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Review - Tamiya
A6M5 Zero Real Sound Action Set
Click
here
for accessories
Yep,
I've finally succumbed and, following delicate 'open
wallet surgery', have acquired a copy of
the Real Sound Action version of Tamiya's amazing Zero kit. For a full lowdown
on the extras supplied over the standard kit take a look at the inbox review
here.
Don't
worry though, the kit was obtained a 'bargain price' from an agent in Hong Kong
via Ebay, so I'm making a good recovery! ;-)
For
more pictures and a sample of the sound, take a look at the Tamiya site
here.
In
the UK the standard Zero kit ways in at a not insignificant £69.99, but the
Real Sound Action set weighs in at a very hefty £279.99 - even Hannants
have a statement on their site that states "This price is not a
mistake!" That's a difference of £210 on an already expensive kit.
I'm
not, like many modellers I'm sure, normally interested in electronic gimmicks,
but having seen and heard Tamiya's superlative 1:16 Tiger I was really tempted -
just couldn't justify the cost.
What
I did think, however, was what a superb attention grabber it would make at shows
and, as we are all about promoting high quality 1:32 scale aviation modelling,
this would be a good 'ambassador'.
I
did a trawl on Ebay one night and, lo and
behold, there is was - 'Buy it Now' for $179.99 (approx £115) - even with
postage it still came in under £150 - almost half price! Having taken another
look at Ebay in the last few days, there are indeed more available at this sort
of price from a couple of sources.
The
purpose of this review is to cover the 'extras' as the standard kit has already
been reviewed to some extent elsewhere - including the following:
http://www.rollmodels.net/nworkbench/onlinebuild/zero/zero.htm
So,
just what does the extra money provide?
The
photo above illustrates the standard and Action set boxes - you certainly get
more box for your money...
The
opened boxes give a better impression of what lies behind. The left hand
contents are pretty well exactly the same as the standard kit, whilst the right
half contains the new base, some new aircraft parts and all of the electronic
wizardry.
Here
are the main 'additions - the plastic base plinth, the self adhesive base
covering, the new sprue with solid plastic tires, rather than rubber, and
simplified tail wheel assy. There are a number of additional brackets etc..
 
Here
are the Sound Circuit, the electric motor, the pre-painted canopy (in addition
to the unpainted one with the standard moldings - you get both) and Speaker.
As
well as the 'realistic sound and prop action' the model also provides fibre-optic
lighting for the three lights on each wing, the fuselage tail light and cockpit
lighting.
I've
not started build yet, so cannot comment on the result at this stage. However,
with some holiday owing - I'm hoping to have it done for the UK Nationals in
November. So, as soon as I have more feedback, I'll post it here.
The
build!
Well,
I said it would be ready for the UK Nationals!!
    
    
   
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