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TurnipJF

Kamtec shells - experiences?

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With the relaxation on restrictions on discussing repros, I thought now might be an opportune time to ask about people's experiences with Kamtec bodyshells. I have heard through the grapevine that they may soon be making shells for the F103, and since my car's frequent trips into the barriers have taken their toll on the shell, I was wondering if this might be an avenue worth exploring.

 

(I don't know if the F103 shell(s) in question are repros of Tamiya shells, repros of shells from another manufacturer, or Kamtec's own design, but since Kamtec sell some repro shells, I haven't wanted to ask about them until now for fear of incurring the wrath of the forum gods.)

 

 

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I've used a few Kamtec shells.  In short, I'd say you get what you pay for.  They're cheaper than Tamiya but less detailed.  They seem well-made, although their lexan shells sometimes have a tendency to flare outwards depending on the design.  I've not had experience of using a lexan Kamtec shell hard so I don't know how hey stand up to abuse.  Despite the lack of detail, some people have done great custom jobs by improvising and making scale details.

Their ABS shells are interesting, although the Baja I had on my Frog didn't last long and I find the trimming job really, really tricky.  Even using power tools it's a long job to trim a Baja shell.

Service is very good - I once had an issue with cut-lines on a Bowler Wildcat decal set not lining up with the printed decals, they answered my email and shipped me a new set same-day.  I'm not sure if they keep stock or make to order, but delivery is always quick.

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I use a Kamtec shell on my GT12. a sierra cosworth one. I also use an Escort van on my rascal. both are lexan. The GT12 shell has stood up really well to racing environment. a bit battered but no cracks or splits. does lack detail and took a bit of tweaking to get it to fit properly but it worked out well in the end. I havent used my Rascal yet, its still being built but the van looks cool. they are cheap however. 

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Big thumbs up for Kamtec. The traditional process of making the forms / moulds is not easy. And given the reality of the number that would be sold, I feel very lucky to have guys like Kamtec making it happen. 

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Had good experiences with Kamtec both hard shells and lexan. I agree they're not quite as detailed as Tamiya but the cost reflects that so I don't mind running them hard. 

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Sounds like just what I need then. Hope they release their F1 shells soon!

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I was really pleased with my kamtec shell. I got the beetle shell so I had a lexan monster beetle body. Its taken some knocks, nicely detailed and came with window masks. Everything that I could have asked for.

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Fairly certain my Blitzer Beelte shell is a Kamtec, no complaints on the detail side of things and it has taken some serious abuse over the last 12 months. 

100% would purchase another. 

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I've got a couple of kamtec lexan shells for my runners, I've got no complaints at all. Good shells for the money, window masks and nice quick delivery after ordering. What more can you ask for?  

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Just called Kamtec to confirm the rumour - they are indeed working on a shell for the F103, and are expected to have it available in a few weeks. What's more, it isn't a Tamiya repro, so we can discuss it openly irrespective of how one chooses to interpret the forum rules. :)

 

I wonder what car it is going to depict? I rather hope it is a generic one, so I don't feel duty-bound to recreate it's fullsize colour scheme and can do my own thing instead.

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I used Kamtec bodysets for my Astute & Super Astute new builds.

Originals are rare, expensive and rather thin IMHO.

The Kamtec parts are thicker & very durable - you need good Lexan scissors for cutting & trimming.

Detail may not be quite as sharp as the genuine item but once painted & decaled I think the end result is very acceptable.   

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I think my Kamtec delivery was a victim of the Christmas rush.

One of the ABS shells inside was a bit warped but I think I have stretched it back to normal. 

IMG_0033_zpstyolkfel.jpg~original

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