Posted: 3/29/2026 2:24:12 AM EDT
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Is there much interest in Academy Model Kits anymore? Looking around, it doesn't seem like there's very many sources in the states to purchase that particular brand, and what is available seems to command a premium price. Yes, I know everything's going up these days. I have a chance to acquire several kits at a decent price but they are all Academy brand. Do people still want them anymore or have they fallen out of favor these days? Are any models from Academy particularly desirable or collectable that I should watch out for? I can get this one for considerably less than this is listed for: Israeli F16 Special Forces H-60 Blackhawk |
| They make some nice kits, especially their newer ones, plus they rebox some good new kits, like the AMK Kfir and Mig-31. Their 1/35 AH-1Z and UH-1Y are great! Regarding the two kits you mentioned, the 1/32 F-16s are pretty good and have a lot of detail and options. A couple of small issues, but they are the only 1/32 two seat F-16 kits out there. The 1/32 Tamiya kit is a little better, but more expensive, and only available in one configuration. Their Blackhawk kits are OK, older and so-so detail. The Kitty Hawk Blackhawks are quite a bit better in terms of detail, but the instructions can be a bit dodgy for some of the boxings. |
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I love them. I’ve got the SUFA kit. I’ve built one as a SC Nat Guard plane since it comes with almost every option in that box to build just about any 2 seat configuration ever made. I’ve got a spare kit if you’re interested in buying one. And for a lot less than that Amazon price. Like $125 plus shipping. I’ve also got several Tamiya kits, one being the ultra rare Thunderbirds kit. At one time those were selling on eBay for $500. Here’s the one I built.  The guy in the back seat is my physician. He’s the flight surgeon for the unit and gets back seat time. Notice the gloved hand with the finger ready for action. 
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