@@ModelMinutes i started out with airliners and then went through two 48 scale kits when I was amateur. I'm getting back into 1/48 and have a Zero waiting for me downstairs, do you have any advice?
As a person who builds gunpla, I’m not surprised that the quality of the Bandai sprues shoved them to the top of the charts. Incredible fitment, especially in the stuff from this decade.
Thanks for all the builds Matt, and all the best for 25. Any Bandai Star Wars kit will be the same quality as the one you built. I do several a year as mojo recovery builds and never have an issue with them.
Happy New Year Matt, thanks for the 'Best Of'. The Hellcat looks lovely and towers over the two 1/72 Eduard ones in my stash, here's hoping for an Airfix rerelease soon.
Love the concept of a 'mojo build'! I've got quite a few kits in the stash that I need to get finished -- I'm currently working my way through the AiP Thunderbirds kits (reboxings of the older Aoshima ones, I believe), and am having a great time with them ...
So nice to look back at your work this year. Happy new year Matt, and I hope you can continue putting so much effort into your work next year. 2 kits a month is absolutely insane, as 1 kit in 2 months is a lot for me 🤣 Once again, all the best next year!
Thanks for the review :) I'm interested by the Heller Thunderjet. This year, I have built two Bandai Gundam kits, it is very nice to build, and really well designed. There are different colors on the same sprue as well. Happy New year ! :)
Re mottled camouflage: I find it useful to make a mask out of thin plastic card or stout paper - trace out the outline of the fuselage, draw on the cammo pattern and cut out the blobs. Blu-tack the mask over the base colour on the model (slightly raised from the surface to allow a little room for the paint to spread out with a nice soft edge) and gently air-brush the blob colour through the mask. This is an excellent way to get a clean, soft edged mottle effect without the hassle of over-spray/spatter you can get trying to do it with an airbrush straight onto the base colour.
Bandai Star Wars kits - NOW you are talking - these kits are phenomenal. I have built stormtroopers, Captain Phasma, C3PO and R2, Boba Fett, X-Wings (both marks), Y-Wing (fiddley bastard), Tie Fighter and Interceptor - all are fantastic. They go together like Swiss watches, each part moulded to perfection, clicking (No Glue!) together with a satisfying snap. This makes painting a dream as you can paint individual parts or assemblies then simply clip them together (the parts are moulded in colour too so handy for the neophyte builder). If anyone reading this hasn't tried one, I highly recommend you have a go, you will not be disappointed, best range of kits I have ever built in my extensive modelling career (I am now 60 years old!).
The Bandai 1/144 kits are definitely something else then. The Y-Wing was a nightmare. The X-Wing was okay but the plastic was too flimsy and one of the side cannons broke. My experiences with all the model kits I've had make me really, really unwilling to continue with the hobby despite loving how other people's models turn out. Each one is a pain to build, a pain to paint, and never come out looking good. Very disheartening, especially with how expensive kits and the hobby as a whole is.
@@Igzilee How long have you been kit-building? I only ask because I have around 50+ years of experience which definitely helps! I grew up building the not-so-good Airfix and Revell early kits and believe me, they certainly teach you the hard way. I would suggest you persevere, tyry an easy, simple kit first, I have been building a lot of Bandai 30 Minute series figures, whilst they have a high parts count and some bits are small and fiddley, they are quite forgiving as long as you pat attention to the well laid out instructions. Hope you keep going, we're a dying breed!!
I recently built a gundam kit that had a jointed, multi-color whip moulded on the sprue (or "runner" as they call them). I still have no idea what sorcery they employed to be able to do that.
Tamiya's 1/35 tank models are my go-to. Even though the tooling dates may be older by a decade or more, you'll find an immediately noticeable leap in quality over the Airfix models. They're the perfect step-up from beginner kits.
Honestly, I'd say the Tamiya Pz II F/G and the Panther ausf A are great beginner kits at under $20 each. Plus, the Pz II dresses up VERY well with aftermarket details.
@@OutlandStation Yes, the Tamiya kits can run the gamut. I found the Panzer II, III, and Panther Ausf. D Early kits to be a joy, but their Tiger I Initial Production kit was a bit of a bear. I ended up putting it aside, actually, and need to get back to it.
If you want to build more large scale models, you should have an attempt and the 1/24 Ju 87 from Airfix's vintage classics range! I finished that kit this year and I found it very enjoyable and it is huge.
