Tamiya vs. Hasegawa?

[Guest]

Hi all. Was just hoping to get some imput from the sharp lads on what kit is the "best" to build and /or more acurate.

I am looking at the Hasagawa 1/48 A6m2 Zero, but I know Tamiya also makes one. I have a 1/48 Tamiya ME 262 unbuilt for now, but from what I can see the quality is exelent.I have not seen a Hasegawa kit yet.

Theuns

[Guest]

Can of worms time......for me, its always Tamiya, but I have some damn fine Hasegawa kits, but I find Tamiya trumps most kits everytime.They just seem more crisp and have fine mouldings.Alas though we cant stay with one brand as Tamiya dont make all.

[tr1ckey66]

Hi Theuns

They are both very reputable brands, I don't think you'd go far wrong with either of them. Having built both brands 109e I can say from experience that both went together well, detail is good as is fit. In terms of accuracy you'll have to consult the web for a verdict. Personally I found that the Tamiya 109 tail wheel was too small but it is a good kit apart from this. The other thing is the Hasegawa usually contain a small fret of etch so if you're uncomfortable with working with the metal parts then the Tamiya kit is for you.

Hope this helps a little.

Cheers

Paul

[Guest]

Thanx guys, I like the Tamiya A6m2 because of the included figures, but can get the Hasegawa at 50% of the normal retail price!

If the fit/acuracy is about the same, then I believe in this case pure economics will lead to a choice LOL!

Theuns

[stona]

It depends a lot on the vintage and provenance of the kit. A new mold Hasegawa kit may well trump a Tamiya reboxing of an Italeri kit. Some old Hasegawa kits are not too clever either. I've heard good things about the Tamiya Zero.

1/48 isn't my scale so I can't be definitive but I'd search for builds of both and try and make an informed decision.

Cheers

Steve

[Guest]

Thanx Steve.

These kit makers realy make things confusing with all the re-boxing of old moulds, I sometimes wonder if it isn't a scam to get us to buy it.In fact, I recon there is only 1 kit maker in the world that do it under lots of names and has the modeld monopoly LOL

Theuns

[PJP]

Aha! Gotcha!

A conspiracy theorist revealed!

P.

[Guest]

The Hasegawa 1/48 TF-104G Starfighter I finished a short while ago was a new kit and was superb. I am just about to start the Tamiya 1/48 F16C Block 25/32 which is also a new kit and looking at the sprues, the detail is also excellent, but the rivets and the panel lines for me are a little shallow. I have made more Hasegawa's than Tamiya's simply because Hasegawa for me make the aircraft that appeal to me most. Cheers Derek

[Guest]

Although there will be strengths and weaknesses in individual kits I think as a rule of thumb Tamiya have the edge. Mind you this is reflected in the price. If you follow the modelling press I remember many professional modellers saying that the 1/32nd Zero was the best kit ever made. This accolade seems to have now been transferred to the Spitfire so Tamiya do seem to be leading the way with so many things and remaining at the cutting edge of the best models that can be produced.