Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Aircraft and Vehicles => Topic started by: Shifty on August 14, 2006, 07:33:49 AM
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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 (http://smalljoes.com/21stcentury_xd_xtreme_132_aircraft.shtml)
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.
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But they're prefab! A talented modeller shouldn't degrade to prefab
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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.:D 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.
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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
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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!
:aok
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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.
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See now I don't know what to do........................... ..... 1/48, or 1/32??:rolleyes:
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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:
(http://furballunderground.com/gallery2/data/media/33/lancasterbiiiji_007.jpg)
(http://furballunderground.com/gallery2/data/media/33/109croatad_8.jpg)
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.
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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.:aok
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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.
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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.:D
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Originally posted by Shifty
The part I enjoy the most.:D
It was always the firecrackers and lighter fluid for me!
Guess that's why I like jaboing more than dogfighting...
:aok
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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.:D
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.
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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.
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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.;)
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If you aren't afraid of getting addicted, and/or don't llike the time it takes to build your own, check out the latest 1/72 diecast offerings from the likes of Corgi, Dragon, Hobbymaster, etc. The level of detail is incredible, and they are constantly coming out with new models, paint schemes, etc.
You can check out a forum dedicated to them at:
http://www.modelhanger.com
You find pictures and reviews of the models to help you decide.
I also enjoy builiding - I do a lot of 1/72 to fill in the holes in my diecast collection, but my favorite scale is 1/48. Small enough to fit several on a shelf, but large enough to have fun detailing the cockpit, etc.
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Hey Shifty
Just bought 2 of the 21st Century 1/48 models (P-51B & Me-109G-10). For $10 a piece I can't complain about them. Like you said, they look pretty good from afar but get up close and it's still ok. But for the price they are a great bargain.
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I agree..................... Now I have to find the PEEEEEFORTY:lol
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I'd have gladly traded both of those for the P-40. That particular P-40 paintjob has been one of my all-time favorites.
(http://www.diecastairplanesandwaterlineships.com/Airplanes/images/Matchbox/US/P-40E_Warhawk_Aleutian_Tiger_Yellow_49_B1101_R_40.jpg)
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Why did you steal Colin Riley's photo?:p
Have you eyeballed the 1/32 scale stuff yet Diablo?
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I've seen it just have no room in my apt for planes that big. 1/48 is about as big as I can go. And I still have to find room for that 1/24 FW-190 Nuke built me a couple of years ago.
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Understand completely.
I just keep kicking kids into college or the Army when I need room.;)
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Bodhi has some excellent die cast planes if you haven't seen them yet http://www.flyaceshigh.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=183780&highlight=diecast+collection . For $10 i might go pick up one or 2 of those other's though.
If you want decals for the JG-3 the link I posted for Colpar hobbies might have some, i've never done custom decals myself so i'm not sure. I could check if you wanted me too, been hankering to head down there and have a look around ;). Trying to save some money though, it's hardwhen you're in somewhere like that.
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Thanks Nirvana!
It seems there's a huge assortment of WWII aircraft and vehicles. I've managed to miss somehow.
Thanks for the decal info. I have way too many as it is. I've bought more decals then models over the years , and I need to start doing models to put them on.:D
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I have a 1/18 p47 from 21 century toys , and to be honest most people think it's diecast till they pick it up . The 1/32's arent too bad either, sitting next to my diecast you cant tell the difference till ya get right on top of them . DO NOT buy the 1/32 P51d "Ridge runner" thou , its very cheesy . Dont know if it was a bad day at the factory or what , but its one of the bad ones.
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Originally posted by 38ruk
I have a 1/18 p47 from 21 century toys , and to be honest most people think it's diecast till they pick it up . The 1/32's arent too bad either, sitting next to my diecast you cant tell the difference till ya get right on top of them . DO NOT buy the 1/32 P51d "Ridge runner" thou , its very cheesy . Dont know if it was a bad day at the factory or what , but its one of the bad ones.
Do you have any other of the P-51s. I've seen the Big Beautiful Doll 78th FG. It looked pretty good, but the dyhidreal (sp?) of the wings looked funny.
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No i dont have any other 51's , the supply around my area is hit or miss with these . I have 3 P47's bubble tops ( all great) 1 FW 190d ( good) 1 zero (good) 1 F4u-1d (great) . It seems to me that the US rides are better quality than the others (well except Ridge runner ) The 1/18 f4u and p47 are about as good as you could expect plastic to get , well worth the money . I'm on the look out for the P38 1/18 , cant wait to find it local .
38
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Once you start on this you kind of end up wanting them all.
Or at least I do.
I have yet to see the 38 in any scale. I saw a 1/18th FW-190D and Bf-109E4 in a JG54 winterscheme.
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Heeh yep i started with a mahogany p38 , and f4u 1/32 , which are nice ,I have a diecast 38, 51 and a 17, they're just alittle too pricey to buy 20 or 30 that i want heh .
Now im working on the plastic ones due to the price and looks . It's nice to see that kids are intrested in them as toys , i saw a boy walk right past some star wars stuff to pick up a p-47 at the local walmart :D
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Originally posted by 38ruk
It's nice to see that kids are intrested in them as toys , i saw a boy walk right past some star wars stuff to pick up a p-47 at the local walmart :D
That does my heart some good!:aok
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Yeah, well i have my 109s right next to my TIE fighters!!! (Guess who wins!)
