Beyond The Sprues

General Category => Market Place => Looking for Kits, Parts, and Decals => Topic started by: GTX_Admin on January 15, 2020, 04:43:56 AM

Title: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: GTX_Admin on January 15, 2020, 04:43:56 AM
Hi folks,

A new thread for members to list their 'unicorn' or 'holy grail' kits so that others might let them know if they come across one.

For those not aware, a unicorn or holy grail kit is often one that reportedly has been produced but is extremely rare and may never have even been seen.

An example for me might be the supposed 1/48 AA-model Caproni Ca.313 model kit -  the only reference I have is a brief Scalemates mention.
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: kitnut617 on January 15, 2020, 04:51:50 AM
What's the difference between the Ca.313 and Ca.314 Greg ?

BTW, the AA Model Ca.313 is a basic vacuform, AA Model production only lasted 4 years, 1981 to 1985.

A company called E.P. Original Models did a resin 1/48 Ca.314, but this would be even more rarer, production started in '95 and ended '96
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: GTX_Admin on January 15, 2020, 05:04:35 AM
What's the difference between the Ca.313 and Ca.314 Greg ?

BTW, the AA Model Ca.313 is a basic vacuform, AA Model production only lasted 4 years, 1981 to 1985.

A company called E.P. Original Models did a resin 1/48 Ca.314, but this would be even more rarer, production started in '95 and ended '96

From what I understand the Ca.314 was a development of the CA.313, itself a development of the Ca.310.  The main differences (apart from use - the Ca,314 being the more dedicated attack version) possibly slightly different engines (though hardly noticeable visually) and heavier MGs in wing roots plus the Ca.314 was heavier.  Are you aware of a 1/48 Ca.314 kit?
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: kitnut617 on January 15, 2020, 05:05:35 AM
What's the difference between the Ca.313 and Ca.314 Greg ?

BTW, the AA Model Ca.313 is a basic vacuform, AA Model production only lasted 4 years, 1981 to 1985.

A company called E.P. Original Models did a resin 1/48 Ca.314, but this would be even more rarer, production started in '95 and ended '96

From what I understand the Ca.314 was a development of the CA.313, itself a development of the Ca.310.  The main differences (apart from use - the Ca,314 being the more dedicated attack version) possibly slightly different engines (though hardly noticeable visually) and heavier MGs in wing roots plus the Ca.314 was heavier.  Are you aware of a 1/48 Ca.314 kit?

I was looking in the PAK-20 book Greg --
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: GTX_Admin on January 15, 2020, 05:06:14 AM
BTW, the AA Model Ca.313 is a basic vacuform, AA Model production only lasted 4 years, 1981 to 1985.

I can live with that if its the only option.

A company called E.P. Original Models did a resin 1/48 Ca.314, but this would be even more rarer, production started in '95 and ended '96

Hmmm...resin is even nicer.
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: apophenia on January 15, 2020, 05:13:32 AM
The early Ca.313s could also be distinguished by their noses. The early model Ca.313 - eg: the Swedish Ca.313S (Svezia, aka Ca 313RPB/S to Caproni), Ca.313F (Francia) for the AdA, and  Ca.313 RPB.1 for the Regia Aeronautica had fully-glazed noses. By contrast, the later Ca.313 RPB.2 for the Regia Aeronautica had the short, stepped nose of the Ca.314.

BTW: RPB = Ricognizione/Pattugliamento/Bombardamento
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: GTX_Admin on January 15, 2020, 05:28:36 AM
Some other unicorns for me:

1/35 Slovenian A.E.F. Designs M-55:

(https://img01.militaryblog.jp/usr/s/u/b/subv72ud80/AEFsM-55s01.JPG)

The following 1/48 Racoon Resins ones:

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-csyi9VcZBUA/UYvAmt16AvI/AAAAAAAAGBo/EN8fjM7Ya-g/s1600/r48-43.jpg)
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GWy3CpPFCCw/UYvAiFOGKcI/AAAAAAAAGBY/v-9wA2P7ay8/s1600/r48-41.jpg)
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: The Big Gimper on January 15, 2020, 06:13:04 AM
Blap! Models 1/72 FDL-7.
(https://modelingmadness.com/scott/misc/realspace/fdl7bt.jpg)

Fantastic Plastic FDL-5.
(https://fantastic-plastic.com/FDL5BoxArt-400.jpg)

I have the FDL-6.
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: tankmodeler on January 16, 2020, 01:42:44 AM
1/35 Slovenian A.E.F. Designs M-55:
(https://img01.militaryblog.jp/usr/s/u/b/subv72ud80/AEFsM-55s01.JPG)
You want that AEF kit because you are openly declaring yourself a masochist, then?  ;D

Or is the unicorn part of this that it needs to actually be buildable.

