Where do I buy kits from?
Discussion
Like proper kits (not plastic) that need screwing together and stuff. I bought a Jeep model the other day that took about 10minutes to put together, but I want something that I can spend time on when I'm bored.
I want a few sites with quite a large selection. Any help appreciated. I've tried Google but most of them haven't really had what I'm looking for. I preferably want something that includes tools and stuff too, so if anyone can point me in the direction of one of those, it would be great. Thanks.
I want a few sites with quite a large selection. Any help appreciated. I've tried Google but most of them haven't really had what I'm looking for. I preferably want something that includes tools and stuff too, so if anyone can point me in the direction of one of those, it would be great. Thanks.
Sorry, I have to argue that plastic kits are legit kits. Get yourseld to the ScalemodelWorld exhibition at Telford in November to see what can be done with "plastic" kits. Plastic is just one material used in scale modelling and it is increasingly used in conjunction with other materials - such as resin, white metal and photo-etched parts.
To answer your question we would need to know if you are talking about kits made from metal, resin, wood or other media Are you talking about aircraft, ships, armoured vehicles, trains, cars or other subjects? Are you talking about working models - such as steam engines, remote controlled models or are you talking about static scale models?
There are LOADS of specialist dealers out there who can provide models in ANY format or materials you like - many of them on the web. For instance, if you are into white metal or resin car kits, I would recommend Grand Prix Models - who have an extensive web site.
However, trawling through the internet can be tedious and unproductive at times.
Why not pop into WH Smiths and have a look at the many modelling magazines you will find there. I'm sure thre will be a few publications that will be able to point you in the right direction.
To answer your question we would need to know if you are talking about kits made from metal, resin, wood or other media Are you talking about aircraft, ships, armoured vehicles, trains, cars or other subjects? Are you talking about working models - such as steam engines, remote controlled models or are you talking about static scale models?
There are LOADS of specialist dealers out there who can provide models in ANY format or materials you like - many of them on the web. For instance, if you are into white metal or resin car kits, I would recommend Grand Prix Models - who have an extensive web site.
However, trawling through the internet can be tedious and unproductive at times.
Why not pop into WH Smiths and have a look at the many modelling magazines you will find there. I'm sure thre will be a few publications that will be able to point you in the right direction.
You are probably more into model engineering than scale plastic modelling - as that is the field that tends to deal with heavy metal kits. I have to say that such modelling is way beyond my capabilities not ever having had any training or experience in metal working. Model aircraft tend not to be made in metal - purely down to the fact that the models would end up being too heavy to be easily supported on their own undercarriages.
People like Tamiya and even Revell do make metal based kits - although the vast bulk of their output tends to be the more traditional plastic kits. Tamiya's plastic kits are works of art and they are probably the leaders in the field when it comes to armour modelling.
As I said in my earlier post, get along to WH Smiths and have a peek at some of the model magazines. Tamiya have their own magazine and SMI (Scale Models International) covers cars and AFVs. There is also a magazine called Millitary Modelling which covers AFVs in great detail. Again these magazines largely concentrate on the plastic end of the market - because that's where the vast bulk of subjects can be found but metal kits and metal/resin conversion kits are often reviewed.
People like Tamiya and even Revell do make metal based kits - although the vast bulk of their output tends to be the more traditional plastic kits. Tamiya's plastic kits are works of art and they are probably the leaders in the field when it comes to armour modelling.
As I said in my earlier post, get along to WH Smiths and have a peek at some of the model magazines. Tamiya have their own magazine and SMI (Scale Models International) covers cars and AFVs. There is also a magazine called Millitary Modelling which covers AFVs in great detail. Again these magazines largely concentrate on the plastic end of the market - because that's where the vast bulk of subjects can be found but metal kits and metal/resin conversion kits are often reviewed.
Edited by Eric Mc on Sunday 15th October 16:51
Sharief said:
Okay, thanks.
Go here if you want to see what can be achieved with "mere" plastic kits. You don't need metal kits to achieve realism. Protar make multi-media kits, (white metal + plastic), and Rvival did a great line in old race cars in white metal but I think they are now OOP so eBay is probably best bet but Google may work. You could also get hold of one of Tamiya's 1/12 scale Lotus Seven kits in their Masterworks series. Lots of alloy panels but not cheap and very demanding. Hannants, (in UK), normally stock but you can import cheaper from Hong Kong etc.
www.spc.org.uk/
If you're willing to give plastic kits a try (and you should - Tamiya especially produce some sensational ones - 1/24th scale Ferrari Enzo is astoundingly detailed)then a useful port of call is:
www.hlj.com
Hobby Link Japan. If you don't mind the wait for stuff to be shipped, they have just about anything your modelling heart could desire. Any subject/scale/material.
Also try Ebay. Loads of stuff on there.
www.hlj.com
Hobby Link Japan. If you don't mind the wait for stuff to be shipped, they have just about anything your modelling heart could desire. Any subject/scale/material.
Also try Ebay. Loads of stuff on there.
These people bridge the model engineering gap between machining, and self assembly kits. Basically they do all the machining for you, and you get a small steam locomotive that you can assemble and will lug you about.
www.maxitrak.co.uk/steamlocomotives/dixie.asp
www.maxitrak.co.uk/steamlocomotives/dixie.asp
Edited by dilbert on Tuesday 17th October 21:26
Another good source for 1/43rd scale collectors models is www.mmcars.co.uk He's a Lotus owner and visits this forum. They hold a good selection of stock and specialise in Le Mans models.
He will help with building and even supplies a CD with hints and tips FOC.
Normall disclaimers do not apply as I do have a vested interest!!!!
Rae
He will help with building and even supplies a CD with hints and tips FOC.
Normall disclaimers do not apply as I do have a vested interest!!!!
Rae
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