Question...

Why not?

While snap-tite kits are designed with kids in mind (who apparently have parents who are afraid of glue!), they can be built into very nice kits. I recall an article by Matt Usher on decanting rattle cans for use on his snap-tite Corvette.

Given the choice between a snap-tite and a regular kit of the same make, I would opt for the regular kit, but I would not hesitate to buy a snap-tite if it was the only kit available.

If, among other things, they help get youngsters into the hobby, why not?

Why not? I built Revell's snap Star Wars "Y-wing" because it is the only somewhat accurate model of the subject out there, or at least, besides the Finemolds kit that costs $60. I weathered the heck outta it, and it looks great. Terry 35 also made it, and made the thing look great. Snaps are usually seen as junk, and often they are. But I wouldn't feel bad at all showing a snap kit of mine that I put effort into

I would say yes... this is how it started with my oldest son.  He really enjoyed building snap-tite kits (Star Wars and warplanes) for last two years until he was ready to take on real models this very summer.  He is only ten years old and unfortunately he works at very slow pace just like his daddy...

Yes they are aceptable. I have seen model builders on another forum turn Revell's snap-tite MACK fire engine into just about any MACK CF cab fire truck possible.

In fact, the Revell fire engine was the subject of a seres of articles in the Scale Auto Enthusiest (now Scale Auto) from a pumper to a MACK aerialscope back in the 80's.

So in my opinion, yes because it's nothing more than a scale model that doesn't need glue.

Sounds like Manstein is hinting at a new group build subject!

The 'No glue GB' or 'Snap a kids kit into a contest table show stopper GB'

Yes they are. Not to mention that some of those snap tite kits are the only game in town on a particular subject in that scale. Snap tites are a chance for a modeler to cut loose with their improvisational skills and really make a kit shine.

I have no issue with snaptites, but I'm surprised the "true modeler" crowd hasn't made any noise about them.

Snap-tite kits are great, my son started on Robot snap kits(moved onto scale-models now).

As was mentioned they can be build into something stunning or can be a cheap quick weekend build.

Also for many subjects they are the only game in town(Gundam, Armored Core, newer SF3D kits, etc.).

Personally I would take a snap kit over an old outdated badly molded/fitting plastic model.

Dre

I have no issue with snaptites, but I'm surprised the "true modeler" crowd hasn't made any noise about them.

"No reason to, they are jusr "models" with training wheels until thr kid grows up enough to actually use tools, paint and glue..."

Manny said it perfectly! 

SuppressionFire

Sounds like Manstein is hinting at a new group build subject!

The 'No glue GB' or 'Snap a kids kit into a contest table show stopper GB'

I like the sound of that. If Manstein doesn't do that as a group buid soon, would you like to do it Supression Fire? I'd join in no time flat (as soon as I find the thred)

stikpusher

Yes they are. Not to mention that some of those snap tite kits are the only game in town on a particular subject in that scale. Snap tites are a chance for a modeler to cut loose with their improvisational skills and really make a kit shine.

Stik, you are correct for subjects that haven't been done yet as traditional models.  I am working on 3 Monogram 1/72 Snaptite B-26's as these were the only available original B-26's until Valom came out with thier's, of which I bought the torpedo edition.  They are actually a hybrid early B version with the short fin and wings, and the short carb intakes.

Railfan 233

 

SuppressionFire:

 

Sounds like Manstein is hinting at a new group build subject!

The 'No glue GB' or 'Snap a kids kit into a contest table show stopper GB'

 

 

I like the sound of that. If Manstein doesn't do that as a group buid soon, would you like to do it Supression Fire? I'd join in no time flat (as soon as I find the thred)

Hmm... well its been a while sense I built a 'snap tight' kit & as you know I am not the greatest GB host. Thanks Railfan 233, I will ponder the idea today.

If we do a Snap-tite GB I got the new 1/144 Gundam kit on the shelf.

Engineering on that kit blew my socks off.

Sounds like this idea is gaining momentum at a 'snappy' pace. (pun intended)

* Anyone who is good at hosting & designing badges want this one?

Please I am over committed all ready in GB's and chores left undone at home for the responsibility of GB host. Like said above I will ponder the idea today yet hope someone with better qualifications takes it on....

Well, I have given thought about being a group build host, but it would be my first time doing so. Well, I don't know, I have one idea for a build myself, and I'm going to post it in a few days. Then there's high school starting on August 16th (with lot's of homework)

Unfortunately, I have to say no.

Please, someone, anyone out there, please don't let this brilliant idea die.

I had a brief conversation with someone on the sci-fi forums about this topic.  I am not opposed to snap-together kits, I have a Star Wars AT-ST that is a snap kit.  Most of them are pretty decent quality, and if I am feeling motivated, I can always glue it together, do a bit (ok, a TON) of filling seams, and have a decent build.

My only beef is with the pre-painted part that seems to accompany most of the snap kits now.  Let me slap some paint on the thing at least!

