Cheap Kits vs Expensive Kits

[Guest]

It depends as well what your definition of a cheap or expensive kit is. Personally I think £20 or more is expensive, but many others wouldn't. Also certain kits when new may have been £30 - £40 or more, but may be picked up in a sale for around £10 - £15, or even maybe less. Does it then be classed as cheap or expensive??!!! I bought a Tamiya Jeep with TOW missile for a fiver, so was cheap, but probably was the nicest kit to make.

Cheers, Andrew

[Guest]

Wow

Thanks for the input again.

Guess the one aspect I didn't think about is that the relatively cheaper would require more skill.

One annoying difference I've noted so far with the current cheapy 1/72 Ju 88 Revell compared to the same price Academy 1/48 Lavochkin La-7 which I finished, is the type of plastic.

The Revell kit's plastic, which has more flash and round mould dents, is kinda softish, almost like candle wax, which makes sanding and filing on small parts like the engine and wheels quite different to the Academy's plastic, which was more crispy in a way and easier to work with. Now I'm over sanding and filing in certain areas because the plastic is so soft and it's much more easier to make accidental marks or slips on the plastic that have to be repaired some how.

But then again, to my untrained clumsy hands, fine parts on the Academy were easier to break, which happened with the pitot tube thingy on the wing.

Do you guys inspect a model kit before buying at a shop, like ask to check the box out first? Cause that would help a bit to know and possibly avoid expectations not being met or getting a re-packing surprise like mentioned above. Or is that like not cool protocol and you roll with the punches when opening the kit at home. I do feel like a little kid buying the kit and opening the box all excited to inspect at home.

Cheers and thanks again.

[Guest]

No problem Frikkie with checking anything out it is your perogative.

Not checked any out myself. Problem is most now are neatly packed in a plastic covering so you cannot see much. Even if you could I do not think it would mean much to me. It is only when you cut & fit that you can see how good or bad the parts have been designed, made & go together.

What I find most frustrating is parts which are so stupidly put together & wonder if these designers have ever put together a model. Fuselage with a little aerial stuck on it. I just know it will not last until the end & should have been made with a small hole in or to drill to put on the aerial at the last moment.

Also those manufacturing circle marks seem to be placed so well as to drive a model maker crazy.

Youch that is a bit of a moan is it not.

Laurie

[stona]

I buy almost all my kits online so no chance to inspect them.

I do try and find some opinions or builds online to give me some idea what to expect.

I've never yet given up on a kit though I've come mighty close. I've even built a couple I can think of with which I was so unhappy that I never even displayed them.....straight off to the model store in the attic!

Steve

[Guest]

I've never yet given up on a kit though I've come mighty close.

Steve

So have I Steve but in my case it was the model maker. Admit to buying two Typoons, my first ever build, as I have messed up. Now I have great pleasure if I have ruined a piece of scavenging from left overs from another model or making up the piece my self. Very satisfying.

Just think you take your chances. I have built a model & had little trouble but then find someone else has & vice versa. With luck it is the low priced ones which cause the problem. Found that the few more expensive models I have built, although not problem free, give a better chance.

Laurie

[mossiepilot]

For me, any kit over a tenner is deemed "expensive". Even when I cocked up the paint job on my Red Arrows Harrier I wouldn't give up on it because it was £13.99 and COST ME MONEY. Anything under a tenner can be "practice", but after that I'll use all the tips and techniques I can to produce a good build. Think it gives me incentive to get better then I can splurge on more expensive kits without too much fear of making a bad 'un, even if it is a bad moulding.

Here endeth my tuppence worth.

Tony.