Hello Peter from the States. I’ve been enjoying your channel. It’s insightful and witty with the perfect amount of seriousness. As a long time model kit/ diorama builder I appreciate your perspective. I recently reeled in one of those Zoukei Mura 1/32 Bf-109s that you had on a review. My first kit from ZM. As a long time Tamiya builder and “collector “ - aren’t we all😊I am very much looking forward to diving in this exceptional kit you brilliantly reviewed. Thanks for your content. Keep building! Keep collecting! And above all else keep having fun with your hobby!

People are missing the point about the detail and engineering. ZM mission was not to be a model manufacturer like all the rest. They want people to construct the kit to appreciate its internals. It's actually about building from the inside out. It was never about what you can't see. That's why they were making kits with clear parts but as said that's not a great idea, yes removable parts they should do.

@ZinzanModelling

7 ай бұрын

What a good comment!! Z

@HoratioScaleModels

5 ай бұрын

I have a stack of ZM kits to work towards, I don;t think of them as "model kits" but more like an engineering project. As an engineer professionally, these kits (and those from Academy, RFM et al) appeal to my desire to understand how things go together and work.

I’ve been to Japan a lot. A lot of young people there still make models, something that has been lost in the UK.

@Flingwing24

6 ай бұрын

Sad that. An awful lot of youngsters now haven't got the patience to find their own arses, let alone wipe them. I was brought up building, making, fixing, and occasionally blowing up😁

I own three of their 1/48 F-4 Phantoms, the D, early E, and G. The long nose versions are better... Also have the 1/48 Meng late F-4E. It is easier and more logical in assembly than the Z-M but not as detailed. We as modelers are so lucky to have so many good kits from which to choose....

You're doing a great job...getting a 2nd comment from me! I've often thought of Zoukei Mura as being the WW2 equivalent of Wing Nut Wings. So many similarities in the quality, presentation, instructions, etc., I've never had my hands on one of their 1/48 scale kits...I might have to try one (although as I age I lean HEAVY into 1/32).

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

7 ай бұрын

Yes, I know what you mean Ken, it's the eyesight, isn't it?🤓

I have several ZM kits. I recently built the Henschel Hs-129. It was a bit difficult build but came out beautifully. the internal framework had issues with fitting inside the fuselage skins but after much fitting I got it together. I have the 1/32 Horten, Do-335, Ta-152 and the He-219. Also recently got the Shinden in 1/32. Gorgeous models... true works of art. Very much like Wingnut Wings. I bought the Ta-152s when they first came out (I bought two) and got several figures with the kits; Pilots and engineers, etc. I really wish they would come out with a late war model Ju-88 in 1/32 scale.

Hey Peter, just wanted to say that after watching your Dornier Do-335 video I knew I had to have some of their kits. Since your video, I bought their 1/48 Ta-152 and Ho-229 as well as their Bf-109G-14 and Hs-129 in 32nd scale. Their books are also top notch and Ive got 7. The only sort of negative I can come up with is that I wish the fit was a bit more Tamiya like but other than that I think they are the best kit manufacturer ever, there attention to detail makes you feel like your building the real thing! Thanks for doing these videos Peter, I enjoy your content :)

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

7 ай бұрын

Many Thanks Luke! 👍🏻☺️

I picked up the 190 kit yesterday, its a work of art!

Enjoyed this take Peter - thank you. I haven't got any ZM kits in my stash, but as it is Christmas, I am going to treat myself to one - candidate yet to be chosen ... 🙂

I have the ZM 1/32 Ho229 in my stash.......for the day that I feel I am worthy !!! another top brand review mate, totally agree with your comments.

Got an A-1J Skyraider limited edition in the summer. Hoping to buy more ZM kits. They do seem more affordable now and almost value for money compared to other kits these days! Goes without saying that Japanese kits generally are massively cheaper in Japan - largely due to a very favourable exchange rate at the moment. Tokyo is a paradise for modellers and has the most amazing model shops I’ve ever visited. Lots of vintage and obscure kits too. Production values for kits, tools and modelling supplies is very high. Volks has its own Hobby Paradise store in Akihabara!