Hey man! I want to start modelling. I like WWII german tanks and aircraft. Could you please tell me what are the best ones i could buy and the best ones for starters
Tbh, you want to pick something that you are interested in. Most companies make a "starter set" of some subjects which come with the model kit and a selection of paints, paint brush and cement to get you started. It will result in the absolute basic finish on the model and you might need to get extra paints and things to build it to a higher standard. I would recommend looking at any of the new Airfix starter sets - they have a Bf109F and Tiger 1 in this range, and they are specially designed to be simple to build as an easy introduction to scale modelling. Outside of that, you could try something larger like the Tamiya Panzer II in 1/35 scale, but that does not come with any glue or paints. I'll drop some videos of mine here that might give you an idea: Tamiya Panzer II build: ruclips.net/video/KnSVGnxjL9I/видео.html Airfix Tiger 1 unboxing: ruclips.net/video/l_zBEkYcp0s/видео.html Airfix Starter Set Challenge (Bf109 built using only the included products): ruclips.net/video/3khbMZj3f7s/видео.html Airfix Mustang and Bf109 Set (technically not a starter set as the paint schemes are a little more complicated, but these kits are available on their own with easier paint schemes): ruclips.net/video/uaYgKB4k5E8/видео.html If you have a good look around online at different subjects and pick something simple on a topic you are interested in, you should have a good time building your first model!
12:00 Judging by the footage and your comment about the plastic being softer, R2's head was definitely made of ABS, which simply does not react well to any sort of lacquer or acrylic thinner. Which as you'd imagine highly watery washes are full of. In the future, you'll have to prime the ABS first if using lacquers, or use acrylic thinned with water. Clear coating the ABS before panting will also protect it.
Yes, i do need to watch out for these different plastics in the Bandai kits. I did give the model a clear coat before applying the wash, but it was clearly not enough to protect it
Glad you seemed to have a good experience with certain Airfix kits. I got the 1:72 Spitfire and P-40 as gifts a few years ago and neither are particularly good. Both had massive gaps all over and the spitfire's inner cockpit assembly wouldn't even fit. All the model kits I have experienced (even a Tamiya one) have been greatly discouraging especially with the price of the hobby. I'll be honest, it makes me upset seeing how nice other people's models turn out while I can't finish most of mine and the ones I do finish end up subpar.
The 2010 Spitfire tooling does have a few little issues with it, i know the canopy is a touch long so needs sanding at the back to get it to fit. I think the P40 is a much better tooling and I don't normally have problems building that one - and I have done a few. They are a little old now though, so not up to quite the same standard as more recent toolings. The Airfix F-35 that I built almost snapped together, that was a rather stress-free kit to build so could be a good idea to have a go at something like that? Please don't become disheartened, it takes time to develop modelling skills and I have been building models on and off over the last 20 years or so. It is worth remembering that a lot of people on YT and other social media platforms won't show you the mistakes and the models that "didn't make the cut". I try and be transparent and share my success and my failures but quite often what you see online isn't always a true reflection of all the mistakes other modellers have made. Don't measure your mistakes against other people's successes. Build how you want to build and with every model you will get a little better - I know i don't get it right every time and am still developing my own skills too!
Bandai kits have always been nice. Only issues I’ve had with the Gunpla I build are some of their older kits that have since had new versions of the model made
I haven't done much scale modeling, as I focus much more on wargaming stuff (Warhammer 40k, etc.), but these are some nice looking models you've done here. I have a small stash of scale models that I hope to get around to building one of these days (quite a few cars, plus some military and sci-fi models), but it's just a matter of finding the time, as I've also got a big backlog of wargaming miniatures to paint.
I believe i completed less than five kits this year, because my work schedule didn't permit me to do much. Your BF109E came out nicely and the diorama is excellent, but i had endless problems with that model and it basically fell apart on me.
One of the coolest things bandai can do imo is molding a single part in separate colors, although it's not super common. For example on bandai's 1/72 Tie Advanced X1 the wings are molded as one piece but still in black and grey. And on the Real Grade EVA Unit 01 the green on the horn is molded in to the purple so you don't need a decal or paint for them, despite how small they are.
What paint did you use on the R2-D2 kit? While the Bandai kits are absolute marvels of engineering, they will mix different types of plastics for different parts. Often, their kits will contain a mix of polystyrene (same as most other scale models) with some ABS plastic, which will crack if it comes into contact with the solvents used in certain types of paint. The parts will usually be labeled "ABS" on the runner or there may be a note in the instructions, which may or may not be in Japanese.
