Author Topic: Ultimate Soldier Aircraft Collection. (Read 5636 times)

Shifty · « **on:** August 14, 2006, 07:33:49 AM »

I used to be big into model aircraft. Especially WWII. After a career in the Air Force and a couple of divorces, my life as settled down enough where I want to build up a sizeable collection of model planes again.

I've only built about 4 models in the past 10 years. All 1/48th scale. My problem is I just don't have the time to keep draging out the airbrush and other tools. The nearest decent hobby shop is about 80 miles from me. Plus he price of kits has gone through the roof. Not to mention after market products like resin parts and after market decals.

I've been seeing these in local Wal-Marts. The Ultimate Soldier 1/32 scale aircraft collection

Have any of you purchased these? They look pretty sweet , of course they are not as detailed as a model I'd build myself. However since I really don't have a lot of time, they look a hell of a lot better then a model I would probably end up doing a rush job on. Plus they are a hell of a lot less expensive.

frank3 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 14, 2006, 07:38:50 AM »

But they're prefab! A talented modeller shouldn't degrade to prefab

Shifty · « **Reply #2 on:** August 14, 2006, 07:53:17 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by frank3
But they're prefab! A talented modeller shouldn't degrade to prefab

I'm not going to purchase them for the modeling experiance.

It would be more of a instant gradifcation deal. I'll still build real models, but these look like they'd be good space fillers while I'm actually building. Because of time constraints , it usually takes one and a half to two months to finish a 1/48th scale model plane.

rob53 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 14, 2006, 03:41:16 PM »

Shifty,

See also http://www.21stcenturytoys.com
Scales of 1/18, 1/32, and coming soon 1/48.
Also http://www.warbird-photos.com/gpxd/
http://www.badcataviation.com
http://www.aikensairplanes.com
http://www.foxholetoys.com

There are quite a few more related sites, but if you get "hooked", these will be enough to get ya started.
I have about 25 of these things hanging in my basement puter room. and a few vehicles to boot. Kind of adds to the "war room mood"

Rob53
The Flying Circus

Shifty · « **Reply #4 on:** August 14, 2006, 03:45:46 PM »

Thanks Rob.

I nearly bought a combo box today that has a P-47D in 56th FG colors, with a FW-190D in what looks like JG-2 markings. The fuselage band is yellow/white/yellow. Crap I give up I'm going to go by that set and see how they look outta the box!

SKJohn · « **Reply #5 on:** August 15, 2006, 01:09:09 AM »

These are very well done for the price - I have several. And remember, they're not toys, they're "adult collectibles".
They also have a new line in 1/48 scale at Wal-Mart for $9.97. I picked up the P-51B "Shangri-La", they also have a 109G-10 that looks good.

Shifty · « **Reply #6 on:** August 15, 2006, 06:29:34 AM »

See now I don't know what to do........................... ..... 1/48, or 1/32??

Simaril · « **Reply #7 on:** August 15, 2006, 11:14:17 AM »

Shifty:

If you're a modeller with limited time -- why not consider 1/72nd?

The newer molds from good manufacturers, like Hasegawa and Tamiya, are finely designed and quick fits. There's enormously less build time -- and better product -- from a newer kit than from an older one, or a cheaper one. A really good Hasegawa 1/72nd can be had for $15, and can fall together in a day with an outstanding result!

Here are a couple 1/72nd models I pulled from Hyperscale:

I built mostly 1/48, and then started the 1/72s to feel like I was getting things done. I'm on a build layover now (almost 3 years...they're stacked in the closet though!), but I fell into a pattern of doing a big project -- like a 1/48th F6F with resin detail kit -- then a couple 1/72nds. After a while, I'd do the smaller scales even in the middle of a big project. The model case looks pretty good with a shelf of well painted, well decalled WW2 subjects...think about it.

Shifty · « **Reply #8 on:** August 15, 2006, 11:38:15 AM »

Good idea Simaril.

