Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: Rob52240 on July 20, 2011, 01:06:05 PM

Title: Model Airplanes
Post by: Rob52240 on July 20, 2011, 01:06:05 PM
WTF happened?  Up into the 1990s they were hugely popular.  Right now I couldn't even think of a local shop that sells them.

I saw this the other night.  Top Gear's James may is trying to resurrect this great hobby by having a 1:1 scale spitfire model kit made and then they got local kids to build it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-gjJIbBEBI

(http://memberfiles.freewebs.com/45/92/55849245/photos/11-Scale-Spitfire-Model/Spitfire%20Model.jpg)
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: F22RaptorDude on July 20, 2011, 01:21:09 PM
I love this show! Captain Slow is so freaking awesome!!!!  :rock
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: Shane on July 20, 2011, 02:47:29 PM
Awesome!  :aok

I have a project buried in all my model kits to basically to the AH planeset - 1/48 for the most part. Will I get it done?  :noid
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: Pigslilspaz on July 20, 2011, 03:29:00 PM
I had the same plan, but airbrush broke right after finishing a C.202. And after airbrushing for the first time, I'd rather not have my hand painted ones now lol, gave them to a friends little brother who loves planes.
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: AAJagerX on July 20, 2011, 10:39:54 PM
There's a few places here in Des Moines that have them, but the prices have gone through the roof.  I remember buying models back in the 90's for $10-15 for 1:48 scale...  Now they're $45-50 a pop!  To me that's just silly.
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: phatzo on July 20, 2011, 10:41:42 PM
working on a 1/48 KV-1 and 1/48 La5 as a diorama at hte moment.
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: icepac on July 20, 2011, 10:55:35 PM
I remember buying a Cox 049 plane/engine/battery combo on a blister pack at the "great miami air race" in the early 70s.

Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: mensa180 on July 20, 2011, 11:15:02 PM
Hobby Lobby
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: Jayhawk on July 21, 2011, 12:18:59 AM
Well I've got work at 6 in the morning, but thank you for making me watch all 6 parts of that episode.  Cool show, cool stories.
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: bortas1 on July 21, 2011, 12:29:30 AM
 :salute really kool  :aok
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: Guppy35 on July 21, 2011, 12:33:05 AM
I think most of the sales have moved online.  And as the guys building the models have gotten older, the detail and scale has gotten bigger and better.  I'm afraid that things like computers and gaming consoles have taken the place of anything like model building by the younger crowd unless Dad introduces them to it.

Tamiya has recently gotten into the 1/32nd scale range with the release of  some incredible Spitfires IX, VIII and XVI and within the last month a P51D.  Prices aren't the good old days though as you are talking $100 + for those kinds of kits.  Seems to be aimed at us old timers who started building models back in the mid 60s
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: phatzo on July 21, 2011, 12:58:52 AM
I think most of the sales have moved online.  And as the guys building the models have gotten older, the detail and scale has gotten bigger and better.  I'm afraid that things like computers and gaming consoles have taken the place of anything like model building by the younger crowd unless Dad introduces them to it.

Tamiya has recently gotten into the 1/32nd scale range with the release of  some incredible Spitfires IX, VIII and XVI and within the last month a P51D.  Prices aren't the good old days though as you are talking $100 + for those kinds of kits.  Seems to be aimed at us old timers who started building models back in the mid 60s
I buy all mine on e-bay and only buy bargains, as a result I,ve built stuff I normally wouldn't build and have a backlog of $5 to $10 models to work through. Its the cost of paint that kills me.
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: phatzo on July 21, 2011, 01:00:08 AM
my $3.30 Sherman
(http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt118/phatzo/sherman.jpg)
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: Rob52240 on July 21, 2011, 01:24:27 AM
EvilSars built these  :aok

(http://www.thevi.isgreat.org/ModelSpit/my_spitty_001%282%29.jpg)(http://www.thevi.isgreat.org/bf109e/img_0640.jpg)

I think he still makes them to sell as well.

full albums here
Spitfire:  http://www.thevi.isgreat.org/Page9.html
Bf  109:  http://www.thevi.isgreat.org/news.html
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: allaire on July 21, 2011, 07:18:03 AM
I hear that phatzo.  I'm a games workshop player and was using the citadel paints.  Ye gods is it expensive $3.70 for a 12ml pot.
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: bozon on July 21, 2011, 07:54:18 AM
my $3.30 Sherman

