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Rareplanes 1/72 vac form KC97


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Wow, that's a lot of work for a vac kit knowing that there is an injected version out there. Looking good so far but you must be a masochist my friend for building that kit!

I have the old 1/72 Combat Models C-124 vac also the 1/72 Rick's Models C-133 vac that I would love to build but they do scare me. If an injected version appeared, I would probably buy it and trash those vacs quickly and without hesitation!!

What decals/markings will you be using?

-Derek

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Yes a ton of bodywork but I think it just might be worth it!(I hope)After the Alclad cures,I will add the decals for Northwest Airlines that I found in the box.Those decals are quite large so I must take great care when applying them. 1469375117974_zpsymjn7ehj.jpg

Edited by philo426
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Nice work Phil. Very brave to build a Combat Models kit these days!

How would you compare this to the Academy kit? Beautiful finish on that black, btw. Shame it's a primer coat. 70.gif

If it is anything like their C-17 kit then it does not go anywhere near the Academy kit buildability wise

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I have built tough vac forms before(Contrail HP42)this one is tough due to the fact that in every 2 part assembly,one part was a sixteenth of an inch larger than the other causing alignment and bodywork issues.The plastic of this kit is top notch and sturdy and the injection molded landing gear and props are ok but require lots of clean up due to flash and roughness.Other than that it looks good and I think it will be a welcome addition to my collection.

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Difficulty is in the quality of the kit whatever medium.

Given that a vac requires all the cutting and sanding, the real challenge IMHO is sanding the edges and fitting.

Compared to Tamiya (on average) any vac will be more work.

Compared to limited run, the sanding is about the same.

Compared to injection kits with bad fit, there's not much difference.

Compared to scratch building, it's much easier, uses scratch-building skills, and encourages creative thinking in making a great model.

To get a subject, it's still the only option for many types.

I have the Minicraft (civil, tanker, and C-97) and RarePlanes, which I haven't started.

The detail of the RarePlanes puts Minicraft to shame. But Minicraft does have a quicker, easier build.

Also have the C-124, started (cut some pieces out). It's good enough to be a shame to throw away---sell.

But how much would an injection 1/72 C-124 cost? That's another advantage for vac---maybe more work but can't beat the prices these days for many types with injection counterparts.

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Also have the C-124, started (cut some pieces out). It's good enough to be a shame to throw away---sell.

But how much would an injection 1/72 C-124 cost? That's another advantage for vac---maybe more work but can't beat the prices these days for many types with injection counterparts.

That's a good point Rich. An injected C-124 (or C-133) in 1/72 would be expensive and it probably wouldn't sell very well either I'm afraid that means we might never see an injected kit.

So you have the C-124 vac kit too eh? I take mine out and look at it from time to time... Sure would be unique when done as you don't see many of those built. I've got some old Aero Club white metal engine faces, but not much else extra for it. I need to find some suitable metal or injected props. However, if I could ever find the old Jerry Rutman resin detail set for the -124 I might just be crazy enough to try it...

-Derek

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RE: Comments about vacuform kits:

IMO until Dynavector kits came out Rareplanes was probably the top of the line in vacuforms. Esoteric were about the same quality and some of the Esoteric molds were done by Gordon Stevens (owner/operator/chief of Rareplanes) as well so they're great example of Gordon's later work.

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Contrail also made really high quality kits and the current ebay prices reflect that.Combat models vac forms are more basic and require that you supply more parts but outstanding models can be achieved if you put in the work.I made a Sierra Scale Model Moraine Saulinier Type N that was really nice! 2008_0204Spock0124.jpg

Edited by philo426
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Hi Everyone,

I just received a vac B-47 1/48 scale from Sanger. That's a 1/48 scale P-51 as reference.

DSCN5007_zpspurhroph.jpg

This looks like it will be a real nasty build. The engraved panel lines are too wide and they come and go as the please. The rivets are ridiculous looking.

DSCN5009_zpshkslihek.jpg

Looks like I will need to do a lot of filling and sanding.

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Yeah John that one will be a lot of work.Reminds me of a Combat models kit.Put the de als on the underside of the wings. 1469846800241_zpsrvkgncci.jpg

Your model looks great. I hope mine looks half as good.

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