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AT6
  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: Fresno
Posted by AT6 on Friday, November 29, 2013 1:07 AM

The dollar store is where I found my Starfix kits also. I see people trying to sell them on Ebay for 8 bucks and feel sorry for the buyers. They make good kits for beginners to learn about glue and paint, but as something to be seen by the public I would say forget about it. They are good as a basis for some type of what if build though.

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Fort Knox
Posted by Rob Gronovius on Thursday, November 28, 2013 5:20 PM

AT6

I was'nt trying to upset any one with my view on Starfix. I have several of them to build in my stash. Their 1/48 is no where near that scale. The spitfires and the 109s just seen to be poor examples of those aircraft. With a little work and some detailing the P-51 and A6M5 can built into decent models. I've considered using the spits for what if models.

I've bought a few Starfix kits back in the 1999-2001 timeframe when I was stationed in New Jersey. The kits I bought were a Spitfire, Bf 109 and a Zero. Very poor kits that were not in scale with other models of those subjects I had of the stated scale (1/48). From what I remember, the rivets would be about the scale of grapefruit halves on the surface of the planes.

I don't complain though; the kits were found at a dollar store and I bought one of each of the different variety I saw. All I did was shaved & sanded off the rivet detail and painted them with a rattle can. Fit was poor, but they were good enough for the buck apiece.

  • Member since
    August 2008
Posted by tankerbuilder on Thursday, November 28, 2013 4:14 PM

AAAY , You TalkinTa Me ? ?

Youse gots ta know da secret handshake an yous is gotta have an R/M tatoo proudly displayed on da body . Now ,dat sed , youse wanna offer ya can't refuse ? Youse is gonna be a R/M supporter , well so is I . Frum ways back .Ya know when dey was WOOD an plastic .Yup I bin bildin Revell and Monogram kits that long .Now , whaddya tink ob dat ? Youse is alright mebbe youse 'll make a good " Made man " Ya know Kinda like a cousin . He! He! He! .

  • Member since
    November 2013
Posted by FocusOne on Saturday, November 23, 2013 5:29 AM

The pattern I've found with my modelling:

The kits I tend to start, practice, or quick-cheap-slap-together with tend to be Revellograms

The kits I reserve for display-quality OOB work (after practicing) tend to be Tamiya/Academy, etc...

The kits I reserve for when I've mastered OOB and want to advance to fixing, modifying and/or kitbashing tends to consist of...Revellograms

Yeah, I do love all kits, but some of the engineering in the recent Revell kits baffle me (Audi R8 wheels, '09 Challenger rear metal axle?!  could they not have spent some more money to include scale driveshafts?  even as optional parts?)

As for beginners, while it's inexpensive to have them start with Revellograms some of the fitment issues may discourage them.  Some of the older reissued Tamiya kits aren't too expensive but they're ease of assembly and excellent fit and detail are worth considering  as beginner kits.

If it seems like I'm, in any way, bashing Revellograms, I'm not.  Just stating some thoughts and I'm well aware of some of the beautiful kits they've made as well as the potential of their older "crappy" kits...which I am not yet able to bring out -__-

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Thursday, November 21, 2013 10:14 PM

Tarn, I can only imagine the things you have seen and found...

Pyr, well old Abe did better than James Caan...

 

F is for FIRE, That burns down the whole town!

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

  • Member since
    May 2005
Posted by pyrman64 on Thursday, November 21, 2013 6:29 PM

stikpusher
 If Hans was Brando, I'll be Pacino Stir The Pot 

Can I be Abe Vigoda? Just remember.....it's not personal, simply business. Whistling

Greg H

"There is many a boy here today who looks on war as all glory, but, boys, it is all hell." Gen. Wm T. Sherman (11 April 1880, Columbus, Ohio)

  • Member since
    March 2005
  • From: near Nashville, TN
Posted by TarnShip on Thursday, November 21, 2013 5:30 PM

not upset at all AT6

I just have a taste for irony, and for unusual subjects.