F the Sherman - nice Beaufighter.
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: STXAce8 on July 21, 2011, 10:22:37 AM
This is where I get all of mine :http://www.squadron.com/hotdeals.htm
I do mostly Academy and Revell 1:48 and 1:72.
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: Guppy35 on July 21, 2011, 02:02:46 PM
I buy all mine on e-bay and only buy bargains, as a result I,ve built stuff I normally wouldn't build and have a backlog of $5 to $10 models to work through. Its the cost of paint that kills me.

My stash built up over the  years is about 200 kits.  I don't think I've finished one since I found Airwarrior however back in 1996.  Kinda sad really :)
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: B-17 on July 21, 2011, 02:14:56 PM
:rofl Mind sending me a few? I've got a B-17 cutaway on the go right now...
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: Drano on July 21, 2011, 02:24:14 PM
I'm guessing off the top of my head I prolly have at least 200 unbuilt mostly 1/48 scale mostly WW2 aircraft kits all boxed up in my house where the temps are relatively constant. I pretty much had all the cheap monograms and revells and was starting to acquire the more high dollar ones when I stopped buying them. Bet I haven't bought a kit since the early 90s. Have an air brush and all manner of files and exacto knives known to mankind. When I had kids I had to put them away for safety. For both the kits and the kids :D. Got onto flying online and the modelling hobby I figure will come back to me eventually. And naturally now my eyes are startin to go bad. Dang you late forties! Fortunately I have one of those big lighted magnifiers that clips on the end of a table for just such an emergency.
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: Reaper90 on July 21, 2011, 02:31:38 PM
My stash built up over the  years is about 200 kits.  I don't think I've finished one since I found Airwarrior however back in 1996.  Kinda sad really :)

LOL Dan! Not quite as bad for me, I only have a few dozen kits stacked on top of my computer armoire and desk in my office, but I'm a bit like you in the actual time spent... since discovering AH in March '09 I have completed exactly one kit, 1:48 scale P-38 "Arkansas Traveler".....

On top of my desk right now in front of me are 1:48 Academy P-47D, Hasegawa P-38J "Virginia Marie", Tamiya A6M5c, Hobby Craft La-7, Revell P-40E, F4U-4, P-51D, and Spitfire Mk II, ICM Yak-7DI/Yak-9(early)...... and a bunch more in the closet..... someday I'll have time.....

Not quite as cool as doing it yourself, but I picked up a few 1:32 and 1:18 WWII birds off e-bay, 21st Century Toys "Soldier of Fortune" stuff...

(http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/17563_1327490993435_1415742882_30922772_2572594_n.jpg)

(http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/17563_1327490873432_1415742882_30922769_2404744_n.jpg)

(http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/17563_1327490913433_1415742882_30922770_7871741_n.jpg)

(http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/17563_1327491033436_1415742882_30922773_4235068_n.jpg)

My son's room... I'da killed for that room when I was his age!
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: Shane on July 21, 2011, 04:51:20 PM
I remember buying a Cox 049 plane/engine/battery combo on a blister pack at the "great miami air race" in the early 70s.



I did too, a p-39, but not early 70's  :noid    i, uhhh... kind of... FOD... <mutters about who put the tether ball pole there?>  it wasn't pretty.
Title: Re: Model Airplanes - AH project challenge
Post by: Shane on July 21, 2011, 04:59:34 PM
Y'all who have kits and experience, why not make a list and pick one plane or GV that matches up with an AH offering (including a current skin, preferrably).  1:76 1:72 1:48 1:32 1:35 1:1 even!

Then send to the Offices?

Anyone up for it?

