wing_nut wrote: |
Are all AM kits doctored up oldies or do they make anything they call their own that is really good? |
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No, they're usually pretty good.
I built a P-51A that I really enjoyed, and I have an SBD-3 and a Yak-1 in the stash. The P-51A was a lot of fun (I linked to a sort of build report I did). The SBD and the Yak both look like great kits that will be a lot of fun.
The guy at the local LHS is pretty hooked into the model "rumor mill" and I guess since AM is a North Carolina company, he keeps up with it. He was telling me they have real cash flow issues. I told him about writing AM, inquiring about the delayed release of their P-51B, which was supposed to be in August. The answer I got back was "engineering issues." He said not engineering- money. The Korean maunufacturer wants to be paid up front for the run- can't blame them. The P-39 they were supposed to release in September was an Eduard re-box (though it is supposed to be a good kit). So it sounds like the good quality kits they do produce may be in jeopardy, simply because they cost so much to produce.
But re-boxing an RM kit? That just shoots themselves in the foot. I know wing_nut will buy more than a few models in the next few years- but AM has turned off what would be a good customer. That's a shame. (Try the P-51A. If you don't like it- I'll buy it from you.
)
If I buy an RM kit- I know what I'm getting. Heck-
that Helldiver is still out there in Monogram boxes- probably for less than you paid with the AM label. But to get RM quality at an AM price- that's a rip-off.
I'm wondering if they're on shaky ground. They closed their doors once before. The P-51B's are late, the re-boxed Eduard P-39, due in Sept., says "Soon" on the website. They're putting new box art under the "news" section on the site like it's a reason to buy the kit again.
Too bad. I hope they can stay afloat. They've shown they can build good subjects- some of which are fairly unique. Where else can you get an F3F or an SB2U?
Man- I'd love it if they had 90% of the Tamigawa engineering, 90% of the variety of Airfix, and only half again as expensive as Revell? Who wouldn't pay for that?
If AM does more kits like this Helldiver- nobody will buy them unless they see a history of the molds on the package.
Jon Bius
AgapeModels.com- Modeling with a Higher purpose
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11