@@ModelMinutes Yep, that'll do it. With ABS plastic, you'll have to stick with acrylics, which is unfortunate as I've grown to love using thinned oil paint for washes.
I also love those 1/72nd AirFix FireFly and Tiger tanks. So quick, fun, and easy to build. Look so good once built, and can be fully assembled before a lick of paint has to go down. I have built 6 of each of these. Even in what if schemes such as the sand, blue, burgundy and bright, light olive green wave camo schemes. Also perfect for the Airfix wargame to replace cardboard ones. Also box main pictures' cut out gives you another cardboard one. The mmg on the firefly hull. As a wargamer and model builder and not scale modeller. So the Hull MMG is not a bother for me. As I always build to the "Rule of Cool" So I prefer The Fire Fly with the hull mmg. It looks cooler to me LoL. I even got lucky with all the paints. They were just really thick. But Valejo 'Medium' sorted them out. LoL
best Model kits which I built the last 5 years and can recommend: scale 24 Revell 1948 Ford Woody, scale 35 ICM german infantry 1914 and miniart ruined church, scale 48 eduard Albatros D.II profi pack, scale 72 airfix S-10 class Schnellboot 1935, scale 350: zvezda cruiser Varyag & battleship Oryol 1904, scale 400: Heller admiral Scheer 1940.
If you buy the standard boxing of the Airfix 1/72 Sherman Firefly (NOT the starter set) the issue with the machine gun is sorted and you also get the accurate tracks for the type. I guess the standard boxing of the Airfix 1/72 Tiger will have better tracks as well.. :)
As someone who really enjoys their Gundam kits, Bandai feels like a company that could ruin a lot of other Modeling Companies' day if Gunpla wasn't making so much money that they're very rarely expanding to other stuff (the last real advancement they've done was Anime Girl/Articulated Figure kits a few years ago, and their own original line of modular mecha kits). Their High Grade kits are great, but I'll recommend you to especially check out their Real Grade or Master Grade lines. (Perfect grades also count, but those are starting at the 150$~ and they average around $200~)
I can't disagree with any of your picks. I tackled the same Airfix F35 kit this year, as a pure out-of-the-box build, using the supplied paint etc (I think I used my own brushes, but only because I wanted to save the supplied brush as I like those Humbrol brushes). I've built a couple of Airfix 1:72 Bf109s (although not this year) including one where I also practiced mottled camouflage (although a long way down the list of damage done by the Luftwaffe, I don't think we can ignore it's crimes against modellers' sanity as we try to replicate some of the camouflage schemes). And if my experience of the Bandai 1:72 scale X-Wing is indicative, I can definitely agree with your placement of the droids in the top spot.
Happy New Year Chap, bandai kits are amazing but anything solventwise beyond water does strange things to their plastic, white spirit turned mine to cheese......
I would put a big asterisk on _all_. The 1/144 X and Y wing kit was certainly not as much fun as I hoped it would be. The Y-wing in particular was so tricky to put together I decided to abandon it.
Thx for the awsome video ! I'm a rookie in kit modeling So now i know what kits i can deal with ! Also Happy New Year ! 🎉 Also your work is more than GOATED ! You build them super good 😮 You have real skill and good patience ! And Congrats for the Hellcat ! 🎉
@@ModelMinutes no problem I know how hard these kits can be... So You deserve to have such succes 😁 ! Even better ! You deserve a sponsor from one of these model kits companies !
Bandai kits are usually pretty good out of box. I have a lot of experience with the gundam ones especially. Sadly the recent gundam ones have been either over priced or mediocre to garbage quality compared to some kf their older stuff. If you want to see what Bandai can do when they are at their best I reccomend the HG or MG Gundam AGE-1 normal or HG SRW Huckbien. Also if you thought that Star Wars kit was good try Orange cat studios Estialev and be amazed at how good it is. And if you want to be terrified of breaking the kit while building anything labled "zeta gundam" will do just that.
As a kid i worked on airfix, revel and italieri kits, they always had issues. Tamiya, Hasegawa, bandai and even takara tomy are better designed and have better quality.
The Tiger 1 is riddled with inaccuracies. Yuck. Not what you’d expect from a 2020 design. Especially considering there is a Tiger 1 at Bovington to measure.
