Mach 2 kits, how bad are they really?

[chrisonord]

I would like a kit of a super frellon and of an Argosy in 1/72nd scale, and the only outfit that do these are mach 2. What are they like to build, has anyone built either of these kits, as I kinda want to build an Argosy.
Chris

[kitnut617]

Chris, they a definitely not 'shake-and-bake' kits but the few I have (and started) all that needs is a bit of modeling skill to get a decent result. A lot like the High Planes kits in my opinion.

[chrisonord]

Cheers Robert,
I might just have a look for an Argosy in the new year then, as I quite fancy one.
Cheers
Chris

[PR19_Kit]

Mach 2 kits are 'curate's eggs' in that you can get good ones and bad ones, sometimes of the same kit!

My example of their RB-57F Canberra went together surprisingly well, but I've seen other examples of the same aircraft that were apparently pigs to build. One thing that's consistently questionable are their canopies, all of which are rough in shape and rough in texture too, and it could be well worth examining the vacform replacement market. Sadly I don't think anyone does vacform canopies for the Argosy.

[Leading Observer]

I agree with the previous comments - if you are happy to put the work in, you can get a good result

[McColm]

I've attempted to build a few of these kits but have ended up substituting parts from other kits.
As previously stated a good model almost lines up especially in the fuselage and wings department, a bad one will tend to have parts that don't fit without a major clean up.
Then there's the glazing which is always frosted.
The Super Frelon needs to be constructed as per instructions on the diagram although the upper fuselage halves will get a good bond don't be surprised if there is a gap on the underneath.
The Argosy needs a lot of research especially if an interior is going to be displayed. The cockpit floor is not long enough and there are problems gluing the rear doors to the main fuselage fuselage. The wings don't line up, and a lot of cleaning is needed on the engines and landing gear.
There are photos of the construction on the Britmodeller website.
I recommend the Breguet Br1150 Atlantic as I used less swear words in the build, the Martin PBM-5 Mariner is another one of the better models.
The Avro York is a kit to avoid, the fuselage needs to be glued in sections and a donor Lancaster for all the other parts.
The Martin SeaMaster has already been covered, same as the Martin WB-57, and the Sud Caravelle if you can get the wings to fit the fuselage can be a good kit as well.
With the Mariner I changed the engines to a pair of turbofans and added the twin fins from the Airfix Shackleton, I also added the sponsons from the Sea Dragon helicopter as an alternative to the beach landing gear. There's also a pair of ESM pods on the wingtips.
With the Argosy I used parts from a C-119 Boxcar.
The Super Frelon was helped by parts from the EH-101 Merlin.

[chrisonord]

Thankyou for the replies guys, I am still interested in one, but I think if I do get one, preferably the Argosy, I will just do little bits of it at a time, then put it away. I have a few kits like that on the go, and they certainly dim my bulb when tackling them. At the end of the day, we are supposed to enjoy our hobby, not end up with severe medical conditions because of it.
Chris

[McColm]

I have heard that the Vickers Viscount is one of the better models as well.

[chrisonord]

I have heard that the Vickers Viscount is one of the better models as well.

I like the big military turbo prop aircraft, hence the Argosy, also they can be an in service aircraft with M60 Honduras air force builds
Chris

[McColm]

I have heard that the Vickers Viscount is one of the better models as well.

I like the big military turbo prop aircraft, hence the Argosy, also they can be an in service aircraft with M60 Honduras air force builds
Chris

I never knew that the M60 went as far as Honduras, I always thought Manchester
Or you might be talking about the gun 7.62mm ammo.

[chrisonord]

Bloody spell check on my phone looks like it has been drinking my rum
Chris

[rickshaw]

As mentioned, they are a bit of a Curate's Egg, mate.  It also depends on how old the kit you're after is.  The older the kit, the rougher they tend to be.  They are worse than High Planes kits IMO.   High Planes has fuselage halves that match, Mach 2 often doesn't, nor wing halves that match.  However, once you're finished, either your happy with the result or you put it on the Shelf of Shame and try and forget all about it!  I have several Mach 2 kits I've built and some I'm happy with, some I cannot bear to look at.   

I also have several more I'd like to build but don't have the fortitude to face at the moment...   

[chrisonord]

I am not a gambling man, so I am pondering what to do now. It just makes me wonder, how they company can justify the inconsistency of their kits. It's a shame as they do offer some great subjects.
Chris

[loupgarou]

I am not a gambling man, so I am pondering what to do now. It just makes me wonder, how they company can justify the inconsistency of their kits. It's a shame as they do offer some great subjects.
Chris

It's an one-man business, from what I know. Not a big outfit. 

[NARSES2]

I am not a gambling man, so I am pondering what to do now. It just makes me wonder, how they company can justify the inconsistency of their kits. It's a shame as they do offer some great subjects.
Chris

Because people's fascination with the subject tends to outweigh their common sense ? 

No seriously, whenever he brings out a new subject at SMW you see loads of people walking away with boxes tucked under their arms, sometimes more then one box (no names  ) because he does do subjects that others wont do and that us Brits in particular want.

It's an one-man business, from what I know. Not a big outfit. 

What I have heard as well, and best of luck to him  I think the majority of people who buy his kits know what they are in for, but are happy to accept the work because they will get a model of a type they want  A bit like some of us and Unicraft