discussion Re group build

[stona]

This is a rather sensitive post as I don't want either to appear to put down a very good kit or to doubt the ability (which is self evident) of some of the guys who don't habitually build aircraft models. Neither do I want to appear ungrateful for the possibility of a good,discounted,kit!

Anyway,here goes. As an option with the list of models for the GB was the Eduard Fw190A-8. It builds into a great model but I wanted to flag up that it is not the easiest model to put together. It is easy to get fit/alignment issues that will bite you in the bum at a later stage and if you want to close up all the panels you will need to work on that too.The point I'm making is that for modellers less familiar with the way aircraft kits go together it could be quite challenging and I'd hate anybody to get frustrated by it.

As I said I'm not doubting anyone's ability,I just wanted you to know that you'll need to work a bit harder to make what is a very good kit.

I hope everyone takes this in the spirit with which it is intended.If you want to have a crack at it go for it!

Of course one of you armour guys will go and show me up now Lol.

Cheers

Steve

 

[John]

I was going to do that kit but I keep reading more and more about it bring quite dificult so I think I'm going to back to my original choice of Tamiya

 

[Guest]

Steve when you say there is a lot of work to do to get it right does that mean a load of filling and sanding down. I was thinking of doing this kit, as it came with etched parts as I have never used them before. Now I'm having second thoughts after your post.

Colin

 

[spanner570]

Oh dear, I sniped a 1/48 Fw 190 for £6.00 on e.bay a couple of weeks ago before the G.B. was suggested.

Trouble is, it's not an Eduard or a Tamiya......Can I still come out to play and join in the fun please??

 

[stona]

Colin, I believe that you are an aircraft modeller and so will be familiar with the way these things go together. The fit issues (for me) started with some fairly vague locations around the firewall and associated assemblies both on the engine and cockpit side. This had a knock on effect via cowling gun assembly, engine bearers etc and caused trouble fitting the (lower) wings to the fuselage. I remember the lower cowl was part of this assembly and needed attention (I think that's the Eduard one!) I don't remember exactly but some things didn't fit without some fettling. I had to do a bit of sanding etc to close up the cowlings.There is nothing that can't be easily sorted out. It's really a case of being able to see a couple of stages ahead and maybe "adjusting" the order of construction. Also dry fit a couple of times and then once more to be sure before breaking out the glue.

I don't want to put people off,I just wanted to flag up the point that it might not be the kit for someone building their first aircraft model.I'd hate someone to be deterred from building aircraft by an experience that might be rather more challenging than they hoped for. I'll happily have a go and judging by the work people do here,I'd expect others familiar with aircraft to cope with no insurmountable problems.

The etched parts are excellent ,though (as with most) a bit fiddly! It's one of the best OOB cockpits I've ever seen.

I'd sum up by saying it's an excellent kit but maybe not as a first aircraft.

Cheers

Steve

 

[Ian M]

Oh dear, I sniped a 1/48 Fw 190 for £6.00 on e.bay a couple of weeks ago before the G.B. was suggested.Trouble is, it's not an Eduard or a Tamiya......Can I still come out to play and join in the fun please??

Of course you can. The kits on the list where An offer of help. If you cant get one or have another, build that. I may be in the situation where I will build what I can get.

Hasagawa 1/32?..... Naaaaaa! the missus will never fall for that!

 

[Guest]

Oh dear!!

I've just ordered my FW190, and it'll be with me tomorrow. Its also an Eduard kit.

So, it seems that i have a VERY steep learning curve. First plane (since i was in shorts), first airbrush, and now the prospect of a kit thats possibly not the easiest in the world.

Oh well, it could have been worse....................hmmm......maybe not?!!

Looking forward to April 1st and the start of the build.

 

[stona]

Oh dear!!I've just ordered my FW190, and it'll be with me tomorrow. Its also an Eduard kit.

So, it seems that i have a VERY steep learning curve. First plane (since i was in shorts), first airbrush, and now the prospect of a kit thats possibly not the easiest in the world.

Oh well, it could have been worse....................hmmm......maybe not?!!

Looking forward to April 1st and the start of the build.

It's not that bad!!!!! I just wanted to flag up that it isn't a shake 'n bake. Make sure you take your time over fitting and aligning the various assemblies and you'll be fine.Try and see a couple of stages ahead (which is the bit non-aircraft modellers may not find so easy.) I really didn't want to put anyone off. The kit does make an excellent Fw190 with a bit of love and attention and as I said above,the cockpit is superb.

