Stuka (2 Viewers)

[Vezzolf]

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.

I would not throw in the towel on this Stuka or Figarti for that matter....The problem can be solved:smile2:...and maybe without removing the magnets.....I am thinking that it might be too difficult for most of us to remove the magnets but that this plane can still be corrected with some bonding adhesive. This Stuka is really an excellent model....The detail, paint and weathering is second to none....I am not giving up on this Stuka or Figarti....NO ONE ELSE has even approached their excellence in WWII planes and Artillery or even tried to produce a Stuka except Figarti....The First Figarti Stuka was excellent.... I think that Figarti will correct this design in future releases and their products and customer service is usually excellent. No Worries.I will remain a Figarti customer and hope we will soon see a Me262 Night fighter and a Winter KING TIGER TANK{sm4}

 

[Blowtorch]

Warlord, I would follow through & pick them up if I were you & at least inspect them. It's not imperative to remove the magnets. The model will work well as is, just a bit fiddly, and you will need to make sure you detach the wheels before transporting the plane across a hard surface, like a floor. If they fall off, they will break. But if you sit the Stuka down in a static display, the model will likely be OK as is. The problem I am seeing is that the wheels and the wheel wells on the undercarriage aren't machined perfectly so there is some play in the design, made worse (or better) by how the magnets sit in their own wells & make contact with their mates. I saw wheel play left to right, front to back, but if you spend five minutes to set it up right & then not touch it, it should be OK. It will be easier if the plane is on a rough surface so the three wheels have something to friction on to & not slide. The tail wheel is naturally going to want to slide backwards, so if this has something to grab on to, all the better. Honestly though, I would have paid the extra $40 to Figarti to avoid this. Crooked landing gear on a plane is like a crooked gun on a tank. Yuck.

 

[Blowtorch]

Actually I take that back. My ideal preference would be for Figarti to just leave the landing gear off & leave the gluing to me/the customer. In my experience this kind of glue job really requires TLC that is best done by the customer, not the factory worker. Workers don't give that much love to gluing, getting things straight, etc.

 

[Vezzolf]

Actually I take that back. My ideal preference would be for Figarti to just leave the landing gear off & leave the gluing to me/the customer. In my experience this kind of glue job really requires TLC that is best done by the customer, not the factory worker. Workers don't give that much love to gluing, getting things straight, etc.

I agree, if the Landing Gear and the bombs under the wings had 4 small pegs that would press fit into 4 prepared holes it would have been quite simple for even a moderately skilled 1:35 scale modeller to glue them into position.....I would have no problem with that as long as the parts fit accurately in the slots.....Blowtorch, without removal of the magnets how would you personally go about permanently attaching the landing gear??....Would you use bonding putty to fill in any gaps or just go dierctly to an epoxy cement??

 

[uksubs]

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

I would be interested in seeing step by step photos Mitch

 

[Blowtorch]

...Would you use bonding putty to fill in any gaps or just go dierctly to an epoxy cement??

I won't get to it until Saturday at the earliest. Step one will be getting some line drawings, probably in a Squadron book to check the angles of the landing gear. Then will be fitting the gear to the wells, scraping the debris & etc.

For glue I will use 5 minute two part epoxy. That will do a good job at filling the gaps. There won't be a heavy load on the gear anyway. But keep in mind that no matter what glue or filler combo anyone uses, this is never going to be a fantastic bond. It's still a butt joint as there is so little recess in the well and no opportunity to use a pin vise as the wing is hollow. Lateral movements dragging the wheels sideways across high friction surfaces will not be recommended.

 

[HobbyBunker]

I brought one home tonight to check it out. When i first tried the magnets last week I thought they were fine. After hearing about this thread I thought I would investigate.

After putting together and setting on a table a light slap made it fall like a dog on ice. My solution...

At home I simply looked at matching the wheels the best I could. I put a dab of glue (zap a gap) on the top and bottom area where wheels go (either side of the magnet) and left to dry upside down so the glue won't run (important!) and let the magnet do it's own job. Just let a small amount of glue pool up then stick on the wheels. I just put upside down in the same box with antenna pointing in the open part of foam so it didn't touch anything. It seems to hold up fine. I didn't glue bombs, etc because they hold just fine.

The only issue you will have is if you ever want to put back in box, I tried a few things wit the foam and had no luck. If you must put in the box it will fit if you remove all the foam and just use bubble wrap and packing peanuts.

Here is a "meeting of the minds" with my newly glued tank buster (don't mind the white towel, not prepared for winter scenes at home)! I keep a Tiger for myself when a dealer returned one with a broken tank driver.

 

[Beaufighter]

I brought one home tonight to check it out. When i first tried the magnets last week I thought they were fine. After hearing about this thread I thought I would investigate.

After putting together and setting on a table a light slap made it fall like a dog on ice. My solution...

