Summary
Tamiya have not disappointed with this kit. It is beautifully engineered, among the best I have ever built, and they have made what many consider to be a very ‘bland’ subject a very interesting build. The fit is exceptional and the range of options, nationality and weapons, is very appealing and varied. I was a bit sceptical about the decals but the ones in Tamiya’s latest releases (F-14, F-4 for example) are a vast improvement on their older offerings and with some care settle down very nicely as they have done on this build.
Overall this is a stunning model fully up there with the best that Tamiya have made and if you can get around the ‘boring grey jet’ tag give it a go as you won’t be disappointed with the build experience.
Dave C.
Gallery Images
SMN Quick Summary – rate out of 5
| Tamiya Kawasaki Ninja H2 (TOP GUN Maverick) 1:12 | STAR RATING |
|---|---|
| Quality of moulding | ***** |
| Accuracy | ***** |
| Instructions | **** |
| Decals | **** |
| Subject choice | *** |
| Build enjoyment | ***** |
| Overall | **** |
Paul Ainsworth says
Hello,Dave – A masterful build as always.The photo slideshow speaks for itself.
The Tamiya F-35 certainly is a ‘state of the art’ kit with a price tag to match and you’ve done great justice to it and the real subject.
Best Regards,
Paul.😉👍
davecoward says
Hi Paul, thanks for the comments. Your right about it being expensive but you do get what your pay for with Tamiya kits and as an exercise in ‘how to produce a kit’ Tamiya’s kits just set the standard that everyone else tries to follow – just my opinion ;-)
Rob Ruscoe says
Hi Dave. Not normally into these modern jets. These days it seems ‘if it doesn’t look right, the computers will make it fly right’ mantra has taken over. Having said that, you’re build is just outstanding and I congratulate you on what you have achieved with this build.
Rob R
Willi Meyhoff Garcia says
spectacular build! absolutely brilliant, even for a “boring” grey subject!
How would you say the Have glass finish look like, compared to the real thing? MRP says to use a specific paint underneath, if I remember right, to make the effect as close as they can get it, to the original paint (as far as you can get by eye), and I was wondering how the reflection looks like from those different angles. Hope the question makes sense!
davecoward says
Hi Willi,
I’ve seen the real thing and its finish changes with both the angles you look at it and the weather conditions. I don’t think the MRP have glass varnish gives the really metallic finish you see in some photos when in the sun but it’s more of a subdued finish that you see on the more weathered aircraft or on a dull day. It doesn’t really change as the real finish does with perspective and light. I don’t recall MRP advising on any special paint underneath the varnish as I just used the recommended base paint FS colours.
Dave