Chris

Guys, if you are really serious about doing snap-tite GB... please consider calling it 'Manny's Snap-Tite GB'.  I might let my ten years old son join since Manny got us all excited about this.  I propose that Manny send one of his secret prizes to the GB winner for coming up with best looking snap-tite model...

deafpanzer

Guys, if you are really serious about doing snap-tite GB... please consider calling it 'Manny's Snap-Tite GB'.  I might let my ten years old son join since Manny got us all excited about this.  I propose that Manny send one of his secret prizes to the GB winner for coming up with best looking snap-tite model...

Excellent idea! How about his Iron Cross? Er, a plastic one cast in resin?

Anyhow we still need a host.???

The girlfriends 9 yr. old son is bogging down building his vintage Tamiya Panzer IV & I feel a quick 'Snap-Tite' kit will help him over come the quagmire he is in, boost his confidence and have something to show his friends that is complete.

Currently working on a snap-kit, 4hrs into it just snapping and still only 1/3 finished.

Will do the kit properly for the GB, details over in the Science Fiction Forum.

Hope some of the guys from the M.A.K, GB will post their builds here. As some of the recently issued Power-suits are Snap-builds.

I'm definately up for a group build like this. I'll eather do a MACK fire engine, or a MACK semi-truck with a tanker trailer

If we do, count me in! I have that old MPC At-ST snap kit (original MPC box too! not the AMT re-release) just started. I only assembled the 2 cockpit halves and it is currently bound up in a ton of bondo for sanding. I'll hold on if that's ok... But believe me, you won't want me as GB host. I did it twice, and failed hard. Ok, I kept my Star Wars GB going for about 10 of 12 months but...

I have given some thought towards being a group build host, but I already have plans for one (I'll try to launch the thred for it on August 15th) Now to mention, I have school comming up, so I may not be able to be as active as I want with homework and stuff.

I can participate with a MACK CF cab fire engine, though.

Manstein's revenge

 

Dre:

 

I have no issue with snaptites, but I'm surprised the "true modeler" crowd hasn't made any noise about them.

 

No reason to, they are jusr "models" with training wheels until thr kid grows up enough to actually use tools, paint and glue...

 

I believe "true modeler" crowd hasn't made any noise about them due to  scales ( 1 /32  vehicles ) , price

( 1 / 25 vehicles not much different in price from 1 / 25 glue ) as well simpler design.

Yes, there are 1 /72 aircraft, but the aircraft are also frequently available in glue construction with more detail.

And no Zuiho, either ! 

Can't host the GB as I often get called out of country on short notice(few hours) to go trouble-shooting.

Hence why it takes me ages to build anything.

Sprue-ce Goose

Manstein's revenge:

 

Dre:

 

I have no issue with snaptites, but I'm surprised the "true modeler" crowd hasn't made any noise about them.

 

No reason to, they are jusr "models" with training wheels until thr kid grows up enough to actually use tools, paint and glue...

 

 

I believe "true modeler" crowd hasn't made any noise about them due to  scales ( 1 /32  vehicles ) , price

( 1 / 25 vehicles not much different in price from 1 / 25 glue ) as well simpler design.

Yes, there are 1 /72 aircraft, but the aircraft are also frequently available in glue construction with more detail.

And no Zuiho, either ! 

Let me sort of put your mind at ease when it comes to modelers not building snap-tite kits.

I acually get them on a fairly regular basis. (What? The Revell Snap-tite line is the only garunteed way for me to get my hands on ready-made emergency vehicle kits)

It's acually kind of fun, taking the MACK CF cab fire engine, and turning it into a heavy rescue truck, or into a MACK Aerialscope. It has been a while since I've done one box-stock, though...

Railfan 233

 

Sprue-ce Goose:

 

 

Manstein's revenge:

Dre:

I have no issue with snaptites, but I'm surprised the "true modeler" crowd hasn't made any noise about them.

No reason to, they are jusr "models" with training wheels until thr kid grows up enough to actually use tools, paint and glue...

 

I believe "true modeler" crowd hasn't made any noise about them due to  scales ( 1 /32  vehicles ) , price

( 1 / 25 vehicles not much different in price from 1 / 25 glue ) as well simpler design.

Yes, there are 1 /72 aircraft, but the aircraft are also frequently available in glue construction with more detail.

And no Zuiho, either ! 

 

 

Let me sort of put your mind at ease when it comes to modelers not building snap-tite kits.

I acually get them on a fairly regular basis. (What? The Revell Snap-tite line is the only garunteed way for me to get my hands on ready-made emergency vehicle kits)

It's acually kind of fun, taking the MACK CF cab fire engine, and turning it into a heavy rescue truck, or into a MACK Aerialscope. It has been a while since I've done one box-stock, though...

Nothing wrong building snap kits.

Even better that enough exist to allow creativity.

Creativity is the core of model building.

I will be looking for the tanker kit ( thanks for the heads up )

i just figured the kits were avoided by the mainstream for the reasons I stated.

"...in the context of the Forum and FSM".

I think not. How many times do you see derogatory comments regarding "assemblers" who only build a top brand "shake and bake" kit?

"True modelers"? What exactly is a "true modeler"? A snob, perhaps?