At home I simply looked at matching the wheels the best I could. I put a dab of glue (zap a gap) on the top and bottom area where wheels go (either side of the magnet) and left to dry upside down so the glue won't run (important!) and let the magnet do it's own job. Just let a small amount of glue pool up then stick on the wheels. I just put upside down in the same box with antenna pointing in the open part of foam so it didn't touch anything. It seems to hold up fine. I didn't glue bombs, etc because they hold just fine.

The only issue you will have is if you ever want to put back in box, I tried a few things wit the foam and had no luck. If you must put in the box it will fit if you remove all the foam and just use bubble wrap and packing peanuts.

Here is a "meeting of the minds" with my newly glued tank buster (don't mind the white towel, not prepared for winter scenes at home)! I keep a Tiger for myself when a dealer returned one with a broken tank driver.

Cheers Forum Squadron Members!

Matt, thank you for implementing the infamous "KISS" (Keep It Simple Stupid) repair technique. Sounds easy/good to me. Moving on...sorry to hear about all of these issues as I know what a disappointment it is when a coveted set arrives "Tango Uniform". That being said, I must be in the minority. Clive (Grey Goose) was kind enough to safely/securely expedite one of his private reserve Stukas my way. She landed safely in AZ. and I will go on record by saying that I thought the utilization of the magnets was brilliant (beautiful German kite by the way). They work well and I commend Figarti for trying to implement a technique to prevent potential shipping breakages. The force needed to knock the gear off on MY STUKA is greater than the side loading force I would ever consider putting on a warbird with attached/fixed/glued/molded gear. Conversely, if they (Figarti Stukas) were initially glued/molded/XYZ technique, etc. and arrived with broken fixed landing gear, there would be an outflow of criticism too. No win situation for Figarti on this one based on TF feedback with my lone exception thus far. I hope this information helps someone out. Thank you for reading.

Check Six,
Marc

PS: Matt, if you ever want to sell that winter Figarti Tiger please let me know. I had one in my hands in Chicago when it was released and for whatever reason I decided I did not need another Tiger. I was so very wrong!

 

[wayne556517]

Agreed Marc mine are on route as i type and i/we all wanted a STUKA and FIGARI had the balls to go ahead with it so im just wrapped they have been made in 1/30 scale.
Whatever or however they arrive i will be happy.

 

[RPZ]

Actually I take that back. My ideal preference would be for Figarti to just leave the landing gear off & leave the gluing to me/the customer. In my experience this kind of glue job really requires TLC that is best done by the customer, not the factory worker. Workers don't give that much love to gluing, getting things straight, etc.

A simple but precise square hole / square peg arrangement would facilitate this. Precise enough that buyers could just slot in the gear and "park" the plane; the gear being still removable. Or glue in place permanently.

 

[Vezzolf]

A simple but precise square hole / square peg arrangement would facilitate this. Precise enough that buyers could just slot in the gear and "park" the plane; the gear being still removable. Or glue in place permanently.

Completely Agree....I give Figarti credit for making such a "Beautiful Stuka" and having the BALLS to do so....But as someone said earlier in this thread..... KEEP IT SIMPLE.....CAN THE MAGNETS.....I like your suggestion of..... "a simple yet precise square hole/square peg arrangement"....EZ for Figarti to ship without breakage....EZ for us to glue if we want to.....A win-win for all involved

 

[HobbyBunker]

Cheers Forum Squadron Members!

Matt, thank you for implementing the infamous "KISS" (Keep It Simple Stupid) repair technique. Sounds easy/good to me. Moving on...sorry to hear about all of these issues as I know what a disappointment it is when a coveted set arrives "Tango Uniform". That being said, I must be in the minority. Clive (Grey Goose) was kind enough to safely/securely expedite one of his private reserve Stukas my way. She landed safely in AZ. and I will go on record by saying that I thought the utilization of the magnets was brilliant (beautiful German kite by the way). They work well and I commend Figarti for trying to implement a technique to prevent potential shipping breakages. The force needed to knock the gear off on MY STUKA is greater than the side loading force I would ever consider putting on a warbird with attached/fixed/glued/molded gear. Conversely, if they (Figarti Stukas) were initially glued/molded/XYZ technique, etc. and arrived with broken fixed landing gear, there would be an outflow of criticism too. No win situation for Figarti on this one based on TF feedback with my lone exception thus far. I hope this information helps someone out. Thank you for reading.

Check Six,
Marc

PS: Matt, if you ever want to sell that winter Figarti Tiger please let me know. I had one in my hands in Chicago when it was released and for whatever reason I decided I did not need another Tiger. I was so very wrong!

Marc, It is the only Tiger i have kept. The tanker is chipped/broken arm. Right now I will have to keep it. I will keep you in mind. I am picking up a glass case today with a collection so it might even get out of the box!