Too much for me to say about ZM. I am an admitted fanboy.(57yo fanboy). I discovered them when I saw an add for their Skyraider release. I hit heir website and my mouth dropped when I saw their second release(that was still available at the time) the Ta-152...mouth drop, credit card pulled out and ordered immediately. Having met them at the U.S 2018 nationals and picking up kits at their California location/dist center and meeting the sons, I am a dedicated fan. Enjoyed building one of the F-4s, the Ta, and the Raiden. My two favorite German aircraft the Ta and the He-219 both in 1/32??? THANK YOU very much. I freaked out at the 2018 when I saw the Hs-129 as "The Old Man" shoved their prototype into my hands to look at it more closely. Yes, they are not cheap, but I truly appreciate their effort, dedication and excellence in execution. Edit. Main complaint though. I have a difficult time attempting to throw the boxes or instructions away. Too nice those boxes are.😉

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

7 ай бұрын

Well said! ☺️

To paraphrase the late Alec Guinness - that's not a model kit, that's a SPACE STATION! 👀

I do enjoy your talks, thanks for discussing these companies, given me a bit more of an insight into them!

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

6 ай бұрын

Glad you like them! Thanks. ☺️

I've got a few of their kits, 2 F-4's, the Hartmann 109, and the new 190. Haven't built any, yet. The 109 and 190 look daunting but also fun. I plan on adding flush rivets to both with a jewelers beading tool

zoukei mura is the best!!

I totally agree with you about border models i bought there lanc witch ive just started merry Christmas by the way

I bought their 1/72 Horten earlier this year and thought it was quite pricey for a 72nd scale kit, but when I actually saw what I got with the kit it made sense. I would never have expected something so detailed from the scale and on top of everything I got a little 1/144 scale Horen on the side. Brilliant stuff. If I find one of their kits and I have the space and or spare cash I am picking one up.

I have bought most of their German aircraft, the A-1J and the F-4C. I recommended them to most of aircraft modeller around me. Their Concept Notes are also perfect reference book, including many pictures they took from the museums. They really did good research on the kits, not like some manufacturers that just put random inner details. A funny thing about ZM kits is that even my girl friend knows it was a ZM kit when I receive the package, because they are always bigger and thicker than other brands!

Built the ho 229. Just wow... Watch trimming parts ..most little nubs are mounts for pieces. 🎄🎄🎄🎄

Outstanding video and presentation.

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

7 ай бұрын

Thank you. ☺️

Looking forward to this 👍

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

7 ай бұрын

You will NOT be disappointed. 👍🏻☺️

There is a FW 190 A5 due from Zoukeimoura. I have had it on pre order for 3 months!

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

7 ай бұрын

Mike...STAY TUNED to this YT Channel...😉👍🏻

@mikehanson7328

7 ай бұрын

Could be an A4, if its sws l don't mind. It will go with the other 70 or so 190's. Casadio, R.V.Resin conversions, etc. Project for Telford next year is a back dated 1/18th nightfighter. With a scratch built/metal cockpit upgrade and brass antler antennae

@richardbaxter2057

7 ай бұрын

Ah! I’ve had a bit of a “spend up” on these.....😎 I managed to get all of the Ho229 kits, 1/32, 48, 72/144.....it had to be done...😉 I also bought the 1/48 Shinden, 1/48 F4G, a pair of Bf109G’s and now I’m waiting on the Fw190A....😊 Tbh, I’d have loved the Pheil but it’s just too big for my house.....unless I move into a tent and just use the house as a studio...😂😂 ATB and Happy Christmas to you! 👍🏻👍🏻

Good morning, Peter! Just a quick line, or three to say “thank you” for all your vlogs, information and “rants” (which I don’t consider “rants”, tbh)! I might not always agree with your comments but there’s always been far more positives, than there’ve ever been negatives and on more than one occasion, you’ve steered me away from a “mistake” in the making! I’m very aware that my ZM Shinden will have fit issues around the “snout”......one of ZM’s “not so good” finishes but I’ve got chamfering sticks for that.....😎🤪 but I’d dearly love the two seat Dornier “Pheil” but it’s just too big.....Boo Hoo moment.....😂😂 Anyhow, happy Christmas to you, happy new year and look forward to seeing you review the ZM Fw190 then! 👍🏻👍🏻🥂🥂🎂🥂🥂

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

7 ай бұрын

Thanks Richard! A very Merry Christrmas to you too! 🎅🏻🎄🍾

Even the ZM instructions give 3 options on how to build the model. There is an advance, intermediate, and introductory methods provided.

hi Peter I have the fw190 on pre order and I belive it is pushed back to next year now. nice video buddy

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

7 ай бұрын

Thanks Jason…but stay tuned, you may change your mind.😉

Have been looking at getting the Henschel 129. Enjoying the Rant Free episode Peter!!!

