Good, reasonably priced, modern models.

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

Although I have been dabbling in other model genres over the last few years but I haven’t built an aircraft model in years. What I am looking for is a list of kit suggestions.

My criteria are modern kits in 1:48 scale (or thereabouts- I don’t like dinky sized models or huge oversized ones) that are well engineered and reasonably priced. I am looking for the more traditional favorites: WW2 fighters, modern fighters and bombers.

What I am looking to avoid is the older kits with poor detail, raised panels lines and worn out molds that have been repackaged.

So given these parameters what kits should I be looking for and what kits should I avoid?

I don’t plan on buying PE or resin aftermarket kits

2

For WW II fighters, the best value for the money might be the Accurate Miniatures kits, especially if you shop around. In the more modern airplanes it just seems to be a matter of learning what is available, the answer doesn’t seem to be kits by any one maker.

3

Hey there JimboBob, why don’t you check out some of the new 1/48 HobbyBoss kits? From all reports that I have read they should really fit the bill with some of their modern jet releases.

On the WWII front check out Revell Germany & Italeri as they often re-box some awesome kits from the likes of Hasegawa & Accurate Miniatures at a massive discount of the original box price.

Cheers

4

Go to luckymodel.com they have some real good prices also check out squadron.com’s comsale page and of course ebay (aka evilbay[}:)]).

5

You might also want to check out Acadamy in 1/48 scale. Most of there offerings are well thought out and resonably priced. They do have a couple of duds though. I would recomeded reading the reviews on modeling madness before making your selection on any non Hasegawa or Tamiya kits.

Soulcrusher

6

You can’t go wrong with Revell Monogram 1/48 scale F-15E. Great fit, good detail and priced right.

7

The Tamiya P-51s and P-47s (1:48) are great models, well priced. Lots on ebay.

8

Check out Eduard’s Weekend Edition kits. Usually priced less than US$13.00, 50-60 parts, well engineered, nice decals, nothing too fancy. For me they are the perfect kits.

9

As stated by others most manufacturers have good kits and some real dogs. I would as soulcrusher suggested check out http://www.modelingmadness.com/ and look at the the kit reviews and previews. This is the best way to see what you are getting for your money.

10

I have been doing just that today. Instead of work I should be doing I have spent most of the day looking at Modeling Madness.

What I must do is create a list I can print out so when I am shopping and I come across a kit I know whether it’s worth buying or not.

11

Check Hyperscale too, as they have good reviews also. Not quite as many as MM, but still another good resource.

12

You can also find review on aeroscale, aircraftresourcecenter, scale model aircraft review (smakr) and cybermodeller.

Checking out al the review is almost a dayjob! I whsh one of the scalewiki’s would really work, then you could have all information in one place.

13

I really believe that the Revell-Monogram P-51, F-15 and F-14 kits are a good value for the money. The P-51 can be had a Walmart for about $8 and the jets for less than $11. [:)]

14

I HIGHLY agree with this advice. It’s a truly great kit…the best part is, you can go buy it at your local Michael’s craft store with the 40 or 50% off coupon they usually have every week. Great deal.

Only minor problem would be that the kit comes with no ordnance, but you can get that virtually anywhere. (other kits, weapons sets, etc)

Andy

15

I have never bothered to read any model reviews before. Quite an eye opener.

This may be obvious to some but it sure seems worth the trouble to research a subject before you buy and pay a small premium for a better higher quality model.