TALKING MODELS - My Top Ten Model Kits (and bottom worst 10!)

Inspired by a recent Hamilkar Barkas / 888hamilkarbarkas888 video I've concocted my own Top Ten Models that I've built in the last seven years of modelling - plus a bonus Bottom Ten of the worst!
I've built over 125 kits since 2014 and kept very detailed files on each one - come and have a look and see what I think are the best or worst of that lot so far...
Here's my Top Ten (with video links if applicable):
Revell 1/144 Type VII Atlantic • Black basing and hairs...
AFV Club 1/48 Tiger 1 Early studio.kzbin.inforfA6...
Tamiya 1/48 Dornier Do 335A • Tamiya 1/48 Dornier Do...
Fine Molds 1/48 Savoia S.21F
Meng 1/35 Char 2C • Meng 1/35 Char2C Part ...
Tamiya 1/35 Mark IV Male
Tamiya 1/48 F-14A Tomcat
Bandai 1/144 Millennium Falcon • 1/144 Bandai Millenniu...
Bandai 1/48 X-Wing • May the 4th Special: B...
Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire Mk VIII
And the worst ten:
Airfix 1/72 Gloster Gladiator
Italeri 1/35 LVT 1 Alligator
Italeri 1/35 Tiger 1 Late
Revell 1/72 Beaufighter
Airfix 1/72 Arado AR 196
Hobby Boss 1/35 Leopard 2A4
Italeri 1/48 F-86E
Tamiya 1/48 M4A3 Sherman
Hobby Boss 1/48 YF-23
Trumpeter 1/48 de Havilland Hornet F3
Here's the link to my Scalemates account to look at all the finishes, plus what I've got started and stalled on the Shelf of Doom. www.scalemates.com/profiles/m...
_________________________
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:10 The Bottom 10 Kits
07:04 The Top 10
19:25 Conclusion
You can find me on Facebook at: / beckermodelling

[@beckersmodels]

Well this video went a bit nuts over the weekend - many thanks for all the likes and comments! I've added the full lists inside the video description plus all the links to the videos I've done on them. Happy to hear your thoughts on which of the Top Ten I should revisit (I also was able to snag a second 1/48 Bandai X-Wing since publishing this!) - I'm definitely doing the Savoia S.21 from Porco Rosso, but tempted to try another very shortly! Cheers, Chris

[@timtheskeptic1147]

Those 1:32 scale Tamiya aircraft kits are beasts. Making the cockpit and engine for the Corsair took forever, but the pieces always fit together perfectly. I'll never buy another Revell kit though. Their quality has dropped drastically over the years. Warped and broken parts, awful quality plastic, bad instructions, etc. Couldn't even finish a 1:48 AH1 Huey it was so awfully engineered.

[@Ni9kye]

Glad I found you

[@steveokon5431]

Thanks for showing this.. I built planes 50 yrs ago, starting to build more now, 65yrs old now. Glad to know about quality in the different manufacturers i.e. , Revell , Tamiya Great info

[@timtheskeptic1147]

@@steveokon5431 no problem! It's difficult to find an enjoyable airplane kit these days. Ironically, the last plane I actually had fun building was the Revell 1:48 B25 Mitchell. Then the dark times began...

[@jeffklepzig920]

Gday can you tell me where you found the Porco Rosso seaplane please ?

[@norman9792]

At the age of 55 I've just completed my first go at an Airfix model kit: 1:72 Supermarine Spitfire Mkia. Skill level 1 but boy am I pleased with myself.

[@mytheoryofmind]

That’s great! I’m 20 and just grabbed the Airfix model Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat 1:72. It’s taken a couple of weeks to get the proper materials but I’m super excited to get it going 👍 I love how nice the pieces are molded

[@jojothefisho4199]

I’m 11 and just completed my 3rd kit!

[@wg4112]

@@jojothefisho4199 good on you, I started when I was 11 as well

[@tonyromano6220]

1/72 is a tough scale.

[@PileofBrass]

Keep going. Great job and awesome hobby !

[@tempestfury8324]

The engineering, fit, and finish of the Bandai Star Wars kits is so ridiculously satisfying to assemble. I love how these kits come together and all without glue. They are simply brilliant!

[@caseypayne5138]

they're legit god-tier. I have the x-wing and a-wing and I want to get a few more now because they turned out so insanely good

[@gokhanersan8561]

You just nailed it, brother ! If model companies listened to you, then they would sell 10x more models. Kits have to be well engineered with perfect fit, so that moms would allow dads to buy them. Me and my 9 year old son want more Bandai snap kits !!!

[@thevelointhevale1132]

Just returned to Modeling - started in the 1970's with Airfix of all Military types - a lot has changed; just got the Tamiya Matilda II 1/35 -looking forward to doing two of them, an Aussie one and the standard Brit desert one.

[@user-oo8xp2rf1k]

Airfix Lancaster from 1976. All that dark plastic worked really well. And the decals seemed colourful and exciting

[@Etherdave]

One of my favorite kits was the old Airfix 1/72 SPAD XIII, which I built when I was five... my first kit. I slopped Testors 'Competition Orange' all over it, painted the pilot brown overall, and loved it fiercely until I started building other kits, typically small, cheap kits packaged in blister-packs hanging near the cash registers of most hobby stores. I wasn't rich, and my parents could easily see how an impressionable young boy might become obsessed with this pastime, to the complete dereliction of anything else. Nine years in I was 14, and my next most favorite kit was the old Airfix 1/72 Fokker Dr.I, blister-packed, of course, and hanging from a disused wall of cheaper kits, including the old Heller Cadet series of 1/100 jet planes from the 'sixties. Do you see what I'm getting at? It's not what's in the box what counts, or what you paid for it (every kit you've mentioned, good or bad, is light-years beyond what I ever could have afforded in those first nine years. I yearned for the old Entex 1/350 Titanic, but I wasn't able to buy it until 1989), or how much some God-knows-which KZbin so-called 'Influencer' insists you MUST have it... it's what you put into the hobby, what comes from your heart and soul, not your wallet-pocket. Phrases like 'I couldn't get into it' and 'I'm just not going to say any more' are not terribly helpful; any functional adult so traumatized over a model kit might consider some other hobby. Did you think this was going to be a kind hobby? If you let it, it will spend all your money regardless of your station; it will turn at least one room of your house into a toxic waste dump; it is, for the most part, a solitary pursuit, and most girls still 'just don't get' what drives young boys and some old men to construct these funny little replicas of real-life objects. I am less a young boy today than an old man, as are you. Have you discovered, as have I, that we're just not as dextrous, not as eager, not as clear-sighted, as we were decades ago? Frankly, I look at the hundreds of kits I've built over my life and wonder, 'Where did that kid have the stamina, the TIME, to build all these?' And then I remember how many sunny days I spent indoors to build those things. This is not a kind hobby. I currently own a good hundred kits. In boxes. Some partially built, others still in plastic bags. Some are decades old. I plot, scheme, to finish some of them, but somehow never have the time, or the stamina, or something. I have re-built several beloved old kits, bringing them to new standards of displayability. My favorite kits? ALL OF THEM. I have ten vintage Revell car kits from the old days. I have several vintage Airfix ships, including the Vasa, the Victory, the Bismarck, and the E-Boat. I have twelve Gundam kits, which do not require paint or cement, but guys our age do need to do a little research to know what we're building. I do mean to build them. All of them. Someday. P.S. Many KZbinrs develop scripts for their videos, especially if they feel they have something to say about their chosen subject. You might consider a script. Keep posting.