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

7 ай бұрын

@John I only RANT (😤😡🤬) ...with good cause, about garbage kits...😜☺️

These kits are a passion for their designers.

I would like an F-35 A, B. C. in 1/48 I think they would do a good job and the aircraft will be with us for a while and that makes it a popular subject.

Thanks Peter. I’ve been looking at these kits for a little bit. I’ll now grab one after Christmas. Even here in Oz the prices look very fair for what you get 👍

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

7 ай бұрын

Happy holidays!

I remember being absolutely being blown over by their Kawasaki Ki 45. An aircraft that unfortunately hasn't had the love it possibly deserves. The model was one of the ones with transparent fuselage parts etc, that you could almost make two models. Unfortunately at the time it was way out of my price bracket, and it was the wrong scale, but i must admit I was very, very tempted.

I watched Godzilla Minus One the other day and made me want to get one of ZM's Shinden kits. That FW 190 looks great also!

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

7 ай бұрын

It's coming...IT IS COMING!!! 👍🏻😳

@philnewman7574

6 ай бұрын

I’m just dusting off the ZM Shinden kit now, I almost got rid of it in preference to a Hasegawa kit but now I’m happy that I kept

i have the Ta-152 H-0, hope to assemble it next year when i retire. I was to buy the Do-335 but really didn´t like all those toy-like clear parts and ended up byung the HKM one.

I am still contemplating their Skyraider 1J..... ❤️❤️❤️

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

6 ай бұрын

Its niiiiiiiiiice ! 🤤👍🏻

@Flingwing24

6 ай бұрын

I know but I smell divorce 🫣

Always amazes me that model companies don't add more history and photos in their instructions; they have do do the research anyway, so for the sake of a couple of days of DTP and 2 extra pieces of paper they could move their product to another level

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

7 ай бұрын

I think the problem is some of them just don't do any research...some just rock up at a museum with a Lidar scanner, use the gadget then put ithe data collected in the computer to design a mould...this is how they make big errors on wrong details because they didn't research and didn't notice that a museum piece was maybe a 'Frankenstein' after- war rebuilt with orher non era parts...even Airfix have been guilty of this, and some of the Chinese Companies particularly guilty on this. It's just laziness and corner cutting. Don't buy them...they will get the message soon enough.

@screwthisin

7 ай бұрын

Tamiya 1/32nd scale aircraft do have a little bit of reference photos, but not to the extent of WNW/Copper State/Zoukei Mura.

Great company, I love their approach, being an aircraft technician in real life. I've got the 190 incoming, can't wait for that one!

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

6 ай бұрын

Couldn't agree more!😊

I visited the huge Volks store in Tokyo back in April and a massive section for Zoukei Mura on one of the many floors now makes total sense when you mentioned the link between them! I’m sure I saw the new Fw 190 built up in a case there…the Japanese kits are sooooo much cheaper there obviously but suitcase space was limited and had to stick with my 2x Tamiya 1/32 jets for £45 each so had to pass on the ZM stuff

Daunting yes Peter but l think it is doable for a modeler like me who is not a beginner but far away from an expert but as you said if you take your time l don't believe you can go wrong with that much information and like in everything you have to go outside your comfort zone to improve so with that in mind l going to pre-order FW190 🤔 the level of detail the aftermarket is very good and l feel that if you make it you are going to enjoy it's not a manufacturer l would become a (fanboy) of but to make at least one 👍

Hi Peter i would like to see review of the F-20 Tigershark and F-21 Kfir.

6:40 ZM regularly re-release older kits and do re-runs in the 32 and 48 scale lines. It can take a while, but both kits and their excellent lines of AM parts are relatively regularly re-released.

