I am somewhat interested in vacuform models, and do own one already, that being the cool Rare-Planes 1/72 YFM Airacuda, which I intend to start sometime down the road. that being said, I’d kind of like to get a couple more. They just intrigue me something fierce. so after some looking, I came across Combat Models(http://combatmodels.us/). So, to those with experiance, these are my questions:
Are they even in buisness, they have posted on their website, kits with an ETA of 2015?
What is the quality of their molding/how thick is the plastic that they use?
What comes in the “Detail set”?
Is there anything I should look out for if I was to try and order something from them?
Almost any info is good info, and I really would like to learn more about them. I would rather learn to build vacuform than resin for some of the subjects, as it is lighter and cheaper, and does not require different types of glue from the standard injected-plastic types I’m used to. And yes, I probably will do a WIP when I start the YFM, I’m gonna need all the help I can get!
From what I have directly seen and read on-line, the company name is an accurate description of the effort required to build them! Like I.D. Vacs, they look “puffy” because they are made from male molds. I wonder if they took the plastic sheet thickness into account when making the masters? Probably not. I don’t know what’s in their detail sets, but I would not bank too much hope on their quality.
I have seen beautiful finished models result from their line, but it had everything to do with the builder (and their spares box) and not the kit itself.
So are they still active? The ETAs of 2015 do honestly concern me.
If I was to buy one, I would probably get it with the detail set, as you dont know the quality until you try it. That being said, I would still plan on trying my hand at scratch-building, and improving my skills that way.
Also, nice looking British aircraft, It looks way nicer than my first will, I’m sure!
There’s a company named Philip Roberts Models. His website has a phone # and email. Why don’t you ask him? It could lead to something.
I’ve built quite a few resin aircraft kits and a couple of vacs. Additional details are usually needed, esp. with vacs. Stuff like interplane struts and guns, props etc. are not hard to find sources for. Other things can be more difficult such as seats, wheels. Another way to go about it is to buy a cheap plastic kit of something similar on the bay, and use the stuff that you need.