[@DarksouIjah]

Nice list. I am just about finished with the Premium Hobbies F-14A "VF-142 Ghostriders" 1/72. My father was chief safety inspector for the F-14 throughout it's entirety. The plane has a lot of meaning to my family.

[@HamilkarBarkasScaleModelling]

That was cool to watch, thank you for presenting your pigs and favourites! Since i am not an expert for aircraft models this is valuable information :) Thanks again and i appreciate the shout out mate.

[@beckersmodels]

You're very welcome Michael! Thanks for the inspiration, it was a fun video to make. Cheers, Chris

[@personalspace_YouTube]

3 or 4 of these in your top ten are in mine as well, along with the other 1/32 scale Tamiya kits. I've built one of each of the modern releases and love them all and like you have bought another to build again. (I have yet to build my Bandai 1/144 Millennium Falcon, and I still have a 1/72 Fine Molds to build). Thanks for the great video.

[@brettpeacock9116]

The Mk XII Spitfire was the First Griffon engine mark to be produced. Early production examples were based on the Mark Vc Airframe and later examples were based on the Mk VIII airframe. The ONLY was to tell them apart is to look at the tail wheel. If it is fixed - it was a Mark Vc, whereas a retractable tailwheel was a Mark VIII based example. Basically this means you need a Good photo of the individual plane you are intending to build, showing the tail. BTW both Early and Late versions had the Asymmetric Radiators. (Like the Mark Vc.)

[@beckersmodels]

Thanks Brett. Technically it was a Mk IV as the first - but thats a testbed, not a production article. And yes I have detailed photos of the one I want to do, a late with retractable wheel, hence the Mk VIII. The conversion kit I have is the Grey Matters resin set for the Revell/Hasegawa Mk V, plus another unknown garage kit that someone gave me (just the nose). If I had some skill I would make my own Griffon conversion set for the Tamiya kits - but that's off the table for now. I'm currently building the Special Hobby 1/48 Mk XII, will have a video up on that later this year probably. Thanks for commenting, appreciate your insight. Cheers, Chris

[@danielgamache3149]

I remember back in the mid-60s when I could go down to my favorite Japanese department store on Okinawa and get amazing model airplane kits most of which never cost any more than 50 cents. Many of the kits that I built in my youth are $30 or more now.

[@jimjasper9851]

Started with Airfix in the late 1950’s still going strong, eyes are giving me a hard time, but shit happens! Started a Bandai 1/72nd X wing as a precursor to my Bandai 1/72nd Perfect Millenium Falcon, really looking forward to this one. Great channel mate keep it up.🇦🇺🦘👍🏼

[@johnholt9399]

The Airfix Arado 196 dates back to 1966 and a good thirty years ago was surpassed by the Heller mould so it is a curiously/antique only. The Corsair mould is even older I think 1964 . The original Matchbox mould of the Beaufigher X when I built one in the early eighties had an ok fit. I suspect the moulds have deteriorated a lot since then after all it was made in 1974. The new Airfix one is in my experience currently the best. I think with Airfix, Revell and Italeri in 1/72 WW2 aircraft which is my thing you have to do your research as the modern stuff can be very very good. The Airfix Beau, Blenheim and Beaufort are all excellent. The Revell Lanc from 2007 is good and value for money and Junkers 290and Blohm & Voss 222 are tremendous value and great kits.I hear good things about the C-54. And have one in my stash.The Italeri Ju 88 still isn’t bad and I still like their Me 232 for ambition alone and particularly the Dornier 24. However the older reboxes can be horrible I have been caught in the past with things like the Airfix Helldiver great box art ancient kit and old Revell Marauder. I would recommend Scalemates to check the kits origins, age and often review links.if in doubt.

[@duncancameron5468]

my 2 favourite online sources - scale mates and Hamilkar !

[@dunhill1]

Great run down. Fun to watch. For me, my top 2 near perfect kits I build recently are 1) 100th Anniversary Tamiya release of the Storch in 1/48 scale. Goes together like Legos. I used no putty or filler anywhere. and 2) The Honda Jet by Ebbro also in 1/48. Again no putty needed, minimum sanding, beautiful engineering and tooling. Complete detailed interior that can be shown by the removable top of the fuselage. Many of the parts just snap together so tightly that I skipped using cement.

[@beckersmodels]

Thanks for watching - yet another kit I need to add to the pile - the Storch! Cheers Chris

[@George-bz1fi]

Brings back memories.

[@cygnusx10]

Airfix and Italeri making a few appearances in the bottom ten.... so no surprises there. Was surprised about the Tamiya 48 Sherman though. I haven't got the Tamiya Tomcat - it's really expensive here (UK) so it's on hold for the time being. I generally build armour, but I've built the Tamiya Spitfire 4 times now. I think it's that good, that I thought I might send one to Italeri headquarters with simple note that says: this is how you do it. It's a fantastic kit. Great video thanks for sharing.

[@davidhinkson8856]

I've been in this hobby for over 40 years - albeit having taken a break for the last 15 - and I don't think I've owned 125 kits yet! You've got me thinking about my list of best and worst now.

[@beckersmodels]

Love to hear your thoughts!

[@jamiesworkshop3198]

Recommended build: The Tamiya 1/35th Matilda was a surprisingly fun kit to build. It is a jewel of a model that was a joy to put together. I love 1/35th scale Tamiya armor and this one is a "must". Can't go back kit: 1/48th Monogram Corsair. Super fun when I was a kid in the 70's. Many working parts such as folding wings, retractable landing gear and such. Today it is a terrible build. I think the molds are very worn and nothing fits as it should. My Mom (bless her) gave me the kit as a present for my recent birthday. I built it up with many working parts glued in place and it looks pretty good. Not fun, but looks nice in my Corsair collection.

[@jeffleake1960]

I,ve done that F-14 tomcat kit behind you myself a few years back and I remember loving it . It was one of the 1st I went all in on the painting and even tho I,m no expert at it was very happy with the finished article

[@mlaudisa]

Very nice video! I build mostly armor, and I agree with the Tamiya Mark IV Male tank... what an amazing kit, quite simple but so well engineered and such great, crisp surface detail, I was stunned. It proved to me that an accurate and detailed kit need not have hundreds of tiny parts to look great!

[@beckersmodels]

Indeed, although the Takom Mk IV's look good too, I'd like to try their Mk 1 as well. Cheers, Chris

[@NazidKimmie]

Yay! I have the Bandai, Falcon, & the 1/48 X-Wing - just inside the box they look superb, looking forward to them. Great video!

[@beckersmodels]

Good show old chap - guess what - I picked up another 1/48 X-wing the day after I made this video! So I'm going to get some Archive X paints and go to town on it and repaint my old one too...

[@U1bhFhaile]

I've just started my very first kit! Bandai X-Wing 1:72. I absolutely love building it. Looking forward to trying to paint and weather it next. Will definitely keep an eye out for the Millennium Falcon by Bandai now! Thank you for the inspiration.

[@beckersmodels]

Enjoy that kit its fantastic and welcome to the hobby! I'll have another Bandai Millennium Falcon video up soon on how to paint and weather the Falcon...cheers Chris

[@PiperStart]

Excellent reviews Chris, and I enjoyed the coffee as well.

