Source for 1/144th WW1 models

Does anybody know of a good source for 1/144th WWI airplane models?

[Ross_Moorhouse]

Originally Posted by sogriffin

Does anybody know of a good source for 1/144th WWI airplane models?

Sure do. SRAM make a good range of 1/144th in Resin... You can get them from http://www.hobbyshop.cz/inshop/scrip...?producer=Sram

[Ross_Moorhouse]

Here is a review of some them too... http://www.internetmodeler.com/2001/...looks/SRAM.htm

SRAM 1/144 resin
RAF BE2e
..... &
Salmson-Moineau S.M.1

By Bob Pearson

History
Two additions to SRAM's growing line of 1/144 kits are the infamous British BE2e, and the little known French S.M.1.
The BE2e has gained a reputation over the years as an inferior machine that was "Fokker Fodder" and the cause of many men going to an early grave. However this reputation is undeserved as the BE line were well designed and constructed FOR WHAT THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO DO, and that was to be a stable flying platform. Unfortunately, combat flying required an unstable aircraft that was capable of being thrown around the sky, and the poor BE just was not up to the challenge. Rather than condemn the aircraft, perhaps the practice of sending men to fight in a machine not designed for the task should be examined instead.
The S.M.1 is a unique aircraft in many ways. The most noticable of which is the engine/propellor layout. A quick glance would lead one to think it is a twin engined aircraft. Not so, rather there is a single radial engine mounted SIDEWAYS inside the fuselage and connected to two propellors by a complicated system of gears and shafts. The S.M.1 was a three-seater designed for long range reconnaisance, and as such was issued in small numbers to 11 different escadrilles. By August 1917 there were 32 of them at the front, and the final one was there until April 1918. A total of around 100 were built.
The Kits
Both kits are well moulded with nice thin wings and subtle rib detail, but the Salmson has voids on the wings andtail that will need to be filled in. A neat feature with the SM1 is the inclusion of three figures. these are of two standing and one seated figure, and will be a boon to any of these kits.
No decals are included and the only instructions are actual size three view drawings
Conclusion
I like these kits and would recommend them to those wanting to build a collection that will not take up much room. Thanks to Lubos Vinar of VAMP Mail Order for the review samples

[Romani]

If you are actually looking for miniatures for wargaming, then the brand most popular seems to be Red Eagle 1:144 Scale WWI Aircraft

http://www.skytrex.com/

or Reviresco, slightly more expensive, but more detailed

http://www.tin-soldier.com/fighter/pilot/fpkits.html

Wow! that scale for those small WW I aircraft? Reading from my old trusty (and rusty) printer's line gauge that comes to about three inches more or less for the fuselage. I build aircraft models on that scale but to save these poor ol' eyes from strain I stick to models such as the Handley-Page HP42 or the Boeing 314 China Clipper which are a bit larger in scale feet. BTW 1/144is inprinter's measure six points or 144 points to a 12 inch measure.

Ross, how would you describe the difficulty in building the SRAM models. Are they 'fiddly' or straight forward?

[Ross_Moorhouse]

Originally Posted by sogriffin

Ross, how would you describe the difficulty in building the SRAM models. Are they 'fiddly' or straight forward?

Sorry but I have not built one. But I would say they would be no different than any otger model. Just that the resin struts etc are very fine and need extra care when handling.

[nigelrayner]

Well, I 've built the Morane-Saulnier L and it was hard going. The quality of the casting is not that good. There were quite a number of air bubbles and some parts were short shot, in my case the wing tip was missing on the port side and it was a real pain to add a small triangle of plasticard and then fair this in on such a small kit. There were no struts (some of the kits have these but they are probably not that useful), so think of this as a semi-scratchbuild. Decals are adequate but quality varies - I have the DH2 and on this the blue is waaay too bright so all the roundels are unusable. They are also expensive.

So in summary the one I have built was a severe challenge but the end result was worthwhile. I have their DH2, Gotha GIV, Gotha GI and Zeppelin-Staaken to do, so I can't think they are that bad. They are way ahead of the Skytrex and Reviresco planes, which are blobby models for wargaming. They are really the only game in 1/144 WWI (and they do have a great range), although I notice AB Models has been doing some kits as well in 1/144, including some weird ones (like the Wright Quadruplane).

You can see pics of the completed Morane here:

http://www.wwi-models.org/Images/Ray...ied/index.html

(scroll down until you find the Morane).

Cheers,

Nigel

[Lufbery]

Nigel,

Your model looks fantastic despite the problems you had with it!

I have dreams us making a bunch of 1/144 scale WWI planes for use in the game, Blue Max. I've resized some of the Fiddler's Green card models to 1/144 scale, though, and built one of them. It's fun, but the results are far far less spectacular than your efforts.

Regards,

[Yeoman]

Hello Sogriffin
For what its wort here are my ramblimgs on the matter-

http://www.skytrex.com/
This range has been out for many years now and forms the backbone of mine and lots of other gamers collections.
The newer models ( Breguet / AEG) are better than the earlier ones
For- Large range, Decals included,(although crude)few parts and cheap.
Against-Somewhat hit and miss quality wise. some models need extra work to make them look accurate.Wargaming quality.

Reviresco A slightly smaller range than Skytrex but better kits. Buy these first then fill in any gaps in your collection with Skytrex. These are super little models but contain far more parts and are more fiddly.The modeller has to supply wire for struts on some of the later models. http://www.tin-soldier.com/fighter/pilot/fpkits.html Some nice new new releases like the Salmson and Nieuport 28. Best for Wargaming with I would say.
For- More accurate,some obscure aeroplane types produced.
Against-Expensive, Decals not supplied with kits,nor struts on some of the later models although John does supply wing jigs for your brass rod struts. More parts than really necessary.

Sram - Resin kits in 1/144 ? yes its true! And boy are they fiddly-and delicate! This is a rapidly growing range but their construction means they are not for the faint hearted.
Available in the U.K from Hannants
http://www.hannants.co.uk/search/?CA...5B%5D=code+asc
For-Large and growing range. Decals included
Against- Cost! these cost a fortune! and you will be more likely to break them! Repeat,they are devilishly fiddly. I know I have made some!