Aoshima and Fujimi quality

[mikaz]

I found few interesting Aoshima and Fujimis model, but i dont have any experience about those manufactures. So what kind of quality they stands for comparing to Revell and Tamiya.

[nervestrikes]

The quality on Aoshima is pretty good. I would consider it one step down from Tamiya and four steps above revell. Do a seach for aoshima or in the completed models list look for the vip meet, those are all aoshima models.

[ZoomZoomMX-5]

Tamiya is best. Revell spans from very good (Integra/Civic/Corvettes) to pretty old and fiddly (Z cars, 510's). Aoshima's are nearly as good as Tamiya, Fujimi kits can be decent or awful.

Instead of generalities, why not just ask us if a particular kit is worth buying or not, far easier than generalities because Fujimi and Aoshima kits aren't always bad, but not always great either.

[malsheem]

Tamiya is tops, most will agree to that. Though recently, they lack variety in new kits, which is disappointing. I don't like seeing only one new kit a year.

Aoshima is what I'm buying now. A good variety of kits and new releases, plus good quality as well.

Fujimi ... I built an S15 a couple years back, haven't bought a Fujimi kit since. They're not all bad, some are very good (Enthusiasts series) from what I hear.

I've only built Revells ITR and it was pretty good. Though I hear bad stories about some of their other kits.

[mikaz]

The Fujimis model that i was thinking about was Mazda Rx-8 Type S
which can be seen over there http://www.hlj.com/cgi-perl/hljpage.cgi?fuj03552

In Aoshimas case there were several which i was intrested so didnt want to write them all down here but example Lexus LS430 http://www.hlj.com/cgi-perl/hljpage.cgi?AOS28988

[nervestrikes]

The rx-8 looks to be sweet as there are a few people here doing that one, but I think it is too expensive not to come with an engine. As far as the aoshima kit of the lexus I built a while back and for the price HLJ is offering it at it is well worth it plus you can adjust the ride height to either a lowrider or a regular ride height. The wheels look great. I enjoyed that kit allot.

[ZoomZoomMX-5]

Oh, the RX-8.

Good points...basic body shape, wheels/tires.

Bad points...where do I begin?

The interior is awful, a charicature of the real car. The outter dash vents are only 10% correct, the center console is only about 50% correct, the door panels are weak since it's molded as a bucket instead of separate side panels, the front seats are amazingly amateur, the lower cushions are about 1/2 as long as they should be.

The headlight buckets are oversimplified. The front bumper is in two pieces, requiring filling/sanding for a proper appearance.

This kind of stuff is shameful for a company to produce in 2003, if you ask me. Especially for prices 30% higher than Tamiya. You can build it to look okay, but if Tamiya ever bothers to do the RX8 it will be ten times better a kit. I think even AMT could do better...

[[ c e l s i o r ]]

I agree with the above post about the RX-8. I'm in the process of building one based off that kit and the interior is especially dissapointing. I'm having to scratchbuild door trims and etch in more console details --- it's just too basic. Check my progress thread in the projects section if you want to see more about my plans for this car (should be ready in time to be a model of the year contender)

If you're new at this, then it's an OK car to build in my opinion. Just don't have too higher expectations detail wise.

[airforceone]

1) Tamiya = Absolutely Excellent aside from lack of new kits
2) Aoshima = Very Good, lack engines in nearly all their models but make nicest rims
3) Fujimi = some are good, others are
4) Revell = they're sostly good in my experiences
5) AMT = sucks

Haswegas are good, italeri makes good truck kits, revell germany makes pretty nice ones too.

These findings are based solely on my own experiences and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of all those on AF....

[gasman03]

well here's my take as an expierenced builder

1. Tamiya, by far the best, but motors need work (The kits that have)
2. Revell, , well detailed, not as nice as Tamiya though
3. AMT, inexpensive, huge veriaty of kits, but some newer stuff needs work, needs reissue more of its older stuff like there very rare Subaru Brat.
4. MPC, great company, leader in the business till the yearly 90's when they where bought by AMT wish AMT would reissue more of this company's kits like the 82 Cavalier, early 90's Beretta,
4. Fujimi, VERY expensive, no engines, but nice kits that go together nicely

I'v never built any Aoshima so I can't comment on them