[@beckersmodels]

Thanks Max, yes coffee is my number 2 drug after Tamiya Extra Thin. Cheers, Chris

[@leighsoft]

Good stuff, this will make my mad Croatian mate, Ev, very happy

[@beckersmodels]

Glad to help Leigh, cheers Chris

[@BillHalliwell]

G'day Chris, I'm so glad I came across your channel. There are way too few Aussie modellers with a presence on KZbin. So far, you're the second after I discovered Harry Houdini up in Brisbane a year or so ago. He's got an outstanding channel and, like me, likes to 'waffle'. Anyway, I thought those two lists of yours were interesting and revealing. They used to say you could get the measure of a person by looking carefully at their books. There's a hint of truth in that about modellers' stashes and preferences. I began modelling around age 9 which continued until I got a little busy while in the RAAF. I got back into modelling about 2 years ago. I'm 66 now and loving the challenge of coming to grips with new modelling techniques, tools and chemicals etc. When I was a kid modeller, I would have had no idea what an airbrush was, let alone use one. So, I began as a 'brush brat' and, believe it or not only got my hands on a small 'cordless' airbrush on the say so of Harry Houdini... and now I'm hooked. Although, an airbrush will never completely replace my preference for hand brushing, it will save me a lot of time doing large control surfaces and undercoats etc. I've ordered a proper airbrush kit and this will really help with the 30 odd kits I want to do for my RAAF build. Got to say, Chris, I like your work and your enthusiasm. Predictably, I do mostly WW2 and post-Korea military aircraft and generally, aircraft that were on the RAAF inventory. This year, the 100th anniversary of the RAAF, I'm working on a multiple build project of significant aircraft in the RAAF's history. Beginning from 1921. Of course, after seeing this video I subscribed and 'rang the bell'. I'll begin by watching your How To videos but please I hope you don't mind if I pester you, occasionally, with a 'stupid' question. Like you, I'm a fan of Tamiya and some of the 'new tool' Airfix kits. In the old days, Hearns’ Hobbies in Melbourne (started by three ex-RAAF brothers) was the only place I knew to get models. And, yes, my very first model was a 1/72 Airfix Spit. It turned out more like an ‘Eton Mess’ than a model but, again, I was hooked. These days I stay away from 1/72 because of my eyesight and my sausage fingers or hands of a Sturgeon! Sometimes I'll snag a 1/72 if it's a model of a big aircraft, in reality but otherwise it's 1/48 and up. Because of the wrap you gave the Tamiya Mk VIII Spitfire, I raced over to Metro Hobbies and found one at a good price! Can't wait for that one. There's also a 1/32 F4U Corsair and a Mozzie I'm really looking forward to building. Soon as I heard rumours of Army getting rid of their M1 Abrams, I decided to try my very first tank and after listening to you I'm happy that I chose a couple of Meng kits. I also realised that I couldn't do a proper tribute to the RAAF without doing models of their Fire Trucks, Ambulances and their old Halverson Search & Rescue boats. So, this one project has taken me down a path I never thought I’d travel. If I can come anywhere close to the quality of Harry's or your builds, I'll be extremely happy. Looking forward to future videos from you while I catch up on your old ones. Cheers, and all the best! BH, Hobart TAS.

[@beckersmodels]

No such thing as a stupid question, just the one that isnt asked! Thanks for coming along for the ride Bill, good to have you here. Cheers, Chris

[@americanpatriot2422]

Always a great video! Great builds.

[@beckersmodels]

Thanks mate!

[@montylc2001]

Great video. Impressed with your work and ability to pump out kits so fast. It usually takes me a couple of months or longer for one. Learned a couple of things and will be viewing your tutorial videos.

[@raybame5816]

Having been building since age 10 (that's 67 yrs ago) I've built nearly everything from Revell and AMC to Tamiya (the best) including Cutty Sark in 1959 with all the standing and running rigging (and my own ratlines, theirs sucked) no sails. All I ever wanted for Christmas and birthdays were models. Wood, plastic, pot metal, vaccu-formed, U-control line, early R.C. and whatever. Give me the cash and transport, I'll pick my own thank you, no gifts. My mother would complain that my room smelled like glue and airplane dope, I was probably high and didn't know it. Myself, I like wheels and flaps down and often make into diorama's of the period and type. I like to believe the hobby instilled in me an appreciation of history, fine motor skills and a little anal about details and accuracy. Review of Battle of Britain (1969). I commend you for having constructed the number of kits in such a short time. Great site BTW. Subbed and noted we like same channels. Rojasbazan is INSANE.

[@beckersmodels]

Thanks Ray - welcome aboard! Cheers, Chris

[@JeiBeeBee]

Hi Chris, thx for sharing your experience. I agree with the 1/48 AFV Tiger; I built it too; great fit, great detail. 1/144 Revell Tornado ECR Tigermeet 2011: what a fantastic kit. The decals that come with the kit (designed by Syhart) are absolutely fantastic and precise to the micrometer. 1/72 Revell P-47M Thunderbolt: very nice detail, great fit, great value for money. 1/72 Academy P-51 series: decals give you a bit of a fight, but a lovely kit with very nice detail and no fit problems. Now my favorite: 1/72 Eduard Fw-190 (Profipack). Fit: perfect. Detail: fantastic, even without the included PE. Decals: perfect. 95/100. Just not 100/100 as you never know what may still come done the road.

[@blister762]

There are two kits I've encountered over several decades that I consider absolute dogs. I've built just about every genre and ever material out there and its funny that the two kits are both 1/35 armor. MP Models M50 Sherman. Got one years ago and had it in my stash until I finally decided the put it together. It was horrible. The mold lines were huge ridges the just about destroyed my dremal grinding them down, the fit was so bad I use sheet styrene to build up joints or to back gaps so I could fill them with putty, the hull was warped and to short to fit the lower hull. After a week of sectioning, bracing, stretching and filling I got it to fit. But then I had the same issue with the turret. Since dragon had a M50 by then I chucked it in the bin. The other dog is currently on my bench. It's Gunze-Sangyo M60A1 w/Rise. The only selling point on the kit is the white metal ERA blocks. It's the old ESCI kit in a different box with added white metal parts. The kit has some nice features but the main problem is the molding. They must have had some issues with the mold when this one was made. The main gun is too short due to the muzzle not being molded correctly. The wheel hubs are not molded properly with deep voids between the bolts and around the hub. Other parts have deep sink marks and voids that would require large amounts of putty to fill. Fortunately I have parts scavenged from two other M60A1 kits that I can use to build a nice one and use the white metal parts on. Not the first time I've built a frankentank.

[@barrybarry9714]

Some great ideas - thanks!!!!

[@douglasstreet7304]

I should be done with my builds by 2098. No worries, only 63 years old now.

[@beckersmodels]

Yep I'm running about 20 kits a year short....aka I need to build 20 more kits a year or my stash will grow exponentially away! Cheers, Chris

[@davidmccann9811]

I looked at my stash the other day and thought it would probably be impossible for me to build all these kits and display them lol.

[@beckersmodels]

@@davidmccann9811 treat your stash like your personal hobby store - you dont have to build all of them! They're just ready stock.

[@yeewengchiang3295]

I already got the spitfire and the x-wing in the stash. Definitely would get the PG MF, and of course the F-14. Still deciding to go for Tamiya 32 or 48. Choices between bigger size or better finishing details. Thanks for the other video in comparing the two kits in details. very helpful. :)

[@RF590KG84]

You haven't done BAD until you've done Airfix 1:600 Bismarck. I managed to rescue it, but by then it had become half kit, half scratch build. Appalling fit, moulding, inaccuracies galore. Needed a whole new deck, and some serious surgery to get the hull height down to something even close to accurate. The rudders supplied were actually twice the scale size, it's like the cleaning lady got the drawing scales wrong and no one else noticed. Most of the superstructure sides was just flat featureless plastic, yet look at any photo of it and there's hatches, scuttles, cable reels etc..., all of which need to be added assuming you've got the references to hand. I would rate the Scharnhorst model even worse if it wasn't for the fact that the hull looks something like correct shape and size. Yet Airfix can produce reasonable models such as HMS Repulse and KGV in the same scale. They must just seriously dislike the Germans!!

