Okay so I’ve done them both, pretty much back to back. The Hasegawa razorback and the Tamiya bubbletop. Here’s what I think-
Tamiya- Obviously a little more expensive,but I considered it worth it. Construction wise, this kit is much easier and more solid than the HSGWA. There were problems though, but they were easily overcome (tenax). I think the styrene is too brittle, requiring extra sanding after clipping from sprues, particularly the clear parts. The parting lines and ejection pin marks were well thought out in the mold design. Most are invisible and located on B surfaces. Detail was superb requiring less need for AM parts. A lot of extras-(props,props) that will go into the spares box. GRADE A-
Hasegawa- Better price, but…construction was challenging, left wing to fuselage-a lot of dry fitting, sanding,filling required. I love the buttery properties of the styrene, very easy to separate from sprues and trimmed nicely . Detail is lacking (cockpit), and I have to question scale on items such as the prop hubs, supercharger intake and cockpit seat etc. Some details are outstanding, but things like the belly fuselage profile are not right. GRADE B-
I’m sure there are dissenting opinions out there and I welcome them, but I have to go with the Tamiya as the superior kit.
Steve[;)]
Having built a few of each, I have to agree with Steve. The belly on the Hasegawa kit is too deep. Not really noticeable unless you try to mount the center drop tank. The Hasegawa wing to fuselage join requires lots of TLC.
Regards, Rick
No doubt the Tamiya kit is better. Not to say that the HAS isn’t a good kit. With a little aftermarket, the HAS kit can be pretty hot. I find that the HAS kits come in handy when I want to try a new product, method, or some kind of surgery without gambling with an “A” kit. (That being the Tamiya). Price is always a factor too. If you want a shake and bake kit that looks top notch, you gotta pay for the Tamiya.
I’ve built the Tamiya kit but not the Hasegawa kit. The Tamiya one was a great build though, so I don’t see how the Hasegawa kit could be much better.
I’m just starting work on an Academy 1/48 jug and so far it isn’t to bad. The cockpit isn’t anywhere near as good as Tamiya’s effort and general fit of parts and engineering isn’t as good. The decals are pretty ordinary though and I won’t be using them. Surface detail is very nice though. But overall it’s a very nice kit, just not up there with the Tamiya one.
I’ll let you know how the build goes.
Thanks for the input…I have not built them, but I’m looking forward to them. I had built the AMT/ERTL Razorback and was pleased with the results; I also have an unbuilt Monogram & a Testors one (not very detailed, I may say)
thanks for the input, things like this help us make better choices. i think i might eventually build the tamiya kit. eventually.