'Cause that ain't never gonna happen...
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: GTX_Admin on January 16, 2020, 01:49:52 AM
I want it since it is the only M-55 kit/conversion available.
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: GTX_Admin on January 16, 2020, 02:25:50 AM
A couple more:

(https://www.scalemates.com/products/img/2/1/2/1185212-39844-87-pristine.jpg)
(https://www.scalemates.com/products/img/2/1/0/1185210-39844-33-pristine.jpg?impolicy=og-image&label=Scale%201:48)
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: GTX_Admin on January 16, 2020, 02:41:15 AM
Another:

(https://fantastic-plastic.com/PershingMissileBoxArt.jpg)
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: GTX_Admin on January 17, 2020, 03:44:11 AM
I have also heard rumour of a Kiwi Resin 1/48 PAC CT/4 Airtrainer resin kit...
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: ChernayaAkula on January 17, 2020, 06:55:11 AM
<...>
([url]http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GWy3CpPFCCw/UYvAiFOGKcI/AAAAAAAAGBY/v-9wA2P7ay8/s1600/r48-41.jpg[/url])


What even is that?  :icon_surprised: Looks like a Japanese try at a Beaufighter. Nice!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: The Big Gimper on January 17, 2020, 07:37:43 AM
<...>
([url]http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GWy3CpPFCCw/UYvAiFOGKcI/AAAAAAAAGBY/v-9wA2P7ay8/s1600/r48-41.jpg[/url])


What even is that?  :icon_surprised: Looks like a Japanese try at a Beaufighter. Nice!  :smiley:


Nakajima J5N: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakajima_J5N (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakajima_J5N)

Scratch built kit:

(http://www.modellversium.de/galerie/img/3/8/2/13382/3219461/nakajima-j5n-1-tenrai-eigenbau.jpg)

http://www.modellversium.de/galerie/9-flugzeuge-ww2/13382-nakajima-j5n-1-tenrai-eigenbau.html (http://www.modellversium.de/galerie/9-flugzeuge-ww2/13382-nakajima-j5n-1-tenrai-eigenbau.html)


Here is 1/72 version (A+V):

(https://modelingmadness.com/scott/axis/j/jnaf/j5ni.jpg)

https://modelingmadness.com/scott/axis/j/jnaf/j5n.htm (https://modelingmadness.com/scott/axis/j/jnaf/j5n.htm)
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: The Big Gimper on January 17, 2020, 07:39:12 AM
Here is a list of most Raccoon Models: http://arawasi-wildeagles.blogspot.com/2013/05/raccoon-models-pt-1.html (http://arawasi-wildeagles.blogspot.com/2013/05/raccoon-models-pt-1.html)
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: GTX_Admin on January 18, 2020, 02:23:53 AM
Yes have seen that site before.  This is another from Raccoon Resin that I want:

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S3y5sY0W5Xk/UYu7Kxw8BdI/AAAAAAAAF_w/QvFTAm9FjQ4/s1600/r48-24.jpg)

I already have a number of their other products.
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: ChernayaAkula on January 18, 2020, 07:00:27 AM
What even is that?  :icon_surprised: Looks like a Japanese try at a Beaufighter. Nice!  :smiley:

Nakajima J5N: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakajima_J5N (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakajima_J5N)

Thanks for the heads-up!  :smiley: Didn't know about this one.
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: elmayerle on January 18, 2020, 11:25:12 AM
Note quite at Unicorn/Holy Grail level of desire, but I would love to get the Raccoon Models kits of the Ki-201, S1A1, and R2Y1 if I ever find such.
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: GTX_Admin on January 19, 2020, 02:22:56 AM
These would be nice too:

