Accurate kits

[trainman]

Just got back into the hobby recently and was wondering who makes the most accurate kits. I know that Tamiya and Fujimi are excellent (having examples of both in 1/72 and 1/48 scale) but what about all the other kit manufactures out there? Another question that’s been on my mind is whether to build exclusively in one scale, for example 1/72 or 1/48, keep in mind that shelf space is not a limiting factor here. I’m interested mostly in WWII aircrafts but I’m also interested in early jets. How does one choose? Pierre

 

[glennonrp]

I'm just getting back to the hobby, myself, so I'm not an expert. However, I've been looking into the same thing. There are some generalizations that can be made, it appears. I think you're right, generally speaking, about the Japanese kit makers, but I would include Hasegawa, too. Academy kits can be pretty good, too. However, there are quite a few Revell/Monogram kits that are top-notch. Sometimes it depends on how old the kit is. Sometimes it depends on how much research the designers did.

For example, the F-22 kit by Hasegawa has some exaggerated details, but overall is a good kit. If you want total accuracy, it can be tough to find in some cases. For the most part, it looks like the best thing to do is to research kits. Here are some sites I have found useful.

http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/

http://www.kitreview.com/reviews.htm

http://www.cybermodeler.com/aircraft.shtml

As you will find, accuracy and quality can vary quite a bit, even within manufacturers. To further compound this, some kit makers redistribute each others designs. So, research the kits or resign yourself to compromise. Good luck, hope that helps!

 

[Dusky]

It all depends on the kit. Every company, even the great ones, have a few kits that are really bad. If you want to build a model of something search Google for the number/name of the aircraft and the scale you want to build it in. You can also include words like review or build in your search.

 

[trainman]

glennonrp, As far as accuracy, I’m looking for a fairly good representation of the model out of the box. I can always add aftermarket parts for more accuracy. Thanks for the links that will be a big help. Pierre

 

[glennonrp]

I think Sukhoi has it right. Pick a plane you'd like to model and then google it. Those three sites have more than review of a given type of plane. No one manufacturer is universally going to make great kits all the time. For example, I'm under the impression that the Revell 1:48 B-17 is a helluva good kit to build. But, I bet that one those early jets you mentioned are done pretty well by a Japanese company or maybe Academy. So, get your Google on!

 

[glennonrp]

Check these out:

B-17G by Revell in 1:48

http://www.cybermodeler.com/hobby/kits/rm/kit_rm_5600.shtml

F104 by Hasegawa

http://www.cybermodeler.com/hobby/builds/has/build_has_07219.shtml

 

[the Baron]

SoarinSukhoi is right, it depends on the kit. It is true, though, too, that some makers have reputations for consistent levels of quality. And I'll add to that, some manufacturers reflect different levels of accuracy from others. Using the Net to find reviews is a good idea.

 

[trainman]

Thank you all for your input; I guess the old saying of “buyer beware” certainly applies here. I have a few good kits (Tamiya and Fujimi) can’t really go wrong there, but I will do the research first concerning future purchases. Pierre

 

[Dusky]

You can definitely go wrong with Tamiya and Fujimi. Many of their older kits can be pretty bad. Tamiya's 1/48 F-15s and A-10 come to mind. And Fujimi's new 1/72 F-15E is anything but 1/72 and possibly not an E.

 

[BigChinoDon]

If you're interested in WWII kits ... just my humble opinion, but the Hasegawa 1/48 P-40's are really nice kits. Of course the Tamiya P-51's, but if you want to save a few bucks try the ICM P-51. I thought it was pretty good. I also like a lot of the Eduard kits.

You know what, there are so many nice kits out there these days. We are living in the golden era of modeling. Get thee to your LHS and pick something that grabs you, don't worry about winning the show yet. Completion - NOT - Perfection!

HTH,
Don

 

[adampolo13]

I have to agree with Don. Just have fun! I have made so many mistakes on my first model (not saying you will) that even if it was the "perfect kit" I would have messed up some of the detail. All the leasons I learned on the first one are being applied to the bird I just started. (Which I have made other mistakes on) My experience has been that no matter how great the kit is I will still invarably make some sort of mistake and learn from it. For me its all about learning and having fun. Just my thoughts.....

 

[the Baron]

We're going to open a can of worms--everyone's got his favorites I still like Monogram's P-40B, though I concede that the newer kits out there are good. And I still like Monogram's P-61, too.

Of course, there are many kits and manufacturers, on which most of us can agree objectively, that they're good kits, or manufacturers who have a consistently high level of quality.

 

[trainman]

SoarinSukhoi, If you’re talking about kits that were manufactured 30 years ago, you may be right about the accuracy and or the level of details compared to what’s on the market today. Speaking for myself, when it comes to accuracy I’m actually referring to the over-all detentions of the model. My next concern is the quality of the injection molding itself, crisp clean panel lines for example as oppose to raised panel lines, no sink spots is also very important and generally how well the parts fit. If it’s the case of over-looked details by the manufacture; there are always after-market parts. As BigChinoDon mentioned, “We are living in the golden era of modeling”, I quite agree with his statement. After all, it is a hobby; let’s have some fun with it! Pierre

 

[Dusky]

I'm just saying you can't judge a book by its cover.

Also:

;D

 

[Fruit]

Well, if you don't mind a different medium, some card kits are just as accurate and moreso than other available models. And hey, it'll give you at least 100 hours of fun

Here's something to consider,

Halinski Publishing
http://www.halinski.com.pl/indexgb.php?link=0

And a few exemplary builds,
Hurricane: http://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.php?showtopic=36078
P-39: http://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.php?showtopic=33091&st=0
I-16: http://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.php?showtopic=36079
SB2C H-diver: http://www.papermodelers.com/forum/aviation/15492-sb2c-4-helldiver.html
Other: http://michal-dostal-modely.blog.cz/

The scales for Halinski aircraft are 1:33, but the cost per Halinski aircraft kit usually hangs between $10-20.

Perhaps a modeling experiment for the future?

 

[trainman]

This is very impressive…

 

[Gundamhead]

An odd question honestly. You need to pick a subject and scale first, then manufacturer for the 'most accurate'. But then you say you're not adverse to needing aftermarket, so that changes that list yet again. You need to focus more on what you want than who you want.

 

[trainman]

Gundamhead, thank you for your input, it’s not really a preference for a particular manufacture or scale but what’s more important is accuracy. Speaking for myself, I define accuracy as having the basic over-all detentions of the model and how well the parts fit together. Pierre