@ The drivers and radio operators hatches are too small, positions are slightly off too. The hull shape towards the rear is off, not enough clearance between the hull and tracks. The kit is supplied with decals for Wjittmann’s Tiger, but that Tiger had Zimmerit, and the later pattern steel wheels. The engine deck is not very well moulded compared to the Revell, or Vespid Tigers. For a 2020 kit it’s obviously aimed at the beginner, but that does not excuse the poor design. Interestingly the old 1/76 Tiger appears to be at first sight modelled off the Tiger at Vimoutiers in France, hence no front mud guards, exhaust covers, turret basket. Might be coincidence. I feel that Airfix lost an opportunity to model Tiger 131 at Bovington, but there may have been costs involved, licensing, etc. Overall they made a cheap entry level kit, and I get the impression it was rushed, or done by someone with no passion or real knowledge of the subject. Just like the Sherman Firefly with its hull machine gun, a kit designed for the younger enthusiast. Back in the late 1980, early 90s I designed some electronics for Hornby when they made stuff at Margate, and after many discussions with their marketing manager, it became quite clear that the playability of a subject was quite high on the agenda, whether it was trains or Scalelectrix. I initially thought the hulk machine gun on the Sherman was included because they could offer in the future a standard Sherman M4A4, it would just need a different turret. But the sprue placement doesn’t allow for that, it could have had all the turret parts and the hull mg on one sprue, allowing the two different tanks to be sold just by the change of a sprue, or include both to allow the modeller to decide. Who knows what they were thinking, or what time/budget constraints they had?
To be fair, those Airfix kits are meant for beginning modelers. They're designed to prioritize speed and ease of build over anything else. If you want something with much finer and more accurate details, get a Tamiya kit. If you really want to test your modeling skills (and patience...and sanity), try building one of the Tiger kits from Dragon. You'll either end up with A) an absolutely spectacular model or B) in the loony bin. One never knows until they try. 😄
I have more Airfix kits in my stash than other brands as they are usually quite cheap and very accessible here in the uk I’m always looking to try other brands
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
I am a young Argentine who is just starting out in 1/48 modeling, I really love your work.
Thanks very much! 1/48 is a good scale with a balance between size and detail
@@ModelMinutes i started out with airliners and then went through two 48 scale kits when I was amateur. I'm getting back into 1/48 and have a Zero waiting for me downstairs, do you have any advice?
I start whith a german flak0anzer guepar tamiya
1/35
As a person who builds gunpla, I’m not surprised that the quality of the Bandai sprues shoved them to the top of the charts. Incredible fitment, especially in the stuff from this decade.
Great point!
Thanks for all the builds Matt, and all the best for 25. Any Bandai Star Wars kit will be the same quality as the one you built. I do several a year as mojo recovery builds and never have an issue with them.
Thanks, you too!
Nice to see a sci-fi kit make your list!
I was just watching your worst kits video then I saw this. Great video. Happy new year
Thanks! Happy new year 🥳
Happy New Year Matt, thanks for the 'Best Of'. The Hellcat looks lovely and towers over the two 1/72 Eduard ones in my stash, here's hoping for an Airfix rerelease soon.
Happy new year! I know a lot of people have asked for another release of the Hellcat so fingers crossed!
Happy to see the Airfix Starter Sets on your list. I've been wanting to give the F-35 a go and in regards to the Tiger have a clever little idea.
I remember building the Bandai Hetzer as a brat.... wonderful to see them top o the list chap
Love the concept of a 'mojo build'! I've got quite a few kits in the stash that I need to get finished -- I'm currently working my way through the AiP Thunderbirds kits (reboxings of the older Aoshima ones, I believe), and am having a great time with them ...
So nice to look back at your work this year. Happy new year Matt, and I hope you can continue putting so much effort into your work next year. 2 kits a month is absolutely insane, as 1 kit in 2 months is a lot for me 🤣 Once again, all the best next year!
Thanks! It has been a challenge to do 2 kits a month, meaning i pretty much have something on the bench all the time
I would recommend the Bandai Star wars y-wing, the detail is amazing.
Happy New Year. only real plan I have is to finish some stuff thats been half done on the workbench due to one reason or another
Thanks for the review :) I'm interested by the Heller Thunderjet.
This year, I have built two Bandai Gundam kits, it is very nice to build, and really well designed. There are different colors on the same sprue as well.
