I always see those little P.E. models in a 3x5 envelope and think, I wonder what they are like(?). They have these kits of nearly every subject you can imagine (military, space, aircraft, naval, construction, buildings, etc.). My wife, Becky, saw me looking at them and a week later she gave me an all P.E. drum kit. When you get a model gift from your wife you have to build it.
I took it out of the cardboard wrapper and found two P.E. frets of approximately 65 pieces. All of the material is white metal. The connections to the P.E. fret are sometimes thick and difficult to remove without damaging the part (even with cutters). The kit instructions tell you that no glue is needed, everything is a tab and slot assembly. After the tab is inserted you either fold or twist it, depending on the assembly and visibility. Not liking how the tabs were working, I decided to glue them as well.
All of the pictures you see of these completed are finished in thier natural metal. I chose to do something a little different and painted the drum shells Tamiya clear red/amber; and clear yellow for the cymbals. The drums heaads are painted Vallejo flat white.
Sorry there is no build thread for this one, here is the finished kit which measures around 2.5 inches wide and 1.75 inches deep:
Completed kit…
While challenging (hard to turn round and bend tabs securely), it is not very realistic. It’s a fun weekend project to take your mind off off another build.
These are addicting though. I already have all of the first year’s releases. I have to argue with myself that I don’t need more. Good practice for learning how to fold and roll P.E.Though!! Oh, and that said,Nice job. They look so much better painted!
Agreed… the high-hat only has the top cymbal and no foot pad. Likewise, you mentioned it is missing a base drum pedal too. I think I could file down some toothpicks or plastic rod for some sticks,…wait!,… didn’t I say this was for a quick ice breaker between models?
And then there’s this guitair thing. Next I would have to add drum mikes and a monitor (old school). How about an auxiliary percission tree?
The bad part of this? They came out with a Thirty Buck set that’s a TANKER and Offshore Platform. Gotta have it. BUT, Where the heck am I going to put it? And they have some Locomotive kits as well as a steam Engine, for that fellow that was looking. Lot’sa ways ta git yer munny, rite?
The other thing is this.I am waiting for them to come out with a good Acoustic Classical Guitar and Case. I don’t play Electric. The Drums, well I can play the Kettles and the Marching Snare. I am waiting for the Classical Baby Grand. LEGO now has one that you can play! It’s only $ 349.95 !
Man Ben, you did a fantastic job on that! I gotta get one of those kits and try to make a minature of my kit. Maybe use some PE gas pedals for the ones missing on the high hat and base. Some new heads made from clear acrylic to simulate my Evans hydraulics would be a cool effect as well. Yet who am I kidding, I haven’t taken the time to re-skin and do maintanence on my full scale drumset.
Thank you everyone for your kind words. I would like to say it was an enjoyable build, but the thickness of the metal and the rather large tab and slot assemble method make it a challenge to come out resembling what it is suppose to be. Its also nice to see so many muscians that are also modelers.
I started playing drums around 8 years old (mid-late 60’s). Played in all years of school from 5th to 12th. Started playing out professionally at 14 and taught percussion at a music store from 16 to 18. My time in the millitary pulled me away from music some, but I still found time to play while in garrison. In 1982 I was stationed in West Germany and played in a GI band called “Neptune”. We played in a Battle of the Band contest during an Octoberfest celebration in Darmstadt which we won. The reward was an offer to go on a USO tour through Europe. Unfortunately, my Commander would not release me from my regular duties. After the military I played in three bands over 20+ years.
I retired from performing when my youngest son was diagnosed with severe birth defects. As he grew I remember many happy times sitting him on my lap, putting a stick in his hand while I helped him play to some top 40 rock, pop, country, R&B, and soul. My son also took music during school starting in 5th grade. I retired before his senior year which allowed me to go to band camp with him. That year we got to march with the band both at parades and on the football field. I built a custom mount for his wheelchair, mounted his base or tenor drum, and pushed him during the field drill at halftime shows while assisting him in playing the music too.
Building this little drum set reminded me of some of the good times mentioned here. Thanks again for the comments.
I think it’s incredibly cool you and your son share a love of drums. Most of the the rock bands I listen to have legendary drummers. Led zep, The Who, and Rush. I was crushed early this year when my hero, Neil Peart, passed away.