<Runs to check existing built kits to see if I have anything already done, or strip and repaint/mark one.  :noid >















in return, each contributor gets to be a member of the uber secret squirrel ruling cabal and be allow to randomly chnage settings

Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: STXAce8 on July 21, 2011, 05:03:31 PM
I'm guessing off the top of my head I prolly have at least 200 unbuilt mostly 1/48 scale mostly WW2 aircraft kits all boxed up in my house where the temps are relatively constant. I pretty much had all the cheap monograms and revells and was starting to acquire the more high dollar ones when I stopped buying them. Bet I haven't bought a kit since the early 90s. Have an air brush and all manner of files and exacto knives known to mankind. When I had kids I had to put them away for safety. For both the kits and the kids :D. Got onto flying online and the modelling hobby I figure will come back to me eventually. And naturally now my eyes are startin to go bad. Dang you late forties! Fortunately I have one of those big lighted magnifiers that clips on the end of a table for just such an emergency.
Do you have a dual action airbrush you arent using anymore?  :D
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: Nypsy on July 21, 2011, 05:10:37 PM
In 1965, when I was in 7th grade wood shop we cut, carved and sanded wooden Zeros and 109's from WW2 War Department drawings. Back during the war the models were used as plane identification aids for young pilots.

I am so old.  :old:

Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: Guppy35 on July 21, 2011, 10:37:06 PM
LOL Dan! Not quite as bad for me, I only have a few dozen kits stacked on top of my computer armoire and desk in my office, but I'm a bit like you in the actual time spent... since discovering AH in March '09 I have completed exactly one kit, 1:48 scale P-38 "Arkansas Traveler".....

On top of my desk right now in front of me are 1:48 Academy P-47D, Hasegawa P-38J "Virginia Marie", Tamiya A6M5c, Hobby Craft La-7, Revell P-40E, F4U-4, P-51D, and Spitfire Mk II, ICM Yak-7DI/Yak-9(early)...... and a bunch more in the closet..... someday I'll have time.....

Not quite as cool as doing it yourself, but I picked up a few 1:32 and 1:18 WWII birds off e-bay, 21st Century Toys "Soldier of Fortune" stuff...

(http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/17563_1327490993435_1415742882_30922772_2572594_n.jpg)

(http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/17563_1327490873432_1415742882_30922769_2404744_n.jpg)

(http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/17563_1327490913433_1415742882_30922770_7871741_n.jpg)

(http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/17563_1327491033436_1415742882_30922773_4235068_n.jpg)

My son's room... I'da killed for that room when I was his age!

LOL I've got a 1/18th Red Tail hanging from the ceiling of my little guys room now and two diecast Red Tails, a 51C and 51D along with the Red Tail framed print and the IWM print of 4 Spit Vb Trops that I had on my wall, then my oldest sons wall.  I think part of the joy of being this much of an addict is you get to do your kids rooms up right in airplanes :)

My oldest son and I built lots of models, again right up until Airwarrior arrived and then we tapered off.  Half done Hasegawa F4EJ still waiting Airfix Hurricane I, Hobbycraft Spit XIV, Hobbycraft 109G6 and a Tamiya Panzer III.  All half done. I've bought a few models since Airwarrior but never quit find the time to make it happen.  I figure with the little guy I'm prepared for when he's old enough :)
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: cactuskooler on July 21, 2011, 10:39:02 PM
My son's room... I'da killed for that room when I was his age!

I'd kill for that room now!
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: Reschke on July 22, 2011, 12:43:12 PM
That was a cool show. I couldn't stop watching it once I started this morning.
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: M0nkey_Man on July 22, 2011, 10:10:41 PM
Workin on an F-14 right now and I have a SBD to do later
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: PFactorDave on July 22, 2011, 10:18:36 PM
That was a cool show. I couldn't stop watching it once I started this morning.

You should watch some of the others in that James May series.  Even the one about the clay flowers is fun to watch.
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: Pigslilspaz on July 22, 2011, 10:47:49 PM
Have a F-18 sitting on my desk that I won't be able to touch till I get a new airbrush. By the way, anyone know of a good one that's pretty cheap? I still have a compressor sitting in the garage so I won't need another.
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: Rob52240 on July 23, 2011, 10:33:03 AM
I liked this one a lot too.  It was from the series that led to the one with the model spitfire.  About model railroading.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZ8IjZ3tUas
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: BERN1 on July 23, 2011, 04:03:05 PM
Hobby Lobby has them also in the midwest try Meijer's thrifty acres they have a model section.
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: Grayeagle on July 23, 2011, 04:57:26 PM
Must .. resist .. Tamiya Plastics 1/32 Spit 9 ..
(quickly shifts to pix of the Vette)

Ahhh .. better now.