[@beckersmodels]

Check out Harry Houdini's channel, he is currently restoring an old Airfix sailing ship and really knows his stuff with the creme da le creme of the Airfix ship catalog. kzbin.infovideos Cheers, Chris

[@samuelvanderzwaag157]

i completely agree with you there on the Bismarck I got given one and it went into the bin after a few months of sitting on the bench because it was that bad. Nothing fits properly on it and the amount of flashing on the kit was appalling.

[@RF590KG84]

@@samuelvanderzwaag157 Yeah its a bit of a shame. The original model was pretty bad and the re-released moldings were shocking. I have seen an old 1970s offering of it online, and it might be OK molding wise, but still needs a lot of work to get accurate. Shame they didn't re-release some better models, but I guess the Bismarck is assumed to be an automatic sale. I've heard of quite a few going in the bin. Not great for Airfix reputation.

[@pickle4474]

Thank you Chris. I'm looking for a project as I'm sitting in bed with COVID and need something to do.

[@beckersmodels]

Get well soon!

[@ThePeeper1968]

Just bought that spitfire so good to hear- I’m going to do the RCAF colour scheme. Is the revell submarine the one with the cutaway to see the insides? I remember building that one about 40 years ago!

[@JETFOURLITRE]

41 here and been building since age 6. One thing I've really noticed is how much the cost of this hobby has risen. Not just the kits, you'd expect those to increase given the complexity and detail that goes into them today, but it's the consumables that have spiralled ridiculously. It's quiet easy to blow 50 bucks and not cart many items home for the inventory. Great video, keep up the good work.

[@beckersmodels]

I agree -I've only been modelling for 7-8 years and seen a big leap in costs, with kits probably the cheapest part of the hobby now! Cheers, Chris

[@MontyGumby]

consumables - you mean paint ? excluding tools ?

[@fuzzjunky]

but when i was a pup i found the price of kits pretty steep aswell. it took a couple of weeks of saving to get a kit

[@johnstudd4245]

I can remember paying 13 cents for the little Testors glass bottle paints when I was a young kid. This weekend I needed just a bit of gun metal color, so I just grabbed a bottle of Testors at the local hobby shop...... $3.81. When I was a kid that would have bought me two 1/25 car kits and 4 or 5 bottles of Testors paint.

[@johnberry2877]

Been modeling since 6 myself. When you calculate the cost per gallon of the paint it is astronomical to say the least . No way the companies can justify charging hundreds for a gallon of freekin model paint !! Hell, you could buy paint for a real aircraft for less money !! But, I will still pay though .😊

[@kenhanson1819]

Great video, Chris! I'd love to get my hands on one of those WWI Tamiya Tank kits. Yours looks amazing. Love all your builds. You do great work! I've had one recent dog of a kit. The Airfix Ju88A-4 in 1/72 scale. I bought it after returning to the hobby in 2013, having just finished the 1/72 Airfix A6M2b Zero (a great kit, btw). Since the Zero was in a red box and a recent tooling at the time, I thought the Ju88 would also be a recent tooling, since it came in the red box with awesome artwork. Lo and behold it was a re-pop from their 1964 Ju88 mold. It looked like a box of chewed blue-gray bubble gum. I should have binned it, but decided to build it. Needless to say, I discovered Scalemates afterwards, and now know to do some research before plunking down my money on a crap kit.

[@beckersmodels]

Thanks for the kind comments Ken - yes scalemates is your friend to avoid those sorts of dramas. I think there's much better manufacturers if 1/72 is your think - Arma Hobby or Eduard for example. Cheers, Chris

[@larrycrawford9617]

When I worked at hobby center toys in Toledo Ohio I was in charge of the warehouse with models and trains. I built the Tamiya F-14 tomcat in the 80s and the only decals you got where the Nimitz Jolly Roger or the Iranian Air Force . The main wings could pivot for subsonic or supersonic flight.

[@chrispacer4231]

I went to HOBBY CENTER STORES A LOT I STILL LIVE IN THE TOLEDO AREA... Went to the HOBBY CENTER at Miracle Mile shopping center in the 70s... bought a lot of models from there... CHRIS from OHIO

[@vintageadventureswithrobert]

Howdy and hello, I have been making kit since 1972 and I still remember my first kit close to 50 years ago. I have always found biplanes to a bit fiddly and they require more attention than regular monoplanes. One kit that very challenging for me was the Revell 1/96 scale Constitution and Cutty Sark. Another tough kit was the Bristol Boxkite and the thread really added strength to the air frame. And I have made kits from MPC Amt Revell Monogram Aurora Frog Tamiya and Hawk. And those are just plastic kits too. I hear Pocher is a very spendy kit to make and there are some of them out there. Two more I forgot to mention is Entex and Heller. Then come the balsa kits and that take real patience to make and even more when you are making from plans. I do not know if you know about Cleveland design or not, but they are worth checking out the detail on the plans is quite something. You might want to try a vintage kit sometimes and they can be a lot of fun. Sincerely, Robert Johnson

[@beckersmodels]

Thanks Robert, enjoyed your comment. Yes, I have several vintage kits in my collection, lots of 1/24 Airfix aircraft, plus the 1/72 Airfix Super Connie. You sound like you'd enjoy Harry Houdini's channel - he's right up there with various shipbuilding techniques including plastic and wood, and also enjoys the vintage Heller and IMAI type kits. Cheers, Chris

[@NEMES1-S]

How can anyone ‘dislike’ a video like this? Total A-Holes, in my opinion. I am so pleased your ‘best’ kit is the Spitfire. I am 67 years old and I grew up with ‘Airfix’ and ‘Revell’. My best were the large scale Spitfire, 1/72 Avro Lancaster and B17. I didn’t paint them to the outstanding quality of your kits but I still remember the satisfaction of hanging the finished ones up in my bedroom around 1964. I would love to see your attempt at a Mk9 Spitfire with D-Day markings..........only because I had the honour of actually flying in one for around thirty minutes from Biggin Hill on May 1st this year. Probably the second best experience of my life. (Can’t go into my first.....!) Ace video mate.

[@beckersmodels]

Thanks Clive. I just happen to have a Spitfire IX with beer barrels somewhere in that big stash cabinet! Its about the only Allied plane I want to do in D-day markings...except maybe a C-47? And you have my sincere jealousy at managing a ride in a Spit!!!!

[@ThreenaddiesRexMegistus]

My revelation was building the Tamiya 1/32 scale Mitsubishi Zero in 1969. It even had realistically etched fabric control surfaces. I was 10 and had built everything I could get my hands on from Airfix, Frog, Classic, etc., but this was real quality. But we thought the other stuff was pretty good too. Things have moved on massively but I quit at 40-something when I’d had enough of super-detailing. Somehow I just enjoyed the weekend builds more. And the eyes aren’t up to it at 63. Nice job of the Spitfire! Just sold NIB Zoukei Mura Ta-152 , and 3 Pacific Coast models 1/32 - Macchi Folgore, Reggiane Saggitario, and Fiat Centuaro. Also a NIB 1/32 Wingnut Fokker D.VII. These were all superb quality. The old Airfix 1/24 Bf-109 and Spitfire were also pretty good in their day. The Monogram B25 Mitchell was and probably still is a fantastic kit. I won the Masters with a heavily sanded, scribed, and super-detailed Revell 1/32 P47, on a sandpaper runway with the pilot and crew chief having a chat (Verlinden 1/35 - close enough)

[@beckersmodels]

Yep the hobby has moved a lot since those times, and there's so much choice available too. Thanks for your comment Dave, cheers Chris

[@Andy.Gledhill.Models.]

