In another thread I read a comment concerning negative reaction to the AFV M18 Hellcat. As this item is on my list for my next order, I would like some feedback on which kit is the better of the 2. Should I order the Academy or the AFV? What are the major problems or differences?

Thanks in advance,
Don

Ahhh, we had this discussion a little while back, it's so buried that I was too lazy to try to dig it up. Anyway, both kits have their respective pros and cons. I built the Academy one and liked it. Very good fit, good overall appearence.

I don't know too much about the AFV kit other than that it supplies a metal barrel w/recoil spring. Academy's is the two part plastic type. Verlinden makes the aftermarket update kit for the Academy, while this could be used with the AFV kit.

Here are some reviews by others more qualified than I:
AFV's kit
http://www.argo.net.au/jbwhole/reviews/afv35015.htm
Verlinden's update set for Academy's kit:
http://pmms.webace.com.au/reviews/vehicles/v1512.htm
Academy's kit:
http://members.tripod.com/TheBunker_/m18.html

Thanks Kencelot. Looks like I may go with the AFV kit and use what I can from the Verlinden sets. One thing I don't like to deal with is ill fitting parts( mentioned in the Academy review).

Don