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**Del640** · 03 July 2021, 11:51

Zoukei Mura bf109 available now?

Oh boy.

**BarryW** · 03 July 2021, 12:40

In-Box review No1 Zoukei- Mura Henschel Hs129B-2/R11

Zoukei Mura are one of the lesser known mainstream kit manufacturers. Perhaps it is because their kits are not so easy to get hold of (Hannents do not stock them, but John does) 1/32 Henschel Hs 129 B-2/RⅢ Zoukei-Mura SWS17 – Scale Model Shop

Hopefully I will be able to demonstrate here why they deserve more recognition as a first class premium kit manufacturer, ranking alongside Tamiya, worthwhile of you spending your dosh on them, through John or course, and why I think that despite the cost, they offer among the best value kits on the market.

But first a bit of an introduction to them. Consider this first part of the review more a review of Zoukei-Mura as a company rather than the kit itself.

ZM, for short, are a fairly new company and I first became aware of them when Steve did a build of what I believe was ZM's first kit, a Ta152 H-1. These kits were even more difficult to get hold of back then than now, in fact getting their kits was almost as hard as remembering how to spell the name of their company...

That first kit had its shortcomings, as I am sure Steve will confirm (do correct anything I say wrong Steve, I speak from memory). Some of the fit was questionable and they had three colour plastic which was a real gimmick. the parts needed some clean up too. Steve, however did his usual great job. More recently they re-released their Ta152 as a H-0 version and had addressed the shortcomings of the first release, no more multi-coloured plastic, improved fit, cleaner and sharper mouldings and I rank that H-0 as one of my favourite builds ranking close to the Tamiyas.

My own first experience of ZM though was their first Skyraider release. This was before they addressed all their shortcomings. This kit was split between three different colour plastics and it was not just the colours that was different. The black parts were a nice hard black plastic that was easy to sand with the parts fitting perfectly, these parts also have nice sharp detail. The silver parts, well the plastic was somewhere between what those old Airfix 1/72 figures were produced in and the old Airfix kit plastic, these parts just did not sand very well and had 'iffy' fit while the detail was soft. The main fuselage and wing structure was in a normal grey polystyrene similar to Revells with Revell-type surface detail but these parts did sand well and fitted well. That said this kit came together really well and I was really pleased with the build.

I also experienced another early ZM kit, their P51. I did not complete this kit because, quite frankly, I messed up. I did not follow the instructions thinking I knew best, I didn't. This kit was a good one, though not up to the standard of later releases. as I said, ZM learned and improved.

Companies that listen, learn and improve deserve support and ZM have certainly done that. Their newer releases from the Raiden onwards are so much better than those early kits. At Telford their stand is a 'must visit', in my view the best stand at the show.

So what makes them so good? The kit reviews will hopefully demonstrate that but first a few tips and comments that I have learned from the builds I have done and the reviews I have read.

Many people describe these as 'over engineered' the main reason being the high level of internal detail that cannot be seen.
- Firstly ZM's approach is to show how the actual aircraft was constructed and engineered. I love this, I love what you learn about the real thing from this approach, and I speak as someone who likes his builds all 'buttoned up', without panels hanging open all over. In the Far East it seems that a 'all hatches open' approach is a popular way to model. The point is that ZM means that you have this as an option and, indeed, some ZM kits, like the Toryu provide transparent fuselage halves so, if you wish, you can show much of this detail. This is what I would call 'grown up modelling' offing choice and options.
- One example of their attention to detail that initially I found odd, but now regard as their 'signature' to show off what they can do, is how they mould in the pistons into an engine bloc in their appropriate 'offset' positions. This is detail that can never been seen once the engine sides are joined, but you know its there!
They look as if they are expensive, the Hs129 from John is £121, but look at what you get for your money. As you will see you get a lot of quality plastic and you will not need to spend out on any aftermarket to get a brilliant result. I spent more than this on the Revell Spitfire Mk II when you add in aftermarket to correct inaccuracies and other needed items such as canopy masks. Do not dismiss a ZM kit just because of the headline price looks expensive. I believe that for a model of this size and quality it is a really good price and I am sure that Tamiya would charge a lot more for a Hs129 in 1/32 scale and Tamiya are probably the only other company capable of producing a kit of this quality not needing aftermarket.
Some important build tips for ZM:
- Read and follow the instructions and you cannot go wrong.
- The fit tolerances are very tight. Do not force fit anything. Dry fit everything and where the fit is tight ease the fit with a swipe or two of a sanding stick.
- Look two steps ahead and take your time.
- If you go wrong don't blame ZM, ask what did you do wrong. ZM and Tamiya are the only companies that you can say that for.