-Frank aka GE
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: CAP1 on July 23, 2011, 07:20:13 PM
LOL Dan! Not quite as bad for me, I only have a few dozen kits stacked on top of my computer armoire and desk in my office, but I'm a bit like you in the actual time spent... since discovering AH in March '09 I have completed exactly one kit, 1:48 scale P-38 "Arkansas Traveler".....

On top of my desk right now in front of me are 1:48 Academy P-47D, Hasegawa P-38J "Virginia Marie", Tamiya A6M5c, Hobby Craft La-7, Revell P-40E, F4U-4, P-51D, and Spitfire Mk II, ICM Yak-7DI/Yak-9(early)...... and a bunch more in the closet..... someday I'll have time.....

Not quite as cool as doing it yourself, but I picked up a few 1:32 and 1:18 WWII birds off e-bay, 21st Century Toys "Soldier of Fortune" stuff...

(http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/17563_1327490993435_1415742882_30922772_2572594_n.jpg)

(http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/17563_1327490873432_1415742882_30922769_2404744_n.jpg)

(http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/17563_1327490913433_1415742882_30922770_7871741_n.jpg)

(http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/17563_1327491033436_1415742882_30922773_4235068_n.jpg)

My son's room... I'da killed for that room when I was his age!

i'm lookin at that third picture down.

 how cool would it be, to have some of those models connected to the blades......being careful to keep it balanced of course........on low  speed, it would look pretty dam cool.
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: pipz on July 23, 2011, 09:30:26 PM
Ive posted these in the past. I usualy build whatever I may be messing with in AH.

(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z207/Pimpzdog/DSCF0013.jpg)

(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z207/Pimpzdog/DSCF0012.jpg)

(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z207/Pimpzdog/1091.jpg)

(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z207/Pimpzdog/109pictures019.jpg)

(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z207/Pimpzdog/DSCN5292.jpg)

(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z207/Pimpzdog/PipzSpit2.jpg)

(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z207/Pimpzdog/Picture013.jpg)

(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z207/Pimpzdog/Picture017.jpg)

(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z207/Pimpzdog/Picture022.jpg)
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: Devil 505 on July 23, 2011, 11:03:18 PM
Nice builds Pipz.

Flush the Bismark?
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: cpxxx on July 24, 2011, 03:53:57 AM
Quote
WTF happened?  Up into the 1990s they were hugely popular.  Right now I couldn't even think of a local shop that sells them.
They were everywhere, my local shop got in a stash of 'Frog' kits selling for three shillings each, showing my age. I bought a Spitfire, of course, after badgering my Mother for the money. I even painted it because the shop sold a little paint set too, green, brown stripes until I realised there was an actual pattern. That spitfire even led to me meeting a real Spitfire pilot once.

The problem was that we kids that bought the models are still the people building models. Modern kids have various other distractions. But I wonder though is part of the reason kids aren't building kits is because the local shops don't sell a few Airfix or Revell? In the town I live the best place to buy kits was over a pet shop, strangely. But that closed. The local model shop caters mainly for R/C aircraft and Wargames workshop gamer geeks. The only places selling models are in the local toy superstore and an Art and Hobby shop with a tiny selection of Airfix and some Revell.

To be fair, I think Airfix is doing it's best to resurrect the the idea of selling in local shops as the odd one turns up in various places. I was passing through a small village called Borrisokane, County Tipperary and was surprised to see a selection of kits in the window of a shop. I went in and spoke to the owner. He told me he sold quite a few so it was worth his while. I left with with kit of a T80 made by Zvesda. It's a long way to Tipperary for a Russian tank.

Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: phatzo on July 29, 2011, 10:33:25 PM
(http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt118/phatzo/001-1.jpg)
(http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt118/phatzo/002-1.jpg)
(http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt118/phatzo/003-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: DMGOD on July 30, 2011, 01:11:18 AM
LOL Dan! Not quite as bad for me, I only have a few dozen kits stacked on top of my computer armoire and desk in my office, but I'm a bit like you in the actual time spent... since discovering AH in March '09 I have completed exactly one kit, 1:48 scale P-38 "Arkansas Traveler".....

