Model Boat Mayhem

Mess Deck: General Section => Model Boating => Topic started by: broadsword on October 08, 2006, 03:48:27 pm

Title: Buy or build?
Post by: broadsword on October 08, 2006, 03:48:27 pm: I would like a large RC WW2 destroyer and have been looking at ebay. The price of built models seems to be pretty high so I thought I'd have a go at building one. I like the kits from Deans Marine but I don't want a battle to make things fit.

Which of the ships in their range do you think goes together best?

Also, what other outlets are there for second hand boats?

Mick
Title: Re: Buy or build?
Post by: uboatbuilder on October 08, 2006, 03:50:54 pm: Try looking in magazines such as Marine Modelling International, theres normally quite a bit for sale at ok prices.
Title: Re: Buy or build?
Post by: broadsword on October 08, 2006, 03:54:34 pm: Thanks. Forgive my ignorance (I'm new to this) but is it a UK based magazine?

Mick
Title: Re: Buy or build?
Post by: ambernblu on October 08, 2006, 05:22:11 pm: Also have a look at http://www.scaleboats.co.uk/ - Wolfgang knows the Deans kits very well (he is usually on the Deans stand at various shows) and is always very helpful if you email him.

Deans have another of their open days in mid November I think - maybe worth taking the time to have a closer look and a chat with them - checkout the thread on this site.

The most recent Deans kit I bought, I was supplied with a CD with about 800 construction pics on to assist with the build, plus there are usually guys on here who have built some of these kits before to call upon for advice.... ;)

Cheers, Brian

ps : Forgot - MMI Mag in most WH Smiths
Title: Re: Buy or build?
Post by: Roger in France on October 08, 2006, 05:39:28 pm: Yes, it is a UK based magazine. It has a (rather poor) Web Site. Just "Google" TRAPLET.

Incidentally my comment on "BUY OR BUILD" is ....whatever floats your boat.....For many of us the build is 90% of the fun and once it is built, floats and performs OK it is on to the next build. Having said that, I know there are many keen builders out there who started with a RTF (Ready To Float) and, when severely bitten by the bug, started their building career.

Some builders are known to be such obsessive practitioners that they never finish building but keep adding refinements of re-fitting. Some even finish and then decide never to get the bottom of their prized possession wet.

Roger in France.
Title: Re: Buy or build?
Post by: uboatbuilder on October 09, 2006, 11:47:21 am: Hi, I dont build large scale like most of the guys on here. I stick to converting small scale kits(1/350 - 1/72) . Cheaper, all parts are in the kit (no making supersructures from plasticard), superb detail (more detailed than some large scales i've seen), fairly unusual, You can have quite alot of them with out taking up too much space, and most are relatively quick to build, and there are loads out there to do. Just when i think ive done all the ones i want i see another one that I have to do. ;D

But the size is a bonus, the biggest i have is 1 metre long (tamiya enterprise), and they fit in the car easy.

I love 'em, but each to their own. :)

Grant
Title: Re: Buy or build?
Post by: uboatbuilder on October 09, 2006, 11:54:48 am: I know its my sort of thing but thinking about it, what about converting the revell flower class corvette (1/72) my friend had one and it looked pretty good and was fairly big for a kit, I was goin to do one until i started the revell subs.

Lots of people have done apparently, and apparently they go really well, and its very detailed.

Kit is about £50

Grant :)
Title: Re: Buy or build?
Post by: DickyD on October 09, 2006, 12:33:08 pm: £47.85+ P&P at OnTracks. Good service, helpful people.

Richard
Title: Re: Buy or build?
Post by: ambernblu on October 09, 2006, 12:57:21 pm: Or you could email Graham on [email protected] who sells the Revell Flower Kits for £39.95 plus p&p - also the Revell VIIc Sub Kits at the same price I think - plus postage of course! Let him know Brian sent you.... ;)
Title: Re: Buy or build?
Post by: uboatbuilder on October 09, 2006, 03:59:14 pm: That flower does look cool. 8) 8) 8)

Grant :)
Title: Re: Buy or build?
Post by: DickyD on October 09, 2006, 04:28:48 pm: A lump of cheese with taste :o :o :o :o

Thanks

Richard
Title: Re: Buy or build?
Post by: broadsword on October 09, 2006, 08:54:26 pm: Thank you all for your replies.

I started the Snowberry a few years ago but passed onto it my brother who has converted it for radio control. It's a nice looking boat but having seen some of the excellent models at the Hop Farm this year I'm probably going to go for something bigger.

I think a trip to WH Smiths and then Deans Marine open day is called for.

I'm off to check out the scaleboats site

Mick
Title: Re: Buy or build?
Post by: Shipmate60 on October 09, 2006, 09:59:23 pm: Consider unfinished or models requiring refurbiahment, they can be bought quite cheaply.

Bob
Title: Re: Buy or build?
Post by: broadsword on October 09, 2006, 10:03:06 pm: I've been offered a museum quality built Deans Marine boat with radio gear and case for 450. It seems a lot to me but when you add it all up I suppose it's not too bad. What do you think?
Title: Re: Buy or build?
Post by: Shipmate60 on October 09, 2006, 10:07:11 pm: Seems a bit high price, but if its what you want either decide on your best offer or pay the man and enjoy it.
If you are both happy with the price who cares what it is.

Bob
Title: Re: Buy or build?
Post by: Martin (Admin) on October 10, 2006, 08:53:17 pm: I saw this for sail.... sorry sale! at the last open day.... £320 ONO..... might still be for sale - ask for Matthew ( I think ).
Martin.
Title: Re: Buy or build?
Post by: broadsword on October 10, 2006, 11:05:52 pm: Thanks

Am I right in thinking that it was at the Deans Marine open day and that I should contact the seller through them?

Mick
Title: Re: Buy or build?
Post by: Martin (Admin) on October 10, 2006, 11:27:32 pm: I would try ringing Deans Marine direct.
www.deansmarine.co.uk (http://www.deansmarine.co.uk)