Folks, I think I need a reality check here: I bought the F-105D kit about two months ago and quickly recognized problem areas. So I have been looking forward to this review to help in the correction of this kit’s shortcomings/ problems.
I got to admit that I was very disappointed. Now I will be the first to admit that probably my expectations for the review were unreasonably high. Maybe that says something about all kit reviews: if we’re not making the kit, the review is overly-detailed; if we’re building it, well, the review is too vague and skimpy.
But given all that, this is not an ordinary, run-of-the-mill kit. This is a long-awaited kit and its price demands one intense, detailed, accurate build. This is a kit that begs for accuracy and detail. May I suggest to FSM that a follow-up review be done, especially once after-market items come out, that will assist us nutcase modelers make a worldbeater.
Tony Ryan
Tony check out the IPMS home page. They just did a build of the Thud pretty detailed article check it out www.ipmsusa.com JOHN
I am deeply desireous of a good cockpit set from Cutting Edge for my Wild Weasel. Once I’d gotten the kit cockpit assembled, it just looked pitiful. I couldn’t bring myself to put that in this huge kit.
So I wait …
Make that
http://www.ipmsusa.org/
Thanks for the help, guys. Also have a look at www.aircraftresourcecenter.com Great shots in detail of the Thud, as well as practically every other a/c.
Tony Ryan
Actually, the review did not tell me any thing I didn’t already know. The only useful information I got from it was the problem with the gap in the cockpit. Also the instrument panel problems.
Just looking at the kit, most errors and problems were obvious. The weak landing gear, hidden detail (engine, gun, and weapons bay, and very poor cockpit.
I am sure someone will come out with a resin cockpit. I assume metal gear, detailed dragchute compartment, and PE/resin gun bay will also be released. That will make the total cost of the kit over $200.
Tony,
I agree with your analysis of the kit reviews. Unless it’s an indepth build article it’s not going to help you out a great deal. The “Thud” in 1/32 scale has been awaited by a lot of folks and after getting an Academy 1/32 F/A-18 it’s bound to be let down. I had started a 1/48 Monogram F-105 D and dug it out and noticed my seat is far more detailed. Which is of course up to the individual builder. Like the pilot wore his chute so there shouldn’t be a back cushion in the seat. Nothing is a good substitute for good reasearch. Then is up to you to build it like you want. Good luck on your “Thud” kit. I’m sure you will build a winner.
Mel
Right you are on your comments about the 1/48th Monogram kit. I built it about five years ago and was very impressed with the details, especially the cockpit. I made that kit for a good friend who flew 200 missions to route pack 6 (in his a/c markings,naturally) and am attempting the same with the Trumpeter.
Tony Ryan