Saturday, January 10, 2009

FineScale Modeler 05 2002


Which model manufacturer makes the best Tiger-based plastic kit in 1/35 scale? Which model is the easiest build? Which gives the most for the modelers dollar? I'll try to answer these questions and a few more. (Editor's note: For reasons of space, it was not possible to list every Tiger tank kit that has been offered.) Prior to 1990, when Tamiya issued a new version of a late Tiger I as kit No. 35146, there were a lot of Tiger variants but none of any reasonable quality. They suffered from molded-on tools, one-sided vinyl tracks, compromises to accommodate motorization, poor to OK fit, and poor hull and turret shapes. The vehicles looked more like toys than scale models. With the many aftermarket parts and reference sources available these days, accurate models have become easier - and a lot more tun - to build. While a really thrifty modeler can make a decent model out of the older kits, it takes a lot of time and effort. 1 usually just start with a newer kit.

Model Magazine International 04 2008


The cockpit on the Studio 27 Honda consists of a cast resin seat which goes into the body underneath. The dashboard is taken care of by a cast white metal main panel and steering wheel. The seat simply needed painting black and the seat belts finishing and attaching (see separate panel) while dash panel needed painting and carbon decaling along with the steering wheel and detail picked out. Now this is where my only small criticism of this kit comes out. The steering wheel in inaccurate in shape for a start but I had big fears that the cast white metal part would just not look detailed enough and be difficult to finish. After pondering various courses of action including trying to remake the steering wheel, I elected to use the kit part and try and add my own touches. Therefore the steering wheel was painted, carbon decaled and detail picked out. When this was done I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the result!