Worst fitting kit ever!

moonwoka

Member since
March 2003
From: Dark side of the Moon

Posted by moonwoka on Wednesday, July 9, 2003 11:39 PM

My worst experience was with some russian manufacturer's (I'm not sure about it's name, because "instruction sheet" looks worse than cave picture from stone age) Su-17. Although it's injected molded kit, it looks like vacuum formed one - the flash is in only one place - EVERYWHERE. The nose cone was missing - I had to canibalize it from old Frog's Lightning (which isn't accurate, but nothing can spoil this kit, even removing parts with a chainsaw). The fit was pityfull. After hours of carving I decided that it's not worth trying to make a decent replica. Insted of it, I finished it wheels up. I don't have kids, but some of my friends do - they can have it buzzing around the room Big Smile [:D]

Join the dark side and get a free cookie!

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 8, 2003 11:29 AM

I went to my Pharmacy a few years ago and got some Dichloromethane.
It is available in model shops as Plastic Weld or also MEK will do just as well.
It welds plastic in place in seconds , but is harmful ,so I put mine in a tiny aftershave sample bottle so I handle it in small quantities.
I bought my first packet of Squadron filler in 10 years last week as the weld virtually guarantees a perfect join

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allan

Member since
June 2003
From: Cavite, Philippines

Posted by allan on Tuesday, July 8, 2003 9:59 AM

Oggy,

Sadly, I built the RAF Desert Storm variant for a friend a few years back. I mustve done something wrong with it because I spent three quarters of a tube of putty on it. Really. I also had to shave off some plastic here and there to make the joints meet.

No bucks, no Buck Rogers

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Daprophet

Member since
July 2003
From: Charlotte

Posted by Daprophet on Monday, July 7, 2003 9:24 PM

I am currently working on a 1/48 Blue Angels F-18. It is only my 4th kit since my return to modeling, but this thing is driving me insane. The fuslage had score marks so deep I had to use filler out of the box. Raised detail is almost completely gone and I even covered it with masking tape before I sanded. I know I am new to the up scale kits but I have a Tamiya Zero in 1/48 scale and a AM B-25 on the shelf to build and I can tell just by looking at them in the box they are infinately better kits than this revell.
I did see the CBP for the F-18 and saw that some others had some issues with this kit as well. I just hope with my meager skills I can make this at least look like an Angel when its done :)

Dave

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, July 7, 2003 5:52 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by gbarnes

QUOTE: Originally posted by Michaelvk

The Italeri 1:48 GR3 Tornado was great.. Wasn't too sturdy, mind.. Then again, I think it ended up under something heavy..

As for worst fit? Airfix 1:24 FW 190.. Worst I have ever had the displeasure to dupe myself into buying..

Great, I just started on my 1/24th scale Airfix FW-190 last week, but at least I've had a warning. Seems that I heard someone else say the same thing before!

Heh.. Yeah, that was probably me.. I've given myself a break from it so I don't end up torching it. The amount of plastic could send up a cloud that would make Saddam say 'damn!'.. It nicely detailed though. Should be for something that size. Not perfect though. Test fit the fuselage/wing/cowling parts as much as possible!

I just bought myself a Revell 1:72 Ju88.. AARGH! Thankfully the purpose of it is a technology tester so I can get the salt weathering thing practiced. First of all the box lies. It states 'detailed cockpit'. The cockpit is two boxy seats moulded onto the cockpit floor and a seperate control colomn. There's so much flash I need to wear shades ( Cool [8D]

) and detail is somewhat boxy at best.. As for the fit of the canopy to the fuselage. Well, lest just say the crew might find it a tad breezy.

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, July 7, 2003 5:33 PM

Allan
You must have been unlucky.
Have 3 of them and had no fit problems.
Did you get the RN model by any chance, as I have heard that wasn't the greatest
but the RAF kit has no problems.

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, July 7, 2003 5:03 PM

If worst fitting kit ever includes all fronts (armor, cars, etc) then check out the Lindberg Auburn Boattail speedster... it's the only kit I EVER declared total war on. There is not even one decent part in that model kit. Save maybe for the box. It ought to include matches to burn it with.

Yeah I know.... it's a Lindberg..... why'd I buy it.....

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allan

Member since
June 2003
From: Cavite, Philippines

Posted by allan on Monday, July 7, 2003 10:02 AM

Any of you guys tried the Airfix 1/48 Bucc? Its a relatively new kit but...

No bucks, no Buck Rogers

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, July 7, 2003 9:39 AM

Revell-Monograms 1/48 F-14 Tomcat warped warped warped.
Putty on it is worth more than the kit.!!!
Never again will I buy that kit.

