I was just in the hobby store, and I finally checked out the Italeri armor section. I like dragon models, and never even bothered to ever visit the other sections. To my surprise I have found the Soviet Katyusha kit. I am so happy, I am going to go back to the store and ask them to put it on hold for me. Will be picking this model up next week as I already emptyd my modeling budget for the month.
What a great model… I cant wait to jump into this one. I have always been fascinated by the BM`s mobile rocket launchers. I cant wait to dive into this model.
Which brings me to a question. I have never even seen any of the Italeri kits. How is the quality of it? or if enyone has ever built the Katyusha, please let me know your thoughs.
There is a fair amount of Hobby stores around Vancouver/Richmond area. My store of choice is “Three floor hobby store” which is located in New Westminister B.C.
They have a insane amount of models (of any kinds, not just plastic) to choose from. Very reasonable prices also, I have seen the Dragon “Karl” kit http://www.dragonmodelsusa.com/dmlusa/prodd.asp?pid=DRA6179
for over 120$CAD in some stores, and in Three Floor Hobby, its only $69CAD (thats what dragon models usa suggests in USD)
They have been in the same location for over 60 years now, very recommended store for anyone living by New Westminister.
[tup][tup][tup]
The Italeri Katyusha has been around for a LONG time now. It’s a fairly decent kit. I built one, and didn’t experience any problems outside of the regular Italeri fare. I’m going to use the cab of one as a conversion for an AT-T tractor.
Anywhoo, I’ve heard that alligning the organs on top can be tricky. I had no problems with it. Again, as per the standard Italeri truck fare, make sure that the frame is nice and squared when you assemble it all, as this one area is known to have problems.
Italeri in general manufacture decent kits. I’d say that they’re in the middle ground in terms of quality, and for the most part, their prices are agreeable, plus they do produce quite a bit of subject matter that other manufacturers won’t, such as your Katyusha.
Just out of curiosity, how much are they charging for the kit? I got one at the last show I went to for $5 CAD.
I like Italeri kits. They have some eclectic subjects. Generally they have nice detail, but can be finicky builds. It’s best to check around the forum to see what are good builds and which may have problems. They don’t come with extras like PE, indy tracks or AM barrels.
I like Italeri because they are cheaper than Tamiya or other brands, but they aren’t cheap in the sense that they suck. Sometimes the figures that come with the sets are a bit comical, but the vehicles themselves I adore.
I built that kit about a hundred years ago. It’s still in my “old stuff” box. I only had a little trouble with getting the frame square so all the wheels would touch the ground. The rest of it went together without a hitch. That’s my 2 cents.
I have the kit-- it seems pretty good overall-- but be forewarned it is a kit of a post war Kat as it is built on a ZiS truck and not the Studebaker that was used in WWII…that is if you worry about such htings…which I don’t [;)]
In 1/35 injection moulded plastic, I believe that Italeri is the only game in town. I do seem to recall seeing a 1/35 model of the war-production vehicle, but I think it might have been resin. I know that there is a plastic 1/72 offering…
I am sorry, but my English might not be soo good, can you please tell me the difference between plastic kits and resin kits.
Sorry for the inconvenience [8D]
I’m a lurker here, and usually don’t know as much as others, so listen (read) and learn. However, on the Kat, I can reply!
Built it many years ago, it was a Revell rebox from Pic-n-Save ($5 in about '79?) and I completely enjoyed it I didn’t know about “frame aligning” or any of that and it still came out OK. The only part that was a killer was keeping all the driveshafts looking right, and then staying where they looked right (back then, I didn’t use liquid or instant glues!). In 85 it was pretty thoroughly smashed and relegated to a box. In '93 it was rebuilt and finally airbrushed. Still have it. Oh and I felt it was a cool enuff kit, with all the driveline details and launcher bits , and TWO spare tire assemblies, that I have picked up 2 more since. Watch the frame/ suspension/ driveline, align cab panels carefully, and let the small attachment points on the launch-rail cradle dry completely, and you should have an enjoyable build. Have fun!!!