I’ve currently got two ZM kits in the stash…
A 1/48th scale Ta-152 and a 1/32 sclae Go-229. I’m currently working on another automotive project but lately …I’ve been really wanting to build another Luftwaffe bird. Threads like this one is really making me want to break one of these two birds out…
Ahah! Now I get it! Thanks, Toshi.
BTW, you mentioned the ZM Shinden above. I’ve had my eye on that for a couple of years and I also want to build it one day.
That bird looks more awkward than a flamigo sitting atop those silly looking landing gear, yet the design/model just attracts me.
Oh wow, that’s very cool. You should build one of those kits like a side project. Thanks for the visit.
Toshi
Yes, it’s another aircraft that was way ahead of it’s time. I saw on the Zukei Mura site that there is also a Dornier Arrow. I already have the old Monogram built but this is a whole different beast.
The Arrow is another aircraft way ahead of it’s time. I love building kits like these, they are very unique in it’s nature. Thank you Greg for this conversation, I enjoy this very much. It’s another layer of model kits that adds depth to our hobby.
Toshi
Here is the Jumo 004 engine. What’s really neat about these photos is that Zukei Mura provides the modeler a engine stand. Zokei Mura has the stand built into the spruce. All you do is cut the spruce according to their instructions and, there you go.
Toshi
I think the directions would be a better explanation.
Here is a step by step assembly of the Jumo 004.
Toshi
The Dragon kit was ok but not as detail as the new SMS kit. It was the only kit available back then in 1/48. Below are couple pics of my Dragon 229
OMG!!! That looks well detailed cnq! Wow!!
Oh! WOW! You did an awesome job with this build! Thank you for sharing.
Toshi
Toshi: PM sent.
Now that the P-61 project came to a close, I’ll be working on the Shin Den next or at the minimum, starting the build of the Shin Den. Now that the Jumo 004 is completed, I can work on a potential next project. Thank you for always remembering my builds!
Toshi
To my fellow forum members,
Let me appolagize for the latest thread entry. I became confused and had issues with my memory. I don’t recall writing the above entry, but I can tell I had another episode. I’m back now and feeling great, this is what I wanted to convey to you all.
I just completed the GWH P-61 Black Widow. Now I’ll start earnestly on the HO 229 build. Looking around on eBay, I noticed that the Zoukei Mura Donier Arrow was going for $200.00 plus dollars. WOW! I really wanted to build the Arrow. Looking around again this morning, I came across a Zoukei Mura Kyushu Shinden at less than $100.00. Now don’t get me wrong but even $100.00 is still a hefty price to pay for a model kit, but then again, that’s the nature of the beast. Like all hobbies it’s; “How far do you want to go”.
Ultimately, there’s no hobby that is cheap, even if it truly does not need money to fund your own hobby, time is what you’re investing in. I’ve always told my children; “Never forget, time is money”. So my feeling is still strong on building the Zoukei Mura Kyushu Shinden after I’m done with the HO 229. The Shinden just looks so odd, it looks cool. If that makes any sense. LOL!
Also, I wanted to note that if the Zoukei Mura Kyushu Shinden kit is anywhere near the perfection the Zoukei Mura HO 229 is, then in my humble opinion, it’s worth every penny.
As for the 229, I’ve never seen such a complex and difficult kit like this ever. The Jumo 004 dual jet engines was a straight forward assembly process. It’s the fueselage wing and cockpit spars that looks confusing at best. So far, there are no fit issues at all, the directions are clear as such, it’s the minuscule attachment of the spars that drives me crazy. Lots and lots of dry fitting. I think I’m going to assemble the skeleton of the 229, and then AB it. I haven’t reached that far but I’m just assessing what’s best in my next step.
Heres a interesting note, if you log onto the official Zoukei Mura site and click on the aircraft of choice, Zoukie Mura has already picked out and displayed any AM part pertaining to your choice. That’s just great salesmanship! My only concern of which I have two for the moment is that for builders that like to build and paint their figures, you have to buy the figures as a AM part. I’m incapable in my figure assembly and painting, so with this issue, I’m fine with.
My second concern is the cost of the books that go with the individual aircraft choice. Just the cost of book alone for my 229, this book cost more than my 229 kit. You gotta be kidding me! So I will continue and forge ahead with my current build while I consider my next build of which could be the Zoukei Mura Kyushu Shinden. Thank you all in advance forum members for your input, tips, how to, and general support in my threads. I greatly appreciate it!
Toshi
Toshi that ZM kit looks a quantum leap up from the old Dragon offering. Looking great so far ,eagerly awaiting the next update!
Very nice, I too built the old dragon kit, but this one blows that older kit away. The best part was detailing the engine 
I’ll have the next update in a few minutes. Thanks for the visit!
Toshi
Thank you sir. Thank you for the visit.
Toshi
Here is an update for this Wednesday afternoon. As you can see or cannot, the glue points are extremely small and easy to break off. So far, my building assembly is going good!
Toshi
Thats some intricate molding ,nice work getting that off the sprue without breaking it. I would’nt have been so lucky. Toshi as for the book unless you are collecting for a personal library I would’nt spend that kind of money on it. There are some good shots of the real one @ Smithsonian its what I used for a reference to build my ‘what if luft 46 229’ nachtjager.
keep up the great work Toshi,cheers Trey
Thats my biggest fear, parts broken while cutting it off the spruce. Several months ago, I made a purchase of a Tamiya spruce side cutter. It’s one of the best investment tools I’ve ever used. As my current tools become inoperable, I will replace everything with a Tamiya product. The Tamiya spruce cutter allows precision cuts without disturbing the surrounding area.
As for the book, I agree with you that it should not cost the same with the model or in this case more! That’s just ridiculous! GMorrison has provided me a link to the Smithsonian HO 229. Your night fighter looks awesome, what a great job you’ve done. Thank you for the read and reply.
Toshi