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Kit that gave you the most trouble

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  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Canada
Kit that gave you the most trouble
Posted by gar26 on Friday, August 29, 2003 4:20 PM
What is the kit gave you the most trouble building? For me it was a 1/100th scale of the H.M.S. Victory. Tying all that rigging I thought it was going to drive me to a nevous breakdown.Dead [xx(]
gpebernat
Moderator
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by Matthew Usher on Friday, August 29, 2003 4:28 PM
Accurate Miniatures' McLaren was a challenge, but admittedly, I had an early-production kit that I suspect may have suffered from some shrinkage problems before things were "dialed in" at the factory.

The build was tough, but I was actually pretty happy with the finished model.




Matt Usher
Senior Editor, FineScale Modeler
  • Member since
    January 2003
Posted by shermanfreak on Friday, August 29, 2003 4:59 PM
S-Models Staghound ... at least so far anyways. But I'm sure they'll be others.

It's mostly a resin kit and there certainly were some fit issues.

But like Matt, I'm more than happy with the results.


Happy Modelling and God Bless Robert
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, August 29, 2003 5:24 PM
For me, it was the LTD LaGG 3 in 1/48. Its a limited-run kit, & to call it "crude" would be an understatement. PLENTY of CA filler here !
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Tochigi, Japan
Posted by J-Hulk on Friday, August 29, 2003 11:06 PM
I'd have to say, without a doubt, it's the Tamiya 1/16 Pershing!

To buy or not to buy, that has been giving me the most trouble!!!Angry [:(!]

It's just so dang expensive...Disapprove [V]

But as far as BUILDING a kit, I guess that Lunar Models 1/35 Martian War Machine was the biggest challenge, as it was the first kit I ever tackled featuring vac and resin parts, plus that nutty lighting system...not a lot of pieces to that kit, but the sanding...trying to get the right shapes...trying to match up mating surfaces...well. I sure did build a lot of character making that model!
~Brian
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Sunny Florida
Posted by renarts on Saturday, August 30, 2003 1:59 AM
Tamiya's 1/35 Japanese 97. But its done. Yaaa!Tongue [:P]


mike
Mike "Imagination is the dye that colors our lives" Marcus Aurellius A good friend will come and bail you out of jail...but, a true friend will be sitting next to you saying, "Damn...that was fun!"
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, August 30, 2003 2:14 AM
Trumpeter's 1/32 A-10A N/AW. It was (and still is) my first rea; attempt at multimedia and aftermarket kits, so figuring out all of the little intricacies has been a real headache. I'll finish it one of these days...

demono69
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Netherlands
Posted by robvandodewaard on Tuesday, September 2, 2003 2:13 AM
without a shadow of doubt for me this is the 1/48 scale F-82 twin mustang from modelcraft and the kit I am working on right now namely the ar 196 from Hipm I know these are limited run kits and must ecpect this but they are certainly a test for my patience especialy since I like built the interior completely from scratch and superdetail the models However when they are ready then I will have a model of these planes wich will complete my collection

rob
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Philippines
Posted by Dwight Ta-ala on Tuesday, September 2, 2003 3:37 AM
So far, Dragon's M1A1-HA. Just finished it the other night. Lots of sanding and filling. Fitting was also a problem.

Anyhow, I have already finished painting it. Just doing the figures that came with it. I'll post pics when ready.

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: United Kingdom / Belgium
Posted by djmodels1999 on Tuesday, September 2, 2003 4:42 AM
VEB-Plasticard's Dassault Mercure airliner (1/100). Plastic is brittle, does not react well with glue and putty... Detail is lacking everywhere... In fact, it's been awaiting completion for over two yearsnow... I've had better luck with their 727-100... (although it's still not completed either!).

In term of models I actualy completed, it could be... VEB-Plasticard's Tu-144 Charger... (you know the Russian Concorde). But what a beautiful thing that was once completed!
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Lyons Colorado, USA
Posted by Ray Marotta on Tuesday, September 2, 2003 8:19 AM
Tamiya's 1/32 F-14 (1984 version) gave me more trouble than any other kit I've ever built. It ended up taking a real
short flight against a brick wall. I guess the worst part of the kit was fitting the forward fuselage to the rest of the
airplane but, none of it gave me any enjoyment except it's final flight.
Ray

 ]

 

 

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: The flat lands of the Southeast
Posted by styrene on Tuesday, September 2, 2003 10:13 AM
The DML 1/35 BTR-80. I stomped it into a zillion tiny pieces. HEHEHE, HEHEHE, HEHEHEHE.
Gip Winecoff

1882: "God is dead"--F. Nietzsche

1900: "Nietzsche is dead"--God

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, September 2, 2003 2:06 PM
Mine was the Tamiya Castrol Mugen NSX. Not really a 'kit' problem, more of a 'paint' problem. This model now sits in a bit of a no-man's-land for me. It's too nice and expensive to toss in the junk pile, but will require ALOT of time to bring it back to finished condition (probably more time than it would take to just buy a new kit and re-build it...).

