Most Intimidating Unbuilt Kit in Your Collection?

scottrc

Member since
December 2003
From: 37deg 40.13' N 95deg 29.10'W

Posted by scottrc on Friday, July 30, 2004 7:45 AM

QUOTE: Originally posted by wibhi2

QUOTE: Originally posted by Jim Barton

I've seen that kit, wibhi2! Hundreds of wood parts that have to be bent to shape before being glued into place, plus instructions in Italian with a translation to definitely broken English! My father liked to build wooden ship models and he was about halfway through that kit when he got too sick to work on it and ultimately passed away. The half-finished model ultimately went to somebody in the retirement community that my dad knew who also likes to build ship models. (My mother did offer me the model, but having never built any kind of wooden ship model [let alone plank-on-frame], I decided against taking it as I would never finish it. Trying to do so would be like me picking up a guitar for the first time and trying to run off an Eddie Van Halen lick!)

I am truely sorry for your loss. I have a lot of respect for the people who build these models.
The wood working dosen't really bother me too much as I will eventially get it right. Though I am not looking forward too making all those little knots in the rigging and tieing off the canvas sails.

I will never read Patrick O'brien and C.F. Forrester again

Sounds like it was a Aeropiccola kit. I have built the Cutty Sark and am finishing the Endeavor from this company and I tell you, those instructions can only be used as kittybox liner. The kits don't have plans, just an exploded isometric drwaing of the whole ship. If the kits weren't given to me, I would have chosen to scratch build.

BTW, reading Patrick O'Brien, C.S. Forrester, and my favorite, Alexander Kent (a.k.a. Douglas Reaman) always gets me in the ship building mood. Big Smile [:D]

Scott

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scottrc

Member since
December 2003
From: 37deg 40.13' N 95deg 29.10'W

Posted by scottrc on Friday, July 30, 2004 7:33 AM

Being a ship modeler, this is a common issue, I have two: One is a Heller "Royal Lois" converted to the HMS Royal George that I started in 1992 and stopped two years ago after I discovered I rigged the futtock shouds on the foremast backwards. The other is a Imex Amerigo Vespucci that had one half of the hull molded slightly larger than the other half and all the parts are molded in clear, which makes them hard to see.

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nicholma

Member since
September 2003
From: New Zealand

Posted by nicholma on Friday, July 30, 2004 6:01 AM

Like Scotty, the Tamiya FW24 for no logical reason it just looks difficult. Also the Bandai 1/16th scale Bugatti Royale because of the large areas of shiny black which I always seem to have trouble with (black that is).

Kia ora, Mark "Time flies like the wind, fruit flies like bananas"

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wibhi2

Member since
March 2003
From: Brooklyn

Posted by wibhi2 on Thursday, July 29, 2004 2:44 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by Jim Barton

I've seen that kit, wibhi2! Hundreds of wood parts that have to be bent to shape before being glued into place, plus instructions in Italian with a translation to definitely broken English! My father liked to build wooden ship models and he was about halfway through that kit when he got too sick to work on it and ultimately passed away. The half-finished model ultimately went to somebody in the retirement community that my dad knew who also likes to build ship models. (My mother did offer me the model, but having never built any kind of wooden ship model [let alone plank-on-frame], I decided against taking it as I would never finish it. Trying to do so would be like me picking up a guitar for the first time and trying to run off an Eddie Van Halen lick!)

I am truely sorry for your loss. I have a lot of respect for the people who build these models.
The wood working dosen't really bother me too much as I will eventially get it right. Though I am not looking forward too making all those little knots in the rigging and tieing off the canvas sails.

I will never read Patrick O'brien and C.F. Forrester again Tongue [:P]

3d modelling is an option a true mental excercise in frusrtation

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Prince of Styrene II

Member since
September 2003
From: USA

Posted by Prince of Styrene II on Thursday, July 29, 2004 2:07 PM

I'm with Hawk that the PL NX-01 is a monster in my stash that I'm not looking forward to tackling, especially the masking & painting that would do it justice.
But I think that more intimidating is the C-57D! With all that interior detail & scratching to make it accurate, it also just screams DIORAMA , which I'd love to do, but just don't have the space for right now. I was actually thinking of making a glass-topped coffee table with an enclosed display area to put it into, but then there's building that! Banged Head [banghead]

I'm never gonna win this one! Sigh [sigh]

"Hold the weapons, Daddy. I'm going to go get my monkeys." The Dutchess of Styrene

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upnorth

Member since
December 2002
From: Canada / Czech Republic

Posted by upnorth on Thursday, July 29, 2004 11:52 AM

Somewhere in a box, packed away, I have a white metal Vorlon heavy cruiser from the Babylon 5 Wars role playing game.

