[Black 6]

Yesterday I received a great catalog from a company which specializes in plastic / scale modeling. I noticed they sold "upgraded" (for lack of a better term) accessories for plastic models. These upgrades could be made of white metal, brass, aluminum or plastic. All were highly detailed too. Price varied, but all were expensive (IMHO). They are made to be swapped with an existing component from a plastic model kit (example: if you have a Hasegawa kit of the Japanese Raiden airplane, you could upgrade the entire cockpit in one piece that would take the place of an assembled unit from the original kit).

I was wondering, from all the experts here, could you do the same using such a kit to bring more realism/detail to a die cast model? Using the Raiden example, could you do such a thing to a Marushin Raiden to make the cockpit more interesting?

There were just so many options to choose from. If I had any talent in this area I know I would be interested enough to give it a try.

[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by Black 6

Yesterday I received a great catalog from a company which specializes in plastic / scale modeling. I noticed they sold "upgraded" (for lack of a better term) accessories for plastic models. These upgrades could be made of white metal, brass, aluminum or plastic. All were highly detailed too. Price varied, but all were expensive (IMHO). They are made to be swapped with an existing component from a plastic model kit (example: if you have a Hasegawa kit of the Japanese Raiden airplane, you could upgrade the entire cockpit in one piece that would take the place of an assembled unit from the original kit).

I was wondering, from all the experts here, could you do the same using such a kit to bring more realism/detail to a die cast model? Using the Raiden example, could you do such a thing to a Marushin Raiden to make the cockpit more interesting?

There were just so many options to choose from. If I had any talent in this area I know I would be interested enough to give it a try.

Several of us have made observations along similar lines and I have even suggested the idea to several outside parties, including an online seller. So far, there are no takers primarily because of questions regarding the potential size of the customer base and its willingness to pay a fair price for such accessories. I still think it's a good idea, but I understand why might-be commercial suppliers of such items are looking for bigger fish to fry.

[swoop]

Black 6, do you have an address or any other means of getting in touch with this company. The name of the company would be most helpful and greatly appreciated.

[Black 6]

Sure do Swoop:

Squadron - The Hobby Shop That Never Closes is on the web at squadron.com

[SKUNKY]

Originally Posted by Black 6

could you do the same using such a kit to bring more realism/detail to a die cast model?

... doubtful, Blackie...These things are designed to be assembled into the fuselage during assembly and are generally geared to fit specific plastic models. It would be awfully difficult to swap out cockpits from diecast models. Not to say it couldn't be done, but I myself wouldn't mess with it.

[Black 6]

Originally Posted by SKUNKY

... doubtful, Blackie...These things are designed to be assembled into the fuselage during assembly and are generally geared to fit specific plastic models. It would be awfully difficult to swap out cockpits from diecast models. Not to say it couldn't be done, but I myself wouldn't mess with it.

I agree with you Skunkster, it would take the right combination of skill and the right die cast model to make it work. With that combination though, can't you imagine how neat the "custom" model would turn out (like that custom Marushin in another thread)?

[hworth18]

Originally Posted by Black 6

I agree with you Skunkster, it would take the right combination of skill and the right die cast model to make it work. With that combination though, can't you imagine how neat the "custom" model would turn out (like that custom Marushin in another thread)?

It would be possible to add more detail to larger scale aircraft like Franklin and Marushin, but with Marushin, it would be very minimal unless you're willing to dremel out alot of metal to make things fit.. Franklin Mint A/C would probably work better, but dealing with the outside flaws might not make it worthwhile..
I have an extra Marushin Zero I will be customizing (after I finish other projects), but it will only consist of adding the minimal cockpit detail allowable and repainting the exterior to a more correct color..

[Tundra04]

With the Sufa conversion, the cockpit popped right out of the plane. Basically, Dragon had it "wedged" in a metal cavity. I could see upgrading the F-16's cockpit, but as someone said earlier, it would definitely depend on the type of plane and manufacturer.

[SKUNKY]

Remember, even the best diecast out there today still can't rival a professionally-built, quality styrene kit (although it's getting much closer). To put one of these ultra-detailed cockpits inside of a diecast would be sort of like me wearing a Rolex. Even if ya pulled it off, the contrast would be just too bizarre. People would just wonder why the rest of the model didn't look as good....

[Captain Eddie]

Originally Posted by SKUNKY

Remember, even the best diecast out there today still can't rival a professionally-built, quality styrene kit (although it's getting much closer). To put one of these ultra-detailed cockpits inside of a diecast would be sort of like me wearing a Rolex. Even if ya pulled it off, the contrast would be just too bizarre. People would just wonder why the rest of the model didn't look as good....

I don't know, Skunky.........with your new, snazzier self, as seen in you latest avatar, you MIGHT be able to pull it off!