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Thread: AIM Catalina

  1. #1

    Default 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.

  2. #2

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    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.
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    Here is an AIM Avenger.

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

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    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.

  3. #3

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    Quote Originally Posted by Tokhuah View Post
    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.

  4. #4

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    I thought you had an AIM Catalina and I also knew you would respond to his request.

  5. #5

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    Yes, I was pleased he did the Catalina but somehow I have not yet ordered one. Ok, next order I'll do it!

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  7. #7

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    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.

  8. #8

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    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.

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    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.
    Last edited by Teaticket; 02-10-2018 at 17:13.

  9. #9

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    Quote Originally Posted by Tokhuah View Post
    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.

  10. #10

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

  11. #11

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    Peter that Cat looks awesome!


    The colours and the weathering look perfect.

  12. #12

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    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).

  13. #13

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    Quote Originally Posted by Teaticket View Post
    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.

  14. #14

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    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.

  15. #15

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    Quote Originally Posted by Stumptonian View Post
    Peter that Cat looks awesome!


    The colours and the weathering look perfect.
    Thanks Pete. I went for the well worn look. Next one (AIM) might be a bit prettier.

  16. #16

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    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.
    <img src=http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/image.php?type=sigpic&userid=2554&dateline=1409073309 border=0 alt= />
    "We do not stop playing when we get old, but we get old when we stop playing."

  17. #17

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    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!

  18. #18

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    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.

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  20. #20

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    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.

  21. #21

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    Quote Originally Posted by Tokhuah View Post
    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.

  22. #22

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    Quote Originally Posted by BobP View Post
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    Here are 2 Betty's I have from AIM.
    Ok Bob, next game will have Bettys. Historicon?

  23. #23

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    RAAF 11 Sqn, Qld, 1942:
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    RAAF 20 Sqn, January 1944:
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    PS: Shading now done for a bit of the 3D look...

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    Last edited by OldGuy59; 03-26-2019 at 11:08.
    Mike
    "Flying is learning to throw yourself at the ground and miss" Douglas Adams
    "Wings of Glory won't skin your elbows and knees while practicing." OldGuy59

  24. #24

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    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.

  25. #25

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    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):
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    Last edited by OldGuy59; 03-26-2019 at 11:54.
    Mike
    "Flying is learning to throw yourself at the ground and miss" Douglas Adams
    "Wings of Glory won't skin your elbows and knees while practicing." OldGuy59

  26. #26

  27. #27

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    Certainly is a great card.
    Almost worth getting a Cat just to go with it.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  28. #28

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    And these are perhaps needed, as well:
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    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.
    Mike
    "Flying is learning to throw yourself at the ground and miss" Douglas Adams
    "Wings of Glory won't skin your elbows and knees while practicing." OldGuy59

  29. #29

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    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
    Karl
    It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus

  30. #30

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    I'll see you and raise you a Short Sunderland Karl.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  31. #31

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    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

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  32. #32

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    Impressive Ken.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  33. #33

  34. #34

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

  35. #35

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    Quote Originally Posted by BB401 View Post
    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
    It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus

  36. #36

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    Quote Originally Posted by Jager View Post
    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.



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