Happy New year ! :)
Thanks for the info! Happy new year!
love the videos! happy new year!
Happy new year!!
Re mottled camouflage: I find it useful to make a mask out of thin plastic card or stout paper - trace out the outline of the fuselage, draw on the cammo pattern and cut out the blobs. Blu-tack the mask over the base colour on the model (slightly raised from the surface to allow a little room for the paint to spread out with a nice soft edge) and gently air-brush the blob colour through the mask. This is an excellent way to get a clean, soft edged mottle effect without the hassle of over-spray/spatter you can get trying to do it with an airbrush straight onto the base colour.
thanks for the idea!
Bandai Star Wars kits - NOW you are talking - these kits are phenomenal. I have built stormtroopers, Captain Phasma, C3PO and R2, Boba Fett, X-Wings (both marks), Y-Wing (fiddley bastard), Tie Fighter and Interceptor - all are fantastic. They go together like Swiss watches, each part moulded to perfection, clicking (No Glue!) together with a satisfying snap. This makes painting a dream as you can paint individual parts or assemblies then simply clip them together (the parts are moulded in colour too so handy for the neophyte builder). If anyone reading this hasn't tried one, I highly recommend you have a go, you will not be disappointed, best range of kits I have ever built in my extensive modelling career (I am now 60 years old!).
I'd like to have a go at some more Bandai this year
The Bandai 1/144 kits are definitely something else then. The Y-Wing was a nightmare. The X-Wing was okay but the plastic was too flimsy and one of the side cannons broke. My experiences with all the model kits I've had make me really, really unwilling to continue with the hobby despite loving how other people's models turn out. Each one is a pain to build, a pain to paint, and never come out looking good. Very disheartening, especially with how expensive kits and the hobby as a whole is.
@@Igzilee How long have you been kit-building? I only ask because I have around 50+ years of experience which definitely helps! I grew up building the not-so-good Airfix and Revell early kits and believe me, they certainly teach you the hard way. I would suggest you persevere, tyry an easy, simple kit first, I have been building a lot of Bandai 30 Minute series figures, whilst they have a high parts count and some bits are small and fiddley, they are quite forgiving as long as you pat attention to the well laid out instructions. Hope you keep going, we're a dying breed!!
On Japanese toolings. They have working joined hinges molded on the sprue. Happy New Year.
Happy new year! Yes, I have heard about those!
I recently built a gundam kit that had a jointed, multi-color whip moulded on the sprue (or "runner" as they call them). I still have no idea what sorcery they employed to be able to do that.
Matt
Happy New Year from Colorado. Looking forward to watching your videos in 2025. How about having a group build ?
Happy new year! I currently have a group buld running at the moment - they all take place on the discord server
You should make one of Tamiyas 1/35 scale tanks their quality is fantastic.
I'll have to look into them when my stash is a little thinner
Tamiya's 1/35 tank models are my go-to. Even though the tooling dates may be older by a decade or more, you'll find an immediately noticeable leap in quality over the Airfix models. They're the perfect step-up from beginner kits.
Honestly, I'd say the Tamiya Pz II F/G and the Panther ausf A are great beginner kits at under $20 each. Plus, the Pz II dresses up VERY well with aftermarket details.
@@OutlandStation Yes, the Tamiya kits can run the gamut. I found the Panzer II, III, and Panther Ausf. D Early kits to be a joy, but their Tiger I Initial Production kit was a bit of a bear. I ended up putting it aside, actually, and need to get back to it.
If you want to build more large scale models, you should have an attempt and the 1/24 Ju 87 from Airfix's vintage classics range! I finished that kit this year and I found it very enjoyable and it is huge.
Thanks for the suggestion but I really should build the other big kits in my stash before i get one like that
@ oh yes that might be a good idea 😅. Well I can't wait to see those.
Hey man! I want to start modelling. I like WWII german tanks and aircraft. Could you please tell me what are the best ones i could buy and the best ones for starters
Tbh, you want to pick something that you are interested in. Most companies make a "starter set" of some subjects which come with the model kit and a selection of paints, paint brush and cement to get you started. It will result in the absolute basic finish on the model and you might need to get extra paints and things to build it to a higher standard.
I would recommend looking at any of the new Airfix starter sets - they have a Bf109F and Tiger 1 in this range, and they are specially designed to be simple to build as an easy introduction to scale modelling.
