why we build certain brand model being ship armor or anything

I've been building since the early days of plastic kits while wood ones were still available.  I like some that go together easily, especially now tha I'm losing the ability to build.  HOwever I still look for certain kits that I wouild want to build, like the Thunderceptor.  It's large, 1/48th scale, but won't take too much to detail it unough to be respectable.

As far as not working on some kits because they don't come with everything, how are you supposed to build your skills at scratch building?  You need to be able to find or make parts that you don't have.  You can't rely on some company to do all the work for you.  Sometimes scratch building is the best part.  That way you can have detail that wouild not normally be there, or use your new and budding skills to make something never seen before, especially when working on dioramas, fantasy, figures, or science fiction, or just about any subject you can name.

Many times it's in the challange to be different, better, or unique.  That's where new skills comein handy.  All you need to do is try, and keep on tryong.

Italeri released the US Army 5 ton in three versions. The M923A1 Bigfoot which came with the 6x6 wheel set up used by the A2 version. It came with canvas cargo cover and .50 cal ring mount. Then they did the M925 10 wheeled version which came equipped with the front winch, but no cargo cover. The M925 came with and without a shelter to sit in the bed.

There is a 4th version out with armored gun truck add on.

Yes, Italeri made a pair of 5 Tons about 20 some odd years ago. They did one with the "dualy" rear tires 10x6, and another with the later single tire 6x6 configuration.

Hey Glenn H, If I recall Italeri popped a five ton, I think,it was WAY back in the early '90s, they called it a Bigfoot. As for the topic, I try to stay with one brand simple for scale fidelity however many companies produce many cool things and I'm like "SQUIRREL" LOL.  I think for me it's more scale than brand, if it isn't offered in the scale I want I probably can live without it. Odds are someday it will pop.

This is an interesting question. Back the mid 70s when I first took up the hobby, auto kits were dominated by Mongram (remember those cool Tom Daniels Design kits?), AMT, MPC, and Revell. Maybe an occasional Lindbergh kit too. Aircraft and armor were Monogram mostly and Revell. All were great kits in that time. 

Fast forward to early 80s after I graduated from high school. I discovered a hobby shop downtown so one day, I decided to check it out. I was like a kid in a candy store. There were Hasegawa, Fujini, Italeri, Tamiya and others in aircraft, ships, and armor kits besides the usual Revell and Monogram I was used to buying. That day, I bought my first Hasegawa kit. I was hooked on the brand. Then Fujimi and Tamiya followed.

So the question begs which brand do I choose over others? I don't because it all depends on the subject. For auto kits, I will choose AMT or mpc because I've always liked the option to build in different versions - be it custom, stock or drag. I like to mix it up if possible. 

Aircraft - I will choose Hasegawa, Fujimi, Tamiya , Airfix, or whatever brand to my liking. Again, it depends on the type and decal options. With so many aftermarket stuff out there - especially decals, it really doesn't matter what brand I get. I will research and read kit reviews of a particular aircraft kit brand for fit issues, inaccuracies, or whatnot. 

Armor and ships I don't really get into those much. I've done them but the mood to do one are rare. 

Don Stauffer

Subect matter!  If the biggies don't release a kit of the subject I want, but I can find a Lindberg or Glenco or something like that, I buy it!  Who else would offer a Curtiss Condor airliner, other than Glenco?

 

Hi,

Like Don, Stikpusher, DasBeev, and a couple others have also noted, I think I too mostly pick my kits mostly based on Subject Matter.  For me, I often buy a model kit to learn about the subject that a kit is modeled after, but the actual building is sometimes more about trying different techniques and/or doing what-ifs etc, so I don't really ha ve a problem with buying an unexpensive and simple kit, even if it may not be 100% accurate.  And, in fact I think that I probably prefer a cheaper simpler kit over something more expensive and complex, because I think I'm probably a lot less intimidated about hacking, cutting, and/ot trying other stuff on a cheap and easy kit than a really expensive one.

Overall I think my favorite recent builds have been a 1/400 scale Ark Model (ex-Heller) Battleship Potemkin, the Lindberg Q-Ship, and a couple what-ifs I'm working that started from a Lindberg 1/900 Shangri-La and a Revell Ford Mustang Snapkit.

