How good is Czech Model?

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

I got my March Squadron catalog today. I see where they have a 1/32 scale F-80C by Czech Model. I have never built one of their kits and asking how is their quality. I don’t want a shake-n-bake kit but I don’t want a kit that is sub par. Can anyone give me so info on this kit maker? Thanks

2

Eh, they’re okay. I started their Me 309 kit. Not Tamiya/Hasegawa by an means. They usually do the ‘off the wall’ planes and the XP stuff. Subjects no one else does. With a little work, they come out pretty well.

Andy

3

I would wait for some reviews. The Czech Model kits I have are all what I would call challenges. Some have the shapes right, others just don’t. I hope it’s good, I’d like to have a 1/32 F-80.

4

I would agree with what has been said so far…they certainly are a challenge. I am a returning modeler so my skill set is on the low end and I suspect that many of the things I find challenging, well, others might not. I picked up the Czech model BV-40, Yak-15, and ME-309 all from Squadron when they were on sale(I think the ME-309 was the most expensive at $9). The BV-40 was pretty rough with lots of flash and gaps but the subject makes up for that. The selection of resin parts in the other two kits is very nice, though, and the flash seems a bit better. It is all about fun and learning at this point so I these kits are perfect for me.

Mike

5

Thanks everyone. I have decided to take the chance and ordered one.

6

That’s the spirit!

7

I built that 309 a while back too. It’s typical limited run injection molded. Thick parts, marginal fit. A modeler can do a fine job with it but an assembler will have some trouble. I have several others of their kits and they have all been about the same

8

I found this a few minutes ago.

http://www.hyperscale.com/2009/reviews/kits/czechmodel32002previewbg_1.htm

9

Typical internet review that said absolutely nothing about the kit quality.

How active is the Czech model industry? Eduard is a very reliable manufacturer from Czech.

10

Well you don’t have to read the words in order to see the sprues. The moldings look clean and the panel lines look well engraved. Any seam problems would need to be corrected but that just makes you a better modeler. It’s the only game in town for a 1/32 P-80 so it’s either go for it or not. Not much inbetween.

11

The parts look good. The only problem I see is the exhaust pipe but I have material to fix that. The inst pnl looks very good. And as I said, I have already ordered it.

12

Well guys, I did it. Won a shooting star off evilbay for , get this…$60… How about that? Wish me luck…OH, and by the way, Harold from AMS is already working on a pit and maybe wheel wells and dive brakes. YPPP PEE…Harv

13

My kit was delivered Friday but Today is the first chance I have had to really look it over. The engraved panel lines are very shallow and narrow. The Cockpit isn’t up to Hasagawa standards but it still looks good. The only problem I have found is there are no alignment pins on any part so care will have to be taken when gluing the fuselage and wings together. Very limited ordinance is included, two 500 pound bombs, and a choice of the standard 165 Gallon slipper tank or the 265 Gallon Misawa tank. The gun barrels are plastic parts that glue in the gun ports. I plan on drilling them out and using metal gun barrels.

It looks like a kit that can be put together in a weekend. Not very many parts at all.

14

A link to the Preview on Hyperscale was provided by dcaponeII.

Hyperscale now (13 March) has an open box review and a 10 minute video review of the kit, which you will find useful:

http://www.hyperscale.com/what’s.htm

Hope this helps.

15

Hey Berny, True details is coming out with some ordinance and Black Box/Aveonix’s a cockpit.

There are no alignment pins because it is a limited run kit, The f-80 is a good kit they have improved alot from their older offerings.

Thad

16

Do you know when they will be released? I hope it is soon before I have to go off line.