Outside of that, you could try something larger like the Tamiya Panzer II in 1/35 scale, but that does not come with any glue or paints. I'll drop some videos of mine here that might give you an idea:
Tamiya Panzer II build: ruclips.net/video/KnSVGnxjL9I/видео.html
Airfix Tiger 1 unboxing: ruclips.net/video/l_zBEkYcp0s/видео.html
Airfix Starter Set Challenge (Bf109 built using only the included products): ruclips.net/video/3khbMZj3f7s/видео.html
Airfix Mustang and Bf109 Set (technically not a starter set as the paint schemes are a little more complicated, but these kits are available on their own with easier paint schemes): ruclips.net/video/uaYgKB4k5E8/видео.html
If you have a good look around online at different subjects and pick something simple on a topic you are interested in, you should have a good time building your first model!
12:00 Judging by the footage and your comment about the plastic being softer, R2's head was definitely made of ABS, which simply does not react well to any sort of lacquer or acrylic thinner. Which as you'd imagine highly watery washes are full of.
In the future, you'll have to prime the ABS first if using lacquers, or use acrylic thinned with water. Clear coating the ABS before panting will also protect it.
Yes, i do need to watch out for these different plastics in the Bandai kits. I did give the model a clear coat before applying the wash, but it was clearly not enough to protect it
@@ModelMinutes Was your topcoat acrylic or something else? If it wasn't acrylic it may have been the topcoats fault it cracked at all lol.
Glad you seemed to have a good experience with certain Airfix kits. I got the 1:72 Spitfire and P-40 as gifts a few years ago and neither are particularly good. Both had massive gaps all over and the spitfire's inner cockpit assembly wouldn't even fit. All the model kits I have experienced (even a Tamiya one) have been greatly discouraging especially with the price of the hobby. I'll be honest, it makes me upset seeing how nice other people's models turn out while I can't finish most of mine and the ones I do finish end up subpar.
The 2010 Spitfire tooling does have a few little issues with it, i know the canopy is a touch long so needs sanding at the back to get it to fit. I think the P40 is a much better tooling and I don't normally have problems building that one - and I have done a few. They are a little old now though, so not up to quite the same standard as more recent toolings.
The Airfix F-35 that I built almost snapped together, that was a rather stress-free kit to build so could be a good idea to have a go at something like that?
Please don't become disheartened, it takes time to develop modelling skills and I have been building models on and off over the last 20 years or so. It is worth remembering that a lot of people on YT and other social media platforms won't show you the mistakes and the models that "didn't make the cut". I try and be transparent and share my success and my failures but quite often what you see online isn't always a true reflection of all the mistakes other modellers have made.
Don't measure your mistakes against other people's successes. Build how you want to build and with every model you will get a little better - I know i don't get it right every time and am still developing my own skills too!
Bandai kits have always been nice. Only issues I’ve had with the Gunpla I build are some of their older kits that have since had new versions of the model made
I haven't done much scale modeling, as I focus much more on wargaming stuff (Warhammer 40k, etc.), but these are some nice looking models you've done here. I have a small stash of scale models that I hope to get around to building one of these days (quite a few cars, plus some military and sci-fi models), but it's just a matter of finding the time, as I've also got a big backlog of wargaming miniatures to paint.
I feel your pain - it can be hard finding the time
I believe i completed less than five kits this year, because my work schedule didn't permit me to do much. Your BF109E came out nicely and the diorama is excellent, but i had endless problems with that model and it basically fell apart on me.
sorry to hear that
One of the coolest things bandai can do imo is molding a single part in separate colors, although it's not super common. For example on bandai's 1/72 Tie Advanced X1 the wings are molded as one piece but still in black and grey. And on the Real Grade EVA Unit 01 the green on the horn is molded in to the purple so you don't need a decal or paint for them, despite how small they are.
That is really cool!
Hah, I have the original version of that Heller F-84G on my shelf, bought it in the 80's I believe. Maybe I'll even build it one day...
it was good fun!
What paint did you use on the R2-D2 kit? While the Bandai kits are absolute marvels of engineering, they will mix different types of plastics for different parts. Often, their kits will contain a mix of polystyrene (same as most other scale models) with some ABS plastic, which will crack if it comes into contact with the solvents used in certain types of paint. The parts will usually be labeled "ABS" on the runner or there may be a note in the instructions, which may or may not be in Japanese.
