I remember a discussion where people said they would gladly switch to 3D printed parts from PE, which I can understand from my limited but painful time with them. There a clear rise in details, at the cost, maybe, of painting getting a tad more difficult since they will release some pieces in one single block, like the seat, pedals, floor or the cockpit sidepanels.
It looks nice, and a step in an interesting direction. However, I wonder if maybe they went a bit heavy handed with the cockpit being reduced to just a few pieces like that. By reducing the numbers of steps and elements, could it also remove some joy in he hobby?
I suppose people have heard about it already, especially since the kit premiered at E-day the 4th of October this year.
I think there is a place for both 3D printed and PE. I do think 3D printed parts have come a long way quickly and I’m glad to see them working them into their kits.
They all have their own pros and cons, ultimately I think as a whole it is a good thing as it gives more options. Work with what appeals to you and have the most confidence in make the best model you can.
I use both PE and 3D. PE is great for bringing detail to hatches, bulkheads, railings and the like, while 3D is awesome for guns, ladders, catapults, etc. Bigger detailed stuff. In my opinion, there is room for both and I’m excited for more 3D offerings in the marketplace.
I rarely use PE these days, unless a fret is included in a kit (like my current Hobby Boss B-24J build). I don’t recall ever using 3D parts, but will gladly give them a try some day.
I’m of mixed mind on the topic - I find that I often waver between “aLL teH dEtaiLs” and purchase multiple frets of PE and/or some AM resin/3D, and “just finish a danged model for once” and eschew anything not already in the box. Given my extended absence from both the workbench and this forum, my current leaning is the latter!
About 20 to 25 years ago I remember an estimate about injection molding kit costs. This would be at the advent of wide CAD/CAM use in the industry. It was estimated that the cost PER PART was on the order of $1000 per. This cost would be amortized over the whole of the kit/product run and would also include items such as instructions, box, decals, etc. Of course, this could be mitigated by having multiple sprues of common parts (i.e. tank treads). Prices and costs have changed, the industry has changed (offshore practices, more computer control, new methods & materials).
It’s interesting to see the retail price of the new Eduard kit is in the same general ballpark as a traditional injected kit (let’s say a weekend version). What was their per part cost for a standard kit versus a hybrid?
I am in favor of 3D details. I find them to be more than most PE, often less expensive and easier/quicker to use. There are some learning curve considerations. How will they be down the years? (I just trashed an old YankeeModelworks USS Stevens in favor of the new I Love Kit one. I was surprised by how well the PE details held up to the destruction.)
Great topic and I love the thoughtful responses! I’m happy to use both. I just picked up a set of 3D printed ejection seats for the Revell F-14A kit because my research showed the kit seats are garbage. I don’t have any PE for that kit but my F-18 kit has 2 different PE sets. I’m also a fan of 3D decals for instrument panels.