djflyer

Matt - what is your opinion on the accuracy of the driveline in the Aurora-based kits? Workable or not really?

Actually the Tamiya and ESCI Audi Quattros are not the same kit. I have both and the shape of the body shells, parts breakdowns, engine detail, etc are all different. As for new kits - the Volvo p1800 and the Aston Martin DBS/ V8 Vantage please.

I don't see it being mentioned but it appears the back window on the Aurora based body is also incorrect - perhaps too large or extends down too far. The reference photos I found online seem to support this (although the clearest ones were labled as UK-spec cars if that matters). The vents in the wings also seem to be a bit off - incorrect size/shape/placement, although this could be distortion based on the contours of the body being incorrect also. One question re the driveline. I believe the Aurora kit is the only one with the motor so how accurate is it?

Snake maybe what you got there could be the basis for a DB4 GT?? Like you said though it would take some work to get it right. All this sort of makes me chuckle at the guys who complain about not getting the right Deuce or Vicky or 30's era hot rod - try being an Aston Martin fan and see what ya got !!

Call it a redesign or update, I'm still not likin' it too much (I'll take that 70-something silver one please) The interior looks much better, but like someone said, the materials have felt kind of cheap. The one thing that I did notice first was the grille - looks like they pinched it off a Toyota.

Hello all. I was happy to find this forum - lots of information and support for someone coming back after many years. Now I have more time, some better space and maybe a few more funds. Inspiration came from finding an old stash of kits in the basement - so back to building some. I plan to sell a bunch so PM if you want the list of what will be available. Also check the Facebook group "All model kits, buy sell, or post your builds" for pictures coming soon. Plan is to sell direct before resorting to the 'Bay.

Its been fascinating following this thread - especially Art's insider knowledge. If you look at most of the subjects people have asked for you can see the trend is cars from and older generation - when most of us were kids or maybe the cars some have worked on. An increasing number of kids that might have liked mechanical things in our time have turned to the modern equivalent - computers and robots. Just look at the competitions for those things. The current generation of "hot rodders" is the guys who work on the "tuner" cars. They are the ones that have to be attracted to the hobby so they can build replicas of their favourite cars and keep the funding for what the rest of us want. As I said in another thread, 3D printing may be how we get the subjects with lower sales potential. The manufacturers could save on tooling costs, hire digital designers (the modern tool and die makers), print and sell on orders as needed.

Interesting comparisons - I have both the Aurora DB4 (never opened) and the Monogram that I'll try to build someday. The Doyusha is "supposed" to be a DB5 and there are some differences from the DB4 so it might actually be accurate. Snake - I had that P-51 too. (how do you like all those rivets?) Never figured out it was really an 'H rather than a 'D before I tossed it many years ago.

Following this thread and the one about the 3D printed SBC have been very interesting. Perhaps its time to look at building a printer. One question I am curious about would be printing a body (shell) - does it have to be separated into segments, or can it be printed as one piece? The ones that really should pay attention to this are AMT and Revellogram. The could save a ton on tooling costs by investing in the highest spec printers possible, create better detailed parts and even allow for customers to submit their own custom print files! We could have show cars, race cars, limited interest subjects and more. (Looking at CGTrader almost knocked me out of my chair) The economies of scale could reduce costs of production tremendously by having resin and other material bought in quantity.

Some that I have are: 1931 Rolls Royce Phaeton (Monogram #2303 - 1//24) Lotus Esprit S1 (Nichimo #CH240 - 1/24) Aston Martin DB4 (Aurora - 1/25) Triumph TR-8 (Monogram snap-kit - 1/24) I know the Aurora DB4 was reissued by Monogram (have that one too) and maybe the Lotus was done by someone also. A bit surprised by the limited Healy 3000's and TR-6's.