Meng F-102A
Comments
3 8 April 2016, 22:51
Donald Dickson III am doing this one along with the Tornado. I thought Meng was supposed to be a high end quality model. Ummmm, nope. Fit issues galore. I have built 70s and 80s models with better fit than this. The panel lines are very nice, and detail is pretty good for a 1/72, but damn.
Wing root gaps, intake gaps and the canopy does not fit right in the closed position. Which is how I wanted to do it, but cant now.
I am really glad I got this in the Christmas gift exchange at the IPMS meeting and didnt spend money on it. And given another member here posted similar issues with his 106 from Meng, I dont see me ever buying one.
That being said, it IS a nice looking model. I am pretty sure I will get it looking acceptable.
8 April 2016, 23:01
Donald Dickson IIOK, this one is wrapped up.
Let me start by saying this is a 35$ and up kit. For a 1/72 kit, that is a lot IMO. With this price, and Meng supposedly being a top notch company, I would expect this to be a no issue build. Could not be further from the truth.
As I stated before, I had fit issues with the fuselage to the wings, the intakes and the canopy. In the final phases, there are no positive locating devices for the main landing gear bay doors in the center, the instructions are unclear on placement of a number of parts and other things on the those lines.
The decals were not at all fun. Luckily the blue and red paints I have matched the decal where I needed to touch up because they ripped. And the stars and bars on the intakes took so much micro sol and set to get to conform to the curvature I thought they were going to melt. And I still needed to make minor cuts in them. And several silvered regardless of gloss finish.
The nose pitot and the arresting hook are supposed to be striped. Did they provide decals? Nope. They expect you to paint that. On a 1/72 model. Now, I know there are some of you who could do this with no problem. Or some that have the equipment and ability to make those decals yourself. The other 97% of us, that is beyond our abilities. They really should provide decals for that.
All that having been said, it IS a good looking model once built. I just dont think it should have all these issues with its price tag.
22 April 2016, 03:31
Donald Dickson IISecond of two of my models that actually managed to place at the Northern VA IPMS regional show. 🙂
9 May 2017, 21:55
Dave FlittonSo ... You are saying I should stick with my ancient Hasegawa renditions?
30 October 2017, 20:13
Donald Dickson IILOL Not necessarily. Aside from the intakes and canopy issues, its a decent model. But between those things and lack of mounting pins/brackets on the gear/bomb doors, it is, however, NOT worth the price. If you can get it for 30.00 or less, go for it.
30 October 2017, 20:19
Dave FlittonI always look for a cheaper price... maybe I can get it free for the Christmas present competition this year. Thanks!
30 October 2017, 20:21