On the other hand I do have a handful of more expensive Armor models, a 1/350 scale Battleship Suvorov and the 1/72 scale Revell (ex-Matchbox) flower class Corvette, none of which I've been able to work up the nerve to start yet, because I'm just not sure my skill level is good enough to try and tackle them yet. 

Pat

Usually stick with good multimedia kits that have good fitment. The kit usually attracts me for some aesthetic reason. Typically build tamiya, some newer revell, got some meng and trupeteer special interest ones too. Tried my first eduard photo etch on a tamiya panther, not a big fan. Don't mind it for engine fan covers and other larger items that dont require a ton of bending. Most of my kits are researched to death before I spend a cent on them. Any impulse buys have usually let to scrapping or ripping out my hair. I totally despise kits that do not fit correctly, are lacking in detail or have useless instructions. I'm by far not the most patient person and I dislike when my relaxing hobby gets my blood boiling.

I've been looking over some the comments on some of the kits.  I have hundreds of models over the decades I've been building kits, so maybe it's just major experience talking, but I never had a problem with a DML or AFV kit or other.  I just built a AFC M60a1 and no issue with it at all.  Same for Dragon kits.  I've built dozens of them.   It may just be big time experiance, but I never have had any problem with a plastic kit.

I do like the details on kits,  I've never really measured a kit for accuracy or spent any time on it.  That's me.  When they are all piled together fender to fender and wingtip to wingtip, minor details all fade 

Have to admit that for the most part I have only been interested in building everything I was on or in during my little Army stint. So far I have the jeep, 3/4 ton, 2 1/2 ton, 105 towed, 155 towed, 175sp, Huey, Chinook, APC. I may do some again and try and improve. Still missing the 5 ton (not made) and the C130.

Hmmm;

  I will admit that certain kits are prefferred .Especially in Autos  . Armor not so much ( Nostalgia builds Monogram etc. ). Now planes , Only certain types and any Brand gets it . Ships , well that's a tossup too .Trumpeter , HobbyBoss , Dragon , Revell and Airfix and just about anything in 1/300 up to 1/72 .

    If I can't find a ship , I buy it in Paper and use the paper kit for patterns and build it out of plastic . A monster goody box helps here . If it isn't in paper or plastic I get the plans and build it out of Evergreen Plastic .Yes , With P.E !

    The best example of a Bad kit brought up to snuff is the old Revellogram M - 48A -1 . When I started doing stuff to it I ran across areas so thick that I went through two Dremel sanding drums !

 I just had to do it  ,as the first Dio I ever tried with Shep Paine's guidance concerned one of those . Since then they have gone on to be " Moon Rovers " Star Wonder " Battle units etc . T.B.

I've always advocated not not buying a kit because of the brand. I've always said this when folks ask which "brand" is the best to buy. Look for the subject/scale and then search for the best kit that fits your skill level.

Today, many kits are reboxed by other companies. Italeri kits can be found in Tamiya boxes. Many of Italeri kits began life as other companies' kits, etc.

Currently, I've been going through my extensive stash and trying to get rid of decent and lesser kits that I know I will never get to. I'm keeping many of the higher quality kits if the subject still appeals to me and I think I'll actually build it.

Subect matter!  If the biggies don't release a kit of the subject I want, but I can find a Lindberg or Glenco or something like that, I buy it!  Who else would offer a Curtiss Condor airliner, other than Glenco?

tankboy51

I started way back in the late 1950s with what I could buy as a pre teen kid.  Airfix, 1/72 Revell, Monogram ,AMT and others.  Then in 1969, Tamiya started for me.  We had a great hobby shop in Iowa City (where I lived), and Cedar Rapids.  I found that Panthers and Tigers and other WW2 stuff was what I liked to build.  Did those until 1980 then started 1/48 aircraft because I had built almost all the armored kits.   For a long period no new models were done, and some kits were discontinued.  The Tamiya T34 was impossible to find in the 1980s.  Things are very different now.  I used to do a lot of conversions and Verliden kits back then.  No need now.  It's a new Golden Age of plastic kits.

