Kiwi Resin's How to Build Resin Aircraft Models

One of the sub-areas of aircraft modeling are resin models. Like vacuform kits, these kits require skills that are not the same as your standard injection molded kit, but then again, are not all that much different. The major difference is the amount of part preparation and the cement used to hold the parts together.

Resin kits in particular are popular for many reasons. One is that they are often of aircraft that the major manufacturers have not done, have not done properly, or offer a conversion to an existing kit. Many modelers are used to resin in terms of aftermarket and some kits include resin pieces, yet many modelers who use these parts, are unwilling to try a full resin kit.

Resin kits run the gamut from really bad to really great with most falling somewhere in between. Resin is also quite a bit more susceptible to differences in temperature and humidity during the casting process as are injected plastic kit. This means that in the same kit, you may well have parts that are either a bit too big or a bit too small. Resin is also prone to air pockets, air bubbles and blobs, depending on how it was cast. Modelers will need to know how to handle these situations.

These kits also require super glue for assembly and the builder will need to know how to apply this material to prevent issues with alignment. Many resin kits come with vacuformed clear bits and often metal parts as well.

What this book provides is a step by step build of two different kits. One is a full resin kit where the author encounters many of the situations common to the type and provides instruction on how to deal with these issues. The other is on the building of a resin conversion. In this case a standard injected kit is the basis and the resin parts are provided to allow for the conversion to a type not already or not well kitted.

These sorts of books work well if the images are well done and if the explanations don't bog down into jargon. This book provides both. Though I've built quite a few resin kits in my life, I learned from this volume and will be trying some of the techniques offered in my next build. Whether a total newbie or an experienced modeler, there is something in this for everyone. Best of all, since it is an e-book, it is inexpensive and no worries about shipping costs.

You can get yours at this link. My thanks to www.kiwiresin.com for the review book. 

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