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First Look Review
Scale Model Flags
Made by Accurate Model Parts
  • AMP Flag Kit

by: Mark R. Smith [ GUNNY ]

Introduction

This first look review takes a closer look at Accurate Model Parts new line of scale fabric flags, available in many styles, scales, and nations.

You've just spent a lot of hard work and time building that special model ship, and have begun to add the final touches, rigging, weathering details, deck details.....and you're wanting that special "something" to add a note of historical realism and overall look to your build...well mates, these new fabric flags from Accurate Model Parts will do both!

Two of our shipmates here at MSW have joined their creative minds and talents into Accurate Model Parts, a new after-market product manufacturer. Wink Grise and Dougie Martindale have already began to produce many different scales and types of National flags and ensigns for the shipwright, and have promised much more will be added to their catalog in the near future.


Looking closer...

Each one of AMP's flag kits contain two flags, digitally printed on fabric OR paper...your flags come to you in a medium size zip-lock bag, which contains simply the kits instructions, and the flags themselves. I immediately noticed the vibrant, very true to real form, lines and colors of these flags, each one looking like an exact, miniature reproduction of the full size counterpart that they represent. Masterfully printed on both sides of the fabric, each detail mirrors the opposite perfectly, as to make as true to scale and real life, of an addition for your build.

The Kriegsmarine flag sample for this review scaled out to a perfect 1/72 scale, (100 x 170cm), based upon the size of the actual flag size...as stated by AMP (and I do agree) many scale flags, and full size reproductions, are the wrong proportions...They are based on the 3'x5' measurement and although some real flags actually are 3'x5', it is often a “size of convenience” for the manufacturer.


The second flag sample, the USA 1912-1959 USN flag, again scaled out to a perfect 1/72 scale, (based on 34.75 x 66 in actual measurement), and again, a great example in miniature of it's full grown counterpart, on both sides of the fabric...and I also want to add that each AMP Flag size is based on a specific, real size, and is re-figured and rebuilt for different scales, rather than one flag being used as both a 1:72 submarine flag and a 1:144 battleship flag.

I must stress a very important point at this time, something unique to AMP fabric flags, which is these flags are sealed for a no fray feature....one look at the image is worth a thousand words, mates...(Rough handling only causes micro sawtoothing, instead of disintegrating the cloth fibers). Also, professional print industry standards are used, such as “bleed-to-edge” and trim marks, which means a higher quality product and easier for you to use.

Also included with the kit is a one sheet, two sided instruction page, which explains everything that you need to know to produce a fine looking flag for your model, cutting, shaping, etc., in easy, step by step text, and line diagrams and drawings...very clear and concise!

Currently, AMP has the following items in their available catalog:

UK - ROYAL and MERCHANT NAVY - 5 sizes
~WHITE Ensign (1864-Modern)
~RED Ensign (1864-Modern)
~Union Jack (1801-Modern)

USA - US NAVY - 5 sizes
~48 Star Ensign (1912-1959)
~50 Star Ensign (1960-Modern)
~USN Union Jack 48 Star
~USN Union Jack 50 Star

GERMANY - WWII Kriegsmarine - 3 sizes
~Naval Ensign 1939-1945

AUSTRALIA - ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY
~NAVAL Ensign 1911-1967
~NAVAL Ensign 1967-Modern

Click Here to download the current AMP Flag price list.

AMP is also expanding into:

~U-boat pennants (tonnage/type sunk)
~Gato pennants and Call Signs
~1:35 ARMOR
~ALL major navies of WWII and Modern (other time periods by request) - Ensigns and Jacks
~Wooden Sailing Ship scales (1:90, 1:96, and 1:48)

And, Dougie and Wink will also design and construct custom flags by order, and if the flag is a standard that AMP should carry, they will add your flag to their catalog, for no extra charge to you.

All AMP flags will also be available in paper, which is the preferred medium for certain scales and sizes. AMP Paper flags:
~Paper stock 100gsm (28lb) silk-coated (smooth) paper and 80gsm (16lb) bond
~Printed on a commercial digital offset press (Canon imagePress C1 at 1200x1200 dpi)






SUMMARY
Highs: Quality manufacturing, clean, clear lines and colorization, true to scale, and a no fray guarantee makes these flags stand out from others.
Lows: Absolutely none!
Verdict: If you are looking for accurate, scale flags for your ship/submarine displays, then these flags will greatly enhance the overall looks and realism to your builds. Very highly recommended from this modelers point of view!
Percentage Rating
97%
  Scale: Other
  Mfg. ID: N/A
  Suggested Retail: $5.95 to $12.95 USD
  Related Link: Official Company Website
  PUBLISHED: Apr 12, 2008
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 87.23%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 93.50%

Our Thanks to Accurate Model Parts!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Mark R. Smith (Gunny)
FROM: PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES

I have been building models of all sorts all of my life, concentrating mainly on the coolest one's when I was younger, but now I focus directly on all military subjects, from armor to warships. After years of counting rivets, I put away the calipers, dial indicators, and micrometers and now just ha...

Copyright ©2021 text by Mark R. Smith [ GUNNY ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of Model Shipwrights. All rights reserved.



Comments

Store web site bookmarked and will buy something for sure in near future..thanks for the heads up!
APR 15, 2008 - 12:00 PM
Will any of these work on a 1/350 ship the conversion part of my brain went down range a long time ago.
APR 16, 2008 - 02:54 AM
Answer Here!
APR 16, 2008 - 03:09 AM
Hey Gunny I can't get to that site for some reason.
APR 16, 2008 - 04:12 AM
Steve, It's a .pdf file master price-list and scale listing...try accessing it from the company website here... Scroll down the page and look for the heading "ONLINE ordering under construction", the link is in there......
APR 16, 2008 - 04:16 AM
Thanks Gunny much apprecated.
APR 16, 2008 - 05:02 AM
Talking with Wink about 350 scale, basically they are just 2 small to print on fabric. I believe he has some high quality paper versions that may do the trick.
APR 16, 2008 - 09:21 AM
Thanks Steve I kinda forgot my mind for a moment.
APR 16, 2008 - 09:39 AM
yeah, 350 is a tad small for fabric. We can do paper as Steve-blaster says, tho. Updated price list onsite.
APR 19, 2008 - 06:18 PM
   
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Photos
Click image to enlarge
  • AMP Flag Kit
    AMP Flag Kit
  • US Flag
    US Flag
  • Union Jack
    Union Jack
  • Kriegsmarine flag
    Kriegsmarine flag
  • "In Use" Example 1
    "In Use" Example 1
  • "In Use" Example 2
    "In Use" Example 2
  • Kriegsmarine flag  "Edge Fray" Comparison
    Kriegsmarine flag "Edge Fray" Comparison
  • Kriegsmarine flag Detail
    Kriegsmarine flag Detail
  • Kriegsmarine flag Scale 2
    Kriegsmarine flag Scale 2
  • Kriegsmarine flag Scale 1
    Kriegsmarine flag Scale 1
  • Instructions
    Instructions
  • Instructions, 2
    Instructions, 2
  • Canon imagePress C1
    Canon imagePress C1
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