TC Models Short 184

[Mike West]

1/48 resin kit. I believe long out of production? Anyone know of any reviews? Did Wind Sock ever do one?

Thanks, Mike

[jamo]

Internet Modeler T.C. Models 1/48 Vickers Vimy, Felixstowe F2A, & Short 184

"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."

"The instruction sheets that accompany these models are clear and concise, and following instructions will result in a good model, at least from the initial read. None of the kits comes with decals, though Tony Collins has informed me that future models will have decals (whether this means future models of these kits is unclear). However, suitable decals are available from Americal/Gryphon, and this will be one time the modeler is happy that British aircraft of the First World War were rather plain as regards markings. Each kit provides stainless steel wire for rigging. The modeler will need to weight these and hang them against a wall for some period to let gravity do its work in straightening them.

These models cry for super-detailing. Since all the basics are there, and the models are accurate, they look to be well worth the effort expended."

"Personally, when I opened these boxes, I was daunted when I looked at what was inside. That hasn't happened to me as a modeler in a very long time . . "

Sandy Adams built one and has photos over at the WWI Modellers website:
Sandy Adam : Allied Model Images



"This is the TC Resins model from South Africa and the minute I saw the kit I knew I had to build it. As the only 1/48 Short available it is to be welcomed but it has to be said, it is a fairly rough kit. The wings are very thick and need much sanding, which unfortunately tends to expose more bubbles in the resin the more you continue, Fuselage bottom requires a fair bit of work too.

Once you've got over the major surgery, the marvellous big beast takes shape and all is forgiven. I used the kit brass wing struts (thickened with PVA glue) and a mix of kit struts and shaped brass wire for the float struts. One problem during construction is the sheer weight of the model and I devised some brass wire handles for the propellor shaft and rear lifting points to allow me to move the thing about.

I used Humbrol Leather and Brown mixed for the floats, then drew the fine grain with darker brown artist's pencil. Overall aircraft is sprayed Xtracolour Linen with kit transfers for Union Flags and stencils, but some Tauro Italian Roundels (without red centre dots) for early RNAS Cockades. I gave it some slight weathering on metal panels and radiator but kept the linen clean as I didn't wish to overdo it.

One point worth mentioning is that the rigging is functional - the wings are very heavy and sag. I used Monofilament running right through both wings to hold them straight. All in all one of those kits that I wouldn't relish making a second time, but pleased with the results. "

Looks like it can be made into a nice model provided you are prepared to put in some work.

[coyotemagic]

Hi Mike,
I have one. Bought it on eBay not too long ago for @ $25, which I thought was a steal. When I saw Sandy's, I had to have it. I love the ungainly lines of the 184 and since I only build 1/48 scale, this is (was) the only kit available (unavailable) of this lovely (ugly) bus (unless someone like Lone Star picks up the gauntlet). The reviews that Jamo sited are spot on. This kit will require quite a bit of surface detail removal and replacement, wings and fuslage, and thinning of wings, horizontal and vertical stabilizers. Yet, if sufficient effort and care is put into this kit, it'll build into a very inpressive model. Thanks, James, for reniewing my enthusiasm for this plane. She just move up in the queue.
So, how about it, Mike? Any possibility of a Short 184 or variants forthcoming from your shop?
,
Bud

[Mike West]

I too have one of these. It cost me $85.00 at the US IPMS Nationals some 10 years ago. The reviewer doesn't mention the inacurate aft fuselage. It is a large box shape on the kit instead of tapering to the rudder post as it should. Measured against the Wind Sock drawings the span is short as is the chord. It is on my to do list of new projects. But I am going to get the Gotha G-1 out in 2011 first!!

Thanks and Merry Christmas to all Mike

[Tony Collins]

Hello.
My name is Tony Collins of the now extinct TC Models. The last time I produced these kits was in the late 1990s. They were all produced on the basis of my personel wants and when they became quite popular, the hobby became a job. From these kits I obtained a contract to build 8 x full and 1/2 size pre WWI aircraft replicas for a casino in JHB. Unfortuneatly TC models fell by the wayside and was never ressurected. I still have all the masters but have no future plans to re release them.
I am in the process of building a 1/32 scale 184 which i may release in a limited form but it is mainly for my own pleasure. With the release of WNT kits the bench mark is really high so I hve to work really hard.

[Kaiser Bill]

Speaking of the Short 184...I believe Aeroclub did one in 1/72. The hype on it lasted about 5 minutes. Anybody know if they are still available?

Thanks for any info

Kaiser Bill

[coyotemagic]

Originally Posted by Tony Collins

Hello.
My name is Tony Collins of the now extinct TC Models. The last time I produced these kits was in the late 1990s. They were all produced on the basis of my personel wants and when they became quite popular, the hobby became a job. From these kits I obtained a contract to build 8 x full and 1/2 size pre WWI aircraft replicas for a casino in JHB. Unfortuneatly TC models fell by the wayside and was never ressurected. I still have all the masters but have no future plans to re release them.
I am in the process of building a 1/32 scale 184 which i may release in a limited form but it is mainly for my own pleasure. With the release of WNT kits the bench mark is really high so I hve to work really hard.

Tony!
First of all, thank you for producing this kit in the first place. I love the subject and for it's age, it's a very nice kit. I searched everywhere for one and consider myself very lucky to have one. I'm sorry that, like Jager, you weren't able to make a go of it.
It will be interesting to see this in 1/32 scale. It will be enormous! Good luck.
,
Bud

[jamo]

Originally Posted by Kaiser Bill

Speaking of the Short 184...I believe Aeroclub did one in 1/72. The hype on it lasted about 5 minutes. Anybody know if they are still available?

Thanks for any info

Kaiser Bill

I believe it is no longer available, but like most kits, turns up occasionally on ebay. It is a very nice kit, short run injection moulded with white metal accessories and includes decals. I liked it so much I built two of them

[Kaiser Bill]

James...yes indeed your models are outstanding. I ran across them while searching for info on that particular kit. Well done!!

Kaiser Bill