AIM Catalina

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02-10-2018, 12:46
Tokhuah

AIM Catalina

I really want a Catalina to paint and play with so I purchased one from Shapeways not realizing how gritty they are. I understand there is a process one can use to smooth it out but I have no patience for that and am not convinced it will not end up with detail removed (largely due to skill level). I was looking at the AIM model and was wondering if their stuff is smooth plastic or gritty like the 3D printed models. Also, if anyone has purchased the Catalina it would be great to hear about the look and quality of the model. It seems like people on this site are happy with AIM in general so I assume, generally speaking, the quality is high.
02-10-2018, 13:40
BobP

3 Attachment(s)

Scott I have around 100 AIM models and for me they are great. I do have 10 Shapeways planes but like the AIM ones better. I had 2 Shapeways I-16's but when I got my AIM I-16's I went with them totally. Here are a few photos of some AIM planes.
Attachment 240743
Here is an AIM Avenger.

Attachment 240744
This is a Mosquito Dave sent me before he started producing them. As you can see this is unfinished.

Attachment 240745
This is a Japanese Lily that I really like.

The other thing with AIM is I get my order within an few days. The Shapeways planes took a few week to get here.
I am sure you will get a number of comments form others.
02-10-2018, 15:10
Teaticket

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tokhuah

I really want a Catalina to paint and play with so I purchased one from Shapeways not realizing how gritty they are. I understand there is a process one can use to smooth it out but I have no patience for that and am not convinced it will not end up with detail removed (largely due to skill level). I was looking at the AIM model and was wondering if their stuff is smooth plastic or gritty like the 3D printed models. Also, if anyone has purchased the Catalina it would be great to hear about the look and quality of the model. It seems like people on this site are happy with AIM in general so I assume, generally speaking, the quality is high.

AIM planes are very smooth. Some have small mold lines that are easily removed. I love AIM. I go to AIM first, if AIM doesn't have it then I'll look into Shapeways. I have a Shapeways Catalina and like the finished model but I think AIM will be much easier in prep time. I will get one one of these days if it can work it's way up the list I want to order from him.

You can check out some AIM P-38s , Devestators, Oscars, Bettys, Hellcats and Dauntless I have dome in the painting showcase.
02-10-2018, 16:10
BobP

I thought you had an AIM Catalina and I also knew you would respond to his request.
02-10-2018, 16:12
Teaticket

Yes, I was pleased he did the Catalina but somehow I have not yet ordered one. :confused: Ok, next order I'll do it!
02-10-2018, 16:14
gully_raker

3 Attachment(s)

:D G'day Scott.
Which Shapeways Cat did you buy?
I got mine from J B Macek & it turned out fantastic with very little prep apart from sealing/ Photos attached.

Attachment 240751

Attachment 240752

Attachment 240753
02-10-2018, 16:47
Tokhuah

Your Catalina looks great. Mine was from Colombia Aerodrome. I tried searching on Shapeways for J B Macek but they do not offer Caltalina's right now. Based on your model I think I should at least try to paint mine and maybe I can make some of the grittiness disappear. Still, I am fairly certain that I will order from AIM and have both for comparison. In fact, i suddenly feel the need need for a trio of larger WWII airplanes of various types so ordering soon.
02-10-2018, 16:57
Teaticket

1 Attachment(s)

My Cat is a J B Masek/Columbia Aerodrome. I didn't do a full prep on it but the level of graininess I like. Baz did a much better sealing than I did.

Attachment 240755

JB has three on Shapeways. They are available on Shapeways 'HERE'. 'HERE' and 'HERE'.

They are all on the Shapeways List I have in the Hobby area.
02-10-2018, 17:11
DarrylH

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tokhuah

Your Catalina looks great. Mine was from Colombia Aerodrome. I tried searching on Shapeways for J B Macek but they do not offer Caltalina's right now. Based on your model I think I should at least try to paint mine and maybe I can make some of the grittiness disappear. Still, I am fairly certain that I will order from AIM and have both for comparison. In fact, i suddenly feel the need need for a trio of larger WWII airplanes of various types so ordering soon.

The one ting I'd mention is that the AIM Catalina is a PBY-5A amphibian, while Columbia Aerodrome on Shapeways has both -5As and non-amphib -5s.
02-10-2018, 17:17
Teaticket

The non-amphib is a slightly different scale, 1/220.
02-10-2018, 19:42
Stumptonian

Peter that Cat looks awesome!
:eek::sAprvd:

The colours and the weathering look perfect.
02-10-2018, 19:51
Tokhuah

Thank you for the intel Peter. I definitely want amphibious versions. I sent an email to AIM for a Catalina, so I will have one version from both sources (AIM & Shapeways) and then I added a B-29 and G4M2 (also from AIM).
02-10-2018, 20:01
DarrylH

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teaticket

The non-amphib is a slightly different scale, 1/220.

No, Peter, not the ones I have--they're not as easy to find in John's shop now, but they're all ('PBY-5 'early' and PBY-5 'eyeball turret') 1/200 scale, and there's also a more recent Z scale (1/220) version, which is the one that you're referring to.
02-10-2018, 21:02
Teaticket

I've only seen the 1/220 PBY w/landing gear, not a 1/200. I'll have to look again. For gaming I think the difference between 1/200 and 1/220 isn't enough to worry about. I have seen the two you mention and the plain PBY 5, all 1/200. They are all on my Shapeways list.

