This is yet another post concerning 21st Century Toys offering of the 1/32 scale A6M2 Zero Type 21 - kit #22101.
I will have to state that overall, this is a good kit for the price - under $10.00 at WalMart (echh!)
However, having built models of aircraft for well over 40 years and from all manufactuers, this company offers the poorest “customer service” of any.
In the past when I have purchased a kit with photo of said kit on the box, it has built up as shown.
Yes, I know that the missing part(s) for the drop tank shown in all photos and illustrations may seem trivial to some, but I didn’t chose to use that illustration for the packaging.
While this may seem trivial, it is a case of deceptive packaging - I expected the kit to build as shown.
I have written several e-mails to this company in regards to this mistake - even to their CEO and V.P… I have also made numerous phone calls - long distance.
Their excuse for not providing me with a simple piece of plastic is that the model was not “tooled” with this part. Even after pointing out their mistake in packaging and the fact that they offer the SAME model in built up form with drop tank, they are not willing to rectify their mistake.
So, “customer service” at 21st Century Toys - hope it’s better for you!!!
It’s a 1/32 drop tank. They marketed the kit at kids, not adults. You want it, just make it yourself. Nothing is going to make them change their expensive molds for a single part. Sorry if I’m being blunt, but that’s all that can be said.
I was in Wally World on Sunday and I saw a 1/32 scale 21st centiry toys Macchi for $9.97.I was about to buy it went I decided to slice open the tape and examine it.Good thing I didn’t buy it because the left Fuselage half had a series of 1/8 holes molded in it!I closed the box and walked away.I know that you can’t expect much for 10 bucks but the holes has me stumped!
Those holes are actually for screws that hold the fuselage together. They’re not required (the screws), and they do have plugs, and can be filled with various gap filler methods.
Check out the reviews on Hyperscale, Modeling Madness, and at 21st Century Toys website. They’re actually a bargain. I have the -109 and am quite impressed with it. The detailng Brett Green brought out on the -109 interior- almost totally OOB, was amazing. (See his review) Also, the aircraft you were looking at has a build report here, with a unique way of gap filling.
These 21st Century kits are excellent modeling fodder. They have fairly accurate profiles, good surface detail and exceptional decals. For less than $10 I am more than willing to buy every different unpainted kit they offer and build it up as a means of increasing my modeling skills. Here is a chance to play around with different filler methods to fill those screw holes, add scratch built stuff and try new techniques and not risk a high dollar kit. So far I have seen several of these built up with excellent results – things that would walk away with prizes from just about any contest you care to mention. On top of that should I decide not to build one I purchase then I will find a newbie modeler and give it to them to help promote our hobby.
Come on guys, everyone has a right to post opinions/feedback/frustration on the hobby as long as it’s not directed to hurt anyone. I’m sure justplanenuts will move on soon, so play nice!
This will be my final post on this matter. While I did not recieve any reply from 21st Century Toys Customer Service, and my phone calls went unreturned, Iwas finally able to get throgh this AM. As stated in past post, I believe that you should get what is represented through packaging. I know that the drop tank may have seemed a trivial thing, BUT.
So, my final call this A.M. - the tank was sent FED EX last week. If only they had told me then.
Yes, I will continue to buy 21st Century Toys kits. That Stuka looks Nice. But I’ll open the box first.
At the local “Wally World,” there are only two offerings: Ju-87B/R and a Corsair. I was salivating when I saw the side of the box with the Bf-109, Macchi 205, and A6M2 Zero! I picked up the Ju-87 (1/32 Stuka for $10.00 - what a steal!) and it looks pretty decent. Although I am not able to build at the present, I may have to steal back and grab a Corsair!
Being made by 21st Century Toys, I wasn’t expecting too much, wondering after I picked up the Ju-87 if it would turn out okay or be more like a toy. I am glad to hear this line of models seems to build into decent representations of the a/c.
Thanks for the information and links to the reviews! FineScale.com Forum Family rocks!
LOL- All the kits you don’t have there we have here. And all the kits you’ve got there, we don’t have here! I picked up the 109- very nice! Hopefully the Corsair will show up.
I’ve found all five kits released so far at my local Walmart for about ten bucks. I’ve purchased two of each; one for me and one for my son, so we can build them together. The screw holes in the side pose no real obstacle; just one more area to fill and sand. I’ll keep buying them, and as Matt said earlier, give them to a new modeller if I choose not to build mine. A great introduction to the hobby at an affordable price.