Getting back into it after 40+ years. I’ve been lurking a bit and notice that you folks don’t seem to have any interrest in the larger scale’s (1/24). Am I in the wrong place for questions & advice pertaining to models larger than 1/48- 1/32?
I sure hope not, this seems to be a great forum to learn how to do it RIGHT.
Welcome to the Forums [#welcome]. The large scale kits aren’t as popular due mainly to the storage/display space required & the relatively limited selection of subjects. However the techniques discussed here are usually applicable to all scales. There are a few large scale builds posted now & then, but obviously not as many as the most popular scales (1/72, 1/48 & 1/32). That said, post your questions & I’m very sure you’ll get some good feedback.
I agree with Rick, model aircraft larger than 1/32 do not seem to be as popular as other scales due largely (IMHO) to space and budget constraints, as well as relatively small numbers of subjects and related detail items/decals. The techniques and tips here should be easily adapted to your prefered scale. GOod luck! [tup]
I primarly build 1/48 and larger WWII stuff. I have built the trumpter 1/24 109G and have 2 in my stash. I have also built the 1/24 109E from MPC and have one left in my stash. I won’t say how many hasegawa 109’s and 190’s in 1/32 scale I have done. I’ve even done the trumpeter 1/32 corsair in pappy marking.
I know others here have built a great many aircraft in 1/32 and larger. there’s a ton of knowledgable people here, I would think someone would be able to answer your questions. 1/48 scale just happens to be the most popular scale. Large enough to add detail and see. small enough to display easily and not too hard on the wallet. Thus alot more choices in 1/48.
Welcome back to modeling. There are always plenty of good tips on building on this forum. You should find answers to all of your questions. Tips which are posted here should apply to any scale.
I’m starting out with the Trumpeter 1/24 P51D (If any of you have built this one, I have some specific questions). yes it is pricey, but I figured since my skill is lacking, and my old hands shake abit now I’d be better off with a bigger one. Anyway, I’m single and live alone so I can put them anywhere I want–hanging from the ceiling, etc.
Some questions:
If you write the manufacturer to ask for replacement parts (I’m clumsy too), do they generally respond?
Is there a good “one-stop-shopping” webstore for tools and supplies? I live in a rural area and the closest hobby stores have very limited inventory.
I suppose my other questions should be posted in the more specific sub-forums.
I don’t know about Trumpeter specifically but many of the manufacturers will replace parts, some for free, many for a fee. I know that in the case of MRC, I have had better luck with a phone call. Dragon was easy to deal with via e-mail.
I can’t personally recommend an on-line store, I am blessed with a very good LHS, HobbyTown, Michael’s and Hobby Lobby. A good friend of mine uses E-Hobby alot and is pleased with what he gets.
As far as questions, Tools Techniques and Reference Materials is a great source for general, non-aircraft-specific questions. If you are not sure where to post, I say post it here in the aircraft forum and go from there.
Take “Heart” my friend… I’m normally a 1/72 guy, but a few months ago I went to a local store where they were closing out their stock of model kits (It’s more of a place for gamers) and I picked up the 1/24 Airfix Hurricane. I just started it a few weeks ago. I’ll have some pics on this forum sooner or later. Right now I’m working on the engine and interior sub assemblies.
and… Welcome !
I wonder if anyone makes a Barracuda in 1/24 scale ?
Seems these Trumpeter’s are built in China (who’da thunk) and the only contact info was an address of the manufacturing plant on the box. I’ll get a letter off to them and see what happens.
There’s a Micheals store about 30 miles from me, and I just happen to be going that way tomorrow. I’ll have a look.
This Trumpeter has simulated rubber wheels, spring loaded struts, and metal (photo etched) hinges for the flaps, ailerons, and rudder. That was a nice surprise. The exaust manifolds however, have become a nightmare, for me at least. I’m trying to figure a way to modify them because there’s no way I can make the parts in the kit look like a P51 exaust.
I’ve got it to the point of the two fuselage halves assembled around the finished engine (except exaust) and cockpit. They provided an optional pair of clear eng. cowl’s but I won’t be using those. Before I go much further I have to learn all about panel line preshading, priming, paint & clearcoat.
I’ll certainly try to be following your progress with great interrest.
Michael’s (or any other craft store) can be a great place to find general tools and materials for modeling. While Michael’s doesn’t have a great selection of kits, the convenience can be a bonus when I ran out of blades and can’t get to the LHS nearls as quickly.
As for parts replacement, my luck has run from good, bad and the ugly. Accurate Miniatures is right up there on the top of my list, with Tamiya being on the bottom. I love Tamiya kits, but their customer service is about the worst I have ever encountered. [V]
You are not alone Fred. I have a small stash of about 7 1/24 scale kits. Wecome to the forums and remember there is no such thing as a dumb question so do not be afraid to ask. You will never find a better group of people than the awesome people that post here in the aircraft forum. Here is my 1/24 Airfix Stuka.
I’m begining to wonder if I’ll live long enough to get good enough to post a picture here. Besides the exaust, I’m having fits with the landing gear struts; lots of working parts that weren’t adaquatly formed. I had to drill some .033 holes and use metal wire to replace the funky little plastic pins that weren’t really there.
First dumb question: What can I cap the ends of the wire with, so it won’t slide out of position?