(https://www.scalemates.com/products/img/6/6/1/967661-18839-60-pristine.jpg)
(https://www.scalemates.com/products/img/4/8/4/177484-12155-pristine.jpg)
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: GTX_Admin on March 29, 2020, 11:59:18 AM
A new Unicorn for me:

1/35 Terre Modèles AMX-30 Pluton conversion.  My only proof of its existence is the following:

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/c5b4M9GbJscQEhpnkizW2JhuGtoenMt9JiyKW-ifF4qCpawn7vjpGAG-1wguD-nLLC_68c8Kc5VxgLBP5TuNdDDb_vJR8Y4rZPgPQyEud2iARHBH0tu1kbduBMCXny6Xa8PoTVvKQJUTF8iy)

Supposedly this is the master:

(https://2img.net/h/i26.photobucket.com/albums/c111/lion68200/AMX%2030%20Pluton/amx30-pluton-kit_10.jpg)
(https://2img.net/h/i26.photobucket.com/albums/c111/lion68200/AMX%2030%20Pluton/amx30-pluton-kit_09.jpg)
(https://2img.net/h/i26.photobucket.com/albums/c111/lion68200/AMX%2030%20Pluton/amx30-pluton-kit_08.jpg)
(https://2img.net/h/i26.photobucket.com/albums/c111/lion68200/AMX%2030%20Pluton/amx30-pluton-kit_07.jpg)
(https://2img.net/h/i26.photobucket.com/albums/c111/lion68200/AMX%2030%20Pluton/amx30-pluton-kit_06.jpg)
(https://2img.net/h/i26.photobucket.com/albums/c111/lion68200/AMX%2030%20Pluton/amx30-pluton-kit_05.jpg)
(https://2img.net/h/i26.photobucket.com/albums/c111/lion68200/AMX%2030%20Pluton/amx30-pluton-kit_03.jpg)
(https://2img.net/h/i26.photobucket.com/albums/c111/lion68200/AMX%2030%20Pluton/amx30-pluton-kit_02.jpg)
(https://2img.net/h/i26.photobucket.com/albums/c111/lion68200/AMX%2030%20Pluton/amx30-pluton-kit_01.jpg)
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: GTX_Admin on March 29, 2020, 12:03:16 PM
Fantastic Plastic FDL-5.
(https://fantastic-plastic.com/FDL5BoxArt-400.jpg)

Have you tried contacting Allen Ury directly?
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: GTX_Admin on March 29, 2020, 12:06:00 PM
One I would like from Fantastic Plastic - have tried to contact Allen but no luck with any in stock:

(https://fantastic-plastic.com/OrionBattleshipBoxArt-600.jpg)
(https://fantastic-plastic.com/ProjectOrionBattleship-What.jpg)
(https://fantastic-plastic.com/ProjectOrion-RearAngle.jpg)
(https://fantastic-plastic.com/ProjectOrion-LandingBoats.jpg)
(https://fantastic-plastic.com/OrionBattleship-Scale.jpg)
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: GTX_Admin on March 29, 2020, 12:18:51 PM
A few others I would like - same deal frustratingly:

(http://fantastic-plastic.com/uploads/3/5/5/3/35539432/6761782_orig.jpg)
(http://fantastic-plastic.com/uploads/3/5/5/3/35539432/1017598_orig.jpg)
(http://fantastic-plastic.com/uploads/3/5/5/3/35539432/6900254_orig.jpg)

(http://fantastic-plastic.com/uploads/3/5/5/3/35539432/7969955_orig.jpg)
(http://fantastic-plastic.com/uploads/3/5/5/3/35539432/5315610_orig.jpg)
(http://fantastic-plastic.com/uploads/3/5/5/3/35539432/9754433_orig.jpg)

(http://fantastic-plastic.com/uploads/3/5/5/3/35539432/3917646_orig.jpg)
(http://fantastic-plastic.com/uploads/3/5/5/3/35539432/1747851_orig.jpg)
(http://fantastic-plastic.com/uploads/3/5/5/3/35539432/3376773_orig.jpg)
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: kitnut617 on March 31, 2020, 04:55:09 AM
A holy grail of sorts, although it's a new release :

Some months ago I placed a pre-order for an Atlantis reboxing of the Aurora 1/72 AH-56A Cheyenne Helicopter. An email just now informs me it is now being shipped to me.
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: robunos on March 31, 2020, 05:00:04 AM
A holy grail of sorts, although it's a new release :

Some months ago I placed a pre-order for an Atlantis reboxing of the Aurora 1/72 AH-56A Cheyenne Helicopter. An email just now informs me it is now being shipped to me.