There's going to be some major flash clean up and seam filling on this critter and I still don't know if I'll just build it as is or try to use it to come up with patterns for a larger, better scratchbuilt project.

I've also got Revell Germany's 1/35 TPz-1 Fuchs in a partially completed state. It looked real easy when I opened the box, but once things got started I ran into some real trouble spots that will require quite a bit of thought to properly rectify.

Well, they're in a box half way around the world from me right now, so perhaps when I get back to them I'll have thought up some solutions.

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BlackWolf3945

Member since
December 2002
From: Pominville, NY

Posted by BlackWolf3945 on Thursday, July 29, 2004 3:13 AM

Revell 1/144 Shuttle Launch Tower...

Fade to Black...

Steve O. Reno Check Out My Photo Sets on Flickr

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, July 29, 2004 1:46 AM

1/350 Titanic with PE, Lots o' plastic and brass.
Don't know what it is but something about it scares the bejeebies otta me.

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Jim Barton

Member since
February 2003

Posted by Jim Barton on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 6:06 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by wibhi2

Mine has to be a wood USS Constitution plank on frame construction. I statred it and has been sitting for 3 or 4 years since I've gotten to the point where either I have to learn italian or get a microscope to read the english text.

I've seen that kit, wibhi2! Hundreds of wood parts that have to be bent to shape before being glued into place, plus instructions in Italian with a translation to definitely broken English! My father liked to build wooden ship models and he was about halfway through that kit when he got too sick to work on it and ultimately passed away. Sad [:(]

The half-finished model ultimately went to somebody in the retirement community that my dad knew who also likes to build ship models. (My mother did offer me the model, but having never built any kind of wooden ship model [let alone plank-on-frame], I decided against taking it as I would never finish it. Trying to do so would be like me picking up a guitar for the first time and trying to run off an Eddie Van Halen lick! Smile [:)]

)

"Whaddya mean 'Who's flying the plane?!' Nobody's flying the plane!"

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KINGTHAD

Member since
May 2004
From: Dallas

Posted by KINGTHAD on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 4:23 PM

Mine is the Historic PM1/48 kit Blohm & Voss BV141B. The green house is so big I know Im going to use a whole roll of tape.

Thad

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wibhi2

Member since
March 2003
From: Brooklyn

Posted by wibhi2 on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 3:02 PM

Mine has to be a wood USS Constitution plank on frame construction. I statred it and has been sitting for 3 or 4 years since I've gotten to the point where either I have to learn italian or get a microscope to read the english text.

3d modelling is an option a true mental excercise in frusrtation

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 2:02 PM

I'd have to say Revell's 1/96 scale USS Constitution, Academy's 1/350 Titanic, and PL Enterprise NX-01 are all tied for my collection. No matter how well I've improved over the years, I just don't feel ready to tackle them.

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rodc

Member since
April 2003
From: Newfoundland, Canada

Posted by rodc on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 12:43 PM

For me....I have two based on their sheer size.....the 1/72 Scale Revell-Germany HMCS Snowberry and her North Atlantic adversary a 1/72 scale VIIC U-Boat also from Revell-Germany. The thoughts of just painting them make me cringe......

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djmodels1999

Member since
December 2002
From: United Kingdom / Belgium

Posted by djmodels1999 on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 11:39 AM

AMT's YB-49 Flying Wing... Need some experience with foiling before tackling that big wing!

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Daveash

Member since
October 2003
From: St Helens, England

Posted by Daveash on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 11:33 AM

I have had the Minicraft 1/350 Titanic with all available PE sets (including the tiny 1/350 people), on a shelf for the last 9 months, I have looked in the box a few times but cannot bring myself to start it.
There is a great web site showing every step of the build but the more I read the less I want to start it.
I guess that one day I will commit myself to it.

