Returning After Many Years - Dazed & Confused - FineScale Modeler - Essential magazine for scale model builders, model kit reviews, how-to scale modeling, and scale modeling products

dwix56

Member since
March 2014

Returning After Many Years - Dazed & Confused

Posted by dwix56 on Sunday, March 9, 2014 9:56 PM

As a kid, my reason for making models was to shoot them up with a BB gun or blow them up with firecrackers. However, I also remember my Dad's WWII and Korean War era aircraft models hanging from the ceiling in my bedroom.

I recently returned to the world of model making after many years. Even though I now own more powerful weapons than a BB gun Big Smile I plan to preserve and display any models I make from here on out.

My model choice for returning to the craft was a Revell 1/48 Huey Hog. Once I opened the box I was a bit disappointed with the quality of the model. Material is much thinner than what I remember as a kid, and fitment appears to be questionable...lots of gaps,,,lack of locating pins, etc used to guide placement of subassemblies in the fuselage.

There are quite a few manufacturers out there. Is this the standard of quality they all follow, or are some better than others?

I have loads of other questions, but will address them in the appropriate sections. Having read a number of forum entries in different categories I find that you all are quite helpful to us "resurrected" modelers. I look forward to our conversations.

Dave

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Tojo72

Member since
March 2003
From: Western North Carolina

Posted by Tojo72 on Monday, March 10, 2014 8:26 AM

Welcome back to the hobby,Yes there is a lot to learn,but here are a lot of people here to help,questions are okay for sure.

As far as the manufacturers,they range from awful to awesome with everything in between.Price and details you have Tamiya,Hasegawa,Dragon,Great Wall,also Trumpeter and Eduard.Many guys still swear by the old standards like Airfix,Monogram,and Revell.But even the expensive kits could be dogs.So if you are considering a kit,Google it for reviews and build logs,or use the search feature here on the forum,or just ask for opinionions about a kit.

Enjoy your stay

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gregbale

Member since
March 2003
From: Towson MD

Posted by gregbale on Monday, March 10, 2014 9:20 AM

Dave, welcome back to the fold. Hope it's more fun the second time around!

I think you just had the misfortune to pick the wrong kit. The old Monogram Huey Hog is pretty well-renowned as a bear to build well, for the issues you mentioned---fit, fit, fit. Many of the Monogram/Revell kits of the same vintage are actually quite good, and much better engineered, and newer-generation kits tend to be moreso.

There are always exceptions, of course. Even some really respected and high-end kits [the Eduard Fw-190 series comes immediately to mind, though it is but one high-profile example] are pretty well-known as difficult builds, but a lot of that can be minimized by knowing what the problem areas are ahead of time. In the internet era it's pretty easy to scope out a potential kit and identify some of the challenges before you start, which makes the whole process a bit more enjoyable.

The main thing is to have fun.

Greg

George Lewis:

"Every time you correct me on my grammar I love you a little fewer."

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Bish

Member since
December 2002
From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England

Posted by Bish on Monday, March 10, 2014 9:33 AM

Welcome aboard. As the others have said, kit standards range from poor to very good. While there may be a small number of companies you can rely on to produce good kits, for the most part, within any company there are god and bad. People new to the hobby often ask which are the best kit companies, but it is really never simple to answer, there are so many things to take into account.

There are certainly some brilliant kits out there and not all are top dollar.

Dive in and enjoy, and feel free to ask away.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

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Eagle90

Member since
November 2010
From: Florida-West Central

Posted by Eagle90 on Monday, March 10, 2014 10:21 AM

Welcome to the forums Dave! Oh yeah! Lots of changes and different stuff in the hobby now. Best thing to do is ease into it, try EVERYTHING and find what you like to use best. Kits, glue, paint, tools, ask away, but the best judge will be you! Remember, it's a hobby....have fun! Again, welcome aboard!

Eagle90

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fox

Member since
January 2007
From: Narvon, Pa.

Posted by fox on Monday, March 10, 2014 12:03 PM

Welcome to the Forums Dave! Glad to have you aboard!

Been there and done that with the BB guns and M-80s.

I've been building for 67 of my 73 years and I've found good, and bad in all manufacturers offerings. Just take it slow and easy, and don't be afraid to ask questions. That's what we're here for. I've learned a lot in my time on the Forums and I'm still learning. Sit back, have a few sips of your favorite beverage Coffee Beer Drinks Toast Wink and enjoy the hobby.