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, July 7, 2003 6:05 AM

The Monogram 1/48 F-14A !
I have never seen anything SUCK and BLOW at the same time until now!

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, July 6, 2003 8:40 PM

The Monogram 1/48 F-14A is not exactly anything to write home about either.

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gbarnes

Member since
June 2003

Posted by gbarnes on Sunday, July 6, 2003 8:15 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by Michaelvk

The Italeri 1:48 GR3 Tornado was great.. Wasn't too sturdy, mind.. Then again, I think it ended up under something heavy..

As for worst fit? Airfix 1:24 FW 190.. Worst I have ever had the displeasure to dupe myself into buying..

Great, I just started on my 1/24th scale Airfix FW-190 last week, but at least I've had a warning. Seems that I heard someone else say the same thing before!

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, July 6, 2003 2:29 PM

Hey man, thanks for the tip! I don't think I'll waste my money!

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72cuda

Member since
July 2003
From: USA

Posted by 72cuda on Sunday, July 6, 2003 1:56 PM

well you think the Italeri F-22 was bad try the Modelcraft's F-82's I spent at least 2 1/2 hours sanding the fuselage seams just to get the right fuselage depth and the trailing edges to be correct then the wings kicked in I swear the the owner of modelcraft must have stock in 3M's sand paper corp. and to add insult to injury, the cockpits had to be trimmed too, what a complete nightmare it'll give Freddy Krugger the run for his money and Micheal Myres run and hide, but we all know the old saying" if it didn't kill you then it made you stronger!!!" as for the Monogram P-40B it was a walk in the park, just a little scratch work and she and ausome peace of art compaired to the Hobbycraft P-40's they only have one advantage over the Monogram their recessed panel lined that's all

We came, we saw, we kicked his butt, now where did he go?

84 of 795 1/72 Aircraft Competed for Lackland's Airman Heritage Museum

Was a Hawg Jet Fixer, now I'm a FRED Fixer

'Cuda

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, July 6, 2003 12:54 PM

(and now for a truly original reply:) A Hasegawa (!!!) 1:200 JAL Boeing 747-400! I'd swear each one of the two fuselage halves is of a different scale (1:200 and 1:201?). I've built several Hasegawa B747's, but have never encountered this problem. And the funny thing is: I bought four of these JAL 747's, just because they were a special offer at LHS in the Netherlands, and all four have the same problem. Now I know the reason for the low price...

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 9, 2003 6:43 AM

Ok here is my horror story in progress... I'm building the Revell Vought F4U-1D corsair. You have probably heard of it. Raised panel lines you could use for speed bumps. Fit gaps that would make a buck toothed girl say "Damn". The cock pit, which is completely inaccurate, doesn't even fit inside the fuselage with out a ton of sanding. I can honestly say I have lost it on this one. I have scored all the panel lines so they are recessed. Cut apart the cock pit and after a ton of styrene and going blind with minute details scratch built the cock pit so it would make a vetran who flew it want to climb back in and fly again. But as you can guess im still not finished. Fitting the bottom wing to the fuselage doesn't seem to be in the cards for me with out pulling out one of my butane torch lighters and heating the plastic to the point of bending it. I have come to believe that I will finaly finish this model by the time i have been married 25 years. I'm only hitting the 2 year mark in june.

Happy modeling

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Butz

Member since
February 2003
From: Niagara Falls NY

Posted by Butz on Sunday, June 8, 2003 9:52 PM

Whaz up,
There have been a few planes that I have done that almost became lawn darts. I said almost..!!!!
One that comes to mind is the first edition Pro-Modeler P-40. The gap betwwen the wing and fuselage looked more like a canyon Tongue [:P]

.

Also from what my dad has said the fitting of the greenhouse section to the fuselage of the B-25 by AM is a bear. This is not the only time I have heard this.
Good greif Charlie Brown. Cant wait to start my AM's 25 Tongue [:P]

Flaps up,Mike

If you would listen to everybody about the inaccuracies, most of the kits on your shelf would not have been built Too Close For Guns, Switching To Finger

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, June 8, 2003 9:00 PM

1/72 Monogram A-10. I have cut off enough flash to build another model, and I have yet to find two parts that fit together without the need of putty, superglue, or both. I should really throw it away, but I'm too proud...

flyguycaa

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 3, 2003 4:51 AM

I don't think anybody mentioned Mach 2 kits..... Definately recommended for the modeler VERY experienced with fit problems!

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 3, 2003 1:49 AM

QUOTE: I don't know what the hold up is, it's been flying since '97!

