How to determine between old and new model??

[Guest]

Hi all,

How do you guys know if the model kit is new or old, because I just bought stuff online and I got another old kit with raised panel line (hate it but has to finish it the best I can). If I go to the store and it's only 2 stores in the whole city they don't allow us I open the box whatsoever. Any input folks? Thanks

Leo

[colin m]

For any model you fancy the look of, search for an online review. This normally tells you all you need to know.

[Guest]

If it is Airfix they are transparent about it all. Look up on their own site & they have a little note in red stating "new" and or "new tooling". Pity the others do not do the same.

Another way is to email the company & ask them.

Laurie

[AlanG]

Large Scale Plane (LSP) have a database that they list the bigger kits on and a little bit of info on how new they are/re-boxes etc. It's not fully up to date but it's a very good starting point

http://www.largescaleplanes.com/Marketplace/lsp_kitlist/kit_list.php

[Dave W]

Besides googling individual kits I use a site called Modellingmadness.com .There are a lot of kits on there that have been reviewed by modellers

[Ian M]

A word of warning about the Airfix "new" and "new tool" If it just says new it is often a re pop of an older kit. A re-release if you prefer. A new tooling how ever is a splinter new kit which has just been developed. When Airfix write new they just mean its new on the shelf.

Modellingmadness.com is a good place to start, or just google the kit you are interested in. Normally you will find a review some place that will tell you all you need to know.

Also a good pointer is the higher the model number, the newer the kit. Not fool proof just a pointer.

Ian M

[stona]

Hi Leo, is there a reason that you dislike raised panel lines so much? I agree that older kits that don't always fit as nicely as newer ones usually have them, I just wondered if you had a particular problem with them.

Both raised an recessed lines can be equally unrealistic, it is just much easier to make the moulds to give recessed lines with modern technology, both drawing and cutting techniques.

Cheers

Steve

[yak face]

Hi leo , as said a search on the internet usually gives a few reviews but if not try scalemates.com , they have a database with a timeline section that gives a history of a kit with details of re-boxings , re-releases and dates to match. Of course a great place to start is to post a question on here , theres a very good chance someone will know something , cheers tony

[AlanG]

Scalemates is a very good resource but is by no means complete either. I have found a few kits not listed on there

[Guest]

Thanks all for the infos and websites, will check them before buying.

Steve: i don't really fancy raised panel line because i simply couldn't highlight it and looks unreal. Still practicing the technique though