Is the Tamiya Corsair kit worth the $?

[Twokidsnosleep]

So, I am looking to complete a collection of 1/32 scale aircraft kits that I like.
It comes down to a Corsair as the last propellor plane one I want and am waffling between an old relic Revell and the newer Tamiya versions





Now for the money, engineering and details my head says Tamiya all the way. My nostalgia says Revell.
I have three other old 1/32 Revell WWII plane kits and just finished building one....that needed some aftermarket help and a lot of work.
The boxart is a huge factor for me as these old kits are gorgeous





But I have already broken the pattern and bought the Tamiya P51


So old or new?? What do you think???
I may have to do a bit of a stash purge though as am getting low on space. The display of these larger models is a bit of an issue as well and I need to put some display shelves up in my nerdlab.

[aur0ra145]

I'm in the Tamiya boat. I don't have a stock of 1/32 kits, so I would end up buying new. With that in mind, I would 100% go with Tamiya. The fit and finish of their kits is wonderful. Personally, I would rather pay a bit extra to not have the hassle of flash/repairs/etc. in a model kit.

[Twokidsnosleep]

I'm in the Tamiya boat. I don't have a stock of 1/32 kits, so I would end up buying new. With that in mind, I would 100% go with Tamiya. The fit and finish of their kits is wonderful. Personally, I would rather pay a bit extra to not have the hassle of flash/repairs/etc. in a model kit.

Ya you are bang on with that
I had to do a lot of things to that Spitfire and buy another decal set; all extra time, effort and money

[KungFuDrew]

Personally I'd go for the tamiya. I've got their Mosquito kit half painted and it's one of the nicest kits I've ever built. The only filler I had to use was because of my own mistakes, and even then that was minimal. From what I've heard the other 1/32 kits are the same, and I'm currently very tempted by the Mustang. For my money I'd go with the tamiya, because you're pretty much guaranteed to get a great kit OOB, and not have to worry about aftermarket etc.

[RangerNeil]

TBH - if its in their range I would go Tamiya. Their kits almost assemble themselves.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Personally I'd go for the tamiya. I've got their Mosquito kit half painted and it's one of the nicest kits I've ever built. The only filler I had to use was because of my own mistakes, and even then that was minimal. From what I've heard the other 1/32 kits are the same, and I'm currently very tempted by the Mustang. For my money I'd go with the tamiya, because you're pretty much guaranteed to get a great kit OOB, and not have to worry about aftermarket etc.

Excellent points.
I think on the live show questions the other week someone answered a similar question about 'why do AMT model kits' when they are so bad. One of the guys said it is in the challenge of polishing a turd into something respectable...very true and I have that turd polishing gene in me
But I have truly enjoyed making say the Tamiya Mercedes GT3 that flew so well together I wasn't test fitting parts by the end of it..everything fit perfectly!

[Twokidsnosleep]

TBH - if its in their range I would go Tamiya. Their kits almost assemble themselves.

Agreed. Thus you can focus on detailing rather than just fitting

[Stokesy44]

The Tamiya 1/32 kits for the Spitfire, Mustang, Corsair and Mossie are far and away the best engineered kits out there.

I have built the Mustang (twice) and the Spitfire and can vouch for how amazing they are. I have read reviews that say the Mossie is amazing but the Corsair is the best of the bunch.

The only thing that lets them down is the decals. For some reason they are just poor. Get a replacement set if you buy Tamiya.

You get what you pay for at the end of the day. They are light years ahead of other big scale kits, both in terms of old tools and more recent tools from say, Revell. I recently built their new Fw 190, it was nice but I was struck by just how much better the Tamiya stuff is.

If you want to display the engine, Tamiya are the only manufacturer that produces engine cowlings to the correct scale thickness. This allows the engine and its mounting frame to be shown in the correct size for the scale of the kit.

[Twokidsnosleep]

The Tamiya 1/32 kits for the Spitfire, Mustang, Corsair and Mossie are far and away the best engineered kits out there.

I have built the Mustang (twice) and the Spitfire and can vouch for how amazing they are. I have read reviews that say the Mossie is amazing but the Corsair is the best of the bunch.

The only thing that lets them down is the decals. For some reason they are just poor. Get a replacement set if you buy Tamiya.

You get what you pay for at the end of the day. They are light years ahead of other big scale kits, both in terms of old tools and more recent tools from say, Revell. I recently built their new Fw 190, it was nice but I was struck by just how much better the Tamiya stuff is.

If you want to display the engine, Tamiya are the only manufacturer that produces engine cowlings to the correct scale thickness. This allows the engine and its mounting frame to be shown in the correct size for the scale of the kit.