Well, to be fair, it isn't really a production aircraft yet. Still, your point holds water. Panda's latest releases of the F-35 are awesome, awesome, awesome! I am building them now and everything seems just where it should be. They're not Tamiya kits, of course, but definitely good. I would look to them for an F-22, and maybe even Trumpeter.

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 2, 2003 10:32 PM

Welcome to the club my man! Know that others share your pain! I have been working on the Revell 1/48 F4J Phantom II Mig Ace since OCTOBER, and have not even fully painted it yet because I have had to do so much body work - its incredible! I haven't done this much body work since I molded the frame on my chopper. This is the sole reason that I now invest in the more expensive kits like Haswega, Kangam, or (my most recent favorite) Tamiya. The details are there in the stock kit and engraved panel lines are usually the norm. While on the subject of lousy - fitting kits, also avoid the Revell P-40B Flying Tiger as well. Nothing against Revell of course - they do put out a decent product - but I learned quickly the vast difference between a $15 kit vs a $25 - $40 kit in the same scale. The bottom line is you get what you pay for.

Good Luck and Keep The Faith - ill fitting kits are a real challenge but make us better modelers - BT

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 2, 2003 9:40 PM

Revell 1/32 P-40, no really, it's horrible...welll...wing to fuselage and cowl panels are, everything else is ok for a 30 year old kit.

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berny13

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

Posted by berny13 on Monday, June 2, 2003 7:59 PM

Monogram 1/48 F-101B. The nose section is round and where it joins the fuselage is oval. The main landing gear struts just mount into the top of the bay with no way to support them. The lower wing where it joins the fuselage doesn't fit flush and requires sanding down part of the fuselage. There is also a large gap where it joins but it is hard to use putty because of the operating weapons bay door. Compared to their F-100D, F-102A. F-104C, F-105D/G, and F-106A, it was a big let down. I have tried to build two and finally gave up.

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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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 2, 2003 6:50 PM

Well, after hearing some of the other stories, perhaps it ain't all that bad! But really, I just expected better. My biggest complaint of all is the top of the aircraft where the front of the fuselage meets the rest of the body, which is right along the wingspan axis at the wing root. What a terrible place to join on this airplane. It creates a joint that shouldn't be there. That is where all my attention is going now. The tails suck, too. But like I said, if one wanted to excercise the gear up, bay doors closed option, (which I did) it would be a real pain.

Just to kick myself in the head I'm going to get the 1/72 version of this thing. I love this airplane, and in time more of them will hit the shelves. I don't know what the hold up is, it's been flying since '97!

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 2, 2003 6:07 PM

TOGA!! TOGA!! TOGA!!
This manufacturer has to be the worst. I got the Russian Torpedo Bomber as a raffel prize. Holy Mother Pearl...there ain't enough filler in the world for this mess. But they got the torpedoe right...nice tight fit...go figure.

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toadwbg

Member since
February 2003
From: Iowa- USA

Posted by toadwbg on Monday, June 2, 2003 5:22 PM

I remember some old Testor's stuff from the 80s being awful- like their "fictional" Soviet Stealth fighter.

"I love modeling- it keeps me in the cool, dark, and damp basement where I belong" Current Projects: 1/48th Hasegawa F-14D- 25% 1/48th Tamiya Spitfire- 25%

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 2, 2003 4:20 PM

My nominee is the 1/48 scale Hobbycraft, Canada CF-105 Arrow. The fit was so poor I was having flashbacks to Hawk and Lindberg. If filler putty were
metallic based, I could never get the completed model through airport security. But since I am obsessive-compulsive (like most modelers) I persevered and ended up with one of my better efforts. In the words of the old wise men of the clan,"Builds character, son." Yeah, right.
Tony Ryan

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 2, 2003 3:46 PM

Worst fit I have had so far was the ex-Ocidental/MPM Spitfire Mk. IX.... I had gaps 5 mm wide at the wing to fuselage joint!! Used a ton of styrene and super glue to fill those.... And use a lot of putty on the rest of the aircraft. Fit on most of the 1/72 Italeri kits is not that bad usually. I have the F-22 on my shelf, so I guess I will have to prepare for some serious bodywork on that one.... Sad [:(]

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markuz226

Member since
January 2003
From: Everett

Posted by markuz226 on Monday, June 2, 2003 1:52 PM

I built the P-40B... It wasn't that bad. I just loved the wing-to-fuselage connection EXCEPT the underbelly. Other than that, I still I would still build that kit for accuracy.

My vote would go to Monogram's 1/48 F/A-18 (the white one with the prototype markings -- their first issue, I believe). I used alot of putty and there sre still parts that i can't figure out how to close up!

~~~MarkY

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