SPA Modeler

I'm fairly low key - I'll buy a quickboost set of replacement wheel, barrels or jet pipe, or maybe a PE instrument panel if the kit needs it, but other than that I try to aviod it - I don't really like working with PE or Resin anyway, and I always have a job getting either to fit.

I might fell differently if I worked in larger scales, but most of the time in 1/72 it seems a waste of effort (unless you were doing a conversion or something).

But I do live AM decals and have far to many!

My decision making process when it comes to AM/PE? It's very simple: I don't buy it!


The only time I break that rule is if I acquire a model that has lost parts (such as a canopy) or if I need to replace decals because they are lost or damaged. I don't go out of my way to buy the "correct" wheels, seat belts, instrument panels, clamps etc. I have very limited funds so I'd rather get another kit than to have all this extra stuff laying around that I most likely won't use.

I have gotten aftermarket parts included inside kits that I've purchased before. Sometimes I use them then, but mostly I pass them by since they tend to slow me down and take away the mojo when I have to do all this extra work to make them fit or look good enough. I guess I have too much fun just building these models. Trying to improve them with aftermarket parts that cost twice the value of the kit and extending the build time by a factor of nine, simply takes that fun in building away for me. That being said, I love looking at the magnificently masterful work of those capable of adding all this stuff and making it look good.

It pretty much depends on what I want to show off. There are a few AM/PE staples, such as weighted aircraft wheels, or tie down straps on armor, but otherwise it all has to do with my display plan.

For example, I've gathered select items for my HK B-17G, but not all. Eduard Brassin wheels and guns, and PE for the nose, cockpit and waist. Basically wherever you can see inside. I didn't get the landing flaps or bomb bay, since it won't be landing, (which is the only time you'd see the inside flap structure, and won't be picked up and flipped over to view the bomb racks.

My current PBR build, however, I've added a good amount of PE plus resin ammo cans, fuel cans, a cassette player with cassettes, resin small arms, PE ammo belts and chutes, PE weapon slings, and more.

Regardless of price, to me it all depends on what level of detail I want to show.

Oh, and contrary to popular belief, just because a resin detail kit comes with 150 items, doesn't mean they ALL have to go on it. Being selective has also allowed me to amass quite the collection of extra trinkets & baubles.

lawman56 wrote:
Regardless of price, to me it all depends on what level of detail I want to show.

Oh, and contrary to popular belief, just because a resin detail kit comes with 150 items, doesn't mean they ALL have to go on it. Being selective has also allowed me to amass quite the collection of extra trinkets & baubles.

Two very good bits of wisdom regarding AM!

lawman56 wrote: Oh, and contrary to popular belief, just because a resin detail kit comes with 150 items, doesn't mean they ALL have to go on it. Being selective has also allowed me to amass quite the collection of extra trinkets & baubles.

I'm definitely a member of that club. I've got all kinds of extra stuff laying around and it does come in handy.

portman wrote:I'm fairly low key - I'll buy a quickboost set of replacement wheel, barrels or jet pipe, or maybe a PE instrument panel if the kit needs it, but other than that I try to aviod it - I don't really like working with PE or Resin anyway, and I always have a job getting either to fit.

I might fell differently if I worked in larger scales, but most of the time in 1/72 it seems a waste of effort (unless you were doing a conversion or something).

But I do live AM decals and have far to many!

Following on from what I said earlier - I'm never buying a resin cockpit again. Having recently canned an Hasegawa Mig-27 becuae the dammed Pavla cockpit wouldn't fit no matter how much I ground away - I was looking at the drop in cockpit set for my Airfix 1/72 A-4B and decided it's just not worth the hassle, because it'll never fit!

How hard can it be to engineer something that actually fits?

I think I may just go for the decal + pilot option and leave it at that. A-4 cockpits were probably black anyway (happy to be corrected on that).

What I might do is trim off the side panels from the resin set and use them to upgrade the Hasegawa A-4F cockpit I have along with the stick, IP and seat - at least that way it won't be a complete waste of money.

Medicman71 wrote:I guess that I didn't really answer the question. Like Rex, I buy AM/PE if I know that it can enhance or replace a crappy or missing part on the kit.

Same here. My favorite place to detail is the cockpit, so I'll spring for AM detail there, but being the frugal 20-something I am, I refuse to pay more on AM than what the kit cost!

As of late...just about everything I build has at least a couple extra items, if not many more.
I have gotten lazy and have more money to spend. I do still do some OOB, from time to time...just for the relax factor!

It depends, I try to buy PE and others AM items at shows. Prices can be lower there. Especially second hand.
An example: I picked up two CMK resins sets for the Me-163 for €5. Sure, it was not in the original packedge but everything was there.

Being out of the hobby for 40 years leaves a big gap. Pricing has gone crazy. What I used to do for about $50.00 now cost nearly $500.00 this is just for supplies alone no tools.
Getting on with the point though ...
For me I consider first what I am modeling and what the attention is drawn to and for what reason. And focus on those points to expend the most resources. Example: I am modeling a jet on a cat about to take off. the canopy is closed why would I spend $45.00 or more on a resin cockpit detail when it will be mostly obscured by the canopy. And there is so much action going on outside with the deck crew?
All in all, The hobby is the hobby, While I am alway trying to get the best deal on what I buy, I never really count the cost. because the pleasure is in the build. If I start counting the cost it will loose its pleasure.
Does one count the cost they expend on their loved ones?
Now I fully understand if one is building for profit ... the cost is everything. Everything thing changes. And one can still love what they do.

Best wishes,
Wes