"T.C. Models" kits......

[Allan31]

Tom Clever writes in his review about 2009:

"New from South Africa is a line of limited-run cast resin kits created by master moldmaker Tony Collins. The first three models, all in 1/48, include the Shorts-184 seaplane; the Felixstowe F.2A flying boat; and the Vickers Vimy."
"None of these three models should be attempted by anyone not thoroughly familiar with cast resin model building and biplane construction. The modeler who takes the time to give these kits the lavish care they deserve will be rewarded with what can only be described as a "museum-quality" model."

I know I'm biting off a bit more than I may be able to chew but does anyone know how I might get a hold of the Shorts 184 or the Felixstowe flying boats?

I'm currently reading "the Zeppelin Fighters" by Whitehouse.



There are several aircraft I want to do. Chief among them 8666 flown by Galpin, Leckie, Whatling and Laycock.



Sadly the reveiw ends with this:
"How To Get One:
(Editors Note, 4 Jan 2009: Unfortunately TC Models is no more.) If you're interested in getting one of these for your own collection, T.C.Models can be e-mailed from here for further information."

I'm sure since 20ish years has elappsed the further information thing is no longer. Anyone have thoughts?

[Alexis]

In the past have tried to find this kits with no luck , they are very very rare and hard to find . I wish you luck in your hunt . For the felix have a peak at lone Star Models , they do a felix in 48 scale


Alexis

[Allan31]

Thanks Alexis I'll hunt around there.

[Berman]

    I have seen the TC Felixstowe kit many years ago as I ordered one at the time from Aero Club Models (closed now). Upon inspection, I returned the kit for a refund. Solid molded fuselage and heavy crude wing ribs all cast with brittle polyester (think fiberglass) type resin.
     I worked with a highly skilled craftsman, from eastern Europe, to create beautiful accurate 1/48th scale both early and late Felixstowe F.2a master patterns. I loaned these patterns to Mike West of Lone Star Models. He only cast a few kits before stopping production.
     I still not have found a good resin caster willing to restart production of the Felixstowe kits. I also have the 1/48th scale master patterns for a Handley Page 0-400 bomber. Copper State Models discontinued this kit after producing just nineteen kits. It was highly praised in multiple reviews. Edgar decided only to market injected molded kits mainly in 1/32nd scale.

[macsporran]

Hey Allan
I must be one of the few people who bought and built TC Resins kits!

I ordered the Short 184 and Felixstowe from Tony and later sent him pictures of the finished 184 - to which he replied it was the first he'd seen one actually built!

I don't have the kit anymore and the pictures were stored over on the old WWI Modeling Page which has now gone, so I just have some thumbnails - which are posted over on the Specific Aircraft board here. One reproduce below.

The Short was a real dog to build, mainly because it was solid resin and weighed a ton. I had to sink some metal skewers into the fuselage to be able to hold it up whilst spraying and the wings were so heavy that they sagged badly. Fortunately I rigged it with strong mono thread going right through the wings while they were supported on blocks - so kept level once finished.

Having said that it was the only game in town for a 1/48 184 (or F2a) but it was heavy work. I also had to saw off huge chunks of resin from major components before starting. I was so fed up by the time I finished that I didn't have the heart for the Felixstowe and sold it off on eBay. (It was even heavier and chunkier than the Short.)

Anyway, good luck if you can find one, but don't be too disappointed if you can't!
Sandy

[Flute]

 I took Allan up on his offer to send a copy of the WW1 Modelling site just before it finally closed, and it partially works, with many broken links. I'll have a look and see if I can find your pictures.

Paul.