Pros and cons of the ZM 1/48 TA 152-H

[speedgraflex]

Good evening.

Finally. Here. Amongst you good people again. Apologies for being hors de combat. I finally, finally, finally sat down and read the latest happenings here, and a question came to me and I was wondering what I would do next... and I wanna do something for me next, and I want it to be well-engineered and in 1/48 scale. I want to try that scale next... and I finally made up my mind that it should be another late war Luftwaffe aircraft, and I want to make sure I am making a good choice here with the SWS 1/48 scale TA 152-H.

I have read the older threads—if we can seriously call 3-4 years ago old—so I have done some research; not exhaustive; let's just say I put both feet in the waters and found that opinions are seriously divided on this kit. What I read online was not pleasant to read, but the examples I have seen of out of box builds (referring to the Hoffmann build on this forum edit: I just realized that his build was in 1/32) are quite stunning.



Honestly, I am not sure.

Bruce / speedgraflex

[Fermis]

Can't help you with that particular kit, as I have only done their Shinden II in 48th, and currently working on the 229. Both of these are similar in two areas...

1. If one thing is slightly out of line, the next piece gets outta line, and the problem compounds as you go, due to the way these kits are engineered. It is critical to test fit the next piece...and the next and the one after that. Pretty tedious, but if you take your time and look ahead, it's not that bad.

2. I do believe that I spent more time cleaning the parts/framework, than I did actually accomplishing something with said parts! LOTS of mold seam lines to scrape and sand.

These kits are slow going (which is good, if you factor the cost vs. entertainment time), but in the end, they always look great!

[speedgraflex]

Can't help you with that particular kit, as I have only done their Shinden II in 48th, and currently working on the 229. Both of these are similar in two areas...Thomas mentioned your Shinden in one of the threads, but I believe the build thread is/was on another forum. Is there a link?

1. If one thing is slightly out of line, the next piece gets outta line, and the problem compounds as you go, due to the way these kits are engineered. It is critical to test fit the next piece...and the next and the one after that. Pretty tedious, but if you take your time and look ahead, it's not that bad.I'm really grateful for the way you assess the kits, I know these are a bit... unique, but having no experience with them at all; I am truly grateful for your insight. It sounds as though steps must be followed in order as well, I take it?

2. I do believe that I spent more time cleaning the parts/framework, than I did actually accomplishing something with said parts! LOTS of mold seam lines to scrape and sand.uh oh....

These kits are slow going (which is good, if you factor the cost vs. entertainment time), but in the end, they always look great!

Thank you so much for assessing these kits so well. Sincerely.

[Thomas_M]

Opinions are divided on ZM kits since they first appeared on the market, only a few years ago! Aside from being connected to ZM myself (and therefore possibly biased) I must say that I for myself like their approach on kit design.

Their dedication to replicate even the tiniest detail is amazing. You not only build a kit of an airplane, you also learn to know what´s inside and how things work together to get this thing airborne!

Of course this is not to each modeller´s taste, but isn´t all life this way? I have almost all their kits here with me so far, and I even love to browse the sprues to admire their dedication to detail and innovative engineering.

But enough of me! Looking forward to your first steps! If possible, have a look at the Concept Note book on the Ta 152H! It´s a treasure chest of pictures and information, with lots of hints and tips on building their comparable 1/32 scale kits!

[Fermis]

Their dedication to replicate even the tiniest detail is amazing. You not only build a kit of an airplane, you also learn to know what´s inside and how things work together to get this thing airborne!

Of course this is not to each modeller´s taste, but isn´t all life this way? I have almost all their kits here with me so far, and I even love to browse the sprues to admire their dedication to detail and innovative engineering.

I do like all the "extra" stuff/information that you get. I get as much out of the little side notes as I do with the build.
I do like the complexity of these kits....but, I wouldn't want every kit out there to be this way, as I do like to "crank em out"!

The only bugger for me....there is so much detail (which is great), but it's to a level that seems to leave a blank spot. I would love to see at least a guide to adding your own wiring...I'm especially thinking about this as I'm working on the 229, which has a lot of visible areas, where there should be some wires here and there....but exactly where???
I've wired up the rear of the instrument panel...and it's a pain to find a spot that I can end them, where the ends won't be seen.

[Thomas_M]

Fermis, my friend Chris Wimmer has published a very helpful guide on wiring a Jumo. The link: Jumo

He really is a Jumo buff, as also seen here: Chris´s Jumo

[Fermis]

That will come in handy for the next one!!!

I "invented" a little bit on the 229...enough for a splash of color.

[speedgraflex]

Opinions are divided on ZM kits since they first appeared on the market, only a few years ago! Aside from being connected to ZM myself (and therefore possibly biased) I must say that I for myself like their approach on kit design.

Their dedication to replicate even the tiniest detail is amazing. You not only build a kit of an airplane, you also learn to know what´s inside and how things work together to get this thing airborne!

Of course this is not to each modeller´s taste, but isn´t all life this way? I have almost all their kits here with me so far, and I even love to browse the sprues to admire their dedication to detail and innovative engineering.

But enough of me! Looking forward to your first steps! If possible, have a look at the Concept Note book on the Ta 152H! It´s a treasure chest of pictures and information, with lots of hints and tips on building their comparable 1/32 scale kits!

Thank you for your insight, Thomas. I found SPA Modeler through your work with ZM, so I was hoping that you would be able to make the way forward a little clearer for me; and you have. A big reason for me to choose their kit is having detail present, as you mention. I am a lot less in "two minds" about my choice now. Plus, they make three available kits (Horten, TA 152-H and Shinden) in 1/48, and all three of them would be worthy of the commitment to building... and provide insight... and be a source of fun.

A lot of what I feel happens when building models occurs at a spatial level; building a physical model solidifies relationships within structures. Since the ZM approach is "inside to out" to borrow the phrase used in acting and applying it here; the physical model is backed up within by the wing and fuselage components which are actually present or representative of the actual aircraft.

Many thanks.

Bruce

[Thomas_M]

I have to thank you, Bruce!

[wjkunert]

I've built the ZM 1/32 P 51K, Ho229 and the 1/48 F 4J. The fit on all 3 kits was excellent. I've read that the fit and finish on the earlier kits was not nearly so good as the newer kits. The Ho229 was the biggest challenge as there are lots of little small pieces to deal with and my 78 year old hands are not as steady as they once were nor are my eyes as good. I really do like all the detail ZM puts into their kits, even all the stuff that's hidden. The engine and cooling system details on the P 51 are a good example. I'm sure I'll build another one but I'm currently commencing work on a Tamiya 1/48 F 14A to go beside the F 4J.