When do you feel the need to use aftermarket parts. Do you use them for all teh models you build or just older kits that lack detail? What criteria do you use?

I'll use PE parts for older kits for enchancement, such as Tamiya M3A2 half track and I didn't add any PE parts on the Tamiya Marder III.

Steve

I guess if one is available and it has some parts that would look good replaced and most can be used then I will use it . Good thing is Eduard has the instruction sheets at their website so you can see if they are worth it and if most of the parts are going to be an easy use or a big grab the drinks and pull the hair out bender.

If the fret looks like it will be a significant improvement at a reasonable price, I may pick it up. Recent PE have been for the M-42 Duster which really needs PE for the sights, a small fret for the M3 Honey I found for $5 when I got the tank, and a full set for the PaK 40 with scale gunshields.

I almost always use PE:

1) because I enjoy working with it
&
2) it almost always enhances the kit when it comes to tool attachments, grills, and fenders.

you mean after that little kid in us says "I want it". It most likely comes down to what the wallet says, if i have the spare change it gets bought. Then of course ther's the impulse buy at AMPS, but I really don't think I ever NEED it just want it.

Josh
aka shiryon

Ditto this. Even for that nice Panzer I, I still used some PE. Can't really do a tank without PE now.....

I prefer to use PE for grilles, gunsights, and hinges mostly; I particularyly like it when the PE grilles and screens are included in the kit, so that the decision to buy aftermarket can be made on what the model in question really needs most for enhancement

Since I don't do contest models, I make the PE/resin decisions based on the base kit, and what I want to do with it. That makes it quite arbitrary for me. If the kit is of the latest Tamiyagawa, I probably won't do PE since I know the representation will be good without it. If the cockpit cries for attention through huge glazed areas then I'll probably put in some measure of additional detail to satisfy the roaming eyes.

The other thing I'll lump into this category is that I also scratchbuild (or try to ) details as I see fit. It's really the same thing in my eyes.

Good Question! I guess I don't have a rationale for using a PE Set. I'm an impulsive model buyer - so that goes for PE too. I don't feel a need for PE to dress up my models, and I certainly won't wait for aftermarket parts to come out to build a new model.

However - PE Sets were great for me several years ago. I learned alot from them in how to visualize a piece, and how it might breakdown - in order to better learn scratchbuilding techniques. In the absense of having anyone around to learn from - this was a great tool I found to self-improve my own skills.

Maybe that's why I don't feel a need for PE Sets today...

Gunnie

My favorite subject. Used the Eduard PE on my USMC Sherman. Greatly enhanced the appearance of the vehicle. However, the cost still has me pulling out my limited amount of hair.(See photo in Rogue's gallery. There ain't much left.) I think the hatch covers and .50 cal adds were great. However, the three frets contains a great deal of so what material. You can easily (and I have been) replicate tie downs with any number of substitutes. See the article on making tools out of metal like material to get some great ideas.. So, while I like the VLS material because it can be used on a number of vehicles, I am staying away from the Eduard stuff for the time being.
DJ