It was an enamel wash thinned with white spirit that was the problem, it was too hot for the plastic
@@ModelMinutes Yep, that'll do it. With ABS plastic, you'll have to stick with acrylics, which is unfortunate as I've grown to love using thinned oil paint for washes.
I also love those 1/72nd AirFix FireFly and Tiger tanks. So quick, fun, and easy to build. Look so good once built, and can be fully assembled before a lick of paint has to go down. I have built 6 of each of these. Even in what if schemes such as the sand, blue, burgundy and bright, light olive green wave camo schemes.
Also perfect for the Airfix wargame to replace cardboard ones. Also box main pictures' cut out gives you another cardboard one. The mmg on the firefly hull. As a wargamer and model builder and not scale modeller.
So the Hull MMG is not a bother for me.
As I always build to the "Rule of Cool"
So I prefer The Fire Fly with the hull mmg. It looks cooler to me
LoL.
I even got lucky with all the paints. They were just really thick. But Valejo 'Medium' sorted them out.
LoL
thanks for sharing!
best Model kits which I built the last 5 years and can recommend: scale 24 Revell 1948 Ford Woody, scale 35 ICM german infantry 1914 and miniart ruined church, scale 48 eduard Albatros D.II profi pack, scale 72 airfix S-10 class Schnellboot 1935, scale 350: zvezda cruiser Varyag & battleship Oryol 1904, scale 400: Heller admiral Scheer 1940.
If you buy the standard boxing of the Airfix 1/72 Sherman Firefly (NOT the starter set) the issue with the machine gun is sorted and you also get the accurate tracks for the type. I guess the standard boxing of the Airfix 1/72 Tiger will have better tracks as well.. :)
I believe they have link and length tracks in those boxings
@@ModelMinutes Yes, that's right.. A bit fiddly, but more accurate. 😁
model minute can u try the Tamika waterline Yamato?
thanks for the suggestion. I don't currently have that in the stash but who knows what will happen in the future
4:46 we got a glue dabbing pro here!
I’ve had some practice 😂
Excellent!
Many thanks!
As someone who really enjoys their Gundam kits, Bandai feels like a company that could ruin a lot of other Modeling Companies' day if Gunpla wasn't making so much money that they're very rarely expanding to other stuff (the last real advancement they've done was Anime Girl/Articulated Figure kits a few years ago, and their own original line of modular mecha kits).
Their High Grade kits are great, but I'll recommend you to especially check out their Real Grade or Master Grade lines. (Perfect grades also count, but those are starting at the 150$~ and they average around $200~)
Thanks for the suggestions!
great vid
Thanks!
I can't disagree with any of your picks. I tackled the same Airfix F35 kit this year, as a pure out-of-the-box build, using the supplied paint etc (I think I used my own brushes, but only because I wanted to save the supplied brush as I like those Humbrol brushes). I've built a couple of Airfix 1:72 Bf109s (although not this year) including one where I also practiced mottled camouflage (although a long way down the list of damage done by the Luftwaffe, I don't think we can ignore it's crimes against modellers' sanity as we try to replicate some of the camouflage schemes). And if my experience of the Bandai 1:72 scale X-Wing is indicative, I can definitely agree with your placement of the droids in the top spot.
thanks for sharing!
Happy New Year Chap, bandai kits are amazing but anything solventwise beyond water does strange things to their plastic, white spirit turned mine to cheese......
Yes, I used white spirit in my wash, not a lot but was enough to crack the silver plastic
@@ModelMinutes i was doing the AT ST, and anywhere the spirit got had to be flooded with extra thin to solve the structural problems
Bandai's ABS plastics will crack when exposed to harsher panel washes like tamiya
Literally all Bandai Star Wars kits are amazing. Particularly the Falcon. First thing Zi ever added lights to. You would love it.
Thanks for the info!
I would put a big asterisk on _all_. The 1/144 X and Y wing kit was certainly not as much fun as I hoped it would be. The Y-wing in particular was so tricky to put together I decided to abandon it.
Thx for the awsome video !
I'm a rookie in kit modeling
So now i know what kits i can deal with !
Also Happy New Year ! 🎉
Also your work is more than GOATED !
You build them super good 😮
You have real skill and good patience !
And Congrats for the Hellcat ! 🎉
Happy new year!
Thanks very much!
@@ModelMinutes no problem
I know how hard these kits can be...