Interesting
I would love to see how the Tamiya decals line up against those Revell 1967 Spitfire decals...they were the worst I have seen and very few of them
So good to know I might need an aftermarket set
I think I get the hint of the way the wind is blowing on this topic

[digger303]

Looks like every one is saying Tamiya and I would tend to agree. Life isn't long enough to waste it polishing turds. They are more expensive, but it is really only the cockpit where a bit more detail could be achieved. One other thought though a inexpensive buy is the Hasegawa 1/32 Zero really worth looking at. I know you didn't mention a Zero, but it is a iconic plane.
Also if you buy from plaza in Japan prices are a lot cheaper and the postal service is providing limited cheaper options if the weight is no more than a kilo.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Looks like every one is saying Tamiya and I would tend to agree. Life isn't long enough to waste it polishing turds. They are more expensive, but it is really only the cockpit where a bit more detail could be achieved. One other thought though a inexpensive buy is the Hasegawa 1/32 Zero really worth looking at. I know you didn't mention a Zero, but it is a iconic plane.
Also if you buy from plaza in Japan prices are a lot cheaper and the postal service is providing limited cheaper options if the weight is no more than a kilo.

I totally agree
I think when I come to get the time it would be interesting to build a Revell kit, then the Tamiya right away.
That would be a really good comparison with the battle fresh in one's mind.
I must say, the surface detail on that '67 Spitfire was pretty darn good!
The Tamiya Corsair is wining by a far margin here
I tend to not build Axis stuff so that zero is off my list

[RangerNeil]

Possibly instructive to all of us to build them side-by-side with plenty of photo evidence as the steps progress??

[ForbesHutton]

If you choose something other than Tamiya when there's a Tamiya available is masochistic. Seek help.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Possibly instructive to all of us to build them side-by-side with plenty of photo evidence as the steps progress??

I will put it on my projects list...it is a very long list

[Twokidsnosleep]

If you choose something other than Tamiya when there's a Tamiya available is masochistic. Seek help.

Ha ha
Very true
Man you are on fire today with hilarity

[digger303]

Looks like every one is saying Tamiya and I would tend to agree. Life isn't long enough to waste it polishing turds. They are more expensive, but it is really only the cockpit where a bit more detail could be achieved. One other thought though a inexpensive buy is the Hasegawa 1/32 Zero really worth looking at. I know you didn't mention a Zero, but it is a iconic plane.
Also if you buy from plaza in Japan prices are a lot cheaper and the postal service is providing limited cheaper options if the weight is no more than a kilo.

I totally agree
I think when I come to get the time it would be interesting to build a Revell kit, then the Tamiya right away.
That would be a really good comparison with the battle fresh in one's mind.
I must say, the surface detail on that '67 Spitfire was pretty darn good!
The Tamiya Corsair is wining by a far margin here
I tend to not build Axis stuff so that zero is off my list

I build what ever side takes my fancy. All sides had interesting machines and that's what I like.
Always liked the distinctive corsair ever since watching the tv series " Black Sheep " and to that end in my stash resides a birdcage version....think I might have preferred the other one though.
I'd stay away from the old Revel kit the newer one would be better.

[Twokidsnosleep]

I have been convinced and the jury has delivered a resounding message
Tamiya ordered from Japan...may take a while to get here
F4U-1D

[Stokesy44]

I have been convinced and the jury has delivered a resounding message
Tamiya ordered from Japan...may take a while to get here

If ever the phrase 'well worth the wait' was appropriate, this is it. Congratulations on a fine decision Sir

[Twokidsnosleep]

I have been convinced and the jury has delivered a resounding message
Tamiya ordered from Japan...may take a while to get here

If ever the phrase 'well worth the wait' was appropriate, this is it. Congratulations on a fine decision Sir

Cheers David, thanks for the affirmations along the way

She won't be built for a while, maybe next year as my dance card is pretty loaded for this year already

[Twokidsnosleep]

Thank god I finally got the confirmation and shipping notice from the shipper; was thinking I might have to bail on the sale
Kit is coming from Japan and I suspect it will take its sweet time
They don't seem to have a good handle on changes with the Covid times wrt shipping parcels it seems

[digger303]

Thank god I finally got the confirmation and shipping notice from the shipper; was thinking I might have to bail on the sale
Kit is coming from Japan and I suspect it will take its sweet time
They don't seem to have a good handle on changes with the Covid times wrt shipping parcels it seems

3 weeks for me I'm finding even via air shipping.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Thank god I finally got the confirmation and shipping notice from the shipper; was thinking I might have to bail on the sale
Kit is coming from Japan and I suspect it will take its sweet time
They don't seem to have a good handle on changes with the Covid times wrt shipping parcels it seems

3 weeks for me I'm finding even via air shipping.

The seller took over 24 hrs to even acknowledge the sale and I had to message him....usually Japanese sellers are exemplary in manners and honourable
This dude has me worried as I flash back to another experience where I had to do an eBay refund as no shipping info and no record, but lots of "just wait" messages. Then I saw that kit for sale for more on their site again and got my $ back ASAP.
Once bitten twice shy

[Stokesy44]

Here's hoping it arrives in good time. As Shakespeare said - 'prepare to be amazed'

[Gary30]

I've got a 1/48 Corsair in my stash (the only thing with wings in the entire stash) I just love Tamiya, when you put a fresh Tamiya kit on your bench and open the box, it's like a reassuring hand on your shoulder that whispers in your ear 'You got this!'

