These kits have received some praise in the braille scale modeling community, so I decided to order some of their pre-built models to see for myself.
I ordered two T-90As (welded turret), and a TOS-1A. When I received the models, they looked pretty much as advertised, but then I noticed was that there were various small parts rattling around in the boxes. Not a good sign.
There are a couple of reasons why these models came in such a poor state:
- The plastic is very soft, and many of the parts look to be made close to scale, so parts and attachment points are very, very thin.
- The packaging was poorly designed in that there was not really enough buffer space to accommodate the various parts of the model.
I realize that they are a new company and all, but 3 for 3 with multiple breaks is just unacceptable. Overall, these kits are definitely display models only. Many of the parts are just too fragile to hold up to any sort of handling (which includes being forced into its packaging).
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絶望した！Modelcollect に絶望した！ |
The TOS-1A Heavy Flame Thrower System fires FAE munitions, and is also known as the Солнцепёк (Soltsepek), which some translate as "Sun Scorcher," and others as “Blazing Sun.” The multiple rocket launcher (if it was attached) can rotate, but the firing angle is in fixed position. Of all the models, I do think that this one might have the potential of being a wargaming model if built carefully enough.
The T-90As are actually really nice models. Unfortunately, all the parts that broke off all have small attachment points, so will require more than a bit of effort to reattach securely.
My advice is to stay away from the pre-built models until they improve their packaging. However, if you build static models, the unbuilt kits are definitely worth looking at.
3 comments:
That is a real shame as the scale looks good and they are really nice looking models.
I don't know if you heard about the problem I had with bathing them is really hot hater... anyway with all their problems they cover a subject so often left out and something that many people want to see made in 1/72.
strange that Zvezda does not cover this stuff.
Just as a follow-up, I received some replacements for the broken models. They seem to have made some changes with the way they are doing the packaging now.
The TOS-1A is now packed with the launcher separate from the body to prevent breakage.
The T-90s are packaged with the fuel drums, unditching log, and sometimes the MG as separate pieces that you need to glue on by yourself.
Their solution works for me, but I'll probably still stick with the unbuilt kits in the future.
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