Buying Models

[freebird-52]

I'm sure someone has posted this somewhere...but as a Newbie, where does everyone get their 1/144 scale models?

True, I know about Ares and what the produce, but as a plastic scale modeler, where does one find those 1/44 scale WWI biplanes?

Is there a one stop link around here that will take me to those sites? Whose your favorite for a good bargin & can be trusted in this day & age?

Cheers,

Andy

[pbhawkin]

Hi Andy,

There are a LOT of 1/144 models available on Shapeways. This is a 3D printing company based in Netherlands with a recently opened plant in the USA.
A number of people on this site design models that can then be ordered from Shapeways in various materials. WSF is the cheapest and (literally) the roughest material but polished is MUCH better (assuming the model can survive the polishing process) and FUD if very good too but expensive. Look in the Shapeways thread for links and models. This is the ONLY source for 90%+ of the various types of planes used in WW1.
F-toys made some very nice WW1 planes (about 4) and these are occassionally available from Ebay.
Little else that I am aware of.

hope this starts you off.

[Biggles downunder]

Andy I have purchased a few from here:

http://stores.ebay.com.au/Vladstoys

Of course you will then need to purchase your own stands and flight pegs - all available from this site. http://www.aerodromeaccessories.com/...stands/ww.html
You will also need to download and print the appropriate Aircraft cards - available from the files section on this site. http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/dow...p?do=cat&id=49
The last thing you will need is a set of movement cards for each aircraft.

[Bluedevil]

Andy , I have several modelsin my collection that were printed by Shapeways... they need a bit of work but I think they are very useful...
There are several possible materials but I always bought WSF ( white-strong-flexible) and it is just that...
The main problem with WSF is that it has aq grainy structure and its surface looks somewhat like a very fine emery board...
But there are several techniques to overcome that.
feel free to browse my albums: there are some pictures of painted Shapeway models there that will give you an idea of what is possible.

[Oberst Hajj]

Andy, I think this will be the most useful thread for the different Shapeways materials. There is a lot of debate about how good Shapeways is, both for their printed models and their service. Ultimately you will be the one that has to decide if they are right for you. I highly suggest you spend some time reading the different threads in that section.

[Oberst Hajj]

Here are three more threads you might find useful on the different materials and printings from Shapeways:

When FUD is done right

Still not happy

Print Orientation

[Baron Rolf]

You could ways get 1/144th scale planes from Skytrex or from Reverisco they're made our of white metal , there's plenty of how to build there varius planes in the hobby section , there are plenty of folk here who have those companies planes in their hangers and are always willing to help a rookie pilot , as for myself I've got a small collection of Shapeways planes and have only ever had one dud plane from them so far.

[Oberst Hajj]

Be aware that Skytrex is dropping all their model lines except railroad stuff... so no planes from them once their current stock is sold out.

[Baron Rolf]

I forgot about that Keith , so it looks like Reverisco , Shapeways , F- Toys off eBay , and the Ares Games planes from Keith looks like the best options for you Andy.

[flash]

Be aware that Skytrex is dropping all their model lines except railroad stuff... so no planes from them once their current stock is sold out.

Hadn't heard that - good to know - thanks !

[Dom S]

Skytrex are selling ranges off, not just retiring them, so there may be a bit of a hiatus, but they shouldn't disappear. Word on the grapevine at the Recon show was that the 1/144 range already has a buyer.

[HTRAINo]

A good place to start customs, is researching your manouver decks prior to deciding which one you choose.

If you have the correct deck for a plane already, you can re-use it for other planes.
Example; Fokker DR.1 is a D deck, and also shares most of it's stats with the Sopwith Triplane (Sopwith Tripe is B damage generally, whereas DR.1 inflicts A damage).

[jbmacek]

We shouldn't forget SRAM 144!!!
(a review)
http://www.internetmodeler.com/2001/...SRAM_1-144.htm

(his post on this site)
http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/sho...f-October-2012

[Zoe Brain]

Sources of 1/144 WWI Planes:

Ares - limited (but expanding) range, with stands, maneuver decks, pre-painted, and very reasonably priced.
Recommended suppliers:
http://www.12-7-games.com//
http://www.aerodromeaccessories.com/

SRAM - unpainted resin models, the finest quality, but more for display than playing. Requires significant modelling skills. The very best results though, these are the best there are in terms of accuracy and precision.
Recommended suppliers:
http://www.hannants.co.uk/search/index.php?search=sram
or contact the maker, 144Sram on this site http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/pri...o=newpm&u=3576


SKYTREX
Models in white metal. Quality varies, but overall good. Requires modelling skills.
http://www.skytrex.com/146/Red-Eagle-1-144th-WWI/

Reviresco
Similar to Skytrex. It's more a matter of religion than anything else which one is better.
http://www.tin-soldier.com/144aircra...craftkits.html

Shapeways
3D Print on Demand from several designers. See the many threads on the subject. Overall shape superior to the white metal models, but finish is barely acceptable with the cheapest material (that also is the most suitable for gaming).
Major Designers:
http://www.shapeways.com/shops/kampfflieger
http://www.shapeways.com/shops/wow
http://www.shapeways.com/shops/columbiaaerodrome
http://www.shapeways.com/shops/decapod
http://www.shapeways.com/shops/Sandman

http://www.shapeways.com/shops/starcorp make a Roland II

http://www.shapeways.com/shops/arcticskunk make a number of Interwar aircraft

F-Toys
Plastic models - you can have any aircraft you like, as long as it's a Spad VII or Albatros D.III.
You can sometimes pick these up from obscure asian shops on E-bay, or from Armory Hobby http://www.armoryhobby.com/shop/

[Jager]

A good place to start customs, is researching your manouver decks prior to deciding which one you choose.

If you have the correct deck for a plane already, you can re-use it for other planes.
Example; Fokker DR.1 is a D deck, and also shares most of it's stats with the Sopwith Triplane (Sopwith Tripe is B damage generally, whereas DR.1 inflicts A damage).

To expand on this; a number of members of this forum have determined what they think the stats are for planes not (yet) released by Nexus/Ares. The table is here. You can check it out, and figure what you'd like to add to your collection.
Karl

[freebird-52]

Thanks everyone for the comments & the links, truly helpful!

My goal is to introduce Wings of War to our local gaming club here in NW Louisiana. We have about 12 regulars that meet monthly and once a quarter open up to the region (upwards of 20-30 folks showing up).

I've been assembling a collection of minis & box sets; i.e. some bombers (Gotha & Caproni), two-seaters (Rumpler, Breguet BR.14, & DH-4), Watch Your Back, Burning Drachens - no fighters yet. I have a copy of Richthofen's War in my library so I scenarios – just need the miniatures.

As a plastic scale modeler, I’d like to try my hand building 1/144 scale aircraft to match the playing cards that came with those two box sets – that’s why I’ve been asking my questions.

I’ve already started checking out those website everyone’s mentioned and will try my hand at the metal & resin for now – unless those two can’t fill a specific airframe I’m looking for.

Again, thanks everyone!

[freebird-52]

Well, I've started with Reviresco's Hanriot HD1 and Nieuport 11. Then picked up three from a fellow flyer selling SRAM resins (Michal from Prague): Fokker Dr.I , Albatros D.III and Nieuport 17 and some decals.

I think I'm set for a bit...

Cheers,

[Baron Rolf]

Nice one Andy I look forward to seeing those planes in action in an AAR sometime soon.