Amazing ! I remember building one of those as a kid, my local hardware / toy shop had one. As I recall, it went together really well, the panel lines were a bit deep, though. Also no rockets or missiles, etc. came with the kit . . .


cheers,
Robin.
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: The Big Gimper on March 31, 2020, 05:18:43 AM
Fantastic Plastic FDL-5.
(https://fantastic-plastic.com/FDL5BoxArt-400.jpg)

Have you tried contacting Allen Ury directly?

Yes, I did. I send him an email a few items a year as he does ask for feedback in what kits he could re-issue. This and others are not on his short list. Too esoteric I guess. 
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: GTX_Admin on April 01, 2020, 01:32:31 AM
Did you confirm that he had no old ones (or even partial ones) in stock?
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: tankmodeler on April 02, 2020, 02:30:06 AM
A few others I would like - same deal frustratingly:

([url]http://fantastic-plastic.com/uploads/3/5/5/3/35539432/7969955_orig.jpg[/url])

([url]http://fantastic-plastic.com/uploads/3/5/5/3/35539432/3917646_orig.jpg[/url])

Cool! I did the patterns for those two!

Got one of each for myself, but that's it, I'm afraid. Sorry, dude.
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: GTX_Admin on April 02, 2020, 02:45:06 AM
Got one of each for myself, but that's it, I'm afraid. Sorry, dude.

That's ok.  Just kindly please pass on details of your stash location...
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: Frank3k on April 02, 2020, 03:34:03 AM
I have a Rhino3D (unfinished) design for 1/350 models of both the Pegasus (similar to the Ithacus, but smaller) and Hyperion based on the drawings in "Frontiers of Space" by Bono & Gatland. I haven't worked on it in a while, because the 3D prints would have been very expensive. Maybe I'll get back to them. I wish Allan would have picked 1/350 instead of 1/288
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: GTX_Admin on April 02, 2020, 03:41:33 AM
Indeed.  1/350 could allow for easy modelling onto ships of the same scale:

(https://sites.google.com/site/spaceodysseytwo/space60s/ithacus1.jpg)

Am aware of Pegasus & Hyperion too:

(http://www.astronautix.com/graphics/p/pegasus1.jpg)(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/80/d0/31/80d0315517b42b6fdc7a1fcffd7dd962.jpg)
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: Frank3k on April 02, 2020, 03:47:07 AM
One issue that I had with the design of the Pegasus was the gear. I just couldn't get it to look right in 3D, compared to the drawings. Same with the Hyperion. It looks like Nick Stevens ran into the same issues!
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: kitnut617 on April 02, 2020, 04:28:34 AM
So the Ithacus would be 36" tall in 1/72, about the same as the Shuttle on the external tank
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: Frank3k on April 02, 2020, 05:06:05 AM
In 1/350 it would be 183mm (7.5")tall x 69mm (2.7") in diameter.
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: GTX_Admin on June 01, 2020, 02:47:17 AM
The early Ca.313s could also be distinguished by their noses. The early model Ca.313 - eg: the Swedish Ca.313S (Svezia, aka Ca 313RPB/S to Caproni), Ca.313F (Francia) for the AdA, and  Ca.313 RPB.1 for the Regia Aeronautica had fully-glazed noses. By contrast, the later Ca.313 RPB.2 for the Regia Aeronautica had the short, stepped nose of the Ca.314.

