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Help, DJ!!!

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  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Oklahoma
Help, DJ!!!
Posted by chopperfan on Friday, December 19, 2003 11:02 AM
DJ or anyone else who can help.
To the best of my knowledge, I have never seen a Heller kit outside of the box.
What quality are they?? How is the detail??
I am thinking of buying the Canadair CL-215 and CL-415. I would also like to know what a good price might be for these kits, as I will be ordering online and don't really feel like taking a soaking!!
Thanks to any and all in advance.

Randie Cowboy [C):-)]
Randie [C):-)]Agape Models Without them? The men on the ground would have to work a lot harder. You can help. Please keep 'em flying! http://www.airtanker.com/
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, December 19, 2003 11:07 AM
They are not the greatest but some of them are not as bad as monogram.
As far as the Canadairs are concerned, they are the only game in town so no choice there.
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: United Kingdom / Belgium
Posted by djmodels1999 on Friday, December 19, 2003 11:17 AM
Both are outstanding kits. I have both (twice the CL-215) and hope to start them someday. When you open the box, you are going to be surprised by the numerous rivets that are molded onto the parts, but resist the temptation to sand them down 'cause although they might be a touch too prominent for 1/72, they are VERY visible on the real machines. The joint wing/fuselage can cause problems and getting rid of the joint will erase some of those rivets. That's where dimensional fabric paint comes in handy. The cockpits and cabin are very decently detailed but of course one can always improve. My only regret is that there are no aftermarket decals for machines from Greece, Spain, Venezuela, Thailland and the various provinces of Canada... I have lots of reference and drawings/pics of details... I could always copy and send you what I have, if you're interested.

As far as prices are concerned, one can find them at $8-15 at shows, under the tables... I do not think they are in Heller's catalogue right now, but they are often on e-Bay for that sort of prices too. I would not go over $20 for any of them though, 'cause they are still plentiful... If you have big troubles finding the -215, I could always part with one of mine...

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Oklahoma
Posted by chopperfan on Friday, December 19, 2003 11:38 AM
Are those prices UK?
I found a -215 online for $14.99+shipping.
Thanks for the responses.

Randie Cowboy [C):-)]
Randie [C):-)]Agape Models Without them? The men on the ground would have to work a lot harder. You can help. Please keep 'em flying! http://www.airtanker.com/
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: United Kingdom / Belgium
Posted by djmodels1999 on Friday, December 19, 2003 11:51 AM
Yeah, UK/Belgian/French prices converted in US $ for you. For $14.99, I'd say, go for it!
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, December 19, 2003 12:38 PM
I have two of the Heller 1/72 Hellcats that I picked up for a collective $5.00. All I have to say about them is eeew..Black Eye [B)]. The fit is terrible. The left wingroot had to be shimmed with an incredible amount of plastic card, and with no locating pins the fit of the major components is tricky. I started one but only got a little ways on it. I still remember where I stored it so I think I'll dig it up and build it. Thanks!Smile [:)]That's my experience with Heller, but not all Heller kits may be as bad.
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: United Kingdom / Belgium
Posted by djmodels1999 on Friday, December 19, 2003 12:53 PM
Indeed some Heller kits are not very easy to build, nor as detailled as what comes out nowadays. Let's remind ourselves that in the 70s and early 80's, Heller kits rated rather well, even against manufacturers such as Hasegawa. Their catalogue was full of rarities too. Saab 29, Saab 21, Ouragan, Vampire, Javelin, Mirage IV, but to name a few. And of course, all those wacky French airplanes of the 30s..! I built many of those around that time, and do not recall any major problems. The instruction sheets were poor though.
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