I can remember when there was no 1/48 Me 109 E's except for a hard to find Monogram kit.

The one subject that I was always available was 1/700 ships, (my father was on a cruiser in the Pacific).   So those were all built as well.

Modelers have it so nice now.  

Doug

 

Having started my collection "back in the day", and seeing the options available now, I agree that it is a new Golden Age for plastic kits.  The hobby has changed so much, and the options are kind of overwhelming.  The new products for weathering, the advent of PE, high detail kits, not so high detail kits, huge parts counts or fall together kits.  It is all out there.  I can remember trying to find a subject that I wanted in my kit collection, and not being able to find any examples.  Now there will be several kits by different manufacturers in various scales and levels of difficulty.  And you don't have to settle for a crappy kit by the one company that makes it.

And....with Amazon and Ebay, you can often find "classic kits" at a reasonable price.

Right now, the Mrs. will not be happy if I add to the stash, but if a good deal shows up....  When I get low on kits, and it comes time to get some more, subject will be of primary importance.  I have huge gaps in my kit collection.  No German halftracks, no F4F, no Corsair, no M10, no Italian anything, and on and on.  I build as an extension of my fascination with WWII aircraft and armor from the numerous books I have devoured over my lifetime.

My dad was a belly turret gunner in a B17, so as a tribute to him, I need to build a good version of that aircraft.  I really wish I had returned to building before he passed away.  He loved talking about his time in England when he got older, and would have really enjoyed walking me through that build.  "Dad, is this the right color for (insert plane part here)?"

We also have the extreme luxury of seeing WIPs on the forum.   The best kit review anyone could have.

This is a great thread!!

Happy modelling!

D

This is just my humble opinion and my personal preference. 

Lately, I've been enjoying 1/32 kits, kits with 300 or more parts are of interest to me.  And most recently I've been buying Big Ed sets for my kits.  I don't care too much about brand but I do like Tamiya and most of the Korean/Chinese brands.  I'd love to build more Zoukei Mura and the new (I think it's a GWH) 1/32 B-17.   

These type of kits are expensive so unlike the Toshi of the past, I now take my time in building my kits.  I used to build 2-3 kits in a week or so.  But those were the Revell/Monogram 1/48 kits of which I learned so much from. And especially from FSM Forum Members!  You're all the best people in the world!  On some occasions, Mrs. Toshi will just pick up a kit and present it to me.  One example is my Revell 1/48 F-15 Eagle.  She has a good eye for things.  

These type of kits with their PE counter parts just excites me.  Currently I'm building a Kitty Hawk 1/32 Kingfisher which is very difficult and I also add on the Big Ed PE to it.  Thank you for allowing me to share my comments and thoughts with all FSM Members.  It was a pleasure.

Toshi

I started way back in the late 1950s with what I could buy as a pre teen kid.  Airfix, 1/72 Revell, Monogram ,AMT and others.  Then in 1969, Tamiya started for me.  We had a great hobby shop in Iowa City (where I lived), and Cedar Rapids.  I found that Panthers and Tigers and other WW2 stuff was what I liked to build.  Did those until 1980 then started 1/48 aircraft because I had built almost all the armored kits.   For a long period no new models were done, and some kits were discontinued.  The Tamiya T34 was impossible to find in the 1980s.  Things are very different now.  I used to do a lot of conversions and Verliden kits back then.  No need now.  It's a new Golden Age of plastic kits.

I can remember when there was no 1/48 Me 109 E's except for a hard to find Monogram kit.

The one subject that I was always available was 1/700 ships, (my father was on a cruiser in the Pacific).   So those were all built as well.

Modelers have it so nice now.  

Doug

M. Brindos

 

Have you tried an AFV Club kit yet? Talk about over engineering! But they do turn out some beautifully detailed models. Their instructions are worse than Dragons though! Lol!

 

I so agree. I'm so frustrated with my Pak-40

Usually I go-

Subject

Quality

Cost

Then for subjects-

Aircraft; Beyond the usual suspects, there are one or maybe two choices per subject.

Armor; There are multiple choices for a lot of subjects. Quality becomes a useful variable.

Ships: Beyond a small number of subjects, you'll praise the styrene gods if a model even exists.

