Union/Heller kits.

Looking an Union catalog, I have seen an impresive sellection of classic racing cars at 1/24 : Porsche 917 K and Ferrari 330 P4 (w/engine), Ferrari 512 S :), a Bentley Blower or three nice F1's (Lotus 49b, Mclaren M7a and Brabham BT33)

What's the quality of this ex-Heller kits?

What's the best choice: Fujimi 330 P4 and 917k with transkit Engine or these ancient models? The global price is very similar.

I'll talk about the ferrari P4 as i ever had the opportunity of owning both the fujimi & union before.

the fujimi kit has better body construction & well defined panel lines, better decals, p/e fret & pre-painted wheels.

the union kit scores with a full engine, & full working suspension. but i must stress that the union kit maybe some 10years older the the fujimi kit.

i sold off the fujimi kit as i'm very particular about models not having a engine or a decent suspension setup, so unless you are a detail-minded builder like me, i suggest you go for the fujimi 'quick' build...

hope this helps:)

The Union kits have a fit problem with sometime and patience you could build a nice model. The Fujimi kits are much better fit and very nice over all. As for the detail of an engine its not a problem Historic Racing Miniatures makes engine
detail for both with these options the Fujimi kits are better:2cents: .

http://public.fotki.com/davetoups/aftermarket_model_parts/historic_racing-1/porsche_917_engine/

http://images26.fotki.com/v938/photos/1/11809/5190354/DSCN0301-vi.jpg

Ariel

which is the better solution is also in part down to you.

As is pointed out, the Heller/Union kits offer a convenientt all in one, ready to build option for a decently detailed build BUT are an old kit and as such, is never going to be as sharp in terms of detail, as a newer kit.
There is also the simple point that the detail in these older kits may not actually be that spot on and if you are intending to detail it, will require work done to it anyway.

If you're willing to work on improving the details of the older kit, then that kinda suggests you should be equally willing to put work into modifying a modern (i.e fujimi) kit into accepting a HRM engine kits which will, despite being more work, will net you better results.

As for the kits, they vary in quality.
The Ferrari ones are really quite good and are probably the best of the lot.
The 917 is good but details are a bit soft and not as sharp as they could be.
The Lotus is nice to have in 1/24 but the engine is.... basic and there isn't any other 1/24 DFV that I can think of to scavange from.
Not sure about the rest as I've never seen them.

I do have a feeling that the Bently Blower maybe a re-issue of the very old Frog kit which I do have and again, it aint bad for its age.

If I were to build one, I would go for the modern kit+transkit approach.

What's the best choice: Fujimi 330 P4 and 917k with transkit Engine or these ancient models? The global price is very similar.

The price is similar?!
No way Jose.

Union/Heller kit (engine included) approx 24€.
Fujimi kit (no engine) approx 30€, add the engine price and it's minimum 60€.

Hardly the same price.

The price is similar?!
No way Jose.

Union/Heller kit (engine included) approx 24€.
Fujimi kit (no engine) approx 30€, add the engine price and it's minimum 60€.

Hardly the same price.

Jose??? :confused:

It's right , the prices aren't the same, but the price of the HRM engines are 30e for the 917 and 50-55e for the 330 P4.

Thanks a lot for your info and impressions.

Jose??? :confused:

It's a joke! ;)