SPA Modeler

I would not like to see any kits banned. Having a variety to me is very appealing.

Granted I would like to see some lesser known subjects kitted.

Okay, "banned" was a bit strong. I don't really mean that.

LyleW wrote:Okay, "banned" was a bit strong. I don't really mean that.

LOL! I know what you mean, Lyle. Do we really need another newly tooled Mustang or 109?
Probably not, but, I have no problem if manufacturers do. I feel the more choices you have the better.

OK, I do like all of the favorites with wings but like you I would like to see something that is not over engineered and in a scale that I can see and actually handle. I would love to see more subjects in the seaplane section. Martin Mars for an example but in 72 or 48, yeah I know they would be huge and that's the point. I would love to see Revell/ Monogram do some new molds of old favorites with out all the toy features.

I don't know why but I seem to have problems building anything that resembles a jet or has more than one engine. Cars elude me as well as armor but if there were some large scale modern ships like a 1/200 or 1/150 scale Yorktown class cruiser ( I commissioned the Thomas S. Gates) I would be tickled.

Anigrand is expensive because it is expensive to produce resin molds and they do wear out at a much quicker pace than injection molds do. I have been eyeing a few kits from Paul Fisher for years now but I cant go $250.00 of a 32 model kit with that being said there is that one Catalina kit that requires an arm, right foot, first born child and a 4th mortgage to purchase it at right around a thousand bucks. I would never finish anything like that especially since I have quite a few started kits that I may never get back to.

I am wondering how many aircraft were ever mass produced that we have not seen modeled in anything other than the obscure 1/72 scale or smaller. I would be happier with a 1/48 or 32 Northrop gamma and a Boeing 40.

Well, I am late to the game again. But yes, hands down, the Bf-109 and P-51 have to be the most "tired" of aircraft modeling subjects in all scales. In armor, certainly the Tiger tank. And for ships, I dare say Titanic. Cars are transitional in my view. Due to newer types and model years being introduced, edging out older ones. Only certain more iconic types remain constant. Real space models have languished, just like our space programs. Sci Fi and TV/Movie inspired models come and go in waves. I think licensing costs have been a deciding factor on that. Especially since Darth Rodent took over a certain franchise....

jelliott523 wrote:I think everyone so far has hit on the kits that there seems to be an endless supply of out there. What about those kits that there used to be different variation of, but have disappeared completely or if they are out there, they are WAY overpriced. For example, I would love to find a 1/48 S-3 Viking kit that didnt have raised panel lines or at least one (even with raised panel lines) that wouldnt require me to remortgage my home just to buy the darn thing.

The AMT kit is quite nice (re-boxed by Italeri ...I believe....with the bigger price tag).
Recessed panel lines, decent fit. A bit basic in the details, but still nice. I"ve done 3, over the years, and have never paid more than 15 bucks for the kit (unless you tack on the True Details pit and Squadron canopy). Look for it on the vendor tables!!!





Also....don't quote me on this, but I think the ESCI and ERTL boxings are the same kit as the AMT/Italeri. At least, it appears to be so, based on google images. There's an ESCI boxing on ebay right now, for 15 bucks.

Yes, the Italeri S-3 is a rebox of the AMT/ERTL S-3, which is a rebox of the ESCI S-3. I picked up an original ESCI boxing at a kit collector show last year for something like $10.



and some AM decals later on...



still not sure if I am gonna do the original full color scheme or later TPS scheme...

Stikpusher wrote:
and some AM decals later on...



still not sure if I am gonna do the original full color scheme or later TPS scheme...

Be advised...those aeromaster decals are not great...not horrible...maybe just "OK". I had a few split on me...the big tail decals did all kinds of splitting. They would have benefited from some decal sealer/liquid.

Thanks for the heads up Fermis. I have worked with Aeromaster decals many times before. Like you said, not the best, but I don't find them bad to work with either. I don't recall ever having any split on me before. But if I do go the TPS route, I am gonna go full low vis- no color aside from the black and grays on AB 701. I also have the AMT ES-3A kit to go low vis and may do this one full color just for a nice contrast. I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

Thanks for the pointers guys! I'll be trying to find one of those kits. I was worried that the old AMT/ESCI kits were garbage. But if they are the same kit just reboxed, then I'm willing to snag one.