1:350 scale models

Get the Tamiya 1:350 scale Round-bridge Fletcher as an introduction to ship modeling in this scale.   The parts go together well,  the instructions are good, there are a lot of different camouflage possibilities, and there are some excellent aftermarket PE sets available.  There are some problems with the kit's guns, but don't sweat them on this learner kit. 

The new Trump 1:350 scale Square-bridge Fletcher has a number of problems with it and I would not recommend it as a learner kit.

I generally do not recommend a 1:700 scale kit as a learner kit.   The detail kit parts are small as is the aftermarket PE.   I have found that it is easier to learn the processes large and then go small if that is your ultimate goal.   (Thats how I did it when I tied fishing flies). 

Use the Fletcher as a learner kit.  Pick up the tricks of photoetch application.   See how you like the whole ship modeling genre'.  If you are then comfortable you can transfer your knowledge to the big (i.e. more expensive) battleship kit.

Well this is just my luck. I live in Finland and there's no way I'm gonna get a hold of Fletcher anywhere.

Other thing is those PE sets. Haven't found any place in Finland that sells them. And ordering abroad will cost a mint. So how much detail does models in this scale have, are PE sets a "must have" thing to make the model look at least a bit realistic? Ofcourse those details could be hand crafted but that's way out of my league...

Skipwankman wrote:

Well this is just my luck. I live in Finland and there's no way I'm gonna get a hold of Fletcher anywhere. Other thing is those PE sets. Haven't found any place in Finland that sells them. And ordering abroad will cost a mint. So how much detail does models in this scale have, are PE sets a "must have" thing to make the model look at least a bit realistic? Ofcourse those details could be hand crafted but that's way out of my league...

Try this:

www.squadron.com

or

www.greatmodels.com

 

I've ordered before from squadron with no problems and I've heard good things about great models.

 

Another place that you could try for mail order is http://www.whiteensignmodels.com/ 

White Ensign are based in the UK,  and being closer to you, might well save you some shipping costs. (Might be worth checking your exchange rates against the US Dollar & Sterling though?)

They deal primarily in ship models, carry a great range of products and are nice people to deal with.

On the subject of the 1/350 Tamiya Bismarck. if you hunt back through the ship threads, you should find one from about one or two months ago where someone is seeking tips on building the kit.

 

Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

 

Thank's for your help! Still trying to hunt down those PE sets somewhere in Finland but it's not looking good. Mail order from White Ensign would cost somewhere around 100£ so it may be a bit too much for my wallet. The actual model itself costs around 70€ so those PE sets seem ridiculously expensive...

I think it's best for me to think about this a little bit more... and meanwhile try to save some money, just in case =D

I notice that TRUMPETER has recently issued an injection molded kit for a WWII Liberty ship.

I hope they continue this trend and issue a T- 2 Tanker kit in the same scale.

 

Try this link to a German mail-order company. (http://www.moduni.de/product_info.php/products_id/8078012) The Tamiya Fletcher there at scale 1/350 runs only 29,99 €! I have not personally ordered from them, so I can't vouch for them. The postage to Finland is 8,90 €. The company also has PE detail kits from Eduard, and it doesn't look too bad. I did a Tamiya 1/350 Fletcher recently and used PE from Tom's Modelworks - I was a bit dissapointed. If I had to do it over again, I would use the PE from Flagship Models (http://www.flagshipmodels.com/flagship/Detail_Sets.html) I like that it has the netting integrated into the rails and it also has rudders for both lifeboats - Tom's did not. The PE can get rather expensive, but it really gives the model a much better look - put it on your Christmas list - you never know! By the way, the Fletcher was the first real ship in 1/350 that I did in a long time. It was a lot of fun.

JohnyD in Germany

also try ebay

 

Ya know what I want?  A 1/350 scale of a ww1 naval zeppelin.   It would be cool and about 2 feet long.

Cool, glad my thread about wanting a Bismarck inspired you too. 

I managed to pick up a 1/350 Tamiya Bismarck for $49.  Then I bought the 3 White Ensign Models PE sets which cost a total of $166.  So be preparied to pay 2 to 3 times what you paid for the actual kit when you order all your PE.  It is expensive. 

I built the Tamiya Bismarck as the first ship I'd built in eons, it was a fine kit and it looks very nice.  No photoetched parts come with it.  I'd also avoid 1/700 ship models.  I got a Dragon Essex in that scale and it's really not an appropriate scale, I think, for an aircraft carrier.

Pete

Here's Academy's copy of Tamiya's Bismarck that I built two years ago, as shown ModelWarships.com. Just two pics, though.

 

http://www.modelshipgallery.com/gallery/bb/dkm/bismarck-350-tc/tc-index.html

 

Done straight out of the box, no PE.

I built the  1/350 scale Tamiya  Fletcher destroyer using Gold Medal Models etched brass and got a beautiful model out of it. I know Mr. Perry ships world wide and I've used his brass on several of my models with no regrets. You can see a listing of his products on www.goldmm.com  or go to www.modelwarships.com and look at his offerings in the review section. The Fletcher makes into a good little model ,and is a good choice for a starter kit !

I use a website called www.steelnavy.com. It lists many different companies for plastic models, resin models, and photoetch from around the world. There are also many articles and photographs of completed models and various techniques. Every ship modeller should check this site out.

On the subject of 1/350 scale ship kits, I am thrilled by the new explosion in available ships! Although I love the kits offered by Tamiya, one can have only so many models of Bismarck, Yamato, Missouri, King George V, and Enterprise. In other words, thank Trumpeter and (to a lesser degree) ICM for their efforts! Lets continue expanding this hobby!

P.S. I forgot to mention Zvesda and Hasegawa for their kits as well! and, the smiley should be

hello to all of you fellow shibbuilders. can anyone of you share some ideas about the new revell 1/400 Queen Mary 2, cause i really want to build one. i have built the Enterprise & Musashi of Tamiya and it sure keeps coming to me. I got to have that liner!!! thanks.

Be prepared for, as with most liners, a lot of repetitive parts. If you don't mind doing the same thing 20 times, then it'll be a nice kit ;)