Nice little easy builds with a nice amount of details. :) good stuff!

I also have a nice little 1/72 Airfix Hs 123 bagged kit that looks like a nice build as well. Old kit, but looks like a fun one.

M. Brindos

 

Bish

I like a mix. I enjoy kits that fall together, as well as ones that are a bit of a challenge. I enjoy building OOB, adding after market and scratchbuilding.

I don't agree that PE isn't a challenge. In fact adding PE can often be more challenging than building the kit.

As lng as a kit isn't going to fight me at every turn, i don't mind. And i find it nice after a challenging kit to do a nice simple OOB build that i can just relax with and enjoy.

 

 

 

 

I agree. A nice and easy follow up build is very nice after months spent on the same build. 1/72 Airfix FTW. Lol

 

I'm sure i've got one of those some where

As far as preferance goes I kinda break it down like this.

AUTOMOTIVE: Almost 99% of the time I choose AMT. somtimes Monogram or monogram/Revell. Mpc  on ocassion.

PLANES: Monogram/Revell

SHIPS: This is where I get a mixed bag. Subs are exclusivly RoG. All my other ships are a hodgepodge of old Pyro, Lindburg, Amt/ Matchbox, Or Revell.

ARMOR: Dragon, Tamya. Academy.

When it comes right down to it I buy whatever catches my eye so there are a few kits in my stash that I cant remember the manufacturer.

I am less about brand and more about subject matter. 99% of my builds are WWII kits. I do not do doubles i.e 5 P51Ds or 4 Sherman tanks. My collection is at the point of doing more "eclectic" WWII items. After I am finished with some GBs this fall I will finally start on my ICM T 35 and a Italeri LTV. Not rare but you just don't seem to see the interest in them like a Tiger or Sherman.....

First and foremost, I choose a kit for subject matter. It has to be something that I want to build to fill a gap in my collection somewhere. Sometimes there is only one game in town for a particular subject in a particular scale. Sometimes there are multiple choices of the exact same subject. when there are multiple kits by various companies available, I'll look at affordability. I don't care how many bells and whistles a kit may or may not have, if it's out of my budget, that's that. Then once costs are considered, I'll look at the buildability and bells and whistles. Resin or PE inclusion in the kit is not a must have for me. But I much prefer an aircraft with full underwing stores to having the buy ordnance on my own to arm it up. Stowage and crew figures on an AFV are a plus for me. And yes I do prefer simplified fit and engineering over a hyper detailed kit. If I have a choice between a Tamiya or Dragon Panzer IV, and the costs are roughly equal, I'll take the Tamiya kit. It may no quite have the same finesse in detail, but it will be less of a headache to build, the instructions will not be ambiguous or flat out in error, and the lower parts count is a plus in my eyes.

I tend to choose a kit less by brand but more by what the end result I am trying to acomplish.  If I want to add pe and scratch build or make major modifications to the kit I tend to use cheaper less developed kits as one, they are cheaper and I don't feel bad tearing them up and two the lack of detail allows me to add in all the detail I want without having to alter or remove much of the detail already there.

If I am trying some new painting techiques I like to have any easy build so that I can get to painting faster and not deal with fit issues etc.  For these builds I usually go with a better brand that goes together well.

I guess I was the unlucky one. The instructions on the AFVC M-60A1 were aweful with misnumbered parts in every assembly stage.

But it has turned into a beautiful model. :)

M. Brindos

 

 

Tojo72

I read build logs and try to stay away from problem kits.I don't mind complex kits if they are well engineered,most Dragon kits I have done have been good,Tigers,Panthers,Stugs,III's are good,Meng are complex also but build up well.Tamiya are simpler and excellent.

I don't mind inexpensive well done kits either as long as they aren't junk.

I don't want to slog thru an ill concieved,over engineered,bad fitting kit,wasting my limited hobby time.

 

 

 

 

Have you tried an AFV Club kit yet? Talk about over engineering! But they do turn out some beautifully detailed models. Their instructions are worse than Dragons though! Lol!

 

I did two,and no difficulties,maybe lucky.

T-34/85 with interior,not the clear hull

Stryker 1126

Both did okay