You know, I wonder if Tamiya would consider sending me a new 'body' for the kit? Has anyone got experience with Tamiya on something like this? Who would I contact??

Murray
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Canada / Czech Republic
Posted by upnorth on Tuesday, September 2, 2003 5:25 PM
For me, the most troublesome kit in recent memory was ICM's 1/72 MiG-31 Foxhound, I've seen some folks get it done to a good standard, though I never got it finished. Fit troubles nose to tail, hard to tell where the flash stops and the parts begin, questionable parts breakdown....

Further back, the kit that takes the cake for total destruction of morale and willingness to see it through to completion in my book is AMT's old 1/48 Bell 222. For those who have made the mistake of purchasing this kit, I feel your pain.

For those who have not tried it, whether you happen upon it as its CHiP version, Airwolf version or its reissued by Hobbycraft Canada version; DON'T touch it! It's pure concentrated evil in a cardboard box.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, September 2, 2003 6:44 PM
Need I say

1/72 XB-70 from AMT

Could Revell please make this kit
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Huntington, WV
Posted by Kugai on Tuesday, September 2, 2003 8:02 PM
And from the land of Sci-Fi...

Xizor's Virago from Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire. I expect there to be some fitting issues with resin or vinyl kits, but a mass-produced IP kit shouldn't be anywhere near as difficult as this thing was.

Well, unless it's the first release from a new company run by some entrepreneurial chimpanzees.Tongue [:P]Big Smile [:D]Evil [}:)] THEN I could understant the terrible quality of the Virago.

http://i712.photobucket.com/albums/ww122/randysmodels/No%20After%20Market%20Build%20Group/Group%20Badge/GBbadge2.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y211/razordws/GB%20Badges/WMIIIGBsmall.jpg

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, September 2, 2003 8:19 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Dwight Ta-ala

So far, Dragon's M1A1-HA. Just finished it the other night. Lots of sanding and filling. Fitting was also a problem.

Anyhow, I have already finished painting it. Just doing the figures that came with it. I'll post pics when ready.


I on the other hand, found this kit excelent, only a tiny spot of filler, good fit compared to other dragon models,and the figures have huge seams. recommended
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Panama City, Florida, Hurricane Alley
Posted by berny13 on Tuesday, September 2, 2003 9:10 PM
Monogram 1/48 scale F-101B. The finished product had more glue and filler than plastic. The nose section did not fit and took a lot of sanding and filling. There is a large gap in front of the rotating weapons door. The wind shield did not fit. The canopy had large gaps when installed. The main landing gear had no way to mount in the wells. I think some parts were made by a different manufacturer with conpletely different plans and drawings. Beyond doubt, the worst fitting aircraft I ever tried to put together. It is so bad, I use it for testing paint and other things. Too ashamed to display it.

Berny

 Phormer Phantom Phixer

On the bench

TF-102A Delta Dagger, 32nd FIS, 54-1370, 1/48 scale. Monogram Pro Modeler with C&H conversion.  

Revell F-4E Phantom II 33rd TFW, 58th TFS, 69-260, 1/32 scale. 

Tamiya F-4D Phantom II, 13th TFS, 66-8711, 1/32 scale.  F-4 Phantom Group Build. 

 

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: New Zealand
Posted by nicholma on Wednesday, September 3, 2003 2:27 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Murray Kish

Mine was the Tamiya Castrol Mugen NSX. Not really a 'kit' problem, more of a 'paint' problem. This model now sits in a bit of a no-man's-land for me. It's too nice and expensive to toss in the junk pile, but will require ALOT of time to bring it back to finished condition (probably more time than it would take to just buy a new kit and re-build it...).

You know, I wonder if Tamiya would consider sending me a new 'body' for the kit? Has anyone got experience with Tamiya on something like this? Who would I contact??

Murray
Kia ora, Mark "Time flies like the wind, fruit flies like bananas"
  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: New Zealand
Posted by nicholma on Wednesday, September 3, 2003 2:32 AM
Try the Japanese model shop Rainbow Ten, they have a parts replacement service for Tamiya and Bandai. Its worked OK for me in the past.

www.rainbowten.co.jp/english/index.html

Cheers

QUOTE: Originally posted by Murray Kish

Mine was the Tamiya Castrol Mugen NSX. Not really a 'kit' problem, more of a 'paint' problem. This model now sits in a bit of a no-man's-land for me. It's too nice and expensive to toss in the junk pile, but will require ALOT of time to bring it back to finished condition (probably more time than it would take to just buy a new kit and re-build it...).

