I too have had problems with Andrea kits in the past. Although, my problem kits or figures were far fewer than those with no problems. One area I have always had problems with Andrea figures is the resin. Their resin casting always left something to be desired and yes, as Guy has stated, I also heard their figures are also now cast in China. Wonder if this is really true or a smear campaign (don't we see enough of those on TV with all the politics going on?)?
HOWEVER, I must add this. I found an answer to the problem with the occaisional problem figure. I order all my Andrea figures through Squadron Mail Order. Now, I understand this doesn't help a lot of people overseas but, it does help here in the U.S. For instance,
ANY time I had a problem with an Andrea fig (or any other product for that matter) all it took was a simple phone call and the replacement part was on it's way in the mail. There was even an instance where
I damaged the part and was looking for the cost of a replacement part and the part was sent to me free of charge. So while I agree that a buyer should beware on some subjects from certian companies, sometimes there is a simple solution through a reputable distributor. One last thing on Enions note about opening a figure to see it's contents before purchasing. I know that Chuck Robinson of The Red Lancers will allow this. I have done it to see a figure after being burned a time or two by a manufacture (no, not Andrea). Again, a distributor of high repute. I can't say enough about it!
Jim Patrick
BTW- No, I am in no way employed by Squadron!