Whereas other manufacturers, it's often 'Ha good luck!'

[Tomcat64]

... when you put a fresh Tamiya kit on your bench and open the box, it's like a reassuring hand on your shoulder that whispers in your ear 'You got this!'

Whereas other manufacturers, it's often 'Ha good luck!'

Never a truer word said!

[digger303]

... when you put a fresh Tamiya kit on your bench and open the box, it's like a reassuring hand on your shoulder that whispers in your ear 'You got this!'

Whereas other manufacturers, it's often 'Ha good luck!'

Never a truer word said!

[ForbesHutton]

I've got a 1/48 Corsair in my stash (the only thing with wings in the entire stash) I just love Tamiya, when you put a fresh Tamiya kit on your bench and open the box, it's like a reassuring hand on your shoulder that whispers in your ear 'You got this!'

Whereas other manufacturers, it's often 'Ha good luck!'

Agreed. You know it will be a relaxing time as you see the subject come together, you know, a hobby. Other kits can be like a marriage, you have no idea what your doing and you're always looking back trying to figure out what the hell you did wrong.

[Stokesy44]

Tamiya is probably the only manufacturer where I would never consider searching for an in box or build review of a new release. If they release a subject I like, and if I can afford it, I'll buy it because I know it will be an enjoyable build.

If I see an older release at a decent price I dont have the same hang ups I would have with other manufacturers as I know exactly what I'm getting.

Tamiya suits me, that pretty much sums it up at the end of the day.

[Twokidsnosleep]

So the kit has arrived in absolute record time
Quite honestly it looks fabulous!
The boxart is amazing, the box is stuffed with sprues and the instruction book massive
Looks like a lot of fun
Thanks for the unanimous suggestions in the right direction

[Twokidsnosleep]

Ok holy molars this is some kit
Gorgeous box art and lots of plastic in here



Nice bright decals, stencils, canopy masks, a name plate and a PE fret



A 52 page deck book ...of normal Tamiya high quality


Full colour print of two versions of the plane


A reference booklet with history and info and colour detail pics


Man, Tamiya has done their homework on putting together this kit, you can just feel it.
It reminds me of opening up my first WingNut Wings model where it feels like someone really made this with care
Super happy with it

[digger303]

Ok holy molars this is some kit
Gorgeous box art and lots of plastic in here



Nice bright decals, stencils, canopy masks, a name plate and a PE fret



A 52 page deck book ...of normal Tamiya high quality


Full colour print of two versions of the plane


A reference booklet with history and info and colour detail pics


Man, Tamiya has done their homework on putting together this kit, you can just feel it.
It reminds me of opening up my first WingNut Wings model where it feels like someone really made this with care
Super happy with it

Are you feeling like I must do better than my very best because this kit deserves nothing less. Mine does...it's intimidating

[Stokesy44]

Be wary of the decals. Its the only thing letting the kit down.

The Corsair has been described as the best of the Tamiya 1/32 birds (this was pre the release of the Mossie)

ENJOY

[digger303]

Be wary of the decals. Its the only thing letting the kit down.

The Corsair has been described as the best of the Tamiya 1/32 birds (this was pre the release of the Mossie)

ENJOY

But there is no guns. How disappointing, I mean I'm not wanting to open the gun bays , but I would like to see the barrel ends at least.

[Stokesy44]

Be wary of the decals. Its the only thing letting the kit down.

The Corsair has been described as the best of the Tamiya 1/32 birds (this was pre the release of the Mossie)

ENJOY

But there is no guns. How disappointing, I mean I'm not wanting to open the gun bays , but I would like to see the barrel ends at least.

Same as the Spit. The Mustang has them

[Twokidsnosleep]

Are you feeling like I must do better than my very best because this kit deserves nothing less. Mine does...it's intimidating

Definitely have that vibe, it is intimidating
But at the same time well engineered and organized, so it does give confidence things will fit

[Twokidsnosleep]

Be wary of the decals. Its the only thing letting the kit down.

The Corsair has been described as the best of the Tamiya 1/32 birds (this was pre the release of the Mossie)

ENJOY

With the onslaught of new decal solutions, I should be ok. Definitely have used worse.
I pulled them out and they seem fine; not too thick, not too delicate
I will test a couple out before I start.
Forewarned is underarmed they say

[digger303]

Be wary of the decals. Its the only thing letting the kit down.

The Corsair has been described as the best of the Tamiya 1/32 birds (this was pre the release of the Mossie)

ENJOY

With the onslaught of new decal solutions, I should be ok. Definitely have used worse.
I pulled them out and they seem fine; not too thick, not too delicate
I will test a couple out before I start.
Forewarned is underarmed they say

I gotta buy some guns and a pitot tube. It'll just get broken off otherwise.
The NZ decals look different and interesting....AM.