Comments on A-Model kits?

StevePratt · 20 January 2007, 03:06 PM

Hi, all.

I was digging around at our LHS and saw they've re-stocked a number of A-Model kits, such as the SPAD SA2 and SA4, and Avro 504.

I would appreciate any feedback on the quality of these kits.

Thanks!

Rittersbach · 20 January 2007, 05:27 PM

Steve,

This wont answer your question but consider yourself lucky, maybe. My LHS doesnt stock any WWI model or any WWI related items. They are pretty much an RC shop. I have to order everything I get from online.

Ross_Moorhouse · 20 January 2007, 05:46 PM

Amodel 1/72nd SPAD A.2 By Matt Bittner

http://www.internetmodeler.com/2004/...n/meb_spad.php

Recommend you read this build article

Ross_Moorhouse · 20 January 2007, 05:48 PM

& Spad A2 by Paul Thompson Kit: Amodel (1:72)

http://www.wwi-models.org/Images/Tho...SA2/index.html

Quote:

Amodel Spad A2. 1/72nd scale. Kit decals go on okay but the lettering is too large. I've used some of the Part detail set. The kit is rather crude, but the PE addresses most issues. I've gone for a worn and beat-up appearance since most examples in the Datafile had seen better days. I left the gun off 'cos I felt like it. Ho hum. In the end I messed up the paint a lot and clogged the nice grillwork on the nacelle, but it's included on the site anyway since I think it gives a reasonable impression, although not a model that bears getting too close to.

StevePratt · 20 January 2007, 06:04 PM

Hmm, sounds like it's the way to go for the SA2, but I will probably hold off for a while as I need to improve my basic skills more before I start tackling more difficult projects.

As for the LHS, we in the Denver area are indeed blessed with Colpar Hobbies. I don't know what most other places offer, but the shop on Havana is stocked to the rafters with stuff, including lots of Eduard, Roden, Gavia, Special Hobby, and many more.

Thanks guys....

JohnMacG · 21 January 2007, 07:59 AM

I've built the SA4 recently in the kit-supplied Russian scheme. The kit itself is a typical short-run injected kit; it has a fair bit flash but the major parts are no problem, the wings & tailplanes are nicely done, but as usual the small parts need a LOT of careful cleaning up. Some of the smaller parts really are unusable and need replaced by HSP or Aeroclub bits.
Decals were no problem at all.

I haven't seen their 504 but the reviews I've seen say that the old Airfix kit is a far better bet - it always was one of Airfix's better WW1 kits and it's still available at a much lower price than the A-Model effort.

Ocsi · 21 January 2007, 03:28 PM

The SA 2/4 is a good choise and the only attention you have to pay to is part cleaning. But after doing one of these kits you are on the save side with this basic skill

I'm halfway through with my SA 2 but I thinned the wings and separated all rodders and will not do the Ma Jeanne markings.

Regards
Öcsi

Matt_Bittner · 23 January 2007, 06:15 PM

Thanks, Ross.