Unfortunately John's shop is strangely organized. I think if you want to find something you have to look through the full list.
02-10-2018, 21:03
Teaticket

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stumptonian

Peter that Cat looks awesome!
:eek::sAprvd:

The colours and the weathering look perfect.

Thanks Pete. I went for the well worn look. Next one (AIM) might be a bit prettier.
02-11-2018, 02:39
Nightbomber

AIM rulez as far as WGS outsourced models are concerned, so to say. Having lots of them and a number of Shapeways ones painted and decaled, I know what I am saying.
02-11-2018, 11:20
Tokhuah

I received a response, and on Sunday no less! AIM may be out of stock on some items but communicated that they can add anything they do not have to the casting schedule. That level of customer service is almost reason enough to shop AIM. This is so much better than the usual, "Out of Stock, on back-order, check back periodically, etc." response from on-line sellers. It looks like three WWII Giants of the Sky are in the works!
02-11-2018, 12:30
BobP

2 Attachment(s)

Attachment 240805

Attachment 240806

Here is a photo of the AIM B-29's I have. I have a third one painted silver but no photos of it with the others. The Nell's are Shapeways ones I bought before I started with the AIM models.
02-11-2018, 12:34
BobP

2 Attachment(s)

Attachment 240807

Attachment 240808

Here are 2 Betty's I have from AIM.
02-11-2018, 12:38
BobP

Nice paint job Barry and Peter.

Scott you also need to check out MISCMINI for decals. His are all I use on my planes now.
02-11-2018, 13:02
Teaticket

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tokhuah

I received a response, and on Sunday no less! AIM may be out of stock on some items but communicated that they can add anything they do not have to the casting schedule. That level of customer service is almost reason enough to shop AIM. This is so much better than the usual, "Out of Stock, on back-order, check back periodically, etc." response from on-line sellers. It looks like three WWII Giants of the Sky are in the works!

This may be the time I should order a PBY since he is production mode. Dave is the best. I used to see him at Historicon, Cold Wars and Fall In but he doesn't travel anymore.
02-11-2018, 13:04
Teaticket

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobP

Attachment 240807

Attachment 240808

Here are 2 Betty's I have from AIM.

Ok Bob, next game will have Bettys. Historicon?
03-24-2019, 22:29
OldGuy59

4 Attachment(s)

RAAF 11 Sqn, Qld, 1942:
Attachment 265137

RAAF 20 Sqn, January 1944:
Attachment 265138

PS: Shading now done for a bit of the 3D look...

Attachment 265223

Attachment 265222
03-25-2019, 13:29
BobP

Just saw your overheads of the Cat. I guess that is something I have to get now. Thanks for showing the paint jobs on them.
03-26-2019, 11:45
OldGuy59

2 Attachment(s)

Attachment 265224

So, depending on configuration, this plane could have had twin guns on the front turret (.50 cals [B], or .30 cals [still A]), and a ventral arc tail gun (A):
Attachment 265225
03-26-2019, 12:07
Teaticket

Nice cards Mike!
03-26-2019, 13:53
Flying Officer Kyte

Certainly is a great card.
Almost worth getting a Cat just to go with it.
Rob.
03-26-2019, 14:33
OldGuy59

2 Attachment(s)

And these are perhaps needed, as well:
Attachment 265231

Attachment 265232

Depending on the period, there could have been up to ten crew on the plane, but the designer says they are not all critical to the playing of the game. So, the flight engineer and the radio operator are not required. However, if you have an "Emergency Pilot" or "Emergency Gunner", there could be options for additional crew on board.
03-27-2019, 03:48
Jager

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte

Certainly is a great card.
Almost worth getting a Cat just to go with it.
Rob.

Dang if I wasn't thinking the same thing :hmm: ;)
Karl
03-27-2019, 12:37
Flying Officer Kyte

I'll see you and raise you a Short Sunderland Karl.;)
Rob.
03-28-2019, 00:57
Shadowcat

2 Attachment(s)

Been liking the AIM planes..still have a Betty, Defiant, and a few ME262's I have not had time for yet...

But here are a few I did have time for

Attachment 265302 Attachment 265303
03-28-2019, 07:44
Flying Officer Kyte

Impressive Ken.:clap:
Rob.
03-28-2019, 12:39
BobP

Nice 111's.
06-23-2019, 18:58
BB401

Is there any place you can look at Zoe's "O" Deck? I can't locate it in "Files"
06-24-2019, 11:58
Jager

Quote:

Originally Posted by BB401

Is there any place you can look at Zoe's "O" Deck? I can't locate it in "Files"

The O(Zb) is a modified O deck (Spitfire Mk.IX).
Any maneuver deck with the modifier (Z) uses Zoe Brain’s system of moving just the length of the arrow on the card. These are for very slow planes, and may be further modified. Any that have the modifier (Zb) are bombers; no reversals, 45 degree turns, 60 degree turns or fast or extreme side slips.
Zoe's method for slow plane move is here:
https://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/sh...highlight=deck

Karl
06-24-2019, 12:10
BB401

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jager

The O(Zb) is a modified O deck (Spitfire Mk.IX).
Any maneuver deck with the modifier (Z) uses Zoe Brain’s system of moving just the length of the arrow on the card. These are for very slow planes, and may be further modified. Any that have the modifier (Zb) are bombers; no reversals, 45 degree turns, 60 degree turns or fast or extreme side slips.
Zoe's method for slow plane move is here:
https://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/sh...highlight=deck

Karl

Understand the system, just wasn't expecting the MK ix as a basis, as there are slower planes out there ! Thanks.