Chuckboy44 Posted October 20, 2012 Report Posted October 20, 2012 I know the Tamiya kit is excellent. Does anyone have an opinion about it in comparison to the ZM kit? I'd be interested in hearing anything anyone would like to say about one versus the other. Thanks in advance, Chuck Byram IPMS 23497
ewahl Posted October 20, 2012 Report Posted October 20, 2012 I believe the ZM kit with all the ZM add-ons will be far more expensive than the Tamiya kit. Then again, you can get a 1/32 Revell kit for about 10% the cost of the ZM-plus-extras, and you can choose a B, C, or D model. Are you building for a museum, for which you can self-justify the high cost? Or for yourself? So, Chuck, you are limited only by your budget vs. your desiredd level of detail and difficulty. However you choose, good luck with your build. Ed
ghodges Posted October 20, 2012 Report Posted October 20, 2012 Depends on what you're after.....Want loads of detail? The ZM kit will give you the most bang for the big bucks. Want a great fitting kit, trouble free build, with more than adequate detail? The Tamiya Mustang gives you all of your $100+ investment. Either kit will give you a nice result with the least amount of extra work or corrections needed. If money is a consideration, and you don't care about accuracy so much, the Dragon 1/32 P-51D may be an option. If you'r old school (like me) and don't mind working in aftermarket details, rescribing surfaces, and can live with other inaccuracies, then you can pick up an old Hasagawa Mustang with a boat load of afternarket stuff and not spend half the money the Tamiya and ZM kits cost. The much older Revell and Monogram (Phantom or regular release) P-51Ds are probably the worst selections compared to the other bubbletop Mustangs available. Hope this helps! GIL
Gaston Posted October 23, 2012 Report Posted October 23, 2012 The Zoukei-Mura has fewer surface rivets and (imho) a generally more realistic treatment of the skin surface, especially when under a metal finish. (not a quote) Z-M wing leading edges are slightly thinner and sharper, which is I think an improvement over Tamiya. The Z-M prop blades are thinner, with a better twist and, apparently, a slightly better overall frontal shape. The Tamiya wheel well detail has much finer wing spar rivets and is thus significantly superior in this area. Don't know why the fonts went all funny on me, but that is what I observed so far. I don't build in the scale so take it as a dispassionate look. The working metal landing gear and metal hinges alone would sway me away from the Tamiya, as would its rubber tires. In some cases the Z-M is cheaper unless you get a really good deal on the Tamiya, so the argument of price seems weak... Gaston
Chuckboy44 Posted October 24, 2012 Author Report Posted October 24, 2012 Thank you everyone! I started not knowing which kit to buy. Now i know a lot more and still haven't decided! Anyway, it's an enjoyable process and I appreciate your comments and advice. Before I make a choice I have to finish the Great Wall P-61 that's on my bench. How's that for self discipline? I'm also obsessing about the Myanmar Spitfires!! Best regards, Chuck
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