BTW: RPB = Ricognizione/Pattugliamento/Bombardamento


You are correct:

Caproni Ca.313:

(http://silverhawkauthor.com/images/site_graphics/Aircraft/Italy/Caproni-Ca-313--Sweden--5-.jpg)
(http://silverhawkauthor.com/images/site_graphics/Aircraft/Italy/Caproni-Ca-313--Sweden--6-.jpg)
(http://silverhawkauthor.com/images/site_graphics/Aircraft/Italy/Caproni-Ca-313-replica--Swedish-Air-Forces-Museum-Flygvapenmuseum-in-Linkoping--Mangan02.jpg)

Caproni Ca.314:

(http://silverhawkauthor.com/images/site_graphics/Aircraft/Italy/Caproni-Ca-314.jpg)
(http://silverhawkauthor.com/images/site_graphics/Aircraft/Italy/Caproni-Ca-314--5-.jpg)
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: GTX_Admin on April 26, 2021, 04:26:36 AM
Another pair of Holy Grails I am after:


1/48 Fliegerhorst Blohm & Voss BV P.208 Schnellsjäger:

(http://www.luft46.com/flg208-1.gif)
(http://www.luft46.com/flg208-2.jpg)

1/48 Fliegerhorst Blohm & Voss BV P.215 Nachtjäger:

(http://www.swannysmodels.com/images/Bv215/boxart.jpg)
(http://www.luft46.com/flg215-2.jpg)(http://www.swannysmodels.com/images/Bv215/progress1.jpg)
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: sharkman on July 18, 2021, 08:35:22 AM
These would be nice too:

(https://www.scalemates.com/products/img/6/6/1/967661-18839-60-pristine.jpg)


I'd like to find the Racoon E16A and E14Y

I picked up the E15K several years ago.
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: robunos on July 18, 2021, 05:28:42 PM
These shouldn't really be 'Holy Grails', being as they're Dragon kits, but any of their  AAV  kits,  7233, 7237, 7318, 7319, and their LVT-4 Water Buffalo kit, 7389, just don't seem to be available anywhere . . .   :o    >:D


cheers,
Robin.
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: Mig Eater on July 18, 2021, 06:01:32 PM
Not exactly special or unique but I've been trying to hunt down an Academy M4A3 105mm with dozer blade. They only produced it for a short run in 2007 & AFAIK it's the only injection molded plastic Sherman dozer blade in 1/35 scale.

(https://www.scalemates.com/products/img/7/8/3/104783-10244-pristine.jpg) 

I mainly want it out of laziness though, hoping that I'll eventually find one instead of having to design & 3D print the dozer ;D 
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on July 19, 2021, 01:27:28 AM
Not exactly special or unique but I've been trying to hunt down an Academy M4A3 105mm with dozer blade. They only produced it for a short run in 2007 & AFAIK it's the only injection molded plastic Sherman dozer blade in 1/35 scale.

(https://www.scalemates.com/products/img/7/8/3/104783-10244-pristine.jpg) 

I mainly want it out of laziness though, hoping that I'll eventually find one instead of having to design & 3D print the dozer ;D 
According to some folks that know much more about the Sherman tank than I do, there were some corners and short-cuts taken with that Sherman bulldozer tank kit to get the blade components to fit the Academy Sherman.  Accusations were made about the width of the blade in the model to actual dimensional data for the real M1 Bulldozer Blade among other things.  Not sure what to believe as it looks like a bulldozer blade and it fits the Academy Sherman tank model OOB. 

A shame your infatuation with this subject is not focused on the other bulldozer blade kit designed for the Sherman (the La Plante M2 Bulldozer Blade kit) that did not have the long side rails attached to the bulldozer blade. 

BTW, I have the kit you seek but with the cost of postage to your side of the ocean it is quite unrealistic to even contemplate offering you this kit to you.  Hopefully you can find one closer to home. 
Title: Re: Unicorns & Holy Grails
Post by: Artivag on February 10, 2024, 09:55:57 AM
I've long been fascinated with this aircraft type but have never had the opportunity to acquire one. The kit is from Cunarmodel, 1/72 scale & the aircraft type is the Caproni Ca.135bis. Ah, another would be the MPM Ki-21 Sally that has the dorsal turret in place of the dorsal greenhouse. I can't get confirmation as to whether ICM will bother with producing this latter version. Last for this list would be the ACE Hobby 1/72 GAZ-M1. I'd like to use it for a diorama depicting Stalin preparing to board a Pe-8ON.