Thursday, March 7, 2013

I don't like the IL-2 Shturmovik but I'll build Tamiya's kit

Would you build a model outside of your primary area of interest simply because the kit is excellent? For example, if you build jets, would you build a Bf-109 knowing it's nearly perfect?

I'm a jet guy. Most of of the models I build are modern jets, generally from Korea to the present. This is my primary area of interest. But I do venture off into other areas on occasion. In fact, one of the two best models I've built is a Fujimi 1/72 Bf-110, but on a day-to-day basis, most of my mental energy is spent thinking about jets. And hamburgers. And women. But I digress....

I am most tempted to stray when I see a really good example of an injected molded model. That's why I bought Eduard's Bf-110 and Revell's P-47D. These are outstanding kits. The former the perfect example of a state-of-the-art molding, and the latter an exceptional value. The most recent object of my intrigue is Tamiya's new 1/72 Il-2 Sturmovik. From the pictures on Hobby Search's web site, it appears to be yet another example of Tamiya's prowess at high-quality, high-detail kits in this scale, seemingly on par with their A6M Zero and P-47D.


What I'm saying is, I'm a sucker for a high quality kit, no matter the subject. I'm a modeler. I find the process of building a model just as satisfying as what sits in the display case when I'm done, and the attraction to a new tool kit like the Il-2 is knowing that I won't have to struggle through the entire build. It will probably go together well, provide 90 percent of the detail I need to create a better than reasonable representation, and offer a unique and attractive model at the end of the day.

How about you? Does a state-of-the-art kit entice you to build outside your area of interest?

1 comment:

  1. Yup. Matter of fact I've about decided to pick up one of these Sturmovik kits, even though WWII Japanese aircraft are my main interest. It's a cool looking and historically significant plane, and the kit reviews are so good that it's hard to resist. Other examples might be the Dragon P-61 in 1/72, for which I've acquired just about every piece of aftermarket there is, just for the sake of going down that road at least once, or the Dragon He-219 for much the same reasons. It's refreshing to step out of the usual frame and try something different.

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