Future of kit building?

[Heinz]

I dunno whether the 'challenge' has been lost as such. The new kits are superb in mouldings and the level of standard in competitions now are quite amazing. So i guess the level of 'detail' has been made harder than the actual construction.

Theres another thing a lot of people lack today and satisfaction from doing things themselves, everythings bought or pre packaged and has no connection to the person.

[Catch22]

I'm certain that would be true of many people, but for me, the more detail, the better, and the more likely I am to buy that model.

Didn't see your post Heinz, this is in response to the previous post.

[Negative Creep]

Regarding Airfix, I was told by my local model shop that they have been brought out by a far Eastern firm, who have restarted production. I have certainly noticed more kits on the shelf recently, but a lot of these seem to be in older boxes so could just be old stock?

[Njaco]

I got a few Airfix 1/72 a few years ago. Didn't know they were gone.

And for modeling this is what I think is killing it. I know I posted earlier but gonna simplify.

1. Prices

2. Instant Gratification factor.

I love loads of detail and will go for a kit that has it but not if I have to take a mortgage out on it.

[Bf109_g]

So guys, do you think more people are buying diecast models because they are already made, because they don't want to be bother with making kitset ones?

[Heinz]

Airfix is still kicking owned by Hornby model trains now.

As far as diecast planes go I think that prices are very compareable to kits and who wants to stuff up an expensive kit?

I've got one or two but I overall get much more pleasure out of kits.

[DOUGRD]

Originally Posted by Heinz

I dunno whether the 'challenge' has been lost as such. The new kits are superb in mouldings and the level of standard in competitions now are quite amazing. So i guess the level of 'detail' has been made harder than the actual construction.

Theres another thing a lot of people lack today and satisfaction from doing things themselves, everythings bought or pre packaged and has no connection to the person.

So Heinz, if I understand your post you're saying that because of all the detailing already in the kits, the playing field has been leveled material wise so the edge is gained by the artistic level of achievement alone. True? If that's correct then I think that's great. Let he with the better eye and attention to detail win!

[Heinz]

Yes exactly!!!
Dragon includes resin and photo etch parts as almost stock stuff now and as prices go they keep it down fairly well.


oh and well done understanding my terribly constructed sentence Dougrd!

[Njaco]

Doug you hit the nail on the head! I sometimes go down to the Dollar store, buy a Starfix model of a Bf 109 or Spit and try to improve. Its fun. And does make one sharper in his skills. And if you mess up, who cares! It only cost a dollar!

Diecast are nice. I have a few but they make me laugh sometimes. Just picked up a Fw 190 thats set up for a Jabo but has the markings of a fighter outfit.

[Heinz]

Njaco another reason I dont really collect the diecast like most things they aren;t accurate.

I do agree about the older kits though they are fun! I look for the reissues by Airfix that a pretty old. Not as easy on the wallet as they were..........

[bentwings]

When I go to the flying field I see a load of ARF's and RTF's and few kit builds. The average kit build is no match for detail of the ARF. However the quality inside that really counts in not there. The typical "I ain't got it" comes when the bulkhead holding the battery comes loose because there was little or no glue on it and unplugs the battery wires is all too common.

The landing gear gets torn out on an easy landing. Take a look... mounted on balsa and little glue, no bracing.

Take a look at the kit build. Nice quality fit, secure gluing, covering that is nicely trimmed and attached. Radio is installed solidly, good pushrods. The motor is mounted on good mounts and the firewall is securedly attached. Good ground and range test. A happy flyer after a day's flying.

Also look around. Not many young kids hanging over an older mentor. Or maybe a few that either bought a flying plane and system or it was given to them. Little knowledge of what it take to make it last.

Even my own kids had no interest in building. After a big crash..."let's just go to the hobby shop and buy a new plane". Maybe a kit but no ARF or ready to fly. "Naah, we want to fly today not next fall". "Why do you spend so much time down here when you could be out flying.?" Because I enjoy building and flying. "Boring." So they play video games. Not even the R/C flight simulator. "There's no combat or guns on it" is the comment I get. It seems like "right now" are the only words that mean anything except when applied to doing chores. haha

I don't know what the answer is. Times were a lot different when I was growing up (?) You had to amuse yourself for long times. Never knew what "bored" meant untill I went to school and had it on a dictionary test.

rant.

[ccheese]

As a youngster I use to build balsa and paper kits. I remember some beauties,
the Art Chester Racer, Stinsons, Piper's with floats, Beech Staggerwing, and
a lot more. I wish I had a nickle for every tube of Testors glue that went
through my fingers (without sniffing it). The last unit I built was a Spitfire.
Got the plans from Mechanics Illustrated. The last I saw of it was when the
packer's packed everything for a change of station move. When we got to
San Diego, the plane was "among the missing". Their adjuster said it was
worth $24.00 and that's what they paid for the loss. But, oh.... I have
fond memories of those rubber powered airplanes !

Charles

[DOUGRD]

Originally Posted by bentwings

Also look around. Not many young kids hanging over an older mentor. Or maybe a few that either bought a flying plane and system or it was given to them. Little knowledge of what it take to make it last.
Even my own kids had no interest in building. After a big crash..."let's just go to the hobby shop and buy a new plane". Maybe a kit but no ARF or ready to fly. "Naah, we want to fly today not next fall". "Why do you spend so much time down here when you could be out flying.?" It seems like "right now" are the only words that mean anything except when applied to doing chores. hahaI don't know what the answer is. Times were a lot different when I was growing up (?) You had to amuse yourself for long times. Never knew what "bored" meant untill I went to school and had it on a dictionary test.

Here we go! Press a button and BAM!! instant gratification. No work, no thought processes and absolutely no effort or strain. I don't know where to point a finger but a lot of kids over the last decade or longer have come down with this attitude and I've personally seen what happens when they hit high school and even college. " I want to be a CEO but why do I have to work my way up the corporate ladder like past generations had to. They should retire so I can make big bucks now." Where does this attitude start? Any ideas guys?

[DOUGRD]

Originally Posted by Heinz

oh and well done understanding my terribly constructed sentence Dougrd!

Nothing to it, after many years sailing the seven seas I've become quite proficient in foreign languages including Aussie. (also in B.S.)

[Njaco]

Hey Cheese, you want another? I got one I'll give to you.
Heres what I got:

Fairchild 24 - (? scale) Easybuilt Models; appears complete.
F6F Hellcat - wngspn 16 1/2in Guillow's; model has been started but everything appears to be there.
Aeronca K Floatplane - wngspn 25in Comet; Model appears complete.
Seversky P-35 - 1/48 Gene Dubois Models; appears complete.

I think the floatplane is rubberband propeller. Well, one of those kits are. Inherited from my father and I have NO idea how to build them. Just wasting away here.