I like to build Tamiya’s 1/48 scale WWII aircraft - mainly the fighters. There are what I consider to be, a number of holes in their WWII line of aircraft. If you could choose the next model for Tamiya to come out with, what would it be and why?
A few that come readily to mind for me are the Hawker Hurricane, F6F Hellcat, P-38 Lightning, KI-43 Oscar, P-39 Aircobra, KI-61 Tony, etc.
For me, the first choice would be the P-38 Lightning. I’ve built a couple of the Revellogram versions, and while they can pass the “6 foot test” on my shelves, I’d really like to see one done with more updated techniques and a better canopy.
What would you like to see them introduce and why?
1 - P-38 Lightning. The Revellogram, Hasegawa and Academy kits are all buildable, but all have their issues, from terrible boom fit/alignment to not having wheel wells or instrument panels. I think Tamiya’s focus on how things go together (see P-47 wing spars, everything on the Storch, etc) would be welcome. Also…anything to attract more aftermarket support to this aircraft would be welcome.
2 - OS2U Kingfisher. I have all sorts of crazy love for the old Monogram kit, but the cockpit is a joke, the float is 30% too small, and it’s been OOP for way too long. I want a new tool. I also want to see Revell do this one in 1:32 to sit next to the Arado 196.
3 - F4U-4/5 and F2G Corsair. Love the Birdcage/F4U-1A/F4U-1D kits, but dangit, I want the four-bladers.
Eduard does a dang-diddly-darn nice Hellcat so I don’t think a Tamiya F6F would be any improvement and would be a whole-lot more expensive. I echo the sentiments with regards to the P-38. Too important of an aircraft not to have a newly-tooled 1/48 offering. I also wouldn’t mind seeing a Devastator and P-61. Now that I’m in “What if” mode, a Tamiya take on the B-26 and later B-25s in 1/48 would be nice.
Well, if we’re gonna talk about other than fighters, I’d like to see a Tamiya SBD Dauntless, TBD Devastator, TBF Avenger, B-17, B-24, Lancaster, Stuka, Yak, Il-2 . . . . . .
“Judy’s” are very hard to find- rare kits. I found one over 10 years ago at a Hobby Town. It was a “special edition” and included white metal and resin parts, 1/48 scale. I think it was Tamiya, maybe Hasegawa. Anyhow, I shelled out almost $100 for the thing- it’s a nice model, but I feel like I got hosed on the price. I have never seen another “Judy” since then.
Must have been a Finemolds, whom is the only manufacturer that I’m aware of in 1/48. Long OOP.
Yes Manny you’re correct, but I was trying to fill out the Tamiya void I suppose. Hasegawa Kates are very hard to find and go for a premium on ebay. Same with the Nicks. I have the older Nichimo Nick, but would prefer a better one. A Ki-100 Ostu in both razorback and fastback would be great too, since it’s been long OOP from Hasegawa.
I would like to see them do some Russian stuff, i.e. IL2, PE-2, etc I think Eduard has produced some fine examples but would love to see Tamiya’s take on them.
Um guys? Hobby Link Japan has three versions of the Judy listed all for about thirty bucks American.
D4Y3 - radial engine version, in stock.
D4Y1 - early model, out of stock but in production. Most of the stuff I’ve ordered like this they can get in two weeks to a month.
D4Y2- nightfighter with ‘Jazz Music’ gun firing up at a 45 degree angle, out of stock but in production.
The kit with the white metal parts is probably an older one. They didn’t sell so FM recast the white metal parts in plastic. It’s not a state of the art kit but the detailing is good and solid fit- I’d compare them to an Academy kit.
And most of the other aircraft posted have fairly recent versions from Hasegawa or Accurate Miniatures. If Tamiya is the Rolls Royce of kits these are at least Cadillac standard- not quite as good but d#@n fine kits in their own right.
I’d agree on a good quality P-61, Pe-2, or re-tooled P-38 though.
Kates are fairly easy to find…Hasegawa released about a dozen boxings of them…they also released about an equal number of their newer Nick…GM has many in stock right now…
I don’t care for the FINEMOLDS Judy and am very surprised it hasn’t been done by Tamiya or Hasegawa yet, as it was used in fairly large numbers…
Hmmmmmm, funny I’ve got a Kate, 3 Judys, 2 Nicks, and a Tony (Ki-100 razorback version).
Willing to sell them for $229.00 each… [;)]
Seriously I picked up most of them at model shows, lots of old stuff pops up if you’re willing to dig though boxes of kits. And shame on missing the Nick for thirty Tigerman- it’s a great kit.
