Tom climbs Mt Fuji

[TomW]

With permission to taxi only a day away I thought it was about time I took the covers off of my planned builds


This is number 1:







Eidai's rendition of Fuji's FA-200 'Aero Subaru'. The kit looks pretty good in the box with a mix of engraved and raised detail and plenty to go inside the tiny cabin.

Sprue Shot:




Two copies of the instructions:





As you can see, not a lot to it but there should be a few challenges with ancient decals and finding space for noseweight

Regards

Tom

[JamesPerrin]

Hmm maybe a metallic blue Subaru WRX paint job

[TomW]

The thought had crossed my mind James and it would have to have gold wheels too.

Regards

Tom

[ShaunW]

Most of the Scoobies around here have the loud gold wheels and even louder exhausts

[TomW]

Right then, time to get started on this one now that the Piper is on finals


Simple start:





As Bruce points out in his Bonanza build, these Eidai kits are simple but very well engineered, name another 70's manufacturer that provides the clear parts pre-bevelled to just drop in without any hassle?

Nothing in the nose, which provides a useful space for noseweight, as a bonus I fiddled the weights around a bit to give the impression of a flat-four aero engine:





Next I'll button her up and see if any gaps appear.

Regards

Tom

[MerlinJones]

Having finished the build stage of mine, I thought I'd offer some cautions, (hoping it's not too late)...

Cram as much weight as you can in the nose space.
The u/c is very fragile, so make sure the location holes are big enough before you try to fit the legs in.
The cabin roof seam has a tendency to pop open, given the slightest provocation, even when superglue is applied. If it's not too late, I suggest applying some plasticard reinforcement to the inner roof.

Regards,
Bruce

[TomW]

Not too late Bruce and thanks for the tips! I've added another gram and a half of weight and the tipping point is just behind the wing, hopefully the rear stabilisors wont pull it too far aft

I'll have to hold my breath on the roof seam though....

Regards

Tom