Kit mould quality over time?

[Rabbit Leader]

All,

Just a little confused which way to go with a possible next purchase.

I'm a little keen to get the old 1979 Monogram 1/48 AT-6 Texan (Harvard to us Commonwealth chaps), however I'm not sure if I should purchase the old box for cleaner mouldings or the new-ish Revell re-release kit with better decals.

I would imagine that the moulds would have worn over time, however does anyone have this kit (or any other Revell / Monogram re-release) and can confirm the mould quality of the new release kits.

Thanks in advance.. Dave

Edited February 4, 2014 by Rabbit Leader

[Panoz]

I built this boxing 12 years ago:

I had no problems with fit, excessive flash, etc..; in fact the parts fitted better than in the twenty years newer Occidental kit.

Can't speak for latter releases but I would imagine that, given that the kit has not been in continuous production since 1979, the moulds would still be in good shape.

I wouldn't touch Monogram's F-15, F/A-18, Huey Hog & P-61 nowadays even you paid me.

Edited February 4, 2014 by Panoz

[Rabbit Leader]

Thanks Panoz,

That's good to know.. I also like the sound of the fit quality.

The original was moulded in silver, whilst the Revell issue is in the normal grey.

I think I'd be happier with grey.

Cheers .. Dave

[Julien]

New moulds seemed to be designed for a finite number of uses.

Old moulds in some cases you can see they have worn, in other cases they are good as they used harder materials. The airfix guys have nearly all of the old moulds and have said some are in very good condition.

With a lot its not the age so much as how much use they have had.

Julien

[stravinsk75]

Monogram B-17G moulds are as good now as they ever were. The kit has been in continuous production for 39 years.

Revell's 1/196 "Constitution" is from 1956, has superb surface detail, and the recent boxing I have looks the same I remember from 30 years ago.... It has been in regular production for 58 years...

Jean