Amelio-rate my modelling: Part II

Recently I wrote about wishing to improve my modelling abilities by intentionally seeking out kits that are considered less than brilliant. Poor fitment of parts, lots of flash, brittle plastic, things like that. Typing in “bad model kits” or “model kits with bad reviews” into a search engine yields a plethora of results. It did get a bit overwhelming but I waded through page after page of peoples poor experiences with certain kits. There did seem to be a sort of “the usual suspects” situation as the same manufacturers kept popping up.

Well after scouring the internet I have come up with a few options, one of which it turns out may already be in my “pile of shame”. So lets take a look at the contenders.

1: Smer 1/48 Macchi Castoldi MC.72

Smer is a company that I've admittedly never heard of, the aircraft in question I have heard of. A beautiful Italian floatplane designed to win the Schneider air race. This kit seems to have a LOT of flash and some pretty poor part fitments, perfect for what I want. On closer inspection it also lacks a cockpit, interesting.

2: Revell 1/72^nd scale P51 D Mustang

Revell is a company many of you will be familiar with. I've had limited experience with their kits, having mostly owned packs of their 1/72^nd scale infantry. The kit in question seems again to have plenty of flash and some poorly fitting parts. Also the nose just looks wrong, I'm not sure what is wrong precisely so I will have to scrutinise it closely.

3: Revell 1/144^th Hurricane and Spitfire pack

This kit is already in my “pile of shame” and both aircraft have flash, some poor fitment and apparently no wing dihedral. This could also be a good one for trying to improve my modelling.

4: Mistercraft, well apparently pretty much any of them

Yeah so according to my research this brand are not highly regarded, in pretty much any way. You name the problem they seem to have it. But for the sake of narrowing it down I like the look of the Piper L-4H Cub.

5: Emhar Mark IV “Male” tank

Bit of a mixed bag this one. Some folks say it's great and goes together easily, while others says the parts fit badly and tend to be somewhat warped. I'm throwing it in here as I really want a MKIV and this way I have a reason to buy one.

6: Academy 1/144^th Sepecat Jaguar

I had this kit a few years ago and found it to have plenty of flash and lots of large gaps of various sizes. I have to admit I threw it away, which is something I have no intention of ever doing again. These kits can be had four £4.00 making them superb value for money.

I will have to go off and do some pondering and a bit more research I think. But if you dear reader have any suggestions please pop them in the comments section below.

Right it's time to sign off, thank you for reading and

Roll Play Repeat

David

Founder and writer: Table Topiary Games