Finally. ZM kits are not 'assembler' or 'shake and bake'. They do require some modelling experience and skills. In a way they are that sweet spot, the quality, accuracy and detail of Tamiya, but they do need you to pay attention to what you are doing so they can appeal the Tamiya aficionados like me and those who love a challenge.

So. What about this kit - the Hs129B-2/R11?

The excellent box art on a very large box.

It is in the style of a lid with an inner closed box providing a good amount of protection.

Open the inner box and you are faced with a lot of plastic.

You can see all the sprues are individually wrapped providing a lot of protection to the parts. It is the instruction book that is the first thing to shout out that you have something out of the ordinary. As you can see it is in the form of an aircraft maintenance manual, yellowed with age! It is worth showing this in a lot more detail than I usually do.

Open the manual and the first page has a lot of information. As you can see it maintains the illusion of being a German manual but the 'meat' is in Japanese and English. It includes photos of the model parts.

The second page and a lot more information about the model and the instructions. There is a lot to read and it is well worth reading unlike most instructions!

Allowing for the fact that it is in Japanese and English script, it does not take as ;long to read as first impressions.
Below is the start of the first 'chapter' covering the engine build. Note on the left Vallejo colour call-outs and top right an exploded view of all the engine parts, don't worry. the following pages take you through the engine build up gradually. Below the exploded view are pictures of the built up engine so you can see what you need to end up with.

Every 'chapter' for each stage of the build follows this format. So lets look at that engine build up.

It looks a busy 'double page' but look closely and you can see how they make sure that the placement of every part is as clear as it can be. It actually makes a complex construction easy because of this approach, no ambiguity. The build-up continues below. Note how ZM provide a stand for the engine. You can display it (them) off the model if you want, removed for high-level maintenance in a diorama perhaps. The engines really are a separate model, if you want them to be. Seeing this might help you realise the potential of what you can do with a kit engineered in this way,.

A close-up look at the fuselage chapter. The top of the first page, exploded view.

The photos of this stage built up at the bottom of the page.

Some of the following pages.

Note how they highlight in red important notes along with tips and suggestions. You have gotta love it.

Now, lets take a look at the i.p. and, be impressed. Note the two styles and methods of producing a good i.p. These are not two options for different aircraft but three options, no less, for producing the i.p.!

A close up of the third option.

Now these ZM instructions really prove how they care about how you to get a great result and care about helping you do it. They follow that through with the plastic itself. It is all in the detail.

They only provide one scheme for this aircraft though, but will be producing more versions with more schemes.

Again more meticulous instructions.

So far so good. A long post this and I have not finished yet, but its time for lunch, so I will carry on later today below and talk more about the plastic and show what you get....

**BarryW** · 03 July 2021, 12:40

Originally posted by Del640

Zoukei Mura bf109 available now?

Oh boy.

Not yet, its on its way.

**BarryW** · 03 July 2021, 13:46

So, part two and lets take a look at what else you get in the Zoukei Mura Hs129 box...
Starting with the plastic:

The actual plastic is very much like Tamiya, high quality. Hopefully the photo below shows off the fine detail held up to the light.

A sprue example showing how clean the moulds are, no flash, no burring. Top quality.

Below is an example of the care they take. A vulnerable part protected by extensions to the sprue. Like Tamiya and other good brands even the sprue gates are 'sculpted' and tidy.

One small but relevant negative. My previous ZM kits offer two seats, one with moulded in seatbelts that just needs painting up and one without, giving you an option to buy aftermarket seatbelts. This kit though only provides a seat without seatbelts so you will either have to make up the belts or buy aftermarket. Incidentally, the moulded in seatbelts in the other kits were very well done and looked great when painted. Shame they did not do this in this kit, so in my build I will use a FineMoulds set.

