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Tamiya 1/24 Mazda Savanna RX-7 - 1st Generation Rotary Rocket


Italianhorses

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So....with my first entry to the box-stock contest done, I decided to enter another one. I have a few kits in my stash that I really don't want to spend much time on (i.e. do a super-detailed build with bunch of scratchbuilt stuff) but wouldn't mind putting them on the shelf and as such the rules of the contest to built it 100% box-stock work well for this. And this makes for a quick build. So, my next project is Tamiya 1/24 Mazda Savanna RX-7. 

This is a rather rare kit (Tamiya 2409), number 9 in the catalog - even before they switched to 5-digit numbering. I believe issue date 1979? But I didn't buy these to collect dust, so here comes the rotary rocket.

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Edited by Italianhorses
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1 hour ago, Justin Porter said:

On initial viewