Use Detail Kits for Added Realism

[The Grey Wolf]

Hello fellow modelers....

I am a fan of GT and Formula 1 plastic models. Through all of the manufacturers you can find just about any car you wish to replicate, but the models are made to cover the broad range of builders, from novice to professional.

The more seasoned model builder might like to add a touch of realism, so in come the aftermarket suppliers of Detail Kits. I've used just about all of them, but have recently tried a Detail Kit for a McLaren MP4/4 Honda F1 racer. I chose the Detail Kit from TOP STUDIO and would like to share my experience.

The kit was pretty expensive, costing roughly three times what the actual model kit cost. This was my first attempt with a kit having phenomenal realism, especially in the electrical circuits of the car. The days of wiring your spark plugs and calling it good are over; we are in the computer era. The electrical circuits in a Formula 1 race car show how widely computers are used in cars today.

Right out of the starting blocks I discovered my abilities needed to improve as I quickly ruined several key components of the kit. Having been a scratch builder of historic ships (ca. late 1700's to mid 1800s), I tried to duplicate these very fragile resin cast parts and photo etched parts with little success. As a last resort, I emailed Top Studio (www.topstudiohobby.com) asking if they could supply replacement parts. Much to my delight, they immediately understood my dilemma (I am obviously not the first to have this problem) and reacted in a manner reminiscent of 'the good old days' and sent duplicate parts quite promptly.

I want to recommend Top Studio to any modeler trying to jump the wide canyon into the world of incredible detail; they truly exhibit uncommon Customer Support beyond the sale. Not only did they provide the parts, they followed up to ensure the parts had arrived. I wish to publicly thank Top Studio for their continued support beyond the sale.

Best wishes to all my model building associates, The Grey Wolf

[lumpulus]

Wolf, this is good to know...given the cost of the MP4/4 Detail kit. Thank you!

[rsxse240]

First post, sounds like an infomercial, lots of bragging about a product and a subtle plug of their website (nicely done by the way). Is it HAM or is it...


Post up some build pics or something. I don't build race cars, but I have to say, this sounds interesting.

[racer93]

Originally Posted by rsxse240

First post, sounds like an infomercial, lots of bragging about a product and a subtle plug of their website (nicely done by the way). Is it HAM or is it...


Post up some build pics or something. I don't build race cars, but I have to say, this sounds interesting.

I really don't think so. Johnson really deserves this praise, as he did the same thing for me for my '08 YZR-M1 and he shipped the replacement to me free. He really is a great guy and makes good items. He needs no spam as his reputation is quickly growing with the guys who only do cars with numbers (like me).

[lumpulus]

For once danny-boy and I agree...Wolf is the real deal...

[racer93]

Please--my name is not "danny-boy". It's either my moniker or Daniel. Thanks.

[rsxse240]

Very cool, then. Please disregard my last post. I am glad to hear that someone is making a name for themselves. It is very tough to do these days, what with world wide commerce and all.

[The Grey Wolf]

Thanks for all your comments.

My posting was neither spam nor payola or graft. It was a legitimate praise for a company willing to pay for your mistakes. Those aren't easily found. When ordering replacements for something you fouled, you are usually set back by the replacement cost and/or S&H. I offered to pay via PayPal (not a plug) if invoiced; to my surprise, payment was not expected. I give praise where praise is due. Top Studio deserved praise; nothing more, nothing less. Enough said.

But racer93 made a valid point. Your refusal to accept making mistakes is a narcissistic tendency. After all, the road to perfection is cluttered with mistakes. Ask any inventor or scientist - or design engineer, my profession until early retirement.

To continue enjoying your hobby, you must make and accept mistakes. You will learn from them and your abilities will be enhanced.

Best regards,

[lumpulus]

Originally Posted by racer93

Please--my name is not "danny-boy". It's either my moniker or Daniel. Thanks.

Okay, d-b, it's "my moniker" from now on. Strange you would want to be called that, but if that's what you want...

[The Grey Wolf]

I'm sorry guys - I just can't pass this up.....

Is that like in Moniker Lewinski?

[racer93]

Ok then...

[lumpulus]

Originally Posted by the grey wolf

i'm sorry guys - i just can't pass this up.....

Is that like in moniker lewinski?

lmao!!!

[The Grey Wolf]

I'm sorry buddy - I don't yet understand the lingo. What does "IMAO" mean? I have just recently learned LOL! Hope I didn't get someone's drawers in a wad or nose out of joint. I really don't want to offend anyone in my first week on the job. Please advise.

[lumpulus]

LMAO means Laughing my a$$ off...and you're doing just fine!

[The Grey Wolf]

Cool! And thanks.