Part 1: Off We Go

MSRP: $153.00 Website: www.tamiya.com Nothing is more annoying than having to eat ones words ! I had no more picked my last review subject (1/32nd KI-44) for the "Kit of the Year" award, when along comes this puppy and the only word that sums it up is "WOW"! What I find really disturbing is that I had used up all my stored up superlatives on the Tojo, and am now put in the position of inventing some new ones! I can't remember the last time I've run across the quality found herein…even perfection isn't too strong a word. I hope it is not too late to nominate this one for "kit of the decade". I have elected not to include sprue shots in that Bret Green of Hyperscale has posted an in the box review of this kit that includes some of the best quality images available. At least superior to my photographic capabilities, so if you need to see pics of the box contents, check out this link: http://www.hyperscale.com/2009/reviews/kits/tamiya60319reviewbg_1.htm In short, more than 350 parts, 2 photoetched frets, canopy masks, vinyl tires and brake lines, and two beautiful full color decal sheets with markings for 3 aircraft (Johnny Johnson "JEJ" day fighter scheme, Desert Camouflage 145th Polish Squadron and a post was French Air Force bird from Indochina "48). In addition to the plans there is a 16 page color photo reference book. Just a quick observation here after having gone through the 36 page instruction manual regarding option, it is apparent that different MK's are in the works based on the presentation of parts. Also contained in the kit (just to hit the highlights) are 2 types of exhaust stacks, 2 styles of both upper and lower cowlings, 2 styles of wing tips, "slipper" tanks, 2 styles of landing gear and tires (1 for retracted and 1 extended as well as a display stand), flaps up or down, 2 styles of elevators and rudders, separate control surfaces that include a hinge pin arrangement for movement if desired and several tiny magnets for attaching the cowlings and the landing gear plates. Thanks to these, the Rolls Royce Merlin engine, truly a kit in itself, can be displayed either fully cowled or wide open with only the need to place the cowling pieces in place to line the magnets up to hold them in position. The molding of the cowling pieces is magnificent in that they have the appearance of a scale thickness, which helps illustrate the engineering accolades deserved for this kit. Long story short, as images show, I am currently 21 pages deep into the construction of this aircraft and it can be all described with one word…"CLICK". No fit problems, no putty, no marginal areas, nothing but pure building enjoyment found here. One thing to add here…in addition to the locating pins and holes, Tamiya has come up with a key/slot arrangement as the images show to further insure a perfect fuselage halve fit. Excellent! The only proviso is to pay close attention to the printed instructions. From what I can see, any modeler with average capabilities can handle this build without problems. In the next segment, we will tackle the engine compartment, landing fear, plus, of course, painting and decals and final assembly. Needless to say, so far this kit is rated Absolutely Outstanding and I see nothing to change that opinion. The conclusion will follow shortly. Many thanks to Tamiya USA for the review sample.