maybe start on Tamiya's F4, in 1/48. I know where you're coming from Eric regarding the simplicity of 1/72, but in some ways I think this makes things harder - with simple lines and moulded rather than seperate detail, any blemishes seem magnified to my eyes, whereas a slightly larger scale IMO, makes life somewhat easier...
Then we can go through the F14, 15 & 16, which should both increase our mutual skills, while away a good few hours, and give us a better idea of how we want to continue, if at all.
As there aren't any decent modelling shops near me, I'll be going mail order. Is there anywhere where I can get the full list of needed paints prior to purchase of the kit, so I can order all at the same time, and also potentially postpone some kits until we've built a stock of the more common paints through building simpler kits?
The_Jackal said:
The Tamiya F-16 in 1/48 is reckoned to be one of the best 1/48 models out there in term of fit, finish and detail.
If you are into extras there is more photoetch and resin than you can think of.
Also, the Promodeller site did a complete video build of it.
I'm about 2/3 through mine and even mine is starting to look quite good.
Sounds good, saw the Aggressor kit online, that looks mean!!If you are into extras there is more photoetch and resin than you can think of.
Also, the Promodeller site did a complete video build of it.
I'm about 2/3 through mine and even mine is starting to look quite good.
Could you post a link to the build video?
Also, pics please of your efforts!!
Not saying these are fantastically built models but you can get reasonable results out of old 1/72 moulds - if you try hard enough
1964 vintage FROG Blackburn Skua
1978 vintage Heller Fieseler F1 103 Reichenberg
1980 vintage Airfix Harrier GR3 (which was itself based on the original 1970 Airfix GR1).
Airfix 1960 vintage Hawker P1127 (forerunner of the Kestrel and Harrier).
I actually enjoy building these older kits. Often, with Airfix, the basic outline is OK (often better than more modern kits) but the fit of the parts and the level of detail usually fall well short of more modern kits.
Now that Hornby have taken over Airfix, we are beginning to see the fruits of their investment. Some of the latest 1/72 "new mould" kits e.g. the Spitfire PRXIX, the MiG 15 and the Sea Hurricane are very nice indeed. They may not quite be up to Tamiya standards but those three all retail at under £6.00 each
1964 vintage FROG Blackburn Skua
1978 vintage Heller Fieseler F1 103 Reichenberg
1980 vintage Airfix Harrier GR3 (which was itself based on the original 1970 Airfix GR1).
Airfix 1960 vintage Hawker P1127 (forerunner of the Kestrel and Harrier).
I actually enjoy building these older kits. Often, with Airfix, the basic outline is OK (often better than more modern kits) but the fit of the parts and the level of detail usually fall well short of more modern kits.
Now that Hornby have taken over Airfix, we are beginning to see the fruits of their investment. Some of the latest 1/72 "new mould" kits e.g. the Spitfire PRXIX, the MiG 15 and the Sea Hurricane are very nice indeed. They may not quite be up to Tamiya standards but those three all retail at under £6.00 each
Edited by Eric Mc on Tuesday 9th March 16:33
Thanks Eric,
can certainly see that with perseverance, good results can be achieved, unfortunately, we simply do not have the time (or energy!) to put in the work.
If we were deeply enthusiastic about the subject matter, and an old mould kit was the only option, then I think it would be a different matter.
As it is, we're looking for the quick, dip in, dip out type of model, and so we'd be looking for a better quality of model, regardless of subject matter.
I've just looked at a couple of build reviews of the newer 1/72 kits you mentioned, and some of them would go well with the two we're building now, so I think that will be the next step, then onto some 1/48 Tamiya modern jets...
I'll keep you updated with our progress!
Oh, just noticed, the two we are making now is a Airfix 'Dogfight Double' set of Hurricane MkIIb, and Junkers Ju-88. Do you happen to know if these are considered old or new in terms of moulds?
can certainly see that with perseverance, good results can be achieved, unfortunately, we simply do not have the time (or energy!) to put in the work.
