Just curious, what is everyone's opinion on Academy models?


Thanks

Some good. Some bad. Their early stuff were direct copies of Tamiya kits. As such, they were soft on details and not great. Their newer kits are all Academy and some of them are very good.

The best bet is to find a subject you like and ask directly about a kit for it. That is the only way to know about the quality of a specific kit.

My only experience is with their M923 A1 Big Foot cargo truck kit. The multi-part cab assembly was daunting. Some of the items hung on and under the frame were not fully molded. The tire detail was poor. Definitely would need after market tires.

The M923A1 kit is made by Italeri, not Academy.

Aircraft, armour or ships?

Academy's newer aircraft are very good, take the 1/48 F-4 it's a great kit and knocks the Hasegawa kits for six, however take their B-25 this is not actually one of theirs it's from Accurate Minitures which is no bad thing but is a rebox, something to be aware of. Forget the Mig-21 as this has now been bettered by Eduard and Trumpeter.

Armour, as has been said early tend to be copies of Tamiya while later are their own stuff which can be good or a mixed bag. Take their Merkava, more accurate than Hobby Boss but softer detail. Some decent 1/72 stuff.

Ships, some decently rendered ships but generally not on a par with the Japanese.

Name what it is you're looking at as no one company is a go to for everything.

Built about half a dozen of their older armour kits (M18 Hellcat, M12, M4 with dozer, etc.) From what I remember they went together ok but the decals were rather nasty! Also did one of their Huey's, Had a pig of a time doing that. It nearly "Flew" against the wall a couple of times! Maybe that was just me though.

The decals are much improved and I haven't had problems with them. I generally like Academy kits. Easy builds and good instructions. Look for reviews if you have questions about the kit.

Ok, thanks for the replies guys. I appreciate it. :-)

I am new to this hobby and am still drinking from the fire hose so to speak. There is a ton of info to take in early.

Welcome to the hobby!

I really like Academy. I find that their models are generally way more detailed than others. The only problem I have had with some kits are poor instructions and bad part fitment (where Tamiya is soft on details, but their parts always fit perfectly in general).

The only way you're going to really find out is to build a few kits yourself. Modelers all have their own preferences when it comes to brands, as you will soon find out.

Good luck.

Ooops! My bad.