Hi mate. Great video. Just found your channel. You got my sub. I am 59 years old. I used to build model kits many years ago. Probably haven't built one for over 30 years. Spent 23 years as an Armourer in the RAF. Because of lockdown, I had a lot of time on my hands. So I decided to start modelling again. Tamiya have always been my go to kit manufacturer. I build many of their armour back in the day. So far, I have completed 3 kits in the last 6 months or so. The 1st 2, I had in my stash in the loft. Tamiya 1/35 Humvee Weapons Carrier and Tamiya 1/12 Yamaha YZF R1 Taira Racing. Then I bought the Tamiya 1/350 HMS Prince of Wales battleship. Completed it with Eduards Cranes & Railings Photo Etch set and a wooden deck set. Now I am building a Tamiya 1/32 F4-J Phantom marines. Oh boy, that is a great kit. Not far off completing it. Will be going back to armour for my next build. I have got Meng's 1/35 Merkava Mk4M with the reactive armour package to do. Anyway, I have put pictures on my page on Scalemates. Will be checking out more of your content for sure.

[@beckersmodels]

Thanks for the comment Andrew - you'll love that Meng Merkava, I did the Mk III but sold it off to someone else to paint it, was a fun, if a little complicated build. Cheers, Chris

[@Andy.Gledhill.Models.]

@@beckersmodels Thanks, Yes the Merkava looks like a great kit. Looking forward to starting it soon.

[@sammyseguin2978]

My very limited building experience has taught me that 1/35 Dragon armour kits have great detail, and for the most part are well engineered, but the instructions........WOW!

[@beckersmodels]

Oh yes. I could only do a couple Dragon kits, I would use up a whole box of headache pills and a beer or three just to decipher the instructions...much better to go with Meng or Tamiya. Cheers, Chris

[@sammyseguin2978]

@@beckersmodels Well Chris, just found your channel, great stuff, thanks. As for Dragon, I have 6 more kits on the shelf in waiting. I think I may take one out when I'm in the mood for some self-abuse.

[@jimsminimodelsmccrea]

A very informative video great to watch.

[@Jpriest13]

Even though some of the assembly was different and not typical of what is expected I thoroughly enjoyed building my first F-4J from Zoukei-Mura. After noting the idiosyncrasies of that particular model/assembly with it fresh in my mind I really, really wanted to immediately start another one...unfortunately I had a couple shelf queens and another build for someone to finish off. I will admit to being a big fan boy of ZM, mostly because they were the first to address in 1/32 so many of my favorite aircraft(Ta-152, He-219, Raiden and Shinden, and now the Ki-45, and Hs-129), and their approach to the idea of model building.

[@beckersmodels]

They do make some amazing kits but they require a different approach where for me, you really have to be passionate about the subject. I'm looking forward to see what else they have coming out - a 1/32 Val would be great! Cheers, Chris

[@garyrunnalls7714]

Love to get one of those Ta 152's I bet it's awesome.

[@adrianbay1496]

Great reviews !

[@rolobalb]

I've been building kits for rather more than the last seven years and began with Airfix as a kid as that was all that was available. It was a revelation to build Tamiya many years later and they never fail to impress me personally. Have yet to build Meng (two kits waiting) but they look pretty good. Also returned to Airfix with a 1/72 Vapire recently which only served to remind me that my eyes are way too aged for that scale and though the finished article looks passable, that's all folks for me and 1/72. My most recent pig was the Revell 1/48 Lanc which was a dispiriting travail which only Tamiya has reinvigorated me from. Enjoyable vid, thanks.

[@beckersmodels]

Oh I've been burnt by the Airfix Lancaster too! I have the 1/48 Tamiya Lanc's and while an old kit, it looks like fun. Thanks for your comment!

[@andrewdeboer7435]

Like looking in a mirror. Thanks for being concise! You clipped along very nicely. I know I’ll be shopping for an S.21 now…

[@beckersmodels]

Heh heh thanks for watching Andrew - yep get one of those Fine Molds! They also make the Curtiss blue biplane too from Porco Rosso. Cheers, Chris

[@arthursogaugelioneltrains5744]

Thanks for sharing 🎬

[@zackakai5173]

All you had to say was "the plane from Porco Rosso" I was sold. Finally a way to combine my interest in historical planes and ships and tanks and stuff with my S-tier weeaboo status

[@fiend2006]

Tamiya p 38 lightning the engineering, fit and the way it made me want to build it totally amazing.

[@beckersmodels]

Oh yes! Listen to Robbie at The Model Guy - he kept nagging me everyday of his P38 build for me to start mine! I will eventually, I just want to master spinning props first. I reckon it will sneak into my Top Five from what everyone has been saying about it...cheers Chris

[@idubzh243]

I've got the F-14A Tamiya... Pffffff, what a marvel ! Both the plane and the kit.

[@robertooyendyk3628]

Great video, made me think back to my 5 favourite builds (and not so favourite). I build mainly ships and WWI aircraft. (1) Fokker D.VII from Wingnut wings. Absolutely superb kit, very precise and detailed, the only drawback are the large wing decals which need care to fix on. (2) 1/35 S100 Schnellboot from Italeri, a well detailed kit with plenty of room for additions. (3) 1/48 Roland C.II from Eduard. I love the lines and looks of this plane, well detailed and reasonably easy to build. (4) 1/350 Russian protected cruiser VARYAG from Zvezda. A surprisingly well detailed and attractive kit of the pre-dreadnought era, with very few fit issues. (5) The 1/16 Garrett steam traction engine from Bandai. This 40+ year old kit went together without issue, even the decals were still good but needed care when applying. The worst was Academy's 1/32 Sopwith Camel, totally devoid of any detail. The only saving grace is that there is a photo etch cockpit kit available for it, but the plastic needs extensive modification to make it fit.

[@beckersmodels]

Thanks Robert! What a great list, I'd love to tackle that Eduard Roland, its one of my fave WW1 planes and I stupidly sold the WnW version several years ago - I built the WnW Albatros and it was a joy too. Did you check out Harry Houdini's Varyag build? Spectacular! Hmm...that Schnellboot would be fun too! Too many models, not enough time. Cheers Chris

[@robertooyendyk3628]

@@beckersmodels Yes I did check out Harry's build, awesome. Zvezda do make some really nice kits. I have the WNW Roland and Albatros, along with a few others in my stash, look foreward to building them, but as you say, too many kits not enough time.

[@capnmoby13]

Since I have been a Star Wars fan nearly my entire life, my favorites have been mostly Star Wars kits. I have yet to build a Bandai SW kit I didn't like. Favorites include the Y-Wing, AT-ST and the 1/144 Falcon. I recently started the PG Falcon, and I say 'wow!' with just about every part. It's stunning. My least favorites were from long ago, the MPC Darth Vader TIE fighter, the solar panel to body fir was so bad that I couldn't get them to stay put (they were very heavy). I also had a Revell 'Lights, Action, Sound' Police Bike when I was 8 or 9 years old that was way out of my league, and I remember didn't fit too well.

[@beckersmodels]

Totally agree - check out my video on superdetailing the MPC Tie Advanced - after I finished, one of the wings fells off again! Its still sitting in my display cabinet with its wing off....I've yet to make all the Bandai SW stuff, but I'm getting there! Working on the AT-AT today to publish a video on Friday, its a fun kit to weather. Thanks for the comment, cheers Chris

[@cassandrafoxx4171]

I know what you mean about the MPC TIE Advanced... I had three of them (Two sold to me by a friend who decided not to build them), and made a TIE Bomber out of one of them (I still have the conversion plans... somewhere... three moves and a fire have not been kind to my collection or stash of reference). The third still resides amongst my unbuilt kits.