I wish a list of some of them were "on topic" for this thread, I think other people would get a kick out of some of the "normal aircraft" that can be done in "they NEVER did THAT !!!!" models,,,,,,,that have photos to back them up.

The E model Skyhawks that had the Insignia in the front instead of the rear,,,,,after they started with them in the rear for a while (10 USN/USMC squadrons did that, then changed back),,,,,,,,the torn insignia decal on the A-4C Skyhawk,,,,,,,,the "two different Light Gull Grays" on the Marine Phantom during  a "new squadron remodexing" after the changeover from Flat to Gloss (both grays correct to FS spec),,,,,,,Nuke armed Skyraiders,,,,,,,the Toilet Bowl that keeps getting "discovered" about every six months,,,,the 3 full MBR plus 12 LAU-10 Zuni pods on a Skyraider,,,,,,,Nape on a carrier plane during 'Nam,,,,,the Radar Jammer Skyraiders used as Night Fighters just before Vietnam,,,,,,,the Banshees assigned to the VAW unit (big ole RR codes on the tail and all),  And the spec variations,,,,,,like the SEA Phantom that substitutes Aircraft Gray for the Tan in the topside camo,,,,,,,or the Peasoup Green instead of Tan on another SEA Phantom

(I typed out some of the things on the list,,,,,,,,,,since Revell and  Monogram kits could be used for them)

almost gone

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Thursday, November 21, 2013 5:12 PM

Eagle90

stikpusher

Why do I feel a MM III coming on next year...?

MM III  !!!!!!!!!!!!  You said it, now you have to do it!  So, just go ahead and sign me up now!  I'll figure out which Mono kit I'll do later, just sign me up!!!!  Hey, does this count towards getting my MM card?!  Huh?

Eagle90

After Weekend Madness ends I will set up a feeler for MM III. If Hans was Brando, I'll be Pacino Stir The Pot

 

F is for FIRE, That burns down the whole town!

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

AT6
  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: Fresno
Posted by AT6 on Thursday, November 21, 2013 3:34 PM

I was'nt trying to upset any one with my view on Starfix. I have several of them to build in my stash. Their 1/48 is no where near that scale. The spitfires and the 109s just seen to be poor examples of those aircraft. With a little work and some detailing the P-51 and A6M5 can built into decent models. I've considered using the spits for what if models.

  • Member since
    January 2013
Posted by BlackSheepTwoOneFour on Monday, November 18, 2013 11:11 PM

Back in the days of my youth the only kits I bought were Mongram and Revell. As I got older into my late teens and early 20s I discovered Hasegawa kits. I'll admit, I was a staunch Hasegawa junkie when it comes to aircraft - particularly modern jets. Tamiya was my second choice. Fast forward after 20 years plus away from the hobby the first kit I bought was a P-47 Thunderbolt Razorback by Revell. My first Monogram kit was a Twin Mustang kit I happened to find at my LHS discount section earlier this summer.

Do I hold a preference on what model company I'm loyal to? Sometimes but it all depends on the aircraft kit I want to build. I have yet tried Airfix, Eduard, Italeri and others but I do have my sights on a few kits from those companies for future builds.

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Monday, November 18, 2013 10:52 PM

When it happens, yes...

 

F is for FIRE, That burns down the whole town!

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Florida-West Central
Posted by Eagle90 on Monday, November 18, 2013 10:02 PM

stikpusher

All I can say about Starfix is that their package photos scared me. Good, bad, or indifferent kits, I don't know, I have never seen the sprues, let alone seen one built up. But the box photos sure turned me off. More power to anyone bold enough to buy and build them.

Why do I feel a MM III coming on next year...?

MM III  !!!!!!!!!!!!  You said it, now you have to do it!  So, just go ahead and sign me up now!  I'll figure out which Mono kit I'll do later, just sign me up!!!!  Hey, does this count towards getting my MM card?!  Huh?