Hi Peter. I’ve just found your channel and this was the first video I’ve seen of yours. I have to say, I like your style of delivery. With regard to your conclusions and views about ZM, I am in total agreement. I, like you, have yet to build my first one but am keen to do so. I already have the 190 on pre-order so maybe that’ll be the one?! Anyway, I am glad to have found your channel and look forward to watching your content. Cheers Martin

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

7 ай бұрын

Thanks Martin, your support is much appreciated...do have a look back at the channel, you are sure to find a treasure trove of interesting subjects! Have a great Xmas & Happy New Year, & don't miss my Tamiya shows at the weekend! 👍🏻🎄🎅🏻

The 190, an A4, is a mark not frequently modelled. A Horten nightfighter would also be popular. I have and like the 1/35 FW Triebflugel even though it's not Zoukeimoura

It may have been an idea to have a clear crankcase to enable the viewing of that inner detail. I like the idea of a 'scientific' model.

My Fw-190A arrived week before last. It looks like a beautiful kit (no surprise...I've the TA-152H-1 in the stash). My wife has been after me to start a KZread channel so the grand kids can go back in the future (after I wing my way to the next world) and see what "Pawpaw gets up too in his workshop. I'm considering this...and might do a review of the new ZM Fw-190A as the initial video...we'll see). Now if they would just come out with an Fw-190D-9 that would give me the major "steps" in the Fw-190 evolution. Thanks for a nice review of ZM.

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

7 ай бұрын

☺️

If Revell or Monogram had committed to this level of detail and presentation of their model kits they'd still be around today. It's not enough to just put a Xeroxed instruction sheet in the box and one tiny decal sheet and expect your kit to be the top seller of the year, they were on the right path with their Pro Modeler line and then they went belly up, sad.

Their AD Skyraiders were one of three kits that got me back into the hobby after forty years. Have two posted on my channel. They are the best in 1/32. In the case of the 1/32 P-51D Mustang, Tamiya is by far superior. Tamiya has stopped production on the 1/32 F-4E kits. There has been a rumor that they are moving more or only to 1/48. As a fan of F-4Es I had to order the E sprue parts from Tamiya Japan to convert two F-4js kits for JASDF projects. It may be up to Zoukei Mura to release a 1/32 F-4E. I would trust that they could produce a great kit.

Do335 is $280 in Oz.

It's a must watch this , ' Let's talk about Series '. Can't see much for Peter to rant about with Zoukei Mura ( or will he 🤔🤣). Glass of Shiraz ready for 19:57...let's go 👍👍.

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

7 ай бұрын

Thanks Dude, but we are at the good end of the market now...RANT - FREE! 👍🏻

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

7 ай бұрын

Tamiya this weekend too, to end the series. 😊

@jakeybear5452

7 ай бұрын

🤣🤣...Rant free 👍👍. Tamiya this week also...brilliant. A fitting end to what as been a very good series.

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

7 ай бұрын

@@jakeybear5452 Thanks! Tamiya is in 2 parts. 👍🏻

I am going to have to try at least one...

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

7 ай бұрын

@Paul get the brand-new FW-190 A4! It will NOT disappoint! 😳👍🏻😍

@paulmoore6345

7 ай бұрын

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab you are seriously tempting me here, it would be good to have a kit to build up as a long build that I can take my time on

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

7 ай бұрын

@@paulmoore6345 Then you need the FW-190 A4! Coming...SOON!!! 😍

What timing as I'm in the midst of building their 1/48 TA-152. I agree with a lot of what you say but I'm not ready to put them that high on the pedestal yet. There are a few things about the kit that frustrate me that could be easily fixed to make it excellent instead of just very good. I will throw out the caveat that this kit is my only experience with ZM and that it was tooled in 2014. But here are a few of my bugaboos: - The instruction manual in my kit isn't nearly as nice as the one in yours. While the details are on par with what you had, mine is all b&w with no photographs and fairly plain looking, similar to something you get with HobbyBoss or Academy, but with niced CAD drawings. For what is supposed to be a premium kit, the look of the manual was a bit of a let down. That could be the age of the kit, though. - While the instructions are detailed, it's possible to start gluing parts together in a way that later prevents you from adding another part. The message here is to study each step carefully and dry fit all the parts first to figure out the best sequence of assembly. The instructions won't tell you and you can easily glue yourself into the proverbial corner. - When you look on the box and their web site, there are photographs of the plane in "skeleton" form, IOW with all or some of the skin missing. Because the inside of the fuselage halves are fully detailed, you'd think you can build it that way. However, there is nothing in the instructions to indicate that. So can you or can't you? I don't know, but I don't think I should have to spend time figuring that out and possibly ruining the build. If you can, then tell us clearly. If you can't, it's a bit of false advertising. - My biggest issue with my kit is that one of the sprues had a molding error. It appears that the two mold halves were ever so slightly out of alignment, so that every part has a very visible seam line, you could almost call it a step. And of course, it's the sprue that has the most small parts. Again, it's not egregious. If this was a Revell kit, I'd expect nothing less. But if you're going to be better than Tamiya, this is a big miss. - Other minor foibles: Markings for just one airplane - I know the TA-152 was made in few numbers, but a quick Google search turned up images of several aircraft - and no canopy masks. This is stuff you find on kits that don't cost as much. Now for the good. This is still a very good kit and I've enjoyed building it so far, despite the quibbles I've described. I particularly like that in the instructions, on each page they list the paints needed for all parts used on that page. I think it's a great idea other manufacturers should follow. How many times have you missed painting a small part or detail because the color callout was buried in all the instructions? I realize my experience with ZM so far is based on one of their older kits. Based solely on that experience so far, in my opinion ZM isn't better than Tamiya... yet. But the potential is certainly there and they may already have fulfilled it. I definitely plan to build one of their newer 1/32 offerings in the near future. (Edited to correct spelling errors)

