Hello everyone! It’s been a while. Have you been doing well?
Thank you for always reading this blog.
And above all, I do not have enough words to thank all of you who have been collecting and purchasing SWS kits. Thank you all so much!!
I’d like to introduce you to our three new upcoming releases: The 1/32 Ki-45 Kai Ko/Hei, the long-awaited 1/72&1/144 Ho229, and the 1/48 F-4J NAVY.
It’s already been nine years now since the Super Wings Series began with the 1/32 Shinden kit, to become a series well-loved by aircraft modelers worldwide. Selling slowly but surely, at last some kits have begun to go out of stock.
By now it goes without saying, but as one of the smallest companies worldwide to be releasing plastic models, at Zoukei-Mura we do not have the space or the budget to keep an abundance of stock at the ready. We also do not have the ability to reproduce a kit just like that once it is sold out.
We have heard from customers who wait to purchase a kit, only to have the kit sell out while they are still thinking, “I’ll buy it eventually… It’s still in stock, after all…” They are then left still wanting to buy the kit, but now their only option is to buy from an auction website at an inflated price.
To avoid this predicament, I strongly recommend that you add these SWS kits, these miraculous aircraft models, to your collection while there is still stock on the shelves in our Volks stores and SWS Friend Shops.
And please look forward to information about the Zoukei-Mura booth at the IPMS USA Nationals held in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for four days starting on August 7th.
▋The Toryu piloted by Japanese Air Force First Kaiten Special Attack Unit Second Lieutenant Miosaburo Yamamoto of the 4th Sentai Flight Regiment.
This twin engine fighter “Toryu” (“Dragon Slayer”) of the Japanese Imperial Army was modified to be used for the unprecedented “Special Attack” aerial war tactics including full-body ramming. Now looking at its form, we can only offer our grief and sincere condolences.
▋The Ki-45 “Toryu” is unexpectedly small for a twin engine aircraft. It leaves one speechless to imagine that this delicately formed small aircraft was left with no choice in the end but to conduct “Tai-Atari” (full-body ramming) to fulfil its duty.
▋This is the late-production Toryu, as flown by the 3rd Flight Unit of the 53rd Sentai Flight Regiment.
One cannot help but to feel reverence looking at this Toryu that fought to the very limit of its power to fulfil its mission as a convoy escort and for ground attacks, despite facing an increasing scarcity of raw materials and lack of industrial strength, and unable to match the numbers of aircraft in battle.
▋The aircraft was powered by two Mitsubishi Ha-102 air-cooled 14-cylinder two-row radial engines, which were much too weak in comparison with the engines used by the opposing Allies forces. Now you can bring the “Toryu,” which left its mark in aerial history with its ultimate bravery in battle, back to life with your hands.
So, everyone, have you already finished your SWS 1/32 Ki-45 Tei, which flew into your arms earlier? Or, by any chance, is it still sitting atop its throne of your stock of countless kits, waiting first in line…?
No, there’s no way that’s the case, right?
Like a parent seeing off their beloved children, I am always so worried about their future.
The true value, the real joy of SWS kits comes from the experience of building them.
That is our firmly-held belief that we develop these kits with.
This is your very own collection, after all. We want you to enjoy the process of building the kit, discover what we strive to convey to you, and experience the ultimate joy of feeling as if you are building a real aircraft at your workbench.
▋At last the “Ko” version of the Toryu arrives as the aircraft flown by flown by First Lieutenant Isamu Kashiide of the 4th Sentai Flight Regiment!
Now the time has come when you can recreate in 1/32 scale that moment when the once-feared “B-29 Killer” bravely fought against the U.S. B-29s that were bombarding Japan, including in the skies over the capital city of Tokyo. If you use liquid instant glue during your building process, you can beautifully and securely complete the kit.
▋Many Toryu fans are drawn in by the appeal of the Ho-203 37mm cannon mounted in the nose with its menacingly powerful blows. The engines and radial exhaust manifold engines are cleverly recreated, sure to make fans even more enthusiastic about the Toryu.
▋One of the highlights of the SWS kit is the reproduction of the Mitsubishi Ha-102 engine.
By examining the mounting method, one can peek into the development ideals at the time of Kawasaki Aircraft Industries and the Imperial Japanese Army. It may look extremely complex once completed, but assembly is enjoyable and smooth if you follow the assembly instructions step by step.
▋You’ve never seen Toryu like this. The underside is reproduced like the image above thanks to the full cooperation of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, allowing us to thoroughly inspect the actual aircraft down to its smallest details. This also enabled faithful and wonderful recreation of the complexly engineered landing gear. Only the modelers who complete this kit can enjoy this delight.
The Type 2 Two-Seat Fighter “Toryu” was actively involved in the war effort as a support fighter for the Imperial Japanese Army, covering a huge range of war zones from the Chinese front to Taiwan, Southern Philippines, Southeast Asia, Eastern New Guinea, even the Solomon Sea.
Now the gallant short-nose Ko/Hei version is available for the first time ever worldwide as a 1/32 scale model kit.
As always with SWS kits, each weapon variation and the different mounting methods thereof are based on thorough research in order to replicate the aircraft’s engineering.
The long-nose and short-nose versions may appear to be identical aircraft at first glance, but their details, from the engineering of the gunner seat in the back of the fuselage to the thorough reproduction of the gun mount, make them completely different. This level of incredible attention to detail that can only be found in SWS kits is sure to make your modeler spirit sing with joy.
(This kit has been created so that the parts fit nicely together, so please go ahead and use liquid glue to assemble. You will have a wonderful finished model with no unfortunate glue marks.)
Released in Japan on July 20, 2019, available at all SWS Friend Shops in Japan and domestic Volks stores.
And its international release will be at the Zoukei-Mura booth at the IPMS USA Nationals in Chattanooga, on Wednesday August 7th!!!
