[flyXwire]

Just a quicky review of the Marushin 1/48 Shiden-Kai "George" diecast I received tonight. All parts are diecast with the exception
of wheel-well covers, engine ring-exhaust pipes and the canopy pieces. The cockpit detail is pretty sparce inside since there
is no instrument panel dashboard provided, only a cockpit floor with a moulded seat. Since the whole cockpit/fuselage section is
hollow inside and the wings are separate assemblies, it does open up an opportunity for you to install some cockpit component
details should one desire to do so, which by the way, is what I intend to do with my model. The whole diecast has good 'heft' and
solid metal feel to it, even though I haven't put it together yet. The panel lines are sharply and cleanly engraved. Very nice indeed!
There is something to be commended about Japanese engineering methods. I don't doubt this will build into a very nice looking
diecast model when finished. I highly recommend it to anyone who's looking for something unique to add to their WWII warbirds
collection. Besides, who else will make anymore Japanese warbirds in this scale?

[hworth18]

Ahhh, so now I know who bought the George I was going to get... Glad to see it went to a good home..

[larz]

Fly, take it from someone who has 6 Marushins--there always seems to be one or two parts that just don't
want to fit right. I've had to do some drilling to get the screws to fit, and superglue has come in handy also.

Larz

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by larz

Fly, take it from someone who has 6 Marushins--there always seems to be one or two parts that just don't
want to fit right. I've had to do some drilling to get the screws to fit, and superglue has come in handy also.

Larz

Noted. Thanks much, Larz.

[ZS-VAN]

So I take this came off ebay? That Japanese store? Neat model.

[Ara1]

Congrats, flyXwire! Can't wait to see it when you've got it built.

[planenutsfrog]

I currently own 6 Marushin's fighters :

Kawanishi N1K2-J (same as yrs)
Mitsubishi A6M5
Mitsubishi J2M3
Kawasaki Ki 61 I (silver)
Nakajima Ki 43 I (silver)
Nakajima Ki 84

I especially recomend the superb Ki 61.

The canopy of the Hayate doesn't fit well closed.

The assembly of the engine's cowling on the fuselage of the Raiden is extremely tight, be careful ! (I ruined my first kit, and had to buy a second one !)

[FormerViperDriver]

Yeah, I really like my 5 Marushins (Zero, George, Val, Tony, Frank). Never had to drill any of them for assembly, but super glue is a must.

I also repainted insides of wheel wells and cockpits the proper colors, and my Ki-61 has had mottled green cammo painted on top of the original silver finish. This can all be seen under FormerViperDriver Collection on the forum.

I also recently got Marushin pilots (sitting and standing) to go with my models. Available at Aikens' Aiplanes. Note: the sitting pilots all come amputated at the knees so they can fit in. Can't see that with the canopies closed, but just so you know.

I want to get the Oscar next, but that one I will have repainted. The two available liveries are just too plain.

FVD

[Elmer]

Are the engines diecast or plastic? How about detail?

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by Elmer

Are the engines diecast or plastic? How about detail?

Elmer, the engine cowling is a one-piece semi-solid block of moulded metal, and the radial cylinder heads inside are somewhat detailed though

not as sharp looking as it should be as if it were seperate components. The prop feels to be diecast as well.