I was imagining myself building something unfamiliar and just thought it was worth mentioning that some kits are more straight forward than others. I'm sure the same applies to armour. I've never built a tank for example and wouldn't feel confident in straying from the instructions no matter how "wrong" I thought they were. I shall be seeking advice on the most suitable kits for an armour novice when the time comes!

Anyone know anything about ships?

Cheers

Steve

 

[Guest]

I am also scared of the Eduard kit. How much do they retail for? Not sure whether three months is enough, maybe three years to do it justice! Also looks like I'll be moving house in the next month, so I might be bowing out of the build, after all the fuss I caused. Will try my hardest though.

Tony B

 

[Ian M]

To 'all'that got the Edvard kit:

This is what a group build is about.

Helping each other and comparing notes and experiances. Bring it on.

 

[spanner570]

I am also scared of the Eduard kit. How much do they retail for? Not sure whether three months is enough, maybe three years to do it justice! Also looks like I'll be moving house in the next month, so I might be bowing out of the build, after all the fuss I caused. Will try my hardest though.Tony B

Tony, just had a look, don't know if I am breaking the rules but there is a 1/48 FW 190 A-5 on e.bay for £9.50 or make an offer...seller; CDN18

I bought a kit from this bloke ( make an offer) and got it for half price!!

Might be worth a punt then you're not spending so much wonga.

Probably get it for £6.00 or even less!

 

[Guest]

It is true that the Eduards are a little more tricky than Tamiya. This is not because the Eduard is bad, it is because the thinking behind Tamiya is to make the build as easy and un-compex as possible. This is why it is hard to build a Tamiya badly.

The Eduard kits are often higher detailed which can usually equate to more bits. The Bi Plane I am building is an Eduard and the comment that you should "thing ahead" is so true. They are very good kits, they just need building rather than putting together.

Ian is also right, the whole idea of a shared group build is that we can pool all our resources to make sure that everyone has a chance of turning out a kit they will be happy with and, hopefully, proud of.

Ron. It does not matter what make of kit, what scale or what Mk, so long as it is a FW 190

 

[Guest]

Steve thanks for making things clear, although I don't consider myself an aircaft modeler I have certainly done a few now. So based on what you've said in your reply to mine I might still be tempted, only thoughts are how do you stick etched parts to the model, but I'm sure one of you will help me out there if I take it on.

Colin

 

[Guest]

Give it a go Colin. You do not have to use Photo Etch, do it how you want. However, sticking Photo Etch is usually done with Gator glue, a hard drying PVA however, you need patience as it dries quite slowly so, as I am finding, there is quite a bit of sticking and waiting. If it is appropriate, i.e. it won't show around the Photo Etch, superglue could be used but remember that it can grab instantly and not give you the chance to 'manoeuvre' the photo etch part which can be very small and delicate.

 

[stona]

It is true that the Eduards are a little more tricky than Tamiya. They are very good kits, they just need building rather than putting together.

Well done Graham! That's pretty much what all my waffle boils down to.

I use CA (superglue) for photoetch and your warning about timing/positioning is also spot on,as I have found out the hard way.....that and sticking little bits to various parts of my anatomy! Makes a change from losing them to the carpet monster.

Cheers

Steve

 

[Guest]

I was reading this review of the Eduard kit last night and it really does sound awesome. Some of the points Steve mentions and John's early concerns seem to be put to bed, but we'll only find out by trying it!

Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A-8 Review by Brett Green (Eduard 1/48)

Bring it on.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the review.

As was already mentioned, the group build is all about bettering ourselves as modellers. The Eduard kit, etched parts, airbrush, oh and of course the fact that its an aeroplane are all alien territory to me, and so i'm relying on some kind words and TLC from the forum when i cock it up and launch it out of the window!!!

I'm game, anybody else feel like stepping away from the comfort zone?

Dave

 

[Guest]

Hi all just to let you know that i've bought my Italeri 1/48 FW190 A-8 today at the local hobby store reduced to £11.00 this contains two photo etch sections seat belts and cockpit detail must say looks alright, this price is because iam a regular, so iam ready to go.

scott

 

[Guest]

Eduard Fw190F-8 en route and will arrive tomorrow with my Mig productions Airbrush.

All set for April 1

 

[yak face]

Dont forget everyone, eduard do a "weekend" edition of their fw190 too . These are still the same quality but a lot simpler and without all the extras ie. photo etch ,canopy masks etc. They usually only have one decal choice too and the fw190 retails at about £11.50 from hannants.I think this is the one im going to go for,mainly because ill stand more chance of getting it done in 3 months!!! cheers tony