Eagle90

 

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Florida-West Central
Posted by Eagle90 on Monday, November 18, 2013 9:58 PM

Cool!  

And we will see you take a gold!  I can feel it!  You go Rex!

Eagle90

 

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Monday, November 18, 2013 9:57 PM

All I can say about Starfix is that their package photos scared me. Good, bad, or indifferent kits, I don't know, I have never seen the sprues, let alone seen one built up. But the box photos sure turned me off. More power to anyone bold enough to buy and build them.

Why do I feel a MM III coming on next year...?

 

F is for FIRE, That burns down the whole town!

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

  • Member since
    March 2005
  • From: near Nashville, TN
Posted by TarnShip on Monday, November 18, 2013 9:28 PM

There wasn't any offense at all.

I just like to point out that Starfix+Hasegawa thing on that one aircraft tooling,,,,,,,,,and the Airifix "update" deal just came to me while I was talking about those two old re-popped kits.

Can't you just imagine some judges reaction to that "updated with Starfix parts" note on the build section of the entry form,,,,,,,,,and to make ya laff even more, the next contest in our area is the Regionals for us, lol,,,,,and it is GSB,,,meaning that if I can do it well enough,,,,,,I could get a Regional Gold or Silver for "updating a new tool Airfix kit with Starfix re-popped Airfix tooling"

Imma build that model with more slow, deliberate care than a Fujimi Skyhawk with $50 worth of resin and etch, lol

Rex

almost gone

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Hancock, Me USA
Posted by p38jl on Monday, November 18, 2013 7:09 PM

Eagle90

p38jl

ya needs the secret handshake.. and  referrals from 3 other Monogram Mafia members..

So whats yours sayin is I needs to do some "favors" for 3 Monogram Mafia members?  Yous gots it!  Consider it done, so......FORGET ABOUT IT!  I'd be happy to help. Cool

 

 

I was saying sumpin ???Whistling

[Photobucket]

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Florida-West Central
Posted by Eagle90 on Monday, November 18, 2013 7:09 PM

TarnShip

heh, I seem to be compelled to say this each time I read "Starfix are terrible kits"

Two of their kits are done to at least Hasegawa and Airfix quality,,,,,I have built two  of the Starfix kits in multiples and have 4 more Starfix T-38s to go,,,,,,,,the Starfix 1/72 T-38 is "on the same level" as the Hasegawa T-38 kit, and the Starfix A-4 is "on the same level" as the Airfix A4D-1 kit (Starfix used leased molds of those two kits to make theirs)

added by edit: because of the above,,,,,,,,the Starfix A-4 is a correction set for the new tool Airfix A-4B, lol,,,,,,,Airfix/Starfix got the nose shape correct in the old tooling, and the rudder height is correct in the old tooling but not in the new one (the "oversized Hasegawa" has the correct size rudder, lol)

so, I will build the new Airfix Skyhawk and set it on a contest table and say that I  "updated it" with Starfix nose parts, and Hasegawa Rudder parts

Hey Tarnship,

No offense intended with that my friend.  I must also add/admit, that the only Starfix kit I have done is of a 109.  There were issue with it (as with just about any kit), and that was just a first impression.  And that was probably...well, a long time ago I did it too.  So, my apologies for making it sound like I was a Starfix hater...I'm not!  I love all plastic equally!  I'd never turn down any kit from any company.  Hope that clears things up and there is no offense.  Embarrassed

Eagle90

 

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Florida-West Central
Posted by Eagle90 on Monday, November 18, 2013 7:02 PM

p38jl

ya needs the secret handshake.. and  referrals from 3 other Monogram Mafia members..

