Panda Kits

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

Folks,

Has anyone out there in modeling-land built a Panda kit? I’m thinking of buying the 1/48 USMC F-35 kit that Panda has, but I’ve never built, or bought, a Panda kit before, so I’m wondering if it’s going to be worth it to spend the $16 or so that Squadron wants for it. Any opinions?

2

Gary,

I bought the Panda UH-1D earlier this year and was highly disappointed. In fact if I hadn’t asked the Vendor to get it for me I wouldn’t have bought it! Can’t say what thier other stuff is like buy I’ll have to see it before I buy anything from Panda again.

Mel

3

I have one of their 1/144 B-1b and in the box it looks quite nice, finely engraved and all, but I can’t tell you anything about fit because it’s at the very bottom of my ‘to-do’ list…

4

I’ve built the Euro F-35 (but in USMC markings). It has inaccuracies, but it builds just great! Parts fit and layout is fine. It could use a better cockpit, correct 2-piece canopy, more accurate panel lines, etc.

Here’s my finished one:
http://www.inpayne.com/models/f35panda.html

I wish Hasegawa would do the current jets, rather than Italeri (who can’t seem to make parts that fit together) and Panda (who’s just starting out).

5

We’ve got to give Panda a chance. They are just starting out. Let them grow and we’ll see.

6

Guys,

Thanks for the replies. Sorry that I’m just now getting to read your replies (0223 16 Nov 2003), but I’ve been out-of-town since I posted this request. Anyway, based on your responses, I’m gonna buy the Panda F-35 kit and see how it goes. Heck, it’s only $16, so I’m not out much if it’s not such a great kit. Thanks a lot!!!

7

John P.,

Your finished F-35 looks great! I hope that mine will come out looking as nice. You do realize that Panda has the Marine version in production, don’t you? Talk atcha later!!

8

Guys,

I just purchased the Panda 1/48 F-35 USMC version yesterday (29 Nov 2003) from HobbyLand in Memphis, TN. It only cost me about $16. Upon opening the box, I was somewhat satisfied with the kit. The only misgivings I have are:

  1. Some of the panel lines, even though all are recessed, are very wide for this scale.

  2. The cockpit has some detail, but it is in no way accurate for any plane that I’ve ever seen.

  3. The decals are EXTREMELY thick. Initially, I thought they were peel-and-stick, like on snap-together models, but they really are water decals.

I was very pleased with the canopy. It was individually wrapped in cellophane, and was very clear - no scratches or blemishes at all.

There aren’t alot of parts to this kit, so, accordingly, it shouldn’t take long to build it. Maybe it will be a weekend build. If an aftermarket company would come out with some update kits for this, such as the cockpit, engine exhaust, and wheel wells, it would help make this an OUTSTANDING kit. I’m looking forward to building this one. I think it’s worth the $16.

9

Let us know how it goes together, Gary!

10

Not a problem, djmodels1999. I just gotta figure out WHEN I’ll be able to get to it!