So You deserve to have such succes 😁 !
Even better !
You deserve a sponsor from one of these model kits companies !
Bandai kits are usually pretty good out of box. I have a lot of experience with the gundam ones especially. Sadly the recent gundam ones have been either over priced or mediocre to garbage quality compared to some kf their older stuff. If you want to see what Bandai can do when they are at their best I reccomend the HG or MG Gundam AGE-1 normal or HG SRW Huckbien. Also if you thought that Star Wars kit was good try Orange cat studios Estialev and be amazed at how good it is.
And if you want to be terrified of breaking the kit while building anything labled "zeta gundam" will do just that.
thanks for the info!
Hardest thing for me to do is masking canopies. Whats the secret????
Time, patience and a very sharp blade.
But the real secret is an aftermarket canopy mask set
@ModelMinutes ah so without that it's a right proper challenge then. Cause it sure has been so far for me
some kits come with canopy masks these days, but you need to make sure you check the box contents list because there are many that do not
As a kid i worked on airfix, revel and italieri kits, they always had issues. Tamiya, Hasegawa, bandai and even takara tomy are better designed and have better quality.
The new tool airfix kits are probably giving Tamiya a bit of a run for their money nowadays
I dare u to try the tamiya panzer l70 best one so fair and the hetzer academy is the best
thanks for the suggestion!
Ur welcome
And review it
Oh man we should get this guy into gunpla.....
another way to feed my plastic addiction lol!
F 86 - I HATE raised pane lines!!! That is a bin-it job for me, re-scribing the bloody things is a massive nuisance (I have attempted it in the past).
Ah, i dont bother fixing these kinds of issues lol
The Tiger 1 is riddled with inaccuracies. Yuck. Not what you’d expect from a 2020 design. Especially considering there is a Tiger 1 at Bovington to measure.
What inaccuracies does it have? I only really build models and don't really have a great knowledge about every subject I build
@ The drivers and radio operators hatches are too small, positions are slightly off too. The hull shape towards the rear is off, not enough clearance between the hull and tracks. The kit is supplied with decals for Wjittmann’s Tiger, but that Tiger had Zimmerit, and the later pattern steel wheels. The engine deck is not very well moulded compared to the Revell, or Vespid Tigers. For a 2020 kit it’s obviously aimed at the beginner, but that does not excuse the poor design. Interestingly the old 1/76 Tiger appears to be at first sight modelled off the Tiger at Vimoutiers in France, hence no front mud guards, exhaust covers, turret basket. Might be coincidence. I feel that Airfix lost an opportunity to model Tiger 131 at Bovington, but there may have been costs involved, licensing, etc. Overall they made a cheap entry level kit, and I get the impression it was rushed, or done by someone with no passion or real knowledge of the subject. Just like the Sherman Firefly with its hull machine gun, a kit designed for the younger enthusiast. Back in the late 1980, early 90s I designed some electronics for Hornby when they made stuff at Margate, and after many discussions with their marketing manager, it became quite clear that the playability of a subject was quite high on the agenda, whether it was trains or Scalelectrix. I initially thought the hulk machine gun on the Sherman was included because they could offer in the future a standard Sherman M4A4, it would just need a different turret. But the sprue placement doesn’t allow for that, it could have had all the turret parts and the hull mg on one sprue, allowing the two different tanks to be sold just by the change of a sprue, or include both to allow the modeller to decide. Who knows what they were thinking, or what time/budget constraints they had?
To be fair, those Airfix kits are meant for beginning modelers. They're designed to prioritize speed and ease of build over anything else. If you want something with much finer and more accurate details, get a Tamiya kit. If you really want to test your modeling skills (and patience...and sanity), try building one of the Tiger kits from Dragon. You'll either end up with A) an absolutely spectacular model or B) in the loony bin. One never knows until they try. 😄
I think bro might have an airfix bias, good video though.
I have more Airfix kits in my stash than other brands as they are usually quite cheap and very accessible here in the uk
I’m always looking to try other brands
@ModelMinutes nice
wait until this guy learns about gundam
oh, but i already know about gundam, I just haven't built any yet
@@ModelMinutes they build just like those bandai droids. the MG 1:100 scale ones are very good for modeling.
First
nice!
wth……
i agree
u could of pick smt else
why would I pick something else? This was my opinion after all
yeah
but still I was laughing like a madman