Unicraft

anthonyp · September 11, 2009, 05:50:33 PM

Thanks for the review, Joe. I've been looking at some of the Unicraft stuff and while I think the subjects are nice, just looking at some of the master pics on the site has made me a bit cautious about saving up for them. I've had my eye on their Bird Of Prey, but after your experience, I think I'll wait till someone else comes out with the kit.

Gary · September 12, 2009, 05:52:34 AM

Wow!

Have you contacted them to give them the opportunity to replace their junk? They clearly have some folks who don't give a crap about quality control.

About the shape issue, how many versions of the Barracuda were/are there? Could they have a different set of drawings? Unicraft, giving the devil their due, typically get better reviews in the magazines. But then we all know, review samples are always the best the maker makes. When a review comes via your own wallet, it's a different thing altogether.

Your review is important and complete. I was searching for a Space 1999 Eagle and after reviews destroyed one company's version for the resin etc, they improved it a lot. Thankfully, I got one of the later versions and it is a huge undertaking, but wonderful quality! Perhaps Unicraft need the same wake up call.

Barry Krell · September 12, 2009, 12:15:23 PM

I doubt it. Many, many people have commented on Unicraft's products and the vast majority have said that they are pretty awful. Many make allowances for Igor's circumstances - ie Ukrainian guy producing on his own, unable to get quality materials, etc, etc. However, he's been producing for well over a decade so you'd think that there'd be some improvement! If you're spending nearly Czechmaster prices and getting a crock then you have good right to complain.

Many cottage industries start small with a lower standard product but most improve quickly. All the UK resin manufacturers did and look at some of their products now. Home casting is relatively inexpensive - a kilo of rubber from Tiranti's in London will set you back under twenty notes, the two part resin isn't much more than that. Why can't Unicraft use a better resin? Olimp are Ukrainian yet their resin is far superior so comment that he can't get a better resin are simply bogus.

The only thing I could suggest would be a boycott of Unicraft stuff. My own feelings are that Unicraft are the Merlin of the resin casting world. Full of good intentions but woefully unable to deliver.

Jeffry Fontaine · September 12, 2009, 01:22:34 PM

Perhaps Unicraft is following in the footsteps of other great artists like Picasso and Dali to create their own unique and recognizable art form using two-part resin as their medium of preference.

cthulhu77 · September 13, 2009, 05:34:02 AM

Laugh out loud !

Personally, most of the new resin kits are pretty crappy. That atrocity from anigrand I reviewed last year was enough to cure me of buying their stuff again. I refused to review the unicraft kit I was sent. It would have been easier to scratchbuild.

Tojo633 · September 13, 2009, 02:32:26 PM

All
For those who do not know him TSR Joe is very acknowledged and skilled when it comes to creating Masters and Casting. If he says its a croc it usually is, one would have thought that the quality and accuracy would have improved but obviously not, it would be prudent to at least put in a complaint and see what happens?

Sandy

jcf · September 14, 2009, 10:32:00 PM

Quote from: Jeffry Fontaine on September 12, 2009, 01:22:34 PM
Perhaps Unicraft is following in the footsteps of other great artists like Picasso and Dali to create their own unique and recognizable art form using two-part resin as their medium of preference.

Of course the big difference is that Picasso and Dali were both trained, talented and technically highly proficient artists, Igor is apparently none of those.

Mossie · October 19, 2009, 04:21:18 PM

Quite a few since the last update:

Sukhoi Su-10
Arado Ar-234 Conversion
Miles M.22
Grumman G-71 Jet
Nakajima Ki-62

I'm quite keen on the M.22 & I can see Narses getting hold of one....

NARSES2 · November 02, 2009, 03:05:05 AM

Quote from: Mossie on October 19, 2009, 04:21:18 PM
Miles M.22

I'm quite keen on the M.22 & I can see Narses getting hold of one....

To right, glutton for punishment that I am

Might mean a visit to Lonewulf at Telford

TsrJoe · November 02, 2009, 05:12:34 AM

http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,25947.0/highlight,unicrap.html

thats not to say id never fall for them again tho, ill probably pick some more up at Telford, def a glutton for punishment

cheers, joe

TsrJoe · November 02, 2009, 05:15:32 AM

yipee, iv now got a model of the Barracuda UCAV. that im happy with sitting awaiting paint, laminated styrene and sanding contours is far quicker and sharper than trying to clean up low quality aereated epoxy resin... now if only the decals had been usable, ah well !

cheers, Joe

Mossie · November 02, 2009, 05:21:10 AM

I'd like the MiG-8 Utka, but being an older Unicraft kit it's even more rough!

Gary · November 02, 2009, 02:23:46 PM

And where are the pictures young man...

Tojo633 · November 03, 2009, 12:55:23 PM

Joe

And I thought you were going to put Finnish markings on it? or have you?

Sandy

JayBee · November 03, 2009, 01:03:34 PM

Quote from: Tojo633 on September 13, 2009, 02:32:26 PM
All
For those who do not know him TSR Joe is very acknowledged and skilled when it comes to creating Masters and Casting. If he says its a croc it usually is, one would have thought that the quality and accuracy would have improved but obviously not, it would be prudent to at least put in a complaint and see what happens?

Sandy

Yo! Dude!