So whats yours sayin is I needs to do some "favors" for 3 Monogram Mafia members?  Yous gots it!  Consider it done, so......FORGET ABOUT IT!  I'd be happy to help. Cool

 

  • Member since
    March 2005
  • From: near Nashville, TN
Posted by TarnShip on Monday, November 18, 2013 3:53 PM

heh, I seem to be compelled to say this each time I read "Starfix are terrible kits"

Two of their kits are done to at least Hasegawa and Airfix quality,,,,,I have built two  of the Starfix kits in multiples and have 4 more Starfix T-38s to go,,,,,,,,the Starfix 1/72 T-38 is "on the same level" as the Hasegawa T-38 kit, and the Starfix A-4 is "on the same level" as the Airfix A4D-1 kit (Starfix used leased molds of those two kits to make theirs)

added by edit: because of the above,,,,,,,,the Starfix A-4 is a correction set for the new tool Airfix A-4B, lol,,,,,,,Airfix/Starfix got the nose shape correct in the old tooling, and the rudder height is correct in the old tooling but not in the new one (the "oversized Hasegawa" has the correct size rudder, lol)

so, I will build the new Airfix Skyhawk and set it on a contest table and say that I  "updated it" with Starfix nose parts, and Hasegawa Rudder parts

almost gone

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Hancock, Me USA
Posted by p38jl on Monday, November 18, 2013 3:21 PM

grrr.. don't have a good overall pic..

[Photobucket]

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Hancock, Me USA
Posted by p38jl on Monday, November 18, 2013 3:16 PM

I just did a Lindburg Grumman goose.. I'll post a pic soon...

[Photobucket]

AT6
  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: Fresno
Posted by AT6 on Monday, November 18, 2013 3:00 PM

I'm still a fan of the Revellogram kits. I have kits from many manufactures but keep going back to the older brands. Starfix are terrible kits but fun and Lindberg is only marginally better but also can be fun to build. The only Starfix kits than can be built into halfway decent models are the Zero and P-51. Lindberg when found cheap enough are good for practice building although their kits are way over priced now for what comes in the box. If I can still afford plastic when the Stearman is released, I will get one of those.

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Western North Carolina
Posted by Tojo72 on Monday, November 18, 2013 2:59 PM

stikpusher

Tojo72

Thanks for the old thread Stik,Some good memories.

I would never disparage anyone who wants to build any kit,whether it's for the challenge,or for the satisfaction,whatever,I think it's great as the above thread shows.Just don't say I'm just an assembler,or not a real modeler if I happen to build a Tamiya,or don't scratchbuild my own parts.

Not at all Tojo. The whole point of that thread was to show that the R/M kits are not junk/dogs/garbage etc. and to celebrate building them. Not to slam any other brand or those who choose to build them. As my Tamiya Sea Harrier has shown me, you have to use those skills on some of their stuff too. And it is always nice to have one of those Tamiya "shake and bakes" after an especially trying project where one does put in all that excess effort to recharge your modeling batteries.

we are cool stik,my statement was just general,those were some nice builds

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Monday, November 18, 2013 2:33 PM

Tojo72

Thanks for the old thread Stik,Some good memories.

I would never disparage anyone who wants to build any kit,whether it's for the challenge,or for the satisfaction,whatever,I think it's great as the above thread shows.Just don't say I'm just an assembler,or not a real modeler if I happen to build a Tamiya,or don't scratchbuild my own parts.

Not at all Tojo. The whole point of that thread was to show that the R/M kits are not junk/dogs/garbage etc. and to celebrate building them. Not to slam any other brand or those who choose to build them. As my Tamiya Sea Harrier has shown me, you have to use those skills on some of their stuff too. And it is always nice to have one of those Tamiya "shake and bakes" after an especially trying project where one does put in all that excess effort to recharge your modeling batteries.

 

F is for FIRE, That burns down the whole town!

