Maquette Models

I've only built their T-34/85 turret. It was a little rough, but turned out okay once the paint and weathering was done. The fit was fair, the detail a little soft, but overall I was satisfied with it.

I have a 38T and the detail is nicer than the italeri version. Fit seems no worse than any other kit. The instructions can be dicey but I think that is a language translation issue.
Oh, and indy tracks.

Not a bad little kit.

I've got a few. Relatively good kits. My T-26-4 is actually the Zvezda T-26 with a resin turret and white metal gun, so they do rebox other kits as well.

I have their T-34 individual tracks (both early and late) and I think they are a great deal for the $5-6 I paid.

The Pz I individual tracks are not so good and their DShK 12.7mm machine gun is not worth the card board box they put it in.

The Czech 38t tracks and running gear set are superior to the Italeri kit items and dress that kit up for $6 as well.

I am building Maquette's T-34/85 with Mineroller. It has been a wrestle, but if you have built a few kits they are worth it. Detail varies greatly, from exceptional to non-existent, but generally I have liked the detail. Fit has been bad to awful, but I am going to end up with a nice model. The indy tracks are great! I reckon you would be more than equal to the challenge Bill, I say go on ahead!

I only built one of their early SPGs, and the kit was fairly decent. But from comments above, with quality and detail varying, I'm afraid that my one kit apparently was an exception and not a rule.

Bill,

Spamicus, Renarts and Phroosh have it dead on and of course Major Rob knows all about every kit

Only thing to add:

Their V-2 engine (sold separate like indy links ) is very economical as well and I believe it will go in any T-34, SU, T-55 and even more
Good Russian reference for accuracy
US Dollar is strong against theirs

To be honest, I would buy another Maquette kit without hesistating, if it were a subject I wanted to build and/or the price was good. The stress of putting a difficult plastic model kit is nothing compared to "real world" stress for me, and I have enjoyed every minute!

Thanks, all. This all helps a lot! I might just pick one of these guys up.

Hi Bill, everyones experience with their kits is somewhat different from mine. i got their HP Herald (yep I KNOW its a plane!!! LoL) its a box of warps held together with sprues only the clear parts are not affected. i know it may just be the one i bought but i thought i'd give you a heads up on it just in case.
Greg

if your gonna build the panzer I you should just wait for the Dragon one to come out, it probably will be less frustrating, just off the comments above, you dont know what your gonna get, and dragon has a farely stable and decent reputation, especially with their newer kit molds there coming out with.

Thanks, Greg. And thanks to you too, Chris. I agree that Dragons I will be far superior to the Maquette, if it ever hits the shelves! I just thought I might try something a little different. But there's always some model or detail set that's calling to my money with a higher priority. LOL

Bill,

If you can find them, Tristar, Alan, Italeri, Zveda all make panzer I's. None of them would make you fall down and cry if you see them but none of them are dogs either. The Tristar is a little thick on the plastic, but as long as you weren't opening it up it would be fine.

Bill, Check this out
http://www.dragonmodelsusa.com/dmlusa/prodd.asp?pid=DRA6218

Actually, I'm not young enough to know everything. I was just passing on observations of the several Maquette items I own. I have heard good things about their T-34 series, until DML released several T-34/76 and T-34/85 kits.

If I wanted a PzKpfw I kit, I would get the old Italeri one cheap or wait for the DML one. The Tristar sounds nice but is a little pricey, although it does include Model Kasten tracks which can cost around $30 separately.

I know that the Zvezda PzKpfw I is the Italeri kit reboxed and Maquette has reboxed Zvezda kits before (see my post regarding the T-26-4). So there is a chance that the Maquette PzKpfw I is the Italeri kit with minor additions.

I have Italeri's Kommando Panzer 1B (A pzkfw 1 with a fixed turret) and it looks like a real nice kit. Looking forward to building it. I have Maquettes indys for it, but they look a bit dismal.

QUOTE: Originally posted by Rob Gronovius .........Actually, I'm not young enough to know everything. I was just passing on observations of the several Maquette items I own. .......

Major Rob, you are being too modest ! You know a boatload of stuff.


I'm still waiting for your book to come out - "Major Rob's Guide to Military Models"

QUOTE: Originally posted by renarts Bill, Check this out http://www.dragonmodelsusa.com/dmlusa/prodd.asp?pid=DRA6218

Oh crap!!!! Not another one!! Dragon is driving my wallet into the ground! I'm beginning to really hate them!