I doubt there is much that Figarti can do.....if the magnets were not in the way, It would be fairly easy to epoxy the landing gear in place. However the magnets sit too high on both the landing gear and the underside of the wings thus not allowing you to get a flush fit of plastic against plastic for a good epoxy bond. This will require some thought....If any model builders have suggestions this is a good time to chime in.
Stuka (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter blue max
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Mitch
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Frank...
I knew this was going to happen as soon as I saw how they were designed. I have one coming to me later this week to sort out these issues so, when I get one in my hands I will be able to let you know how I resolved this issue. I thought magnets were stupid to use and, looks like its proven to be the case. At these prices collectors should not be having to add additional costs to make it so it actually stands safely!!!
I would say from the pics of these I have been sent in e-mail that its a fiddly job to use immediate fixing glues and have magnets in the way.
I know a few who are just returning them which is a shame.
Mitch
I knew this was going to happen as soon as I saw how they were designed. I have one coming to me later this week to sort out these issues so, when I get one in my hands I will be able to let you know how I resolved this issue. I thought magnets were stupid to use and, looks like its proven to be the case. At these prices collectors should not be having to add additional costs to make it so it actually stands safely!!!
I would say from the pics of these I have been sent in e-mail that its a fiddly job to use immediate fixing glues and have magnets in the way.
I know a few who are just returning them which is a shame.
Mitch
uksubs
Lieutenant Colonel
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Mitch look like you we're right along mate :redface2:
To be honest I was not impressed with the first one for the money they are asking
Yes Mitch, it is a shame because it is otherwise a beautiful model in regards to detail, paint and weathering.....However.... not very useful if the landing gear keeps falling off at the "slightest vibration"....... "Very Dumkoff" to use magnets especially on the landing gear/wings underside....If the magnets can be removed from the underside of the wings and the landing gear there is a chance to salvage this model...... Figarti should chime in on this matter as to what should be done.....I'm sure they were aware of these problems.
Mitch
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Neil...
we spoke about this and, I would have liked to have had one but, I did not like the format they decided to go with and, could not part with that amount of money. I spoke with a mate who builds aircraft from scratch and he also could not understand why they did this when they are using light weight medium.
Frank...
I had this discussion via e-mail with a collector who wants to know if I can remove the magnets and fill the gaps and affix the bombs and undercarriage. Depending on how they have been fixed its probably as easy to drill through them add a small amount of glue debonder and release them
It would be interesting to hear how they are fixed from Figarti and to your points but, they rarely comment on things like this
Mitch
we spoke about this and, I would have liked to have had one but, I did not like the format they decided to go with and, could not part with that amount of money. I spoke with a mate who builds aircraft from scratch and he also could not understand why they did this when they are using light weight medium.
Frank...
I had this discussion via e-mail with a collector who wants to know if I can remove the magnets and fill the gaps and affix the bombs and undercarriage. Depending on how they have been fixed its probably as easy to drill through them add a small amount of glue debonder and release them
It would be interesting to hear how they are fixed from Figarti and to your points but, they rarely comment on things like this
Mitch
Mitch, Do you use acetone as a glue de-bonder??....It appears that these magnets were put in with cyanoacrylate (Crazy Glue)....This is really a major nuisance
....It might be best to try to bond without removing the magnets....Still undecided on how to approach and solve this problem.
....It might be best to try to bond without removing the magnets....Still undecided on how to approach and solve this problem.
Mitch
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Frank...
I have used many products but, the one I have found to be the best is a deluxe materials product called debonderit is an excellent product and removes any glue.
Mitch
I have used many products but, the one I have found to be the best is a deluxe materials product called debonderit is an excellent product and removes any glue.
Mitch
Mitch, Do you use acetone as a glue de-bonder??....It appears that these magnets were put in with cyanoacrylate (Crazy Glue)....This is really a major nuisance
Blue Max and Mitch. I have one each of The Stukas ordered and now am really concerned about them after reading this threads input. Max looking forward to you professional analysis. Regards, Larry.
Well my Stuka's arrived fine. The boxes are a lot smaller so I guess Figarti was trying to save money on shipping charges, but IMO I think they made a big mistake. The magets to hold on the landing gear is a huge mistake and I fine it hard to beleive Figarti would do this to try to save a little money poor very poor idea. They fit OK as long as the plane is not touched. One of the magets for one of the landing gears has already fell out. The bomb and fuel tanks with with the magets are OK but if figarti would not have down sized the box they could have come attached as they should when you pay this much money for this model. The landing gears fit will enought I think they could be glued which if you want to display this model most collectors will most likely do. The models themselves are beautfull if you like the pictures of them you will like the fit and finish.I'm glad I brought the Winter and Battle of Britain versions just disappointed in Fagarti's use of magets to hold the landing gears in place...I hope figarti doesen't start sacrafice their quality to cut corners to save money. Ron
uksubs
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Is there any chance of some photos Ron ?