You know, I wonder if Tamiya would consider sending me a new 'body' for the kit? Has anyone got experience with Tamiya on something like this? Who would I contact??

Murray
QUOTE:
Kia ora, Mark "Time flies like the wind, fruit flies like bananas"
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, September 3, 2003 7:58 AM
This one right here:


The yellow just wouldn't come out right for me Black Eye [B)] The body was stripped in CSC, no less than 3 times, until I was satisfied with the look. I think it sat it it's box for 1 year, waiting to be completed.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, September 3, 2003 11:30 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by nicholma

Try the Japanese model shop Rainbow Ten, they have a parts replacement service for Tamiya and Bandai. Its worked OK for me in the past.

www.rainbowten.co.jp/english/index.html

Cheers


Thanks nicholma. I'll give it a try...
Murray
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, September 3, 2003 12:15 PM
Eric
that's a good looking machine. your perseverance paid off.
I hate messing with yellow which is real unfortunate for me because as a Blue Angels fan I have no way around it!

Why is yellow such a pain?. It's worse than white!
Moderator
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by Matthew Usher on Wednesday, September 3, 2003 12:59 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Murray Kish

Mine was the Tamiya Castrol Mugen NSX. Not really a 'kit' problem, more of a 'paint' problem. This model now sits in a bit of a no-man's-land for me. It's too nice and expensive to toss in the junk pile, but will require ALOT of time to bring it back to finished condition (probably more time than it would take to just buy a new kit and re-build it...).

You know, I wonder if Tamiya would consider sending me a new 'body' for the kit? Has anyone got experience with Tamiya on something like this? Who would I contact??

Murray


Try calling Tamiya America at (800) TAMIYA-A. They sell replacement parts for all their kits. I've purchased a couple of replacement car bodies from them over the years. They're not cheap, but they're certainly cheaper than a whole replacement kit. You'll want to have a credit card and the kit number handy when you call.

Matt Usher
Senior Editor, FineScale Modeler
  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by cnstrwkr on Wednesday, September 3, 2003 5:25 PM
I have a Revell '51 Henry J that I started years ago and recently decided to put back on the bench. I just remembered why I put it on the bench. I need 3 hands to get the rear suspension together and properly aligned. I WILL get it this time around.
Tommy difficult things take time...the impossible, a little longer!
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, September 3, 2003 5:32 PM
USS Enterprise from the motion picture. Never could get the saucer section right so I threw the whole thing out.
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Philippines
Posted by Dwight Ta-ala on Wednesday, September 3, 2003 8:53 PM
QUOTE: I on the other hand, found this kit excelent, only a tiny spot of filler, good fit compared to other dragon models,and the figures have huge seams. recommended


Hi unnamedplayer,

I see your point there. This is only my 3rd Dragon kit and I agree that compared to previous Dragon Kits I have done, this one is much better (in details and manufacturing). However, it has many more parts than the other ones I already completed. So, multiply the problem. On the other hand, majority of my other kits are from Tamiya. And coming from that side of the fence, this one is certainly not as good.

Wink [;)]

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Warwick, RI
Posted by paulnchamp on Thursday, September 4, 2003 8:51 PM
QUOTE: RE: Kit that gave you the most trouble - 09/03/2003 : 17:32:57

USS Enterprise from the motion picture. Never could get the saucer section right so I threw the whole thing out.


We can trace the history of that one back to my entry here -
the original AMT Star Trek Enterprise.
Paul "A man's GOT to know his limitations."
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, September 5, 2003 1:45 AM
I have to vote for the F-82 Twin Mustage as well. I've never liked Model Craft A.K.A. Hobby Craft models to begin with but this was such an unusual subject that I bought it anyway.
Well it's partly assembled and back in its box. I was so choked that I even E-Mailed the company and gave them both barrals. They never replied and after reading my sent mail a few days later I can understand why.
One day I'll get back to it.
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: USA
Posted by ncmay on Friday, September 5, 2003 11:13 AM
I have two of them. The Mongram B-17G and the Revel-Monogram out of production TBF Avenger. The B-17 had poor fitting parts and my limited skill with an airbrush sealed its fate. The TBF ball turret was flawed and when I picked it up it basically crumbled in my hand. If I could find another ball turret or somehow construct another I could finish the TBF. As it stands now, they are both back in the box and destined to become spare parts.
Butch
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