The Little World

Or not, as the case may be…

The decision of whether to use aftermarket parts or just what is in the kit box is often a hard one to make. It’s one of the marvels of the age we live in that we have this choice. At one time there was nothing between the Airfix 50¢ baggie and a block of balsa wood except a jackknife. You were lucky to get anything at all. Posh types had a sandpaper block…

Okay, seriously – when should you pull the pin and start bending brass and cutting resin? There are guidelines:

a. If the original kit was made in 1953 and from 1954 onwards has been getting bad reviews…you are justified in doing something to improve your chances. If it is 2 scale centimetres short on the works drawings you are excused from caring – if it is 2 centimetres short in the actual mould, you might consider some corrective action. That includes tossing it in the bin.

b. If the aftermarket packet is only $ 9.50 and provides a way to correct 1953 – go for it. this may be tyres, guns, landing gear legs, canopy, or whatever. Look at the packet and bless the enthusiast who produced it.

c. If the aftermarket part is only for one variant and you don’t care either way, save your money. I guarantee that few people who see the finished model will know, and the ones who do are best avoided.

d. If the aftermarket packet is three times the cost of the original model, you have to ask yourself who is zooming who? If you cannot admit to the price at the dinner table, don’t pay it.

e. If the aftermarket part is the best bit of the build, will it make the rest look shabby? Would your money better go to a newer kit? Or strong liquor?