▋We’re looking forward to bringing you the two types of 1/32 Toryu kits, 1/48 F-4J NAVY kit, and the 1/72&1/144 Ho229 Horten kits for you to add to your collection at the Zoukei-Mura booth at IPMS Nationals!
This kit features the long-awaited decals specifically for the final F-4J to be used by the legendary VF-142 Ghostriders. The powerfully jutting tip of the nose, the prominently protruding air intakes—that’s the charm of this J version!!
This kit will become the very best addition to your F-4 collection!! Don’t miss out!!
▋The F-4 is beautiful no matter how many times you view it. You can’t help but fall in love.
Not only is this U.S. Navy, but it is the “J” version—there’s no choice but to add it to your collection. This kit’s release is highly limited to only a small number, so please forgive us if it sells out before you have a chance to get it.
▋We have prepared a small number of these F-4J NAVY SWS kits to bring with us to this year’s IPMS Nationals in Chattanooga. Don’t miss out on your chance!!
▋It’s been a long time coming!!
At last we can bring you the 1/72 & 1/144 scale Ho 229 Horten!!
The quality is just as one would expect from an SWS kit: the frame, the engines, the cockpit, the detailed landing gear, even the reproduction of the weapons. It’s unbelievable that this all is in the 1/72 scale! This is sure to leave a huge impression on all of you 1/72 modelers and collectors. Be sure to check it out!!
▋Could it really be true?! That moment is finally occurring before your very eyes, 1/72 collectors!!
We hope you feel true joy deep in your soul as you hold your palm-sized Ho 229.
▋At first glance this frame may look very complex, but if you carefully follow the instruction manual as you build you’ll be just fine. However, for the delicately expressive frame, you will need a thinly-tipped sharp nipper or other precise cutting tool for plastic models. We recommend using the “Pro-Zetsu Nipper” from the Old Man’s Seven Tools series.
▋Doesn’t this just make you want to collect the 1/32 and 1/48 Ho 229 kits to complete the full range of all the scales? As of right now, you can still collect them all. Don’t miss this opportunity!!
At last, the wait is over!! Finally the day has come when these two Hortens land into your hands!! As the first-ever 1/72 and 1/144 scale kit from Zoukei-Mura, the quality of the kit contents are sure to bring liveliness and a unique flair to your collection!
There’s no mistaking it! Even if these Hortens are in the 1/72 and 1/144 scales, they are without a doubt carrying the pedigree of SWS kits. All of the details, including the engineering of the fuselage, the landing gear, the cockpit and weapons, are reproduced in the finest detail possible.
This new kit raises the bar so far, you will surely find yourself thinking in surprise,”Could this really be 1/72? 1/144??”
I can tell you’re thinking, “There’s no way I could possibly be so surprised!!” Yes, that’s the spirit! Trust me, you will surely be enraptured with the satisfying building experience only found by SWS modelers.
If you once believed, “that’s just impossible in a small scale,” we want you to have a go at this masterpiece 1/72 & 1/144 Ho 229 Horten kit, finally available now!!
Just prepared to be surprised!!
Wha-! What’s this now?? Somehow, little old me has been slotted to give a seminar speech at this year’s IPMS USA Nationals!
I was given about 50 minutes to give a speech entitled “My SWS, Your SWS,” starting at 2:15 on Friday, August 9th.
Hmmmm, what shall I talk about…
Everyone who comes to participate in the seminar will receive a little present from me as a little memento of the show: a special flashlight keychain with the Zoukei-Mura logo to light every little detail of your finished kits!
If you have this on hand, you’re indestructible! It’s a must-have for every modeler.
But don’t you go shining it into people’s eyes, now. I won’t be taking responsibility for whatever may occur as a result. Seriously though, this light is really bright!!
Shine it at the wrong place and the wrong time and you’re bound to end up causing some brawls.
And on top of that, for the ever-popular Zoukei-Mura Raffle, limited to this time only, along with the luxurious prizes I will be giving out hugs!!
You know, for typically shy Japanese people including yours truly, a “hug” is truly a rare and precious gift.
(For those mysterious folks who don’t want hugs, just tell me “No” and I will certainly not force a hug, instead giving you my best smile and handshake instead.)
And not to be missed, the Zoukei-Mura booth at this year’s IPMS USA Nationals will feature the following displays:
That’s not all! There will be completed 1/72 and 1/144 Ho 229 models on display, fine works by the famous Naoki Kobayashi! Maybe, just maybe, I can let you touch them without Mr. Kobayashi finding out. As soon as he heads to the restroom—quick, that’s our chance!!
There will also be more works by the master Mr. Kobayashi:
Do 335 A-12, He 219, P-51D, Shinden, and even Ta 152—all waiting for your visit. You are welcome to photograph them as much as you like!! If I am at the booth, we can dare to secretly adjust the angle of the model for your perfect shot, or even have you hold it up close for further inspection. In that case, you must speak to me in Japanese for my cooperation. If you have no choice but to use English, there will be a cute female staff member named Anne to interpret for us so somehow we’ll find a way to communicate.
I am so looking forward to seeing you at the Zoukei-Mura booth at IPMS Nationals in Chattanooga.
Even if it’s you first time meeting me, feel free to call me “OYAJI” (Old Man) or “Brother” and I will be at your service… in Japanese, mind you.
If you buy an SWS kit at the event and would like us to sign it for you, please don’t hesitate to ask. We will be happy to sign it, unabashedly in Japanese!!!
That’s all for now! Be well everyone!! I’ll see you there!!
Hideyuki Shigeta
President, Zoukei-Mura
Old Man Blog No.102
Welcome to the Zoukei-Mura Booth at IPMS Telford! Thank you for purchasing the 1/32 Toryu!!