wdolson
Posts: 10398
Joined: 6/28/2006 From: Near Portland, OR Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon The new Tamiya 1:350 cruiser kits are really nice, but they are up there in price too. I'm in Canada and they go for around $189 a pop with limited photo-etch or extras. The older Tamiya 1:350 Battleship kits are still nice, but there is a new Yamato kit out that is fantastic but will run you over $300. I have a couple of the older Tamiya 1/350 kits. They are older kits, so you don't get the eye popping detail from the new high pressure molds, but for the era, they are probably the best in the scale, and they are well priced. quote:
I have the Hasegawa 1:350 Akagi and it's a beauty, but after all the photo-etch, extra aircraft and stuff I've spent close to $500. The newer Japanese aircraft carrier and battleship kits from Fujimi and Hasegawa are nice, but I just can't justify paying almost $400 dollars a kit and that doesn't include any extras as Bill pointed out. I went all out for the Akagi, but as much as I'd like to get more of the Japanese CV's in 1:350, I just can't justify the expense anymore. Dragon's kits are also nice and cover a few of the American CVL's and many different U.S. Destroyer classes. I haven't seen all the 1/350 kits out there, but among those I have seen so far the best looking carrier kit I've seen is Dragon's Independence class I think. It has more detail (complete hanger deck) and has the nice new molding. quote:
I really think the trumpeter 1:350 ship kits are the best value for the scale. They may suffer a little more in terms of accuracy, but are still great value compared to the other manufacturers. They are improving every kit though in my opinion. I hope this provides you some additional information to help choose your upcoming project. Also, any kit you are thinking about getting, just google for reviews and you'll find tons of helpful info to help choose the right kit for you and your family. I've also ordered from Free Time Hobbies and they have a fantastic selection. Bill swears by Squadron and gets deals all the time. I've bought a few kits from Free Time, though it was several years ago. I have no complaints. For some 1/700 scale kits I watched the currency markets and bought a few from Hobby Link Japan. When the Yen to Dollar conversion is favorable (which it has been the last year, the yen has taken a beating since the 2011 earthquake), you can get some pretty good deals out of Japan on kits made in Japan. I haven't seriously looked at ordering any 1/350 kits form Japan because I think the shipping would probably kill any savings I got on the kit. Bill
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WitP AE - Test team lead, programmer
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