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| View Poll Results: Vote for your favorite Kit Manufactuer | |||
| Anfora |
  
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0 | 0% |
| Amati |
  
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7 | 2.97% |
| Artesania Latina |
  
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36 | 15.25% |
| Constructo |
  
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10 | 4.24% |
| Corel |
  
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22 | 9.32% |
| Dumas |
  
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4 | 1.69% |
| Euro Model |
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2 | 0.85% |
| Mamoli |
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11 | 4.66% |
| Mantua |
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11 | 4.66% |
| Midwest |
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8 | 3.39% |
| Model Shipways |
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75 | 31.78% |
| Soclaine |
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0 | 0% |
| BlueJacket |
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18 | 7.63% |
| Sergal |
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4 | 1.69% |
| Calder Craft |
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28 | 11.86% |
| Voters: 236. You may not vote on this poll | |||
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12-23-2006, 10:46 AM
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Re: Who's your favorite kit manufactuer
Interesting, isn't it, how people's reactions to manufacturers are so variable? It seems the manufacturers' products can also be variable, perhaps explaining these different reactions. I have not done any modelling since long ago - Revell/Airfix and the like to please a growing family! Recently I found a model of a tug boat that I remember fondly from my own childhood, so I had to have the model. I was encouraged by the fine reputation of Caldercraft and paid quite a bit of money, as many of you will know -in fact there are two messages in this thread quite laudatory of Caldercraft.
I can only say that given my very limited experience, I fail to understand the company's sterling reputation. My plan (just 1) is neither to scale, nor even accurate in conceptual outline. The "instructions" are minimal, inadequate for a newbie anyway, and badly written into the bargain. The GRP hull and superstructure were badly flawed, including a minor crack in the hull, but were relatively easily fixed; my point though is that all that extra work should not have been necessary. Of the white metal parts, only one was missing, but quite a number were bent or even broken. If I had been in UK, I would have sent the kit back, but at this distance what are you going to do? [You wonder if they save rejects to fill overseas orders - an unworthy thought, no doubt!] Now I'm a newbie and will probably be told that I had no business attempting this model with virtually no experience. On one hand I'm far too long in the tooth to dream I shall ever be spared the time to acquire it, but just about short enough to still believe that all difficulties can be overcome! Maybe I'm too demanding, but are kit-based modellers too ready to put up with worse products than they ought to find acceptable? It's like they enjoy problems and the manufacturers are only too ready to oblige them. But I guess I'm coming to understand, 'cos I'm having fun anyway! |
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01-28-2007, 04:53 AM
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Re: Who's your favorite kit manufactuer
What is the general opinion of Billings kits. I have the Gotborg and so far I am not impressed with the kit especially the instructions qnd cheap plastic parts.
Frank |
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01-28-2007, 10:29 AM
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Re: Who's your favorite kit manufactuer
I have not been able to access this welsite since Boxing Day when the undersea optical cable was damaged by earthquack in Taiwan and has missed all the fun so far.
I think Caldercraft kits come with a serial no. I suggest you email them quoting the number and list down the missing and damaged parts. They will replace them FOC. I damaged a part of the Bounty and they sent a replacement promptly. 
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01-29-2007, 09:34 AM
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Re: Who's your favorite kit manufactuer
My only experience has been Model Shipways, so they are my favorite. Not sure if any of the other kit manufacturers have a policy like theirs, but they replace any part damaged by you in building the kit or send additional wood if short free of charge. I'm on my second kit and they have been great to deal with. Just send an email and in a fews days the part(s) arrive. I can't say enough about their customer support and to me this is a very comforting feature.
Happy modeling, Len Zanetich
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02-09-2007, 09:28 AM
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Re: Who's your favorite kit manufactuer
What about Billings kit's?
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02-09-2007, 01:16 PM
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Re: Who's your favorite kit manufactuer
After two Model Shipway kits I ordered a Amati kit. Although I am of Italian descent and studied Italian in high school, I can't really read the language very well. That being said, the model I purchased is the Endeavor, 1934 America's Cup challenger. The drawings are pretty good, partly becuase it is an entry level model but I was able to go to the Herreshoff museum this morning and see a lot of pictures and plans and the kit is accurate. But still, Model Shipways, although not awesomely great are superior.
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02-15-2007, 12:06 AM
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Re: Who's your favorite kit manufactuer
got model shipway's "flying fish. Plans are good and instruction manual is clearly written.
I use the kits as a starting point and wind-up scratch building some parts and adding extra detail. they're all fun!
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07-21-2007, 12:33 PM
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Re: Who's your favorite kit manufactuer
One vote for bluejacket because I am only allowed to vote once.
Cruisenut |
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09-08-2007, 10:18 AM
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