can PE be used on a non recommended kit?

Hi M1

Scratch building not the best place for this.  You will get better responses if you post in the general forum.  Since it sounds like an armor project I would probably post it there and give some specifics as to kit and pe set.  You may even find someone that has already tried.

I have used mismatched kits and pe sets in an aircraft and it worked with some minor mods being needed for the either the kits or the pe piece.

It is possible. It sounds like the stuff you are looking at is all on the outside so shouldn't be a problem. You just have to remember that the kit part numbers the AM set will include will not be for your kit. You may have to cut off parts that are not moulded onto the kit the PE is meant for. All I would say is check check and check again. Something like the stowage box may need some dry fitting and trimming of either the kit or PE to fit.

It is very hard to post a general answer to a question like this. It depends somewhat on the genre of model, and a lot on the specific two kits.  Are they of identical subjects, or only of the same class of vehicle?  You almost need to state the specific two models.  It sounds like you are talking about an armor kit, so you may have to ask in the armor forum.  And it also depends on the specific PE parts.  Some parts like lugs and such were mass produced and will be the same from vehicle to vehicle, other parts would have been specifically designed for that vehicle so it would depend on whether the two kits were of the same subject vehicle.

Surely you can put any PE on any kit, whose to know the difference? It's like saying you can't put that engine in that car because it's a different make!

true, if it fits ok. i used eduards interior pe set for a mig 21 on an acadamy kit. was ok i suppose BUT the cockpits are not exactly the same dimensions so had to compromise on fit and trim some bits down. Not entirely accurate but better than the kit cockpit. i would have been better buying the right set in the first place though!!!

also if you use a pe set on a different model, some of the parts may be redundant or unneccesarry.

i have seen plenty of ppl use spare pe on various kits to spruce them up a bit. again not strictly "accurate" but better than doing nothing?

I think aircraft cockpits are the biggest problem.  Fit can be critical there.  External PE has far less restrictions.  Again, I believe the OP was talking about an armor kit, but still not sure which model.  I would ask in the armor forum.

Yes, you can always make stuff fit, but altering small PE parts for size may not be the easiest thing in the world. It is very hard to work with small PE pieces, as far as cutting, and especially replacing some pieces with larger pieces.

PE for armour tends to be detail parts that replace kit parts, or add parts not included in the kit, so it should be mostly OK. You may encounter issues with structural parts (eg. fenders and muguards) if the dimensions of the two kits are different.

External details on a Tiger I tank will always look better with PE. The tool clamps are common to most German armour. Like mentioned it may take some fitting for the tool box and skirt armour, given the straight sides and curved, flat turret it should be easy.

Just because a PE set is for a specific model does not guarantee a perfect fit!

Don't forget to replace the tow cables with real wound fine wire.  

modeler#1

I the AM in question is a fender set, stowage boxes, and a basic set(small details like hinges and such).

Well;

   This does work for ships when you buy a generic rail and ladder set. I don't know about Armor , but, I should think a generic equipment set would work with your model.