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

7 ай бұрын

Very interesting comments, thanks. 👍🏻

I can’t seem to the SWS F4S Phantom

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

6 ай бұрын

I did the 'D"... kzread.info/dash/bejne/dJqGj7CqisTdoLw.htmlsi=QzE401e9qZJKxCKT

Hi Peter,will you be doing a rant on either K.P. or P.M. (not the same companies)?

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

7 ай бұрын

No more RANTS...only critical acclaim this year! 😉

@jaws848

7 ай бұрын

@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab what's the difference.🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

@jaws848

7 ай бұрын

@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab if they really are that indepth of a build if you start 1 in January you "might" get it finished by next Christmas.lol.🤣🤣🤣

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

7 ай бұрын

@@jaws848 Yes...done for Xmas eve...(2026). 👍🏻

@jaws848

7 ай бұрын

@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab sounds like a plan....on a side note did you ever buy a kit with tge completley wrong pilot?....the pilot in the Airfix 1/72 Sea Harrier FRS1 (kit nmbr A04051A) is a Spitfire pilot and not a jet pilot...what were Airfix thinking

The thing about ZM is their quality is really good but they tend to over engineer on detail that does not matter. One example. Full engines in their Phantoms that can never be seen. They also get some major things wrong like the whole backend shape around the engines of the Phantom and the shape of the Phantoms cockpit. Not looked at their other products but the over engineering looks about right.

Zoukei Mura welljell.

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

7 ай бұрын

You will enjoy or your money back! 👍🏻

Hellcat. WHY NOT A HELLCAT?!? AAARGH!

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

6 ай бұрын

Maybe in the near future?

@danl.909

6 ай бұрын

@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab Pining away for a 1/32 one. What the hell's wrong with ZM/Tamiya/Hasegawa/etc.? It's one of the most important fighters of the war.

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

6 ай бұрын

@@danl.909 Tamiya Martlet incoming…be patient! 😉

I'm a long time modeller and the worst experiences building kits have all been related to poor instructions: no information on the subject, no paint call outs, vague and confusing assembly diagrams, incorrect part numbers, poor or incomplete painting guides, etc. In most cases, fit and finish were outstanding, but the experience sucked. In the end I ended up with nice looking models, some even placed in competitions - however, I build kits for the experience, not just for the outcome. It is a pity that so many great and well-fitting kits are ruined by garbage instructions. I love getting myself absorbed and lost reading all about a specific part of subassembly of the real thing, such as I noticed in this Zukey Mura booklet. Copper State Models, btw, is another brand with fantastic and compelling booklets. Thanks for being vocal and discriminating about this, perhaps some of the manufacturers in question will listen and correct their bad habits.

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

7 ай бұрын

Thank you...And don't worry...Copper State Models will get my full (Positive) attention before New Year! 👍🏻☺️

I recently bought and built the SWS19 Hs 129-B3. I was hugely disappointed, whilst the detail and quality of the plastic was first rate, the fit of the parts was absolutely dreadful in some cases and there were some issues with the instructions being less than clear in places. I'll not be spending my cash on another of their models.

@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab

6 ай бұрын

All manufacturers make a lemon occasionally...even Tamiya. Have a fresh look at the 109 or 190...they are superb. 👍🏻

Is Zoukei a geisha