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 7:58 AM

Mine was Academy's Tiger with interior. Lots of bits, a few inaccuracies, etc.

Now, after trying to build a plane for the first time in a decade, and doing a truly awful job of a nice kit (Academy Storch), I look at the Airfix Hudson that I want to make for my mum as a tribute to her Dad, and I just shiver.

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David Voss

Member since
December 2002
From: Waukesha, WI

Posted by David Voss on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 2:31 AM

QUOTE: Originally posted by zokissima
Hey Dave, if you ever get around to that Eldar ship, let us know how it goes. I used to play Eldar, and always wanted one of these Forgeworld resin kits, but just a little too rich for my blood.

Aye, it's a bit rich for mine too. But I know someone who gets GW stuff in to review every once in awhile. He asked me if I was interested in it. I wasn't going to say no. Wink [;)]

David Voss Senior Web Developer Kalmbach Publishing Co. Join me on the FSM Map

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berny13

Member since
February 2003
From: Panama City, Florida, Hurricane Alley

Posted by berny13 on Monday, July 26, 2004 2:36 PM

Trumpeter F-105D. I plan on having everything open, with the engine removed. I will have to scratchbuild both the forward and aft section engine bays as well as the engine removal dolly. I will have to detail the engine with wire harnesses and fuel/hydraulic lines. The centerline bomb bay will be open and the tank removed. The gun will be on a transport dolly setting beside the aircraft. The gun bay will have to be detailed. Big plans and a lot of research still to be done. I just hope my "want to" is not bigger than my "can do".

Berny

Phormer Phantom Phixer

On the bench

TF-102A Delta Dagger, 32nd FIS, 54-1370, 1/48 scale. Monogram Pro Modeler with C&H conversion.

Revell F-4E Phantom II 33rd TFW, 58th TFS, 69-260, 1/32 scale.

Tamiya F-4D Phantom II, 13th TFS, 66-8711, 1/32 scale. F-4 Phantom Group Build.

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wildwilliam

Member since
December 2009
From: West Grove, PA

Posted by wildwilliam on Monday, July 26, 2004 1:05 PM

1/32 Tamiya Zero Real Sound Action.
1/48 Tamiya Swordfish.

i am sure they are excellently engineered.
but they were not cheap (even at the prices i paid for them!)
and i am waiting until my skills are up to par w/ the investment.

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zokissima

Member since
July 2003
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Posted by zokissima on Monday, July 26, 2004 11:39 AM

oooh, this is actually a really interesting topic.
For me, I'd say it's probably the Trumpeter Faun. So....many....pieces....
I don't think I'll be starting this one any time soon. It'll take forever just to build, then to paint? The thought makes me shrugg.

Hey Dave, if you ever get around to that Eldar ship, let us know how it goes. I used to play Eldar, and always wanted one of these Forgeworld resin kits, but just a little too rich for my blood.

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nkm1416@info.com.ph

Member since
September 2003
From: Philippines

Posted by nkm1416@info.com.ph on Monday, July 26, 2004 9:11 AM

The Hasegawa 1/72 P-47D Bubbletop. At the time I got it, it's the only good model of the bubbletop Thunderbolt. Simple recessed panel lines and lacking cockpit and undercarriage bay details. I was so hot about Thunderbolts that I decided to load it with PE and resin when these came along. Problem is the build is plagued with setbacks every step of the way. The most recent is when the fuselage halves cracked at the joint lines. The model is almost finished, just finishing touches in the cockpit and the landing gears. I was bringing it to a modeler friend for comments when I nearly got into an accident. Braking hard I grab the box holding the model to prevent it from being thrown out. Guess I did it a little hard 'coz when I opened the box, there's the crack! Looking at it, you're right. It's like it's telling me " You'l never finish me!".

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dpdelhoyo

Member since
December 2002
From: Australia

Posted by dpdelhoyo on Monday, July 26, 2004 1:17 AM

I'm not really intimidated by my unfinished kits (aprox.5% of my more than 300 unbuilt 1/72 aircraft and mil.veh. kits), but for the lack of time to begin/finish them. Life is so demanding that I've posted myself in reserve after marriage (not my wife's falut, I swear).