If we were deeply enthusiastic about the subject matter, and an old mould kit was the only option, then I think it would be a different matter.
As it is, we're looking for the quick, dip in, dip out type of model, and so we'd be looking for a better quality of model, regardless of subject matter.
I've just looked at a couple of build reviews of the newer 1/72 kits you mentioned, and some of them would go well with the two we're building now, so I think that will be the next step, then onto some 1/48 Tamiya modern jets...
I'll keep you updated with our progress!
Oh, just noticed, the two we are making now is a Airfix 'Dogfight Double' set of Hurricane MkIIb, and Junkers Ju-88. Do you happen to know if these are considered old or new in terms of moulds?
Totally ancient I'm afraid.
I would avoid any of the Dogfight Double sets completely as they tend to use the older moulds.
I remember trying to make the Ju88 around 1970!! I failed miserably back then.
More recently I bought the Revell Ju88 A-4, only to find that THIS dates from around 1968.
The best 1/72 Ju88 around at the moment would be the Hasegawa one - but you would be looking at close on £30.00. The Italeri Ju88s and 188s aren't too bad and would be a lot cheaper.
Have you seen the quick-build Hobby Boss range? They do some really neat little kits which go together really well and cost around £5.00 each.
This is my made up Hobby Boss Hurricane II. They usually have less than 40 parts and you can get to the painting stage very quickly.
I would avoid any of the Dogfight Double sets completely as they tend to use the older moulds.
I remember trying to make the Ju88 around 1970!! I failed miserably back then.
More recently I bought the Revell Ju88 A-4, only to find that THIS dates from around 1968.
The best 1/72 Ju88 around at the moment would be the Hasegawa one - but you would be looking at close on £30.00. The Italeri Ju88s and 188s aren't too bad and would be a lot cheaper.
Have you seen the quick-build Hobby Boss range? They do some really neat little kits which go together really well and cost around £5.00 each.
This is my made up Hobby Boss Hurricane II. They usually have less than 40 parts and you can get to the painting stage very quickly.
Edited by Eric Mc on Tuesday 9th March 18:54
Sway said:
I really love the F-series of American jets, from F4 through to F16, OH seems to be drawn to German WW2 stuff (I'm close to binning her for this!). Also noticed the Harrier they make, so wondered if there was a potential Falklands display possible, bringing in warship models etc. for a bit of variety.
I know it's not in your F-range, but I've always had a soft spot for the F-84 Thunderjet, and Tamiya do a great one in 1/48:
It will go together like a dream, and has plenty of decals, which is always a good thing - they can hide a multitude of painting sins!
Save the Airfix stuff for air rifle practice.
dr_gn said:
I know it's not in your F-range, but I've always had a soft spot for the F-84 Thunderjet, and Tamiya do a great one in 1/48:
I remember building the 1/72nd version a few years ago to go with my F86, F4U, A26 and Firefly, all in Korean War markings. A lovely little kit let down by my attempt at NMF.CobolMan said:
dr_gn said:
I know it's not in your F-range, but I've always had a soft spot for the F-84 Thunderjet, and Tamiya do a great one in 1/48:
I remember building the 1/72nd version a few years ago to go with my F86, F4U, A26 and Firefly, all in Korean War markings. A lovely little kit let down by my attempt at NMF.Any chance of some pictures of your models?
Edited by dr_gn on Tuesday 9th March 22:01
dr_gn said:
CobolMan said:
dr_gn said:
I know it's not in your F-range, but I've always had a soft spot for the F-84 Thunderjet, and Tamiya do a great one in 1/48:
I remember building the 1/72nd version a few years ago to go with my F86, F4U, A26 and Firefly, all in Korean War markings. A lovely little kit let down by my attempt at NMF.Any chance of some pictures of your models?
Edited by dr_gn on Tuesday 9th March 22:01
When I've finished the Vulcan I'll post some pics up.
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