Heller Kits

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Stuart
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Heller Kits

Post by Stuart »

I was just browsing the net this morning and came across a few interesting kits by Heller, and it occurred to me that we don't seem to see many of them built around here (asides from the odd Airfix boxing).

I don't know a lot about them - what are your thought on Heller kits in general?

Cheers

Stuart
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PaulBradley
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Re: Heller Kits

Post by PaulBradley »

They have some really nice and unique stuff; I especially like their selection of French a/c. Much of their range is now getting on a bit and it would be wonderful to see an Airfix-style revival of the company.
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Re: Heller Kits

Post by rob_van_riel »

I fully agree with what Paul said.
I should note that some of their (mainly earlier) boxings of the more common subjects have interesting variant options; many of their jet kits had parts for two seaters when everyone else was doing only single seaters, and sometimes recon variants as well.
Despite them not being technically superior to their contemporaries, and their undeniable age today, I've always had a soft spot for them.
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bobblelink
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Re: Heller Kits

Post by bobblelink »

Generally nice kits, Their BF109b is a lovely little model- I have a few Heller kits in the stash.
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Migrant
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Re: Heller Kits

Post by Migrant »

They were pretty nice kits for their time. Mostly raised panel lines and not much in the way of cockpit detail, but well-fitting and some unique subjects. There was a Heller GB on this forum a couple of years ago that's worth checking out.
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JohnRatzenberger
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Re: Heller Kits

Post by JohnRatzenberger »

They did do many things other than aircraft ....
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Re: Heller Kits

Post by jssel »

The 109's and Spit's are good also
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Re: Heller Kits

Post by shangos70 »

I have a good selection of Heller aircraft kit, I've built a few too. Usually quite good fit and has been said some interesting and unusual subjects. What does let them down, particularly the some of the later boxings are the poor decals. Often well out of register,the roundals in my Mirage IVA are boss-eyed. The early black box kit decals and those from the Heller / Humbrol era are pretty good for the age of the kits.
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Gregers
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Re: Heller Kits

Post by Gregers »

I've never built one I didn't like with the exception of their Spitfire MK1, avoid it like the plague. A horrible kit and a dog of wolfhound proportions, I've built better starfix ones.
Their Draken is superb though, as is the Jaguar.

All he best.

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Re: Heller Kits

Post by Dazzled »

I've had pretty good experiences of Heller kits for the most part. They were certainly never afraid of large or unusual subjects. Just look out for reviews online to find out which are the better kits. 8-)
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jssel
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Re: Heller Kits

Post by jssel »

I have a great decal sheet for the CL215. Think Revell re-popped it.
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Stuart
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Re: Heller Kits

Post by Stuart »

Thanks for the info Gents,

Has any body ever built any of their 1/48 Helicopter kits?
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splash
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Re: Heller Kits

Post by splash »

I have built their Gazelle and Puma.

The Gazelle is a pleasure to build but the Puma is a kit to be avoided, Heller tend to use 1/50 as a scale.

I like the plastic Heller use it tends to be soft with a Matt finish.

Link to my Gazelle build http://www.uamf.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f= ... it=Gazelle

Link to Puma build http://www.uamf.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f= ... hilit=Puma
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jssel
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Re: Heller Kits

Post by jssel »

I have built the AS350 Squirrel. Nice kit. The AS350 landed twice on Everest.
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Stuart
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Re: Heller Kits

Post by Stuart »

splash wrote:I have built their Gazelle and Puma.

The Gazelle is a pleasure to build but the Puma is a kit to be avoided, Heller tend to use 1/50 as a scale.

I like the plastic Heller use it tends to be soft with a Matt finish.

Link to my Gazelle build http://www.uamf.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f= ... it=Gazelle

Link to Puma build http://www.uamf.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f= ... hilit=Puma
Nice looking build Splash - I really like that Gazelle and may have to get one.
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