[@neilhughes9310]

Any thoughts on the Airfix 1/48 Spitfire Mk.XII? I bought and built one this year, as 'Kingkit', a good second-hand dealer here in the UK, had a few at sensible prices. It is also my favourite Spit, although the box art was enough to make me want one. I've heard criticism of the fit of the Airfix 1/48 Spitfires, but I must admit this went together perfectly. I think Harry H recently did a 'dry fit' of an Airfix MkXIV and absolutely proved the point. The kit also comes with choices of canopies, intakes and tail wheels and has gorgeous decals. I am no no rivet counter, but it looks every bit a Spitfire. Just found your channel. Subscribed obviously!

[@johnkarpiscak1134]

Thanks for your perspective! I've been modeling for over 50 years and its always good to hear other views. I'm impressed with Moebius and their 2001: Space Odyssey kits. There are a few errors but all are easily correctable with some aftermarket parts.

[@beckersmodels]

Thanks for watching and your comment John!

[@ErikDvorak]

Thanks for showing the Porco Rosso's Savoia S21F, as I had no idea that there were kits for it! I haven't built anything in years now, but looking to get back to the hobby with something manageable with as little rigging wires as possible. Shame that nobody is selling the kit around central Eu it seems, but will try to import it from JP or something. Anyway, looking forward to see your upcoming build of that very plane!

[@beckersmodels]

You're very welcome Erik - try Plaza Japan they are very good for shipping around the world and usually have all the Fine Molds kits. I'm itching to build it too - well, both of them! Cheers Chris

[@liamgray9805]

Great video buddy, very helpful for someone trying to get back into modelling, cheers.

[@beckersmodels]

Many thanks, I've got another similar Top Ten video coming soon - stay tuned. Cheers Chris

[@liamgray9805]

@@beckersmodels cheers Chris will do.

[@backermalaker]

I'm building the 1:72 Corsail from Airfix right now. You can tell how old it is, someone said mid-sixties, but it is a right grind to make nice

[@markkeogh583]

Nice video Chris, thought it was good that you did not just focus on one theme, agree with several of the great kit and also a few of the bad ones..just subscribed to the channel and looking forward to future videos.

[@beckersmodels]

Thanks Mark, got a heap of actual build videos coming so I hope you look forward to them! Cheers Chris

[@jaredcowell5470]

I'm a new modeler and have spent a lot of time researching exactly what kits I should get into. I had a feeling Tamiya was the market leader... thanks for confirming my suspicions! Super helpful video. Looking forward to checking out your content.

[@beckersmodels]

Thanks for watching Jared - I did a separate video on how to pick your first aircraft kit, which I think should be an older 1/48 Tamiya single prop WW2 fighter, check that out. I may do a video on what armor and scifi kit to start with next, Cheers Chris

[@jaredcowell5470]

@@beckersmodels Great recommendation! Checking that video out now!

[@ellbowski]

Entertaining vid! Fun to watch fellow modellers get nerdy.

[@beckersmodels]

Nerd/Geek reporting in! Thanks Paul

[@AdamMann3D]

Great breakdown. Michael is one of my closest friends, it's nice to see his video inspired other people. I'll give your channel a thorough look over.

[@beckersmodels]

Thanks Adam. I love watching - and listening - to Michaels videos, he's one of the best model KZbinrs out there! Cheers Chris

[@scottroberts3881]

Thx Chris for your feedback of which kits to avoid.

[@sufianansari4923]

9:09 - awesome kit! One of the best Tamiya has ever engineered and released! I have the full Dornier 335 series, tandem cockpit, original single seat configuration and the destroyer, beautiful kit and beautiful plane :)

[@beckersmodels]

Agreed. The Destroyer is my favourite, I have the 1/32 Hong Kong Models version but I'm a bit wary starting that one! Cheers Chris

[@EdmundAcuto]

A loved the video and your enthusiasm! This 78 year old hasn’t built a model since the original Airfix days in England decades ago but now I’m tempted but where to start?

[@beckersmodels]

Thanks Ian - check out my "Your first model should be a 1/48 Tamiya" video where I explain whats the best option for a returning modeller, in my opinion at least. Cheers Chris

[@timboyle3114]

Haven't had a really bad kit, but then the brief modeling I have time to do only built about 20 in the last 10 years!. Probably my worst was the 1/48 Hasi Arado 234 blitz. Was really looking forward to this - got the Aries cockpit set - first time with resin - That turned out really well. BUT I just sort of lost my mojo on it as a whole. Had some fit issues with some of the fuselage panels - esp round the cockpit and clear recon panels, and the plastic just seemed brittle - just seemed a chore to get it done - Got it done in the end. but it was a struggle - Did the Airfix Spit XII after that had a blast. Now doing the Tamiya F14A and yes its great! Other fun kits Tami 1/48 Beufighter, RAF Mustang Mk.III, Hasi Bf.109E and the old tool Tami 1/48 spits. Only ever given up on one - another Hasi - the 1/72 F6 Lightning - that was a real F-it - this is bad, and is now a paint mule! Did not help I tried to do a bare metal that just showed up everything.

[@beckersmodels]

That's some great advice Tim - after this video I've thinking of getting the Tamiya Beaufighter actually. I'm currently building an old tool Tamiya 1/48 Spitfire as a full video build to put up here one day. Great kit for nearly 30 years old! Cheers, Chris

[@XxBloggs]

I just finished the Mk VIII. Great kit

[@artguy3604]

great list....i got rid of my Italeria kits because i had the same issues you did

[@jdsull]

My joke is that "Italeri" is an untranslatable Italian term for an object made of more putty and swears than polystyrene.

[@-C.S.R]

you're amazing! You do great work! My dad served on the USS enterprise and gave me Revell model kit that he always wanted to put together and never did. I can't do models but I would love to see what one looks like complete. Did you ever do that one? I bet you would make it look fantastic!

[@beckersmodels]

Thanks mate, no I havent done the Revell Enterprise, I have the 1/700 Academy CV-6 and the 1/350 Tamiya CVN-65

[@petersmith4455]

hi, great video, steer clear of the airfix vintage classic ships ie, the bismark and hood, the moulds are so old,lots of flash and parts dont fit.had to use lots of model putty,as a child i remember them in 1962,also the plastic seems different now, Revell are good kits but they have cut back on the range which is a pity

[@mackerel1875]

Only the Hobby Boss 1/48 YF-23 surprised me. The decals went in the bin for some lovely Caracal decals. But the kit (for me) just sailed together. I used a smear of filler on the wing to fuse joint, but other than that, and other than some slight inaccuracies in some of the compound curves around the forward nacelles, and centre fuselage, it went together like a Tamiya kit. Heaps of room for detail painting around the exhaust trenches, very light, restrained weathering... Possibly one of the "funnest" kits I've built in the last 37 years. Would love to build "Grey Ghost" to park next to "Spider", but... the price! Mind you, I only paid AU$37.50 for mine on eBay 2nd hand, but unopened.

[@beckersmodels]

Nice score on ebay for that! I'd like to try one again...

[@mackerel1875]

@@beckersmodels Yeah, jumped on that one really quickly.

[@christophermavromatis7724]

First time watcher, I haven't put together a kit since I was a kid 20 some years ago. That being said I do like putting battletech miniatures from Iron Wind Metals or Ral Parthea in pewter or lead.

[@jcwoodman5285]

Great video! Tamiya is why I still love modeling!🥰 Where do you get your in flight display bases in 48th sizing?

