What to buy/What to avoid

[Peej]

Been looking on various model sites with a view to increasing my stash. I never knew there were so many different manufacturers.


Some I have heard of but some, never heard of them. So far I have only built airfix or Tamiya. Are there any that should be avoided?

[Ian M]

Like all things in life, some are better than others. As to there being a brand that you should avoid.... Even some of the great manufacturers have produced a dog from time to time. 

[PaulTRose]

.. Even some of the great manufacturers have produced a dog from time to time. 

Revell Fezzer Enzo and Tamiya Porker 959 come instantly to mind...........and yes ive tried to build both  xD

[Guest]

The only really bad kit I ever bought was the Heller Kawasaki K1 (SEE PIC)














It turned out OK in the end , having said that Heller also produce some absolutely incredible kits 





I think you pays your money you take your chances, if looking for a specific kit I would suggest checking reviews of said kit, personally Heller kits are outstandingly good (that one example apart) however their customer care is none existent. 

[Guest]

What Ian says is exactly right! Plus it all depends on your personal preference - some people enjoy the challenge of an ill-fitting kit, others like me prefer those who are well-engineered.


Whatever kit grabs your interest, research it before shelling out your cash. Scalemates is an excellent source information & reviews.

[Gern]

I don't think any manufacturer has a catalogue of perfect kits, although some have better track records than others. Don't go by price either as that is not necessarily a good marker - especially if they're advertised as 'classic' or 'vintage'. Lots of old kits carry high prices as they're more for collectors than builders.


Like Patrick says, look at reviews for the particular kit you're interested in. Even then, you can run into problems with variations between the reviews with one saying it's brilliant and another complaining it's rubbish.


Amazing really how many cans of worms we have to deal with in this hobby of ours ....

[Guest]

ICM Spitfire IX. Stay awayyyyyy

[Ian M]

ICM Spitfire IX. Stay awayyyyyy

Mine was OK...? ICM do make the worse decals ever though!

[Guest]

Mine was OK...? ICM do make the worse decals ever though!

Agree.The decal and instruction extremely poor.

[Peej]

Thanks very much guys. It seems like we could have a sideline hobby of researching kits before buying.

[Peej]

I am pleased the bike worked out in the end Ken. I've never seen anything that bad before. Well done for sticking it out. I think it would have fed the bin if it was mine.

[Guest]

No that's the worst I've ever had, but like I say they also make some incredible kits.