I had to pick up Ace Models’ T-72 yesterday. I think it may be the only T-72 available in 1:72 scale, so I jumped on it. Quick inspection of the parts revealed soft detail, but on an acceptable level. Could be the basis of a cool little Iraqi tank.
Has anyone here had past experience with Ace’s kits? Good, bad or indifferent? The name of the manufacturer was the only thing that made me hesitate buying it…for about 5 seconds![:D]
Any thoughts on Ace from Ukraine?
Never built any of them. I’m always hesitant to buy anything from Russia or that area. I had an Alan kit and it had as you mentioned soft details and lost of flash. It seems to be consistant with other brands from that area. I hear that ICM might be one of the best companies. They might be good for obscur Russian subjects that are harder to get in mainstream manufacturers such as Dragon and Tamiya. I should point out that I build 1/35 also.
Ace Models are rough, limited run kits. Some include PE and some of the more recent kits of German WW2 subjects actually include parts from UM Models (much better quality). Ace does make a nice variety of models, but they are not of the quality you would expect in 2006. Newer releases are better than older ones, but not much.
As far as the T-72 in 1/72 scale, Revell of Germany recently released a much superior T-72 that is cheaper than the Ace kit. http://www.squadron.com/NoStock.asp?item=RG3149
I wrote a review of the BRDM-1 over on Track Link. Overall, being limited run kits, they are going to be a bit rough. But once you get past that, the kits have good detail, and are (for the most part) not too hard to build by someone with a good level of modelling skills. But Tamiya kits these are not, and do require more work for good results. Overall I’m satisfied with the kit… Damon.
I built the ACE BRDM-1 a while back, and with a little work it turned out pretty good. I’m presently building their AML-90 armored car, and though fit is only OK and the detail is kind of soft, I think it will turn out nicely. It is definitely a step up from the BRDM though. A little more TLC is needed for the Eastern Bloc stuff, especially limited-run, but most of the time it’s worth it. They are what they are! Believe me, there are far worse kits out there (SDV models). I build 1/72 almost primarily now, and ICM releases some really nice kits. Probably the best around IMHO, especially if you’re into Soviet/Warsaw Pact stuff that the other manufacturers ignore, like softskins. Their Zil-131 truck kit is great. UM and PST are also pretty good. Trumpeters new 1/72 scale kits are loking good as well. I just got the IS-3 and IS-3M kits, but haven’t built them yet. If you want a really good 1/72 T-72, try the new Revell Germany one. Easy build with great detail.