On top of my desk right now in front of me are 1:48 Academy P-47D, Hasegawa P-38J "Virginia Marie", Tamiya A6M5c, Hobby Craft La-7, Revell P-40E, F4U-4, P-51D, and Spitfire Mk II, ICM Yak-7DI/Yak-9(early)...... and a bunch more in the closet..... someday I'll have time.....

Not quite as cool as doing it yourself, but I picked up a few 1:32 and 1:18 WWII birds off e-bay, 21st Century Toys "Soldier of Fortune" stuff...

(http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/17563_1327490993435_1415742882_30922772_2572594_n.jpg)

(http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/17563_1327490873432_1415742882_30922769_2404744_n.jpg)

(http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/17563_1327490913433_1415742882_30922770_7871741_n.jpg)

(http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/17563_1327491033436_1415742882_30922773_4235068_n.jpg)

My son's room... I'da killed for that room when I was his age!


lol I'd kill for that room now
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: des506 on July 30, 2011, 05:54:49 AM
 i actually admire you guys, nimble fingers and all.... the patience and attention to detail....i usually get screwed when i try to glue clear plastic..or the paintjob looks llike Sh*t..... great work... do you guys intend to build a diorama for them models??
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: Becinhu on July 30, 2011, 11:58:25 AM
Ive posted these in the past. I usualy build whatever I may be messing with in AH.

(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z207/Pimpzdog/DSCF0013.jpg)

(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z207/Pimpzdog/DSCF0012.jpg)

(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z207/Pimpzdog/1091.jpg)

(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z207/Pimpzdog/109pictures019.jpg)

(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z207/Pimpzdog/DSCN5292.jpg)

(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z207/Pimpzdog/PipzSpit2.jpg)

(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z207/Pimpzdog/Picture013.jpg)

(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z207/Pimpzdog/Picture017.jpg)

(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z207/Pimpzdog/Picture022.jpg)
CLEAN THE REFLECTORS ON THAT STOVE!!!!!!! :noid
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: Tyrannis on July 30, 2011, 06:50:48 PM
Is there any place to get these awesome models already assembled?

Sadly, im not good at building models  :( (attempted to build an apache with disastrous results)
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: Reaper90 on July 30, 2011, 08:15:32 PM
Is there any place to get these awesome models already assembled?

Sadly, im not good at building models  :( (attempted to build an apache with disastrous results)

Your best bet is something like 21st Century Toys, Forces of Valor, or Ultimate Soldier collections. They're pretty nice, but not museum grade. Look to spend anywhere from $25-$30 up to $100 per plane, depending on what it is. I look for opened box stuff that isn't new, usually doesn't bring as high of a price as the NIB stuff.


ebay is your best source.... http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=ultimate+soldier+1+32&_frs=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m359 (http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=ultimate+soldier+1+32&_frs=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m359)
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: DREDIOCK on July 30, 2011, 09:23:43 PM
Just watched the entire video. Great episode. If you havent yet. Watch it. A full sized 1-1 ratio model spitfire. They even had to cut the parts off the spar.
Great job to those kids and the show
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: Guppy35 on July 30, 2011, 11:21:12 PM
Is there any place to get these awesome models already assembled?

Sadly, im not good at building models  :( (attempted to build an apache with disastrous results)

Probably want to go with the diecast stuff then. 

www.flyingmule.com is a good place to start
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: GFShill on July 31, 2011, 12:00:20 AM
WTF happened?  Up into the 1990s they were hugely popular.  Right now I couldn't even think of a local shop that sells them.

I saw this the other night.  Top Gear's James may is trying to resurrect this great hobby by having a 1:1 scale spitfire model kit made and then they got local kids to build it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-gjJIbBEBI

(http://memberfiles.freewebs.com/45/92/55849245/photos/11-Scale-Spitfire-Model/Spitfire%20Model.jpg)

Great watch!  And so, so true...
Title: Re: Model Airplanes
Post by: TOMCAT21 on July 31, 2011, 10:40:17 AM
Ebay, and there are afew online modeling sites I have purchased from.