I would like to put up some but don't know how to post. RON
I have been trying a few things regarding the magnets. The main problem is especially regarding the landing gear.....If the magnets cannot be removed it might be possible to glue some thin black plastic spacers first around the perifery of the magnets to eliminate the xs spacing. After this dries the landing gear could be glued directly to the underside of the wings. As the plane sits the magnets create to much of a gap to epoxy plastic to plastic...placing plastic spacers first could close that gap allowing the adhesive to grip the landing gear to the underside of the wings......Another thought I had is to use an adhesive putty pressed around the perifery of the magnets which would prevent the landing gear from twisting off and collapsing under the weight of the plane.....Just some thoughts but not the best of solutions I'm sure. Any other ideas???
Blowtorch
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I agree, the landing gear magnets had to go, and glue will follow. The bomb & gas tanks I don't mind as much. Anyway, I got them out. What I did (this will be annoying for those without the tools)
First I went to work on the wheel pieces:
Say the magnet is a clock, and the clock is in the well in the wheel unit. Using small bits and a Dremel, I drilled a large hole at 6 o'clock, and smaller holes at 5,7, 12, 1, 2, 10 & 11 o'clock. These holes were drilled at the seam of where the magnet meets the resin well. For the large hole, I drilled that at a 45degree angle to get under the magnet, so I could pry it out with some steel wire of the same diameter of the drill bit I used. These drill bits were small bits, smaller than the smallest ones you find at a hardware shop. I buy them at a radio control airplane shop. They carry the wire too. In the holes, I used a syringe & a 20 gauge needle to insert acetone & let it sit for 5 minutes. Then the wire was used to pop the magnets out.
Second to the wings.
First you need to use two stacks of books to mount the aircraft upside down on its wings.
Repeat the same process, BUT,
be very careful when drilling the holes. You need to have a quick reflex so you can pull back as soon as you are through the bottom panel, as the wing is hollow, not solid like the wheel pieces. Keep pushing, and you're drill bit is going to come out the top of the wing in an instant!!!
It was only necessary to go all the way through for the pry out hole (6 o'clock). for the other smaller holes, I only went 3/4 way deep. Didn't pierce the panel to avoid mishap.
The model is really nice & is worth all this trouble.
****Be very careful when applying the acetone. The aircraft is resin & the solvent will hideously damage any surface it touches.****
Mitch
Major General
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Well, this morning I received the Stuka. I have to say that I dodged a very expensive white elephant as its a woefully poor design and model.
Not to remind everyone but, I said the magnets were a stupid idea and, nothing has changed from that. I mentioned the other say that I thought drilling them would be the only way forward and, Blowtorch has beaten me to it as a description. I have it all set up ready to begin work this afternoon to remove the magnets.
I see it mentioned that ''apart from'' its a great model well, yes and no but, certainly Figarti have done a huge self inflicted wound here as this is a really poor and cheap alternative to doing it right for the cost. collectors should not have to do these fix jobs themselves or get them done from others when they are paying good money and, really, Figarti should have known and seen this was going to happen and, not sold them IMO.
Mind, having also received some other Figarti sets today a V1 set which is flaking paint like a bad case of alopecia and a new set doing exactly the same in a selfish way, I would say carry on figarti your keeping me busy. If I get time I will do a pictorial step by step of the work to rectify the Stuka
If not, anyone need any help or assistance contact me
Mitch
P.S Frank the only really good way to rectify this is to remove the magnets completely
Not to remind everyone but, I said the magnets were a stupid idea and, nothing has changed from that. I mentioned the other say that I thought drilling them would be the only way forward and, Blowtorch has beaten me to it as a description. I have it all set up ready to begin work this afternoon to remove the magnets.
I see it mentioned that ''apart from'' its a great model well, yes and no but, certainly Figarti have done a huge self inflicted wound here as this is a really poor and cheap alternative to doing it right for the cost. collectors should not have to do these fix jobs themselves or get them done from others when they are paying good money and, really, Figarti should have known and seen this was going to happen and, not sold them IMO.
Mind, having also received some other Figarti sets today a V1 set which is flaking paint like a bad case of alopecia and a new set doing exactly the same in a selfish way, I would say carry on figarti your keeping me busy. If I get time I will do a pictorial step by step of the work to rectify the Stuka
If not, anyone need any help or assistance contact me
Mitch
P.S Frank the only really good way to rectify this is to remove the magnets completely
Seems like a difficult processs to remove the magnets without damaging the Stuka{eek3}.......Does anyone have any "game plan" to keep the magnets in place andyet still bond the landing gear and bombs in place????...Would modeling putty work if one is not able to remove the magnets??? or maybe marine epoxy placed around the perifery of the magnets and then XS trimmed before it hardens???? Other methods or solutions welcome. Thank You
I am very concerned about this model as I have ordered the two different versions, however, have not picked them up yet. Adding to this concern is my inability to glue, reconfigure or drill things properly (probably my bad eyes and patience). I had the well documented problems with The Long Tom - although Figarti finally fixed the problem and sent me a sound one after three tries (one paint flakeing and the second arrived in schambles) so I do not want to buy " a white elephant" as my hero Mitch has stated. Since there are obvious flaws does anyone think Figarti will find a fix for this, if not, I surely will think twice about buying any more of their progucts. Regards, Larry.