Conclusions:As expected, both options have their advantages and disadvantages:
Yao´s version does not require assembly, but it´s removal from printing supports is really difficult and quite a lot of careful work is needed to remove all the marks from the aircraft. Also the wing rigging is even way more overscale than Flyhawk´s PE version, so I decided to remove it for my trial (I´d replace it with rigging wire if I decided to continue with this version) – actually I can´t imagine how one would paint the camo scheme on the lower wing with the rigging in place! The underwing floats look unrealistically bulky, OTOH the depth charges on underwing racks are a nice touch. Hull sides look uneven, I can´t tell if these are print layers or a completely vain attempt to show rivets (which is what the box illustration suggests).
Flyhawk´s molded Walrus is way sharper than the 3D printed version (compare e.g. canopy framing) but I disliked the PE parts for inter-wing struts which have a “boxy” appearance and their lower “bars” distort the look of the lower wings and all of that simply did not fit, as can be seen on the comparison photos. Interestingly enough, after my newly ordered Flyhawk set (i.e. FH 1130 WW2 Royal Navy Aircraft II) arrived I discovered that these “boxy” PE struts were specific to the version I received as a gift, perhaps originating from one of the earlier Flyhawk ship kits. The WW2 RN set II´s PE is much better, with “bars” only going under the upper wings; where these are mostly invisible. I indeed decided to go on with this version.
After cross-checking photos of both versions (below - before touching up the camo) I concluded that Yao´s did not stand up to it´s “old-tech” competitor and I decided to continue with Flyhawk. Compared to other 3D prints I´m working with Yao´s took no advantage of the possibilities of either 3D modelling (e.g the floats are clearly flawed and the whole a/c appears unlike the real thing) or state-of-the-art hi-tech 3D printing. I can´t recommend it even to modellers with lower standards due to the difficulties of removing the model from supports.
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The Flyhawk version now waits for weathering, I´ll post the final photos soon.
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