 

[Vezzolf]

Update: Guys, As Matt suggested......I just finished gluing the landing gear of the Stuka in place....seems to be fine....I do not think it is necessary to attempt removing the magnets at all...thus possibly damaging the model....My suggestion is "don't remove the magnets" they will actually help you to properly position the pieces when you glue them in place.....The magnets are I think less troublesome then originally thought. Time will tell if the bond will hold but it should be just fine....No problems anticipated.......Actually....Maybe.... the magnets are not a bad idea after all.....Kudos to Figarti on another excellent product.

 

[maddadicus]

Completely Agree....I give Figarti credit for making such a "Beautiful Stuka" and having the BALLS to do so....But as someone said earlier in this thread..... KEEP IT SIMPLE.....CAN THE MAGNETS.....I like your suggestion of..... "a simple yet precise square hole/square peg arrangement"....EZ for Figarti to ship without breakage....EZ for us to glue if we want to.....A win-win for all involved

I would love to see that arrangement on all mfg. WW2 aircraft with like option to remove and reposition gear doors to display as landed or in flight..Michael

 

[sammy719]

Update: Guys, As Matt suggested......I just finished gluing the landing gear of the Stuka in place....seems to be fine....I do not think it is necessary to attempt removing the magnets at all...thus possibly damaging the model....My suggestion is "don't remove the magnets" they will actually help you to properly position the pieces when you glue them in place.....The magnets are I think less troublesome then originally thought. Time will tell if the bond will hold but it should be just fine....No problems anticipated.......Actually....Maybe.... the magnets are not a bad idea after all.....Kudos to Figarti on another excellent product.

Hi Frank, glad it all worked out for you in the end, and it sounds like the magnets were not such a stupid idea after all, but I know how hard it is to drop a big payment on a single item, I do not have any 1:30 planes but really have enjoyed the Figarti Stukas from a distance, congrats again on your Stuka!!...Sammy

 

[Vezzolf]

Thanks Sammy, I really like this Stuka....I'm glad that the Removeable Landing Gear could be easily glued without removing the magnets....It worked out well and simpler than I first anticipated...I also have the first one released by Figarti both are excellent renditions of this iconic WWII plane....Again KUDOS to Figarti.

 

[Mitch]

Frank et al...

Have just finished the removal and filling of the gaps on the Stuka I was sent to sort out. I still think its a stupid idea and, its easy for some to say its not when they have not seen it or know what is required to fix this or, the way it was so fragile with them.

Simple to say but, it has been a valid concern of many that the slightest vibration etc could see this slip and fall from a shelf or similar and, cause real damage.

I agree that if they were going to design it this way then it should have been a simple slot in design which would leave the owner the option to adhere permanently or not.

That aside apart from a few accuracy issues it is well painted but, no collector should have to spend this amount of money and have to superglue, replace magnets or, indeed spend any amount of time ''modelling'' an item with a ticket price like this.

It took me four hours in total to repair this issue from start to finish and, the model is now perfect and, will never have any issues and does not look like it has been worked on except that the undercarriage and armaments are fixed in place.

Glad yours are sorted. I do agree with the KISS comment earlier and something maybe Figarti should have done.

still hope that K&C may enter the fray and make a Stuka as they will on top of their design ability have seen and learned quite a bit from these releases
Mitch

 

[Vezzolf]

Frank et al...
Simple to say but, it has been a valid concern of many that the slightest vibration etc could see this slip and fall from a shelf or similar and, cause real damage.

I agree that if they were going to design it this way then it should have been a simple slot in design which would leave the owner the option to adhere permanently or not.
still hope that K&C may enter the fray and make a Stuka as they will on top of their design ability have seen and learned quite a bit from these releases
Mitch

Mitch, I agree a slot design with the magnets would have been MUCH BETTER...... In the end it all worked out ....Magnets or Not :This Figarti Stuka as well as their recent Tigers and T-34's are really superb ....I think that K/C will be "Very Unlikely" to make a better Stuka then Figarti...especially if they continue to use "polystone"....Best Regards Frank

 

[OzDigger]

Mitch, I agree a slot design with the magnets would have been MUCH BETTER...... In the end it all worked out ....Magnets or Not :This Figarti Stuka as well as their recent Tigers and T-34's are really superb ....I think that K/C will be "Very Unlikely" to make a better Stuka then Figarti...especially if they continue to use "polystone"....Best Regards Frank

Frank, I can't see the need for magnets at all, they don't have enough attraction imo :wink2:

 

[Beaufighter]

Marc, It is the only Tiger i have kept. The tanker is chipped/broken arm. Right now I will have to keep it. I will keep you in mind. I am picking up a glass case today with a collection so it might even get out of the box!

Thanks Matt. Happy to know you at least have one in your collection. This winter Tiger just moved up to #1 on my "Most Wanted" list. See you soon at the West Coaster.

~Marc