[@beckersmodels]

Thanks JC - the three prong ones are Flight Pose. I also make my own from time to time. Cheers, Chris

[@kevinjohnson8220]

The AFV Club 1:48 Tiger was originally a Skybow kit. When Skybow was broken up AFV Club bought the Tiger 1 kits but not the molds. Released around 2004-05 I guess.

[@beckersmodels]

Indeed - and when I look back at my build, there are some areas I'd really like to improve on the kit that is probably able to with the Tamiya version. However, I do note that Suyata have brought out a Panther in 1/48 with full interior, I'm hoping they extend to the Tiger as well. The last Tiger model I want to build is Wittman's late Tiger, but blown up with the turret on the ground, maybe with a British Firefly driving past the remains...

[@Lt.Gruber]

Great video mate, I agree Tamiya just has this ease of build and enough details you feel an excitement the entire build. I really enjoyed that list you made I really want the dornier arrow now. My top 5 are 1.Tamiya panther G 1/35 2. Amusing hobby Panther II 1/35 3. Tamiya He 162 1/48 4. Tamiya Jagdpanther late 1/35 5. Tamiya StuG Ausf G 1/35 And my bottom 5 1.ICM me109 1/48 2.RS models Hs 132 1/72 3. Dragon StuG Ausf f 1/72 4. Italeri marder 1 1/35 (yuck) 5. Italeri ju88 1/72 (why is this still made) Honourable mentions Italeri Sdkfz 234 puma (not too bad tbh) Tamiya PaK40 ( fun, easy and still looks good)

[@beckersmodels]

Thats a great list - I've built all your top five but I havent painted my Panther II yet (its the R-1 missile launcher one).....and yes that Dornier is superb. Thanks for the comment, cheers Chris

[@davidpalmer4184]

H Chris, first time I have seen a video from you. I love your work. I have a few of your top ten kits and agree with your picks. In this current political climate (Brisbane, Australia.) I am sort of hesitant to recommend a Chinese manufacturer, but... I recently bought a GWH 1/48 SU 35S. I am yet to finish the kit but the detail and the pre-fitting of the parts is absolutely outstanding. I am getting toward 60 and am getting back to modelling from 40 years ago. I was fortunate to buy the 1/72 Bandai falcon when they were only $399. I am saving it until I can buy the upgraded lighting kit from Falcon3D. Good luck finding a falcon kit at a good price. My wife went nuts when I told her the price, but quickly shut up when I showed her the Amazon/E bay prices now. How do you get away from buying all of those kits??

[@beckersmodels]

Hi David, thanks for the nice comment - yeah I've stopped buying kits directly from China too...can't wait to get to the 1/72 PG Falcon, I'll wire up my own lighting kit for it, just need to get a bit more LED wiring experience under my belt (I did the 1/2700 Zvezda Star Destroyer with nearly 30 LEDs and 500 feet of fiber optics a year or two ago....whoah that was a stretch!) Can't help stop buying them, but this is a much cheaper hobby than my previous ones...Cheers, Chris

[@deanoonline]

something about Tamiya yeah, my last two builds were the 1/48 spitfire and the p-38 lightning, fantastic fit and build. my all time fav was the p-47 bubbletop which was about 10 years ago but i will do another. may i ask what are those display cases you store them in. was going to get more ikea ones

[@beckersmodels]

Yep Im itching to do the P-38 one day, I did the P-47 Razorback late last year completely out of the box and it was a great stress relief after some hard slogs! The cabinets behind me are my upgrades from the IKEA Detolfs which I didn't like - these are some local cheapies, they have a big slot in the back to let in dust! I need to cover them up with some acrylic sheet. My next cabinet will be 1500mm wide for my big ships and big aircraft - Ive run out of room! Cheers, Chris

[@VonDrinkoften]

I'd have to agree with you about the Tamiya Do-335 Pfeil kit. I too found it a joy to build right out of the box, although I found that the main canopy was slightly too narrow (approx. 0.5mm) to sit cleanly in position. Tamiya have also done a 2 seater version of the Do-335 that I'd like to get a hold of. I'd highly recommend any Hasegawa Me-109 kit in 1/48 scale as well, as they are a dream to build even though they are getting quite old now. Also have to agree with you regarding Italeri. I've been burnt so many times now that I just refuse to go near them any more, and especially so with their bad habit of re-releasing 30 & 40 year old kits and trying to pass them off as something new. Their F-14A, Tornado and MiG-23/MiG-27 kits in 1/48 scale are prime examples to avoid.

[@beckersmodels]

Thanks for the comment James - yes indeed, I've steered away from Italeri (just like Airfix really) and I only have their reboxed 1/9 Kettenkrad (which is a dog) and the "new" FIAT 506, which looks promising, but I've only heard bad things from builders in terms of assembly, although detail looks great. I just don't see the point in them unless you can't get that particular subject anywhere else. Cheers Chris

[@VonDrinkoften]

@@beckersmodels Yup. To be fair, I should probably clarify that Italeri re-boxed kits from what was Accurate Miniatures are ok. For example, their A20 Boston III in 1/48 is still a fairly decent kit, but anything molded by Italeri themselves should be avoided. I'd also NOT recommend buying any Tamiya re-boxed versions of Italeri kits as your not getting Tamiya quality, but still paying inflated Tamiya prices etc. The Tamiya 1/35 M24 Chaffee is a prime example. The newer tooled AFV Club kit is far cheaper as well. Tamiya are not doing themselves any favors by re-boxing Italeri rubbish unfortunately.

[@filibertkraxner305]

Breaking my heart with your mention of the YF-23 there. I was really looking forward to building that (it's in the stash). Oh well, perhaps it can be salvaged somehow. If you like the Revell 1/144 Type VII, I have a tip for you: give the Das Werk U-9 a go in 1/72. It's a super well researched kit and comes with a history book on WW-1 u-boats in the box. Great fun!

[@beckersmodels]

Sorry about that! I am very tempted by the U-9, as I have the Type IX in 1/72 to do too...

[@filibertkraxner305]

@@beckersmodels Same here. Revell 1/72 Gato is nice too, if you can find one. just a pain to display, lol.

[@michepouliot6664]

I'm puzzled. I built the YF23, and it was one of my favorite kits I've done. Its not a super detail kit, but, it fit well, and it looks great in the case. Get aftermarket decals, the kit ones are rubbish. Go ahead and build it, it will be just fine.

[@filibertkraxner305]

@@michepouliot6664 Thx for the encouragement ;-) I'll source some decals then and give it a go. Such a cool looking plane.

[@spinster4000]

Honestly this hobby to me is being able to enjoy doing something with my hands whilst also having a fondness for these vehicles and if I don't enjoy the kit then theres no point, so to me everytime I pick up a new kit I always make sure to stick with certain manufacturers that I know that have overall great products. These include TAMIYA (obviously) Academy SOMETIMES, Trumpeter, Hobby Boss, MENG, RFW, TAKOM and GWH. Other than that I don't buy any other unless I've seen this particular kit being very good and not having issues with it, but its rare..

[@beckersmodels]

Good philosophy!

