Zoukei-Mura’s kit
This is an important subject of a famous Japanese WWII fighter type and if 1:32 scale is your thing then you’ll have to take a close look at this kit from Zoukei-Mura. You certainly get an impressively well-packaged kit with plenty of separate bags and packaging to protect the refined grey plastic sprues.
You’ll be able to see all the sprues and parts in the galleries that follow so take your time studying them and you’ll see what a finely tooled product that’s on offer.
Some initial thoughts
Subject choice: Japanese WWII subjects offer modellers many opportunities for both interesting subjects – just look at the recently released Shin Den in 1:48 scale – extraordinary! The second attraction must be the weathering possibilities for such subjects – we have a number of builds in Finished Now to show this – just check out some of Jamie’s from his listing in about SMN – Jamie Haggo Reviews
Personally I really like the subject and Dave C is teed up for the build in the near future (keep an eye on What’s New) and you’ll be able to follow that in Build Now and when complete Finished Now.
The second point worthy of note is the whole approach that ZM take with their product range – highly detailed, accurate and authentic models; no, scale replicas of the real thing. This means that what you get is a whole lot more than in a typical 1:32 scale kit and the same approach is taken in their smaller 1:48 scale models. Specifically you get fully detailed interiors and I reckon that you probably fall into one of two schools of thought on this:
- Hey, wow all that detail – fantastic, can’t wait to add it, or…
- I can’t really see the point if it’s going to get covered up
As a general rule, I fall into the second category but I am going to reserve judgement here until we are well into the build and see exactly what you can display open – especially if this can be done in a realistic way. Dave will cover his thoughts on this in the build I am sure.
Some observations
- Quality of tooling – very high, with fine recessed detail across the board
- Small amounts of excess flash on parts / mould seams that need to be removed but nothing too taxing
- The level of detail is exceptional with fully detailed cockpit, rear fuselage, gun bays and nose interior detailing
- See the attached photos as they will really give you an idea of what’s involved and more importantly the possibilities that are extensive with such a detailed and seemingly well-engineered model
- Instructions are detailed and paint references are included for pretty much all the painting at each stage of the build – Vallejo colour references only are provided but at least the colour names are given and that should help you to source your choice of paint from whatever range you prefer