Here is a pic of the transparencies.

Again, well up to the highest standards.

There is no need to spend out on canopy masks, that is what this green vinyl is, pre-cut of course, so factor that saving into what you are paying for the kit..

The decals look fine and they include a swastika in two parts.

I will add that my previous experience of ZM decals is positive. They were thin, laid down well and above all did not splinter. If you don't want to pay for masks or other decals then there is no need, another demonstration of the value you get with this kit. Incidentally, my Skyraider was the famous one with a 'bee' on the tail, a big decal with a complex shape and typical of the more complicated decals that are difficult to position. With 'lesser' decals and the work and time needed to get it into position they will splinter. The ZM decal stayed in one piece to my surprise. Here is a picture of the Skyraider showing the bee in position and how complex this was. Remember, this is 1/32 on a big model, so it is a big decal to work into place.

Sadly I don't have a better picture of the Skyraider to show that and the model itself is long since gone to make room.

So, if these decals are of the same quality they will offer no real issues.

However, as you know I prefer masks to paint my markings and I have these two Maketar sets to use.

The only aftermarket I will use are the Maketar Masks and Finemoulds seatbelts. So note, I am doing this out of choice and you can get a superb result without spending this extra cash, so the purchase price for a kit of this size and quality is demonstrated as much better value than many 'cheaper' brands.

To summarise;
Expensive - no, not when it is all taken into account
Quality - the highest
Challenging, yes
Complex, yes
Complicated and difficult, no
Over-engineered, maybe to some people, but look at the options and potential

Very Highly Recommended.

Next up: Zoukei Mura Raiden.

**BarryW** · 03 July 2021, 15:13

As this is, so far, a review of Zoukei Mura offerings and my comments on the early ZM kits as being something of a learning curve, I thought I would post a list of their kits in order of release, which might help you see where kits fit in their progression to the quality they have now. It might help anyone thinking of investing what, to be frank, is a fairly hefty lump of dosh in one of these kits.

SWS01 - J7W1 Shinden (I had forgotten this one)
SWS02 - Ta152 H-0
SWS03 - A-1H Skyraider US Navy
SWS04 - P51D Mustang

I would regard all the above kits as their ‘learning’ releases. Significant improvements are shown from SWS05 onwards.

SWS05 - J2M3 Raiden (my next review)
SWS06 - He219 A-0 Uhu
SWS07- A-1J Skyraider USAF
SWS08 - Ho 229 Horten
SWS09 - Mustang IV (P51D/K)
SWS10 - Do335 A-0 Pfeil
SWS11 - Ta152 H-0 (the version I built showing improvements)
SWS12 - Do335 A-12 Pfiel
SWS13 - Ki-45 Kai Tei Toryu
SWS14 - Ki-45 Kai Ko/Hei Toryu (in stash to review)
SWS15 - A-1H Skyraider US Navy with weapons. The upgrade of SWS01 and with added stores.
SWS16 - A-1J Skyraider USAF with added stores
SWS17 - the Hs129 reviewed

As you can see they number their kits simply, release a mix of popular and unusual subject while providing different variants. What is more they upgrade older offerings where needed even though they are not that old!

They also have a range of 1/48 kits but less varied. The Ta152, Shinden, Ho229, plus about 7 or 8 versions of an F4 Phantom. All are later releases not done on the ‘learning phase’.

Incidentally they also do the Ho229 Horten in 1/72 and 1/144 scale as well for some reason being the only kit in those scales! These are among the latest additions so you might see these scales expanded

I hope this is of help to anyone thinking of ZM.

**Del640** · 03 July 2021, 15:41

Originally posted by BarryW

Not yet, its on its way.

Poo. C'Mon ZM, I'm to excited, love the BF, never done a ZM, what's not to like!

**BarryW** · 03 July 2021, 15:44

Originally posted by Del640

Poo. C'Mon ZM, I'm to excited, love the BF, never done a ZM, what's not to like!