[@zombiehunter999]

Well, I just happen to have an Italeri 1:35 LVT-(A) 1 Alligator in the stash, I bought it for an Island landing diorama. I'm hoping it goes together smoothly as at 69 years of age, stuck in the house during the great lockdown of 2020, I took up mail order, e-bay model buying and started modeling. No, I didn't build models as a kid this is my first go at it. I'll have to agree on the Tamiya's, The Revell's and Lindberg's have improved my putty and sanding skills, you said you had trouble with the tracks, well I got a stupid good deal on some Friulmodel tracks and I'm going to try them, not sure when as there are a few models in the queue to be built first. wish me luck. Nick

[@beckersmodels]

Those Friulmodel tracks (and hopefully sprockets? If not - epoxy in the kit sprockets) will make a world of difference to that kit, the rest of it is not too bad! Cheers Chris

[@jordyncollier919]

First off- New sub :) Second: What a great video. I might have to pick up a few of these!!! Third: you asked what our bottom or tops were. Unfortunately, I havent built very many models. Kind of "just got in to it", so I dont really have a stash, and my highschool gets in the way of modelling time alot. But my top 5 from what I've built: 1. Tamiya 1/48 F4U-1A "Birdcage" Corsair 2. Tamiya 1/48 P-47 Razorback 3. Accurate Miniatures 1/48 TBM Avenger (not academy box, OG AM) 4. Revell 1/32 Ki 61 Tony (Super old, but great details) 5. Zvezda 1/48 Yakolev Yak 3 I've also built some amazing tanks, like the RFM 1/35 Panther F, Tamiya 1/48 Easy 8, and Tamiya 1/48 StuG III in Finnish service. But I'm more of a plane person.

[@beckersmodels]

Now thats a great list! BTW I've built two KV-2s so far, have a Meng Egg one to do (as a giant fridge) but I'm waiting for Tamiya to redo their new tool KV-1 as a KV-2. Good to see you're starting with some quality models - if you want any further advice or ideas, don't hesitate to ask away, thanks for the sub, Cheers Chris

[@jordyncollier919]

@@beckersmodels thanks Chris! Those KV kits sell like hotcakes where I'm at. I dont have a debit or credit card yet (I hate being a teen sometimes lol), so I have to rely on shops as opposed to online orders, and they never have the KV-2s in stock when I'm there. I'll definitely ask for advice when I think of it, especially as i see more of your vids come out. Have a good day!

[@gerhardglanz917]

G'day Which P38 Lightning kit do you think is the best? Love that plane. Cheers

[@beckersmodels]

No contest. Tamiya 1/48 P38F/G/H. They should be bringing out a J version hopefully. This kit is probably the best propeller aircraft scale model kit in 1/48 scale hands down.

[@idubzh243]

Hi ! Did you make a video where you rank worse brands to best ? I don't have your experience, and I bought several kits following press advises but I should not, like the Sufa of Kinetic, a nightmare to build. It would be very helpfull. Thx. Another theme I'd like to see : ebay VS nowaday. Comparing the Revell F-14 1/48 of the 80's, a great kit at this time, with the latest Tamiya F-14A. Just an idea...

[@tony116411]

Chris, I love f14a same to u, also the big spitefire. Great choose, hope you have more fun in new coming kits.one question, are the full interior kits from ryfield models good??? Have you built one?????

[@tony116411]

My top five, tamiya 1/48 f14a, amk 1/48 f14d, tamiya 1/32 a6m2 zero fighter. Trumpeter1/200titanic, 1/200 missori.I have bought the planes but I haven't bought the ship. But I think they are good in size, fully details and r/c. I like them very much but lack of space. You guys in us can buy and build these kind of big ships, great, thumb up. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍Chris try one big ship.

[@tony116411]

My worse kits all from airfix vintage series. Do not buy these series unless you are old enough and really love them.

[@beckersmodels]

Ive not yet build a Rye Field Models kit, heard very good things about them. I'm waiting on them to make a late Tiger with full interior (Befehlstiger, like their Wittman release), so I can do a dio of Wittman's tank blown to bits to put the wehraboos to bed....cheers, Chris

[@andrewcomerford264]

The Revell Beaufighter is a re-boxing of an old Matchbox kit.

[@rszanger]

Overall, fit, simplicity, easy to follow manual, kit layout, quality, Tamiya is the best. So many other plastic kit brands are either too cluttered, or and quality isn't that good. Usually, Tamiya kits fit perfectly.

[@vortexmodeling]

I had the same experience with the Tamiya 1/48 Sherman kit, suspension and road wheels assembly was annoying. If you're into 48th scale invest your money in the Jagdtiger kit, it's fantastic.

[@petermerz2704]

I love Bandai! As you say, bar none, there aren’t any other manufacturers that match the engineering of Bandai. I have been getting into airplane kits, but my thoughts are still muddled as to who’s kits are the best. A lot of KZbinrs agree with you that Tamiya is the best aircraft kit manufacturer. Have a great day! Model on!

[@colinmiller6472]

Hi. Now this might be an over the Top Extra's to a Model Kit, But is it possible to Add motors and Gears to Lower and Raise the Landing Gear, Spin the Prop, and like you, I would use LED Lights on all the Correct positions, and have them flashing as they would really look if I was on the ground looking up, Or Plane Spotting at Dusk and see the Strobes On the Wings, Tail and under Belly, I'm now Disabled and looking for something I can sink my teeth in to, and im going to hang them from the Ceiling, and I'm hoping to use some of my old Stage Lights to Set a Sunset, and have the Model Plains on the Smallest Curtain track I can find, And I cant see why I cant use .5mm Twin Wire to hand the Model Plains But to also move them around the Room, Like a Train Kit upside down, And the 1 Kit that I really want to build is the Skymaster 337, and the biggest Scale I can find, If I wasn't so Disabled I would have gone in to Model Flying Aircraft and join a Club, but that is not possible now, So I thought a Real scenario type effect hanging from my ceiling and all following there own very small Curtain track, that would be made in to Loop's, Just having a Glass Trophy Case full of Model Aircraft Makes them Look Good, But I would Love to try and make and action seen, as I want the Big Models, and also the De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou , That I used to fly in when I was in the Australian Army, from the mid 70's to the mid 80's, So the De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou will have to be my Favorite, so if you can recommend a top Model of the De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou that I used to fly around in when post to Air Dispatch, as after my Accident in the Army, I didn't want a Discharge, I just wanted a Posting that would keep me happy, and a transfer to Air Dispatch, Riding in the De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou and the Lockheed C-130 Hercules which I also would like to know what is the Biggest and Best Model of a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, Regards. . . Colin

[@da-madmodler4692]

Tamiya spitfire every modeler should build it once, I don’t think any brand out there could top it.

[@andrewcomerford9411]

I think the Revell Beaufighter is let down by the fact it's a re-boxing of the old Matchbox (cheap 'n' cheerful) kit, originally moulded in three colours , to compete with Airfix. I second your Tamiya version, but the 1/72 Airfix leaves the Revell standing (although much more expensive originally).

[@mrains100]

Thank you!

[@martinelliotedwards1883]

My favorite 5 kits: 5. Tamiya p51 D mustang 4. Dragon Tiger 131 3. Super wing Ki-45 2. Tamiya matilda mk. II 1. Tamiya ki-46 Dinah

[@beckersmodels]

How did you find that Dinah? I've heard mixed reports about it but its definitely on my radar to fill out my 1/48 twin engine fighter collection. Cheers, Chris

[@martinelliotedwards1883]

I found it in scalemates review section... and wanted to add it to the Japanese airplane collection

[@supermodeldave2504]

I think my fav build was 1/35 Tamiya T62 tank I don't even know why, just everything went right on that tank and nothing annoyed me, my worst would be from 1/72 aircraft days probably the Airfix Douglas Skyhawk Argentine version which comes in the Falklands box set.

[@AAOMorpheus]

Thanks and very informative. I'm looking to build a F4U Corsair in 1/72 scale, are there any recommendations for a novice like me not afraid to take on a challenge?

[@beckersmodels]

My best advice is try to find a 1/48 Tamiya Corsair (or even an Academy) instead. Better quality for not much more price in that scale. Cheers Chris