Honestly I have not done a 1/72nd scale kit since the 1970's. Other then my middle aged eyesight there is no reason not to give 1/72 a try again.

Plus a break from the anal on every little detail that comes with 1/48, and 1/32 might be the kick I need. I've noticed I have enjoyed modeling less the last couple of projects.

Middle aged eyesight and lack of time, dampen the fun a bit.

Thanks for the advice.

Simaril · « **Reply #9 on:** August 15, 2006, 11:51:25 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Shifty

snip
Plus a break from the anal on every little detail that comes with 1/48, and 1/32 might be the kick I need. I've noticed I have enjoyed modeling less the last couple of projects............

That hits the nail on the head.

And a well molded kit can almost fall together out of the box....leaving more time for the paint and decal jobs that look sooo sharp in small scale.

Shifty · « **Reply #10 on:** August 15, 2006, 12:58:25 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Simaril
leaving more time for the paint and decal jobs that look sooo sharp in small scale.

The part I enjoy the most.

DiabloTX · « **Reply #11 on:** August 15, 2006, 04:16:52 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Shifty
The part I enjoy the most.

It was always the firecrackers and lighter fluid for me!

Guess that's why I like jaboing more than dogfighting...

Shifty · « **Reply #12 on:** August 15, 2006, 04:46:16 PM »

I blew quite a few up with firecrackers, shot a lot of pellets into them. I even burned a few up trying to make em fly with model rocket engines as a kid.

I split the difference today. I found and purchased two 1/48th scale planes in the series. Just too see how they stack up against my models. I bought the 4th FG P-51B , and a JG-300 Bf-109G10.
Across the room they look fantastic. They even look good up close , until you really start examing them close, then you can tell they are prefab.

nirvana · « **Reply #13 on:** August 15, 2006, 10:32:25 PM »

I've looked at them but the price has driven me away everytime. My personal favorite around here http://www.colpar.com . I can spend an hour or 2 just looking around.

Lately i've been into the 1/4th scale engines. $100 a pop, I screwed up a Testors 426 Hemi, I have a Testors 426 Hemi racing engine 90% done, and I have a Revell V8 just started. I also have a Revell 1/48th F15E 75% done that I haven't looked at for about 3 months (was locked away in storage). I have to find a spot for my countless other models now, I don't think my 12 feet of shelf space will be enough. Lately i've been burnt out, that engine has been at 90% for a month or so. The paintjob on some of the parts isn't looking too bad, considering some of the other stuff. I just need some good paintbrushes not those plastic childrens brushes.

Shifty · « **Reply #14 on:** August 16, 2006, 06:50:52 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by nirvana
I've looked at them but the price has driven me away everytime. My personal favorite around here http://www.colpar.com . I can spend an hour or 2 just looking around.

Lately i've been into the 1/4th scale engines. $100 a pop, I screwed up a Testors 426 Hemi, I have a Testors 426 Hemi racing engine 90% done, and I have a Revell V8 just started. I also have a Revell 1/48th F15E 75% done that I haven't looked at for about 3 months (was locked away in storage). I have to find a spot for my countless other models now, I don't think my 12 feet of shelf space will be enough. Lately i've been burnt out, that engine has been at 90% for a month or so. The paintjob on some of the parts isn't looking too bad, considering some of the other stuff. I just need some good paintbrushes not those plastic childrens brushes.

I'm working on the same F-15 Model Nirvana. Actually I'm only about 20% done, and I'm waiting for the 100 degree weather to break here in Texas.
Before I can continue. I've also got a 1/48th scale FW-190A8 I'm about halfway done with. I'm wanting to do it in IV/Sturm JG-3 colors.

Funny the cost seems to be one of the reasons I've been looking at the series. To me it's way cheaper, then a model, paint, and decals...... If you want a shocker buy a half ounce of paint for $3.00. I'd say they are a nice collectable. They won't replace a well built model though.