[ZS-VAN]

WOW!! Really cool gift mate! I'm glad Admin started this thread because I've always heard about these models but haven't seen any until recently. Thanks guys for sharing the pics.

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by ZS-VAN

WOW!! Really cool gift mate! I'm glad Admin started this thread because I've always heard about these models but haven't seen any until recently. Thanks guys for sharing the pics.

That can only mean you're angling for one to land on your doorstep, right?

[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by Ara1

I'd be interested in seeing their Tony and Betty. Maybe if someone goes to Japan on a business trip, they could poke around.

ADMIN: do we have any collectors from Japan as forum members?

About twelve years ago a friend sent me a battered brochure from Japan, featuring what appeared to be a new line of 1:72 scale diecast Japanese fighter planes. As I recall, these included an early and late model Zero, plus a Frank, George, Jack, Tony, Tojo and a Nate. Apparently the manufacturer- I seem to remember initials like IEI- was exploring interest in the U.S. market by giving out samples to selected hobby stores and I just missed getting my hands on one. I have tried to track down this line, without success, but the pictures looked quite good. I wonder if anyone has information about this manufacturer or its products.

[leeG]

I finally got back home and could open the box and put the model together. I collect mainly 1/72 scale and smaller, so I was interested in seeing what 1/48 was all about. Heavy, there is a lot of metal here. It was also a pleasant change to have steel gun barrels rather than plastic. Having to attach the wings is different from my usual smaller scale diecast experience, but the rest of the fiddly bits are pretty much the same. Only minor filing needed at one point to remove some metal flash, but pretty smooth overall. It could use some touch-up paint where the plastic bits were cut free, and as has been mentioned in another thread, some paint inside the wheel wells as the entire bottom wing surface is light gray. The larger scale allows some more detail, such as the separate exhaust pipes protruding from the cowling. I like it.

Here are some more pictures.

Whats in the box:



All done:



Smile for the camera!

[Armour Addict]

Mmmmh, nice models!

I think I am going to track some down.

So far I have no Japanese WWII planes.

I found this display stand while researching some good sources for Marushin planes.

It should fit FM/A models, too.

Might get some for my collection.

AA

[Elmer]

Great pics. Thanks leeG! Much appreciated.

[hworth18]

Originally Posted by Elmer

Great pics. Thanks leeG! Much appreciated.

These are great pics, I am just wondering if I need a N1K2 George, or if I would rather build one???

[Ara1]

Originally Posted by leeG

Whats in the box:



All done:

Now that's a Zero.

[dasboot]

Can these be taken apart after assembly?

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by dasboot

Can these be taken apart after assembly?

I don't see why you can't. These are assembled with screws, unless you've glued them on permanently.