Hello! I've been looking for a new and unusual kit to build. I think I found what I'm looking for in Kirin's 1:35 RF-8 Aerosan, kit # 25014. I've been searching high and low but can't find it anywhere. If ANYONE has this kit, knows where I can get one, or has any kind of link for me to follow, PLEASE let me know! If possible, I'd like to also have Kirin's #25015, which is the two-figurine kit for the RF-8. Thank you!!

This is a picture of the box art. Seem familiar to anyone? http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=1182&u=12395046

Hello!
One find the E-Bay: http://cgi.ebay.com/Built-Primed-Plus-Model-1-35-Russian-Aerosan-Resin-/120555150064?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c11a59af0

GAZ-98 RF-8 Aerosan the all name, produced Kirin and AMG, Turull Modell.
I hope help you!

Plus Model has released a 1/35th scale RF-8 too (kit #290):

http://www.modelhobbies.co.uk/shop/plus-model-soviet-aerosleigh-p-12780.html

HTH

Frenchy

Thanks guys! I was starting to think that there were no kits available! But one question: does anyone know why a kit that's under 6 inches long and made of so few parts cost so much? I mean, Tamiya's Kettenkrad, another little kit, retails for just under $20.

Tamiya's Kettenkrad is a injection molded plastic kit that can be pumped out relatively cheaply in the thousands. Mis-molded parts can be reclaimed by putting the plastic back in the machine to be re-cast. Losses of time/energy to miscasting is less than 1%. Basic run's are for 50,000 to 100,000 kits at a time.

The RF-8 is a resin kit. Resin kits are mainly low production, hand crafted (meaning the work is done by hand, not machine), and time consuming to produce. Basically, somebody mastered the parts, figured out the best way to cast the parts up, made rubber molds (that last for only about 20-30 casts), and cast the parts up in resin. Miscasts cannot be recovered, except as possible filler in thicker castings. Losses of time/energy to miscasting is around 20% depending on certain variables. If a caster is able to sell 100 kits, it is a success.

Rule of thumb is to expect a resin kit to cost about 3 1/2 times what a plastic model would cost.

Yeah, I know, a long explanation of a relatively simple question, but it is that complicated.

OR
i work as auto window tinter
tint 1 car takes 2 hours we charge £200
master for a resin kit takes 18 months
and 3+months for moulds and costs £80.00.
resin kits are cheap!

OR

...maybe it's just that window tinting is overly expensive....

I have the utmost respect for both window tinters and model masters. Both are art forms in their own right but you can see the business implications of both diverse industries. A case of supply and demand really. Those that tint their car windows are willing to pay those amounts but we hobbyists who buy models and specialty kits generally are not. But then again, many of us (myself included) have paid hundreds of dollars for a modelling project by the time you include base kits, conversion sets, photoetch sets, figures, diorama components, bases and research materials. Let's not forget to mention supplies and tools.

Just my opinion, good luck in your search for the RF-8 kit. I've seen one beautifully rendered at a model show and it's a stunner.




Bob

Wow! I'm a relatively new modeler, and I had NO idea about any of this. Thank you all very much for your insight--it really helps. And if anyone happens to stumble across an RF-8 kit for a lower price, please let me know!

I didn't mean to turn this into another resin cost discussion, just trying to give some info. Believe me, resin or not, if the kit is too much, it is too much no matter the material.

Basically resin gives you "limited run" pieces, which means a "company" has less pieces to recoup costs and make a profit on vs. large runs of injection kits that can have expenses spread out. This is all before you factor in what the "market" will pay. Sometimes you can get burned.

As for Resin masters, unless you have a dream set-up or a monster project, the demand to get the work done is anywhere from 30 days to 6 months. This may require more than 40 hrs a week and all research is on the master builder as well. You are working to be the first out with the most accurate piece/kit, at least in the current market environment.

But, if the prices you are seeing for the Aerosan are too high...just wait. Either you will get the money to get one at cost or you will find one for sale cheap enough. Just be carefull not to sell yourself on getting that "one" resin kit you always wanted...most likely it will not live up to your expectations. I have been burned, hard, more than once.

I think I may have found a guy selling his kit cheap enough--under $25!! Now I just need to know what I should expect from a resin kit. If you couldn't tell, I'm relatively new to modeling. I think I've honed my skills well enough on injection-molded kits, but how will a resin kit chalk up? Any tips or general pointers about resin kits you can share?