As an armor guy getting ready to retire, I have been intentionally diversifying my stash with aircraft, automobiles, tractors, and ships. The problem for me is that many of the nonarmored kits lack the detail and crisp moldings of RFM, Meng, and others.
I had a tooth break apart the other day and took part of the day off for all the grinding prep work. As a treat to myself I went to the not so LHS as my mouth began to regain some feeling. I spent an hour looking for more diversification. Things on my mental check list just weren’t there. As I drifting towards the exit I saw the Model of the USS GATO by Rich models in 200th scale. I had been wanting a US sub for a while and this looked like it fit the bill. Just wanted something larger than 1/350th scale. Never had a Rich kit before and the owner said they are about as good as many of the newer kit moldings, I also saw Dragons USS Buchanan in 1/350th and Tamiya’s Fletcher. The owner recommended the Tamiya kit but… the Buchanan is a legendary destroyer so I got that kit. When I got home and opened the boxes, I was happily surprised. The quality was light years beyond the Revell ships I use to have. I think Dragon has the edge between the two kits. Very fine and crisp moldings. The moldings are equal to any of the better Panzer kits they made. I am giving these two kits my highly recommended buy based on what I see on the sprues. Both kits come with bases for display. The Gato comes with a 200 scale Kingfisher that is well done. The Buchanan comes with 430 pieces and the USS Gato has 121 parts.
Photo’s to follow. Some of you who have built these kits previously could offer their thoughts about their builds.
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Looking forward to the Gato.
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Outside of aircraft, most genres with the exception of a few companies still are old school modeling, they give you a canvas to work from. 3D printing and pe from direct sales cottage industry vendors for aftermarket is the norm.
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