My modeling has been progressing steadily lately, and I think that I am ready for a “superdetail” project.
I’d like to build a fighter (WWII or jet), and show the engine, guns, wheel bays, everything that I can. I was thinking about a Corsair, Bearcat, Me 109, or even an F-86 or F-101 if I could show off an engine. It’s got to stay under $30 though ($30 is 2 weeks worth of food in college). Any suggestions on good kits and aftermarket parts? Any suggestions on good tip/suggestion websites? Also, if I buy a photoetch set, how much of the parts are in the cockpit, and how many would go on the exterior?
nevermind okay…to pipe in here after I deleted my original post. To me, super detailing is not dumping a lot of money into AM parts. Especially when they are so expensive. They certainly do make life easier but are not required. So take the time and think. Raid the trash, medicine chest, cabinets and junk drawers for plastic card, wire and other bits and pieces. You’ll find in a short while that you’ll have enough material to scratch build the “super detail” that you are looking to do. Save the sprues and use them to streatch and cut new shapes out of. save pie tins and choclate foil wraps. The sources are endless as is the imagination. Use it. Best: spend little and use that grey matter. There is a wealth of information out there to help you with your path. Don’t worry about getting it right the first time - it ain’t gonna happen. But happy accidents happen as well. In the long run, you’ll have a model that you can really be proud of and aquire new skills at the same time.
You must have fallen down and hit your head too…I just started a P47 super detail project in 1/72 scale. First time I ever tried anything like this.
$30 bucks to include the kit may be a tough one. Using my situation as an example:
The Academy P47 is $7.56 @ Roll Models (+shipping of course). I just ordered my second kit. Getting two to cover for mistakes is advisable. So that is $15.00 +. Now for the detail set.
Aires has a complete set, resin & PE for the P47 about 70 pieces in all for $60.00.
I would imagine that other manufacturers could put something together closer to your budget.
$ aside I am having alot of fun with my project and really recomend it to everyone in any scale. It really pushes the edge of your skills envelope forward.
Ya know sonny, back when I was a lad, “superdetail” was something you created, not something you bought. If you intend to purchase your superdetail, how can cost be a concern?
In some respects, resin and photoetched are the worst things that ever happened to this hobby.
Keep in mind, my goal is not to spend money, but to improve my skills and “open up” some aircraft.
I had thought that scratchbuilding was something to do when you wanted to build an aircraft (or version) that hadn’t been produced yet. I had always assumed this to be a stage after learning how to use PE and AM parts.
After reading your post wibhi2, it kinda “clicked” in my head how my project can work. I liked your suggestion of materials, and it got the wheels in my head turning.
I think I’ll try and pull this off “old-school” as much as possible. I’ve got an Bf-109 that I think will look cool with an open cowling and dropped flaps.
JoeRugby - I saw the pics in Swanny’s forum. I look forward to watching your build progress.
RemcoGrob - I like those pics. That looks like quality work.
