Aoshima Countach LP 400

[Khier]

as if there has not been enough LP400 kits produced, Aoshima decided to make another LP 400. I wonder what is so special about this kit. Simplified? There is the Tamiya kit and its re-issues. Detailed? There has been a Fujimi EM version for about 10 years now.

I will never understand model kit companies....

[73superduty]

Here, refer to this thread. I think everyone is in agreement.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul....php?t=1011136

Chris

[hirofkd]

None of the existing LP400 kits is accurate by today's standard, and Aoshima claims that theirs will be different thanks to meticulous research on the real car. Another thing that the kit has been designed for a careful balance between easiness of assembly and high level of details, unlike Fujimi's.

Having noticed the period-correct plump high-profile tires and accurate door hinge on the prototype model, I immediately pre-ordered the Aoshima kit and P/E set.

What's even more significant is that this is No.1 of Aoshima's new Supercar series, and I really hope they include both classic and modern. (Who knows, we might finally see 1/24 plastic kit of the Zonda.)

[BVC500]

Nice to know that Aoshima is going to expand beyond their usual japanese car offerings! The SL63 is quite a nice kit.

[73superduty]

Hiro, thanks for the update on the kit. Sounds nice. I'll wait to see if they do the LP500. I suspect it would be a natural.
Chris

[ales]

I'm with Hiroaki here, this is good news on several levels. The Fujimi countach kits are too fiddly and the fitment of some parts is quite bad so after getting that I got the Tamiya one, and that's another extreme - reasonably easy to build (the kit is showing its age though) but designed to be motorized so it's nowhere near accurate. From the test shots it looks like the Aoshima one will be just the right balance between the two, and I hope they release the LP5000 flared version as that's the one I'd like to see on my shelf.

[voyageur]

Originally Posted by ales

I'm with Hiroaki here, this is good news on several levels. The Fujimi countach kits are too fiddly and the fitment of some parts is quite bad so after getting that I got the Tamiya one, and that's another extreme - reasonably easy to build (the kit is showing its age though) but designed to be motorized so it's nowhere near accurate. From the test shots it looks like the Aoshima one will be just the right balance between the two, and I hope they release the LP5000 flared version as that's the one I'd like to see on my shelf.

I agree with Ales 100%

I do have some of the Fujimi Enthusiast kits - but never bothered to buy the overpriced Tamiya toy. If Aoshima makes a 5000 quattrovalvole I'll buy it right away.

[Lambo003]

Sure hope the test shots are of the actual model. Shows some welcomed corrections over Tamiya and Fujimi kits which, out of all the countach kits, are the only two acceptable kits out there. Even at that the Tamiya kits teeter on the edge of the trash can and are just old. . .

As mentioned . . . The way leading edge of the doors dip down into the front fender when opened looks promising and enough for me to pre-order the kit as well. The Fujimi hinges always annoyed the crap out of me.

Would love to see 'em beef up the interior of those A Pillars and a smoother transition from the door skin into the tip of the NACA though. Going to be interesting to see how they handle the door glass.

I can see a lot of Fujimi parts making their way on to this kit. ('cept for those godawful skinny seats. . lol)

Glad to see this offering . . .

[Khier]

You are all talking as if the model kit industry have widely fulfilled our wishes and has nothing to do but to re-edit already existing models. I always here the hobby is shrinking and investment in new kits is a big problem. But whenever they have the funds to, they duplicate kits.
Look at Fujimi vs. Revell Ferraris, Aoshima vs. Tamiya Lotus, and everyone vs everyone Skyline.

Wouldn't it have been better if Aoshima has invested their marvelous skills to create a kit of a totally new subject? Besides the Countach there are tons of interesting cars that have never appeared as a kit. Actually, there have never been Lamborghini kits for decades except the Countach and Mura until Fujimi released the Murcielago and Gallardo.

[jano11]

Originally Posted by Khier

You are all talking as if the model kit industry have widely fulfilled our wishes and has nothing to do but to re-edit already existing models. I always here the hobby is shrinking and investment in new kits is a big problem. But whenever they have the funds to, they duplicate kits.
Look at Fujimi vs. Revell Ferraris, Aoshima vs. Tamiya Lotus, and everyone vs everyone Skyline.

Wouldn't it have been better if Aoshima has invested their marvelous skills to create a kit of a totally new subject? Besides the Countach there are tons of interesting cars that have never appeared as a kit. Actually, there have never been Lamborghini kits for decades except the Countach and Mura until Fujimi released the Murcielago and Gallardo.

Totally agree.

[Lambo003]

Yup, Agreed.

There are so many other subjects worthy of kits being made.

The influx of multiple kits has always been frustrating, especially when they are complete crap when compared to earlier versions by other manufactures.

Perfect example being AMT's Diablo (among others). . . . .lol. . .

However, usable countach kits are few and far between and really comes down to one kit, Fujimi's. The kit is long outdated, a chore to build (even their curb side offerings) and has many flaws.

It's nice to see one being produced to today's standards.

[mattbacon]

Is it too much to ask for an LP640 or a later model Gallardo (LP560-4 or Balboni)?

...and I really hope someone will do a One-77!

bestest,
M.

[hirofkd]

Originally Posted by Khier

Wouldn't it have been better if Aoshima has invested their marvelous skills to create a kit of a totally new subject? Besides the Countach there are tons of interesting cars that have never appeared as a kit.

The fact that Aoshima decided to release the Countach is a solid proof that such duplicate subject is expected to sell more than brand-new subjects that haven't been released.
It's really really sad that an embodiment of boredom like the Odyssey has been released (it's not Aoshima, but still...), but not the Zonda, Veyron, or even the iconic Porsche 911 (type 997).

[BVC500]

Originally Posted by hirofkd

The fact that Aoshima decided to release the Countach is a solid proof that such duplicate subject is expected to sell more than brand-new subjects that haven't been released.
It's really really sad that an embodiment of boredom like the Odyssey has been released (it's not Aoshima, but still...), but not the Zonda, Veyron, or even the iconic Porsche 911 (type 997).

Kinda like the Prius and HS250...
Teach Fujimi a lesson and no one buy these two kits!

[360spider]

While I have nothing against LP400, I'd rather see some recent M cars from BMW.