Here is a link to the 'Old Man Blog' where these releases were announced in its rather quaint and enthusiastic English translation. It looks like the 109 and 190 might be released together.
The Old Man Blog No.113 - Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of SWS!! Thank you for supporting our 34 releases!! | ZOUKEI-MURA (zoukeimura.co.jp)

I have to say that I am looking forward to these.

**Del640** · 03 July 2021, 15:56

Originally posted by BarryW

Here is a link to the 'Old Man Blog' where these releases were announced in its rather quaint and enthusiastic English translation. It looks like the 109 and 190 might be released together.
The Old Man Blog No.113 - Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of SWS!! Thank you for supporting our 34 releases!! | ZOUKEI-MURA (zoukeimura.co.jp)

I have to say that I am looking forward to these.

Thanks Barry.

Del

**Allen Dewire** · 03 July 2021, 16:27

Hi Barry,

First, thank you for taking the time to post these reviews. I too am a big fan of ZM kits and am fascinated by their detailing and straight forward instructions. I have 2 in the stash to build when I retire this year. The Horten Ho229 and the Heinkel He219 and as you state, you get a lot of bang for the buck. I did get lucky with the He219 as when I opened the box, the ZM interior etch kit was inside underneath all the sprues. The seller never mentioned it and I stole it for €125 delivered from him. Definitely a bargain...

I am wondering if or why ZM is not making(?) or shipping their Ta152, SWS11 kit and hoping you might have any additional info. It's a kit I have wanted for quite some time and it will complete my wish list. Have you had any experience with ordering from them in Japan as it appears to be the only option? I'm afraid customs and postage would really hike the price too much. Any info would be greatly appreciated and thanks...

Prost
Allen

**BarryW** · 03 July 2021, 16:38

Originally posted by Allen Dewire

Hi Barry,

First, thank you for taking the time to post these reviews. I too am a big fan of ZM kits and am fascinated by their detailing and straight forward instructions. I have 2 in the stash to build when I retire this year. The Horten Ho229 and the Heinkel He219 and as you state, you get a lot of bang for the buck. I did get lucky with the He219 as when I opened the box, the ZM interior etch kit was inside underneath all the sprues. The seller never mentioned it and I stole it for €125 delivered from him. Definitely a bargain...

I am wondering if or why ZM is not making(?) or shipping their Ta152, SWS11 kit and hoping you might have any additional info. It's a kit I have wanted for quite some time and it will complete my wish list. Have you had any experience with ordering from them in Japan as it appears to be the only option? I'm afraid customs and postage would really hike the price too much. Any info would be greatly appreciated and thanks...

Prost
Allen

Firstly Allen, thanks for mentioning ZM's own aftermarket, they do a good selection of quality detailing sets for their own kits. I do think, however, that they are 'gilding the lily', nice to have but not essential for a great result.

I have no idea about when they will release the Ta152 again sorry. I would suggest keeping an eye on eBay to see on one appears, I did that for some of my 1/48 stash and it worked out great. Also maybe email John and see if he can obtain one via the shop?

Worth saying that their collection of tools are simply outstanding as well. Worth looking at at Telford.

**Allen Dewire** · 03 July 2021, 16:50

Thank you Barry. Very true about the etch and the figures from them too. I live in Germany and none of our shops have it, nor evilbay either. I would love to get it from John, but again, customs, the exchange rate and postage would be expensive (post Brexit)...

I would love to go to Telford once in my life, but I would have to save up to do it with the ferry and all.....Thanks again.....

Prost
Allen

**BarryW** · 03 July 2021, 17:08

Well Allen if you pop over on the ferry to go to Telford let me know, I live in Dover (or rather will again in a matter of weeks) and maybe we could have a pint!

**Guest** · 03 July 2021, 17:41

What I learned here is that Zoukei Mura doesn’t sell model kits but experiences.

**BarryW** · 03 July 2021, 17:43

Originally posted by Jakko

What I learned here is that Zoukei Mura doesn’t sell model kits but experiences.

But is that not true of every model company? I want a good build experience, something that is open to your own interpretation of what good is, of course.

Scale Model Shop

BarryW’s 1/32 Aircraft Review Thread.

BarryW’s 1/32 Aircraft Review Thread.

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