Re: Heller Kits

Mike,
Naturally, the kits Heller are not the kits Tamigawa, and it is not enough to shake the box to obtain the built model but where would be the pleasure of the modeler? On the other hand, as you write it, subjects are often original, especially if you are interested in the French aviation, in the motorcycles, in the old cars or in the boats, forms are often very exact and faithful dimensions. On the other hand, the inside of planes often lack details, but personally I prefer that rather than inside which overflow details but which do not correspond to the reality as with some Japanese kits.

Mike,
I have made a number of Heller kits in the past and still have a few unbuilt kits sitting in my closet. I have learned that Heller, like every other model manufacturer, produces a dog now and then. I haven't found a company yet that bats a thousand. Generally, however, I have found the line of Heller kits to encompass an interesting variety of subject matter, be of good quality and offer good value for the money. Maybe your model is just one of their dogs, but don't condemn them yet. Believe it or not, I've built a couple of Tamiya's that I wasn't too thrilled about either.
Mike
Michael Alvarez wrote:

I'll jump in here and add my praise for Heller kits. I've been building Heller since my Bloch 152 was purchased in '67. I've never tried one of their buildings but the planes have been very good. The most difficult Heller kit I've encountered was their Focke-Wulf Stösser but that was because of the parasol wing.
Bill Banaszak, MFE

It depends somewhat on subject. Heller's ship kits are top notch. Their autos are well molded, though the design leaves a bit to be desired- assemblies (especially in suspension) that end up being somewhat weak. Airplanes tend to be the poorest as far as molding quality. Usually not bad, but not to rival other, top brands.
Michael Alvarez wrote:

Agreed, don't forget their over-engineered armor kits. Rob Gronovius Visit my motor pool in the gallery