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Originally posted by Reynolds
Yeah, well i have my 109s right next to my TIE fighters!!! (Guess who wins!)
Why would anybody fight a tie?;)
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The $15 ones from walmart are good....I've collected airplanes for years but I always break them, so I started buying these...problem is my local walmart only has 4 models, all axis, in this size...they also have the big $50 ones, but just the p-47d40 and 109g-2...they also have a Lockheed f104 Starfighter in the big size...but heres the ones i've got: 109e4, 190d9, and c202
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f278/Makoyouidiot/109e4.jpg)
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f278/Makoyouidiot/190d9.jpg)
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f278/Makoyouidiot/c202.jpg)
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Yeah Axis seems to be the prefered aircraft for wal-mart.
Mako keep an eye out for the Dogfight addition to these planes. It has a FW-190D and P-47D bubbletop in 1/48th. They should probably be in your wal-mart by now.
BTW where is Carbon Tx ?
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Out here, its just the opposite. Only P-47s ans Spitfires. I cant find a 109 to save my life, but I HAVE found B-17s and C-47s.
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Always wanted to build lots of those, - but then from all forces.
Noted the absence of the Spitfire there!
You guys who are in this building hobby what would you recommend.
(I mean plastic that you glue together - is that diecast?, - and paint before labels go on).
And then moveable parts and or functions?
(lights or turning propellers, doors and hoods opening etc)
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Originally posted by Angus
Always wanted to build lots of those, - but then from all forces.
Noted the absence of the Spitfire there!
You guys who are in this building hobby what would you recommend.
(I mean plastic that you glue together - is that diecast?, - and paint before labels go on).
And then moveable parts and or functions?
(lights or turning propellers, doors and hoods opening etc)
It depends Angus. If you have time to build plastic models, thats a very rewarding hobby. If you want to just collect some of the diecast(metal) and pre built plastic kits are great. They'll never be as good as an experianced modeler would do. However they look really nice, and actually no more expensive than a model you would build yourself. Esepcially once you throw in the paint, , air brush, thinner, airbrush compressor, aftermarket parts, after market decals....................... ........................;)
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I'm planning a trip to Abilene to hunt for other planes (wish me luck! hehe)If you look on a map of Texas...look west of Ft Worth along I-20 to a little town called Eastland....Carbon is 10 miles south of there...population 357...most likely wont be on the map lol
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I know we have the 190D and P-47D combo pack here in Sulphur Springs Mako. The 190D is JG-2 "Richtoffen , and the P-47 is 56th FG
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Originally posted by Mako15
I'm planning a trip to Abilene to hunt for other planes (wish me luck! hehe)If you look on a map of Texas...look west of Ft Worth along I-20 to a little town called Eastland....Carbon is 10 miles south of there...population 357...most likely wont be on the map lol
I found Carbon on Google Earth... Coke Street, Coal Street and Anthracite Street.... Interesting names.
My regards,
Widewing
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Originally posted by Shifty
It depends Angus. If you have time to build plastic models, thats a very rewarding hobby. If you want to just collect some of the diecast(metal) and pre built plastic kits are great. They'll never be as good as an experianced modeler would do. However they look really nice, and actually no more expensive than a model you would build yourself. Esepcially once you throw in the paint, , air brush, thinner, airbrush compressor, aftermarket parts, after market decals....................... ........................;)
Yep, that's what I meant, the plastic ones, like they were from Revell and others in the old days.
Glue, paint, label, - and they looked sweet.
Recommendations?
So the Ultimate Soldier ones are totally prefabed?
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Okay, I did find ONE kind of 109 (G-something fake), in ONE color (A completely BS one that never existed) in ONE store (Flight School Hawaii) and there was ONE left, there was ONE other guy who wanted it, but I got it first, and it was the only ONE they ever had there (Says the manager) and i had LEFT MY MONEY AT HOME! sheiBe...
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Originally posted by Angus
Yep, that's what I meant, the plastic ones, like they were from Revell and others in the old days.
Glue, paint, label, - and they looked sweet.
Recommendations?
So the Ultimate Soldier ones are totally prefabed?
Yes the Ultimate Soilder ones are pre-fab.
Revell and Monogram combined a few years back. They still offer 1/48, and 1/31 scale model aircraft under the revell name.
Plus there's always the Japanese companies like Tamaya and Hasagawa , offering 1/72 up 1/118th scale.
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lol my sis used to live on Anthracite...we still own that house even tho she lives in Georgia now....technically I dont live in carbon...I live a mile or two north on a dirt road....middle of freaking nowhere....10 miles from the nearest McDonalds lol...where's Sulpher Springs at?
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The local hobby shop here can scrounge up just about any model you want i think, they've got all those models and such too, I might go after school tomorrow and see what they have. A good P51D of Big Beautiful Doll was from Revell. Was like $10 but man it was a great model, til I started trying to force it and I screwed up the decals and paint. Went back the next day so I could have another go and there were no more, oh well. Testors acrylic paints are awesome, not a fan of enamels.
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I am about to airbrush with acrylics for the first time. I have always used enamels. The last Model I did was a 78th FG P-51D "Big DicK" same checkerboard nose as "Big Beautiful Doll". I did my normal enamel metals , but used acrylics on the insides of the cockpit and wheel wells. I liked it so much I am going to use them on the F15 , and FW-190 models I am currently working............. Or on summer hold on.:mad:
I guess maybe I could aircrush inside with acrylics, with enamels it's always been an outdoor sport.