I have been wondering after doing several tamiya kits would you be ready for a takom kits or meng or would want to stay on lower end for longer.
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You should be fine. Only thing that really changes, IMO, is complexity with interiors and indy link tracks. If you’re worried maybe try a Dragon or other kit with individual links if you’ve never done it.
Otherwise, dive in. Take it slow. You’ll be fine.
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Tamiya isn’t really lower end, they’re just so well engineered that it’s harder to screw up assembly. Their car and motorcycle models are typically state of the art. I personally love Rye Field and Meng; more details but they fit very nicely. AFV Club is, for me, where the parts get harder to deal with.
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I haven’t done a Tamiya or Academy kit in several years; but I do really like Takom and Meng!
Stay away from Panda though!
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I would go for Takom. Not too complex, not too much PE, relatively few small parts and good fit. Meng is good but in my opinion more complex due to a greater number of small parts and PE. Your mileage may vary.
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If you like Tamiya, make no hesitation to buy Meng, Takom, or Rye Field Models. All have flawless fit. Just be prepared for more parts!
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Tamiya is not lower end, when it comes to kit engineering it is very good.
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Sorry what I meant by lower end was details they are amazing kits
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Also what are some good kits to start on the more complex side preferably with no interior I probably wont purchase any soon just curious.
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What is/are your interest area(s)? There are lots of kits that fit the bill.
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From experience:
Takom M31
Meng Rolls Royce armored car
Any RFM Sherman.
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I need to get to work but someone needs to explain ScaleMates and reviews to this person.
No company makes models of consistent characteristics. Every company has dogs. Many models have gotchyas. Someone accustomed to soft plastic tracks may balk at link and length or hate individual link, especially when a model tops 5+ pieces a link. A model with a couple brass screens is not the same as one with 200 brass parts. The running gear on a Russian T35 is way more complex than the running gear on a Panzer 38(t). It is a minefield out there.
He also needs an explanation of how to hunt cheap kits, like using Sprue Brothers Lightning Deals.
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@stugiv: what Damraska probably means is that there are a ton of in-box reviews, and complete build reviews on youtube, and on the internet. This is indeed a very good way to select a model you may want to build.
One excellent site to become aware of offerings of a given airplane, tank, … is ScaleMates. This could well be the most comprehensive on-line database of kits and other supplies.
and if you are a beginning modeller:
reflect well on what you want to build in genenral: choosing your preferred scale (so that you grow a collection), your preferred subject (in my case 1/48 and airplanes/helicopters after world war II)
select you next model to build and then search kitmaker, scalemaker and other sources for the best kit availabel of that subject.
and, if you look for bargains, don’t forget ebay, or local model shows
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Especially RFM!!! The Paladin is killing me
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I love doing armor. You can really do a lot with paint, weathering and accessories (tarps, jerry cars, food boxes spares ect… That you can on planes and ships.
that being said, here is my opinion:
Tamiya - Solid kit. The older kits suffer from detail, and they seem to have plastic tracks. But generally, they go together very well. If I was buying a kit for a new be, it would be a Tamiya.
Border: Nice kit, lots of parts. Good detail. Tracks can be a little monotonous. The only think that drives me crazy is the size of the letter id on the trees. (like, Tree A, Tree B) The letter is super small. And it’s hard to find.
Dragon. Don’t by an old kit! I had a Tiger I built, and the plastic on the tracks was brittle and fell apart. I was so mad, I through the kit away. yes, I know I could have bought aftermarkets…
AFV. Fine kits, lots of detail… I built a Centurian a year ago? it think it had something like 1000 parts??? Loved the kit and the fit was spot on. NOT for the faint od heart!
Takom. I love Takom tank Models! Good kit, good detail. i love it for some simple reason. the track building system is super! They include a jig, and pins that make building the tracks fun and easy!
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Considering the Paladin as my next build. What issues have you encountered?
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No big issues,just a lot of tiny pieces,lot of tiny PE pieces with no plastic alternatives,and of course the tracks.But except for the tracks,it’s just tedious,not impossible.
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Thanks. Just the “usual” for a RFM kit. Just thought you ran into other troubles.
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No,I just never heard about their reputation,have fun
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I would stay with Tamiya if they went inot more modern things like The ontos or otter
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