Regarding to my hobby, presently I dedicate to keep update with my mags. subscriptions, buy a couple of good books a year, and visit museums and hobby-relates websites.

A story known to anyone, maybe?

Regards to all,
Diego.

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, July 25, 2004 7:46 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by Dave Toews

Actually I have two, the Tamiya Swardfish and the Revell Snowberry.

The Swardfish has been sitting for about two years. I want to do a great job on it as its my favoret biplane but my skills just arn't up to the task to do it justies.
The Snowbery is it's size. I have had it for over three years now. Not only do I need the pace to build it but a place to berth it afterwards. I build a wall bookcace in our guest room some years back with it in mind but by the time it was finished all the books and my wifes teddy bears have taken up all the shelves. I'm planning on building more shelves and cupboards in what we call the Office. That might aleviate the space problem but I some how dought it.

Ahhh the Revell 1/72 Flower class corvette HMCS Snowberry.....
I've had the kit for 5 years now,the size of it is the intimidataing thing plus all the improvements that need to be made to the armament,the kit weapons on this old matchbox model are shocking....
The only other model i have that even comes close is Tamiyas 1/350 Bismark with PE detail set........Cheers J.S

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saltydog

Member since
July 2003
From: Lower Alabama

Posted by saltydog on Sunday, July 25, 2004 7:29 PM

piece o' cake pix!!! Wink [;)]

i could do it with one arm tied behind my back!!LOL. that is a very interesting 262, where did you find it? oh, you can tell me after you build it friend, cause i'm liable to jump in there on that!!! Tongue [:P]

later.

Chris

The Origins of Murphy's Law: "In the begginning there was nothing, and it exploded."!!! _________ chris

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paulnchamp

Member since
January 2003
From: Warwick, RI

Posted by paulnchamp on Sunday, July 25, 2004 7:04 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by Pixilater

For me, it's not the kit that will be challenging. That will be fairly easy to build (Trimaster Me 262). The challenge comes when I try to replicate this camouflage scheme.

Pix, if there's ANYONE here who can replicate that camouflage scheme, it's you!!
I'd crawl over broken glass before I'd even attempt it (shudder)
Paul

Paul "A man's GOT to know his limitations."

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wbill76

Member since
July 2004
From: Texas

Posted by wbill76 on Sunday, July 25, 2004 6:26 PM

Trumpeter 1/16 T34/76 '42 version. It's big...it's got over 700 parts...and once I start on it I will have to work it through to completion...it's a welcome challenge, first kit done in that scale. Terra incongita is always intimidating but you never learn if you don't push the envelope... Wink [;)]

BP Models

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, July 25, 2004 4:44 PM

1/25 Castrol Mugen Honda NSX by Tamiya. It's the decals and paint that are going to be a pain, which is why I keep buying other kits to distract myself from it.

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saltydog

Member since
July 2003
From: Lower Alabama

Posted by saltydog on Sunday, July 25, 2004 4:26 PM

i couldn't say that i have an itimidating build in my stash. i've overlooked them all and they seem to be decent kits. i, like keyworth, am intimidated by rigging. i'm gonna start with the humble anntenae wire from the top of the vertical fin to the upper fuselage antennae. i dont know any better i don't guess!! i do have an AM TBM-1 that i'm saving until i get better at this hobby though. later.

Chris

The Origins of Murphy's Law: "In the begginning there was nothing, and it exploded."!!! _________ chris

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Keyworth

Member since
January 2003
From: NE Georgia

Posted by Keyworth on Sunday, July 25, 2004 3:43 PM

I'd have to say it's my Tamiya Swordfish (the float version). The build itself is daunting, but the thought of rigging that thing makes my palms sweat just thinking about it.

"There's no problem that can't be solved with a suitable application of high explosives"

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RAF120

Member since
March 2003
From: Exit 7a NJ Turnpike

Posted by RAF120 on Sunday, July 25, 2004 2:56 PM

I have to say right now it's the Trumpter LCM landing craft that I just got. The only reason it's a little intimidating is because it's not a tank and I'm not real shore what colors to use and how to weather it.