Author: nomadmodel

Categories
Armor

Miniart Bantam 40 BRC (Part 1)

For my first project back to the hobby I wanted to start off with a small, manageable project that wasn’t going to take weeks to complete. I settled on Miniart’s Jeep and for the past few days progress has been steady. I must say however that building the kit so far has been a struggle. The kit has consistent fit issues and misleading instructions to say the least. In terms of build progress, I’ve got a few more things I want to finish up before moving up to painting and I’m hoping it have it complete before the end of next week.

It feels good to be back to the hobby, although I wish my first kit back wasn’t such a dog if a kit. One redeeming factor is that the detail is nice at least.

Categories
In Box Reviews

In Box Review Methodology

In reviewing kits I’ve ranked them out of 100 total points split into four different categories: Kit Features (out of 20), Quality of Molding (out of 50), Instructions (out of 20), Miscellaneous (out of 10). My inbox reviews aren’t meant to address things such as fit but rather what people can expect after opening up the box.

Kit Features

The “Kit Features” section is meant to address anything the kit includes that wasn’t required to reproduce the subject. Inclusion of Photoetched parts, single link tracks, or nice touches the manufacturer added to benefit the modeler.

Quality of Molding

How well detailed the model is, the most important part of the In Box Review. In addition to detail, this section is meant to address any manufacturing defects as well such as flash or damaged parts.

Instructions

The overall quality of the instructions. How clear they are overall as well as construction material, format, colour v.s non-colour, type of marking profile images included.

Miscellaneous

Any other things not included in the other sections, typically includes the decal quality and the amount of markings included.

Any number over 50 percent of the select score means a net positive effect on the overall build while any score under 50 percent of the total score means a net negative effect on the quality of the kit.

Categories
Armor In Box Reviews

Miniart Bantam 40 BRC In Box Review

For my first project back I wanted to start off with a small kit to ease back into the model building world. In typical Miniart style the 1/35th scale kit is very well detailed with a healthy amount of photoetched considering the subject. The kit also comes with a number of different figures and equipment that are very well modeled, as usual. The instructions are nicely printed and in colour. It comes with three finishing options that all allow the modeller to make a different finish. I’ll probably finish the model with the third option as I’d like to get more experience painting fine camouflages.

Kit Features: 19/20

For what is essentially just a Jeep, the kit comes with a lot. There’s a separate sprue for a MG and comes with five figures making it easy to setup a nice looking diorama. Additionally the Phototeched is well protected with plastic carrier film and a card pouch. I’d take a lot of effort to damage the fret.

Quality of Molding: 40/50

Overall the detail is top notch, really outstanding quality here. The molding only looses points due to a strange texture on some of the larger parts and a broken front grill, part protection could have been a bit better here. the molding further looses points for flash that can be found in several places, requiring cleanup. In short, high detail, some cleaning required.

Instructions: 16/20

The instructions are printed on nice semi-gloss paper and in color with detailed visuals. the instructions are somewhat bare-bone and don’t offer any contextual information about the subject. They also loose some points for not clearly defining which parts are being added to the build.

Miscellaneous: 6/10

The kit comes with three different marking options and retailed for around $30 CAD.

Total: 81/100

Great first impression, would recommend.

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About

Returning to the Hobby

After over two years away from the bench, I’m happy to say that I’ll finally be returning to model building. I’m currently in the final stages of setting up my new workspace and at this stage I’m just waiting for my new Airbrush and Compressor to arrive in the mail. Covid-19 has obviously slowed the setup time as to be expected. I’ve already got a roster of kits I’d like to build first to help sharpen my skills after all that time away from the hobby.

I also have a fairly substantial project in the works that I’ll be talking more about in the future.

Also follow me on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nomad_model/

Ryan

Categories
Automotive

Tamiya McLaren MP4-13

After a few weeks away here’s what I’ve been working on, Tamiya’s McLaren MP4-13 With the Top Studio detail set and aftermarket decals.

The model was painted in McLaren’s test livery with International Orange. I used Tabu Design’s aftermarket decal sheet for the West sponsorship and used Studio 27’s decal sheet for the carbon fiber.

Overall I’m very happy with how it turned out although at times the build was a slog.