I have an extra 1/48 scale B-24L and D kit(s) that I would like to convert into a PB4Y-2 Privateer. I see the only kit available is Koster Aero’s 1/48 Conversion PB4Y-2 Privateer at Great Models for $44.95. I have never use a vacuum kit before. How are the Koster kits to work with? Are they a good detail of the aircraft? Do they fit well,with trimming? Please if anyone has worked with their products or if there is a review on the web that I can’t find of the conversion kit,could someone let me know.
I would appreciate it very much. I’ve used resin and PE parts before but it looks like a very different process using vacuum parts.
Thanks for reading and any help provided.
Ron in Michigan
Hi Ron. I love Koster kits and have worked on a couple of them While I have not done the -2 conversion I have done the -1 and Bill Koster’s FW-200 Condor. Bill is an excellent model designer and has done kits for Monogram in the past (the Do-217E is one of his). Click on the link in my signiture to visit my web site where you will find very detailed reviews and construction features on these kits. The -2 is not an easy conversion - the parts all fit well, it’s just a lot of surgery. If you are serious about getting the conversion kit you can save a few bucks by going directly to Bill Koster. E-mail him at this address wkoster2@comcast.net and he will get you set up. You might want to talk to him about some of the very nice detail sets he has for all the gun stations also - they do not generally come with the basic conversion kit.
Vac kits build a lot like injection kits once you have the parts seperated and you will find links in the Condor construction article to vacuform building articles. Let me know if you need more help.
Swanny, thanks for your input. I have just dropped Mr. Koster a e-mail about his products. Your link is just great and what a beautiful aircraft you took your time in building. It seems like a long time for one project but when your almost done, there is a let down. I have felt that in other things I’ve done. I have only been back at modeling for 6 months now and I’m having a real blast. The WW II dive bombers and bombers are my favorite to build.
Thanks again
Ron in Michigan