Hello everyone!

This is my first post, so yes I’m a noob here.

I have been modeling since around 1991. I started with 1:48th scale aircraft, Mostly U.S. Naval. For about the last 13 years I have been modeling stricktly sci-fi figure models, focusing on the film Aliens.

I am now getting back into U.S. military. I planning a few 1:35 OIF dios. My references comming mostly from brothers photos from his time in Iraq, 2 tours with the 1-115th Infantry of the 29th Infantry.

Now back to my point, my love for sci-fi models has left me out of the loop of what are the best online hobby shops. There seems to be large gaps in price and shipping for the same kit from multiple shops.

For example: 1/35 M1025 Humvee Armament Carrier (Tamiya)
Lucky Model - $24 shipped
Mega Hobby - $31.95 plus shipping
Scale Hobbyist - $33.64 shipped

Another issue I find very annoying is a general lack of stock. I can’t find every kit I need at one place with a good price. I can get all the kits I want if I order from 4 different place but we come back to my issue on price. I would hate to over pay for kit simply because I need that one.

So who do you guys trust? Who has the most consistent prices and fair shipping? Who has the most “gear” in one place?

I miss my old local hobby shop.

Sorry for being long winded and thanks for your help.

Ozz

Hi Robert
Try Squadron.com they're pretty good.
They are out of Texas i believe.

Regards

Horst

Robert,

Depending where in 'bama' your at , it might be worth the trip to the nearest local shop. If not then as Horst said try squadron or Great Models.com or Sprue Brothers.com. There are so many and most have some and some have most. Strange but true. And Welcome to the community.

If price is your primary concern you prob. won't be able to do "one stop shopping" You've got to be ready to surf the net and look for sales & specials. You can also get on some company's e-mail / snail mailing lists.

Here's just a few:
http://www.squadron.com/Index.htm
http://www.internethobbies.com/internethobbies/inmilmod.html
http://www.hobbysurplus.com/productindex.asp?Page=Models-PlasticArmor
http://www.megahobby.com/
http://www.e-hobbyland.com/
http://www.discounttrainsonline.com/
http://www.michtoy.com/

and that just a few that are US / Local. There's several good Asian shop too.

Good Luck

Thank you gents, I’m looking over your listed urls.

Seems Neo is right, I don’t think I will find that “one stop shop” I’m looking for.


There are several local shops in my area (Leesburg Virginia) but they all seem to go for one nitch. Like they have tons of trains or RC cars with a sad little area for armor/aircraft kits. I can forget finding a good stock of testors enamel, no one has good rack of those anymore. I was raised on testors and humbrol by my father and I will never switch to acrylic.

Ozz-- my two cents. Lucky Models is great. If they have it, you get it for a great price--often with free shipping. The trouble is that they advertise what they do not necessarily have on hand. Most of the time this is not a concern since they procure it from the manufacturer and then ship it after a short delay. When they cannot get the item you eventually are offered two option a refund or credit for another purchase. They are honest folks, but your CC gets charged when you submit the order. Now, HobbyLink Japan is slightly more expensive, but he charges your card when he ships the item. If you order an item in the Squadron on-line catalogue (which is alway at least eight plus bucks more), they ship within 24 hours and charge you card when they ship. They are all reliable as is Discount Models and Great Models. Personally, I hit Lucky Models first then Hobby Link Japan then Squadron compare prices against my need for the item. If I want it fast then I shop at Squadron. In reality, I have not (knock on wood) be disappointed with any of them.
DJ

PS-- I live in Centreville and when I really, really need an item go to Piper Hobbies....good guys.

DJ, well hello neighbor!

Piper, you mean the shop on MetroTech in Chantilly. I work in Chantilly and have yet to check them out. how are their prices?

Ozz-- yes that's the place. Paint prices are average, good selection. They carry most armor kits. Pricey but look at his discount table. I picked up a bunch of OOP DML kits for $25 each. Try them, nice guys.
DJ

DJ

Thanks, I will stop by there.

Ozz-- where do you work in Chantilly? I am over at Park Center Road.
DJ

Ah, just off of 28, north of 668. I’m not far from you at all, Sullyfield circle off of 50.