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Hancock, Me USA
Posted by p38jl on Monday, November 18, 2013 2:24 PM

TarnShip

heh, they let me in, but HVH made me promise not to say the "H word" or "T word" in any of the Mafia's build threads

I got a pass because of my love of Monogram/Accurate Miniatures 1/72 Phantoms,,,,,and antique molded 1/72 Bearcats and 1/72 Monogram AD-5s, I bought a 1965 release of the Revell Stearman just to make sure

Manny (at least I think it was him) made me promise not to show a pic of my 1970's era Revel F-16 that I use sometimes as a paint mule ("Revell abuse"),,,,but, he okay'd my use of the tow tractors from those kits

uh oh.. now you have said the name of He who shall not be named... Censored

[Photobucket]

  • Member since
    March 2005
  • From: near Nashville, TN
Posted by TarnShip on Monday, November 18, 2013 2:21 PM

heh, they let me in, but HVH made me promise not to say the "H word" or "T word" in any of the Mafia's build threads

I got a pass because of my love of Monogram/Accurate Miniatures 1/72 Phantoms,,,,,and antique molded 1/72 Bearcats and 1/72 Monogram AD-5s, I bought a 1965 release of the Revell Stearman just to make sure

Manny (at least I think it was him) made me promise not to show a pic of my 1970's era Revel F-16 that I use sometimes as a paint mule ("Revell abuse"),,,,but, he okay'd my use of the tow tractors from those kits

almost gone

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Hancock, Me USA
Posted by p38jl on Monday, November 18, 2013 2:07 PM

ya needs the secret handshake.. and  referrals from 3 other Monogram Mafia members..

[Photobucket]

  • Member since
    November 2010
  • From: Florida-West Central
Posted by Eagle90 on Monday, November 18, 2013 1:59 PM

p38jl

Eagle90

Hey Stik.......I think you'd make a good Dom!  Just saying!

I'd love to see a Monogram Mafia GB!  Hey P38, how does one get a card for the Monogram Mafia!  I'm Sicilian, does that help?  Wink

As for loving one model or another......I love them all!  The cheaper the better of course, but I have just about every one from the what I think are "lesser" quality (Starfix), all the way up to Trumpy's (if they are considered the "top of the line").  I just like modelling!  I grew up and cut my teeth on Monogram and Revell (all I could afford..only so many lawns to mow in my neighborhood!).  So I love seeing a Mono or Revell kit in my stash!  As a matter of fact, I just bought 49 kits from an estate sale on-line and a lot of them are Mono/Revell.  Got some Tamiya, Trumpy, Airfix, etc.  And can't wait to see my not 1, not 2, not 3, but FOUR 1/48 F-100's from Monogram!!!!!!!!!  Sorry, got a little excited there.  Embarrassed

Eagle90

ya gotsta know a guy..to get a card..Whistling

LOL!

So..... can yous guys get me a meeting or supin'?  Cool

 

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Hancock, Me USA
Posted by p38jl on Monday, November 18, 2013 1:50 PM

Eagle90

Hey Stik.......I think you'd make a good Dom!  Just saying!

I'd love to see a Monogram Mafia GB!  Hey P38, how does one get a card for the Monogram Mafia!  I'm Sicilian, does that help?  Wink

As for loving one model or another......I love them all!  The cheaper the better of course, but I have just about every one from the what I think are "lesser" quality (Starfix), all the way up to Trumpy's (if they are considered the "top of the line").  I just like modelling!  I grew up and cut my teeth on Monogram and Revell (all I could afford..only so many lawns to mow in my neighborhood!).  So I love seeing a Mono or Revell kit in my stash!  As a matter of fact, I just bought 49 kits from an estate sale on-line and a lot of them are Mono/Revell.  Got some Tamiya, Trumpy, Airfix, etc.  And can't wait to see my not 1, not 2, not 3, but FOUR 1/48 F-100's from Monogram!!!!!!!!!  Sorry, got a little excited there.  Embarrassed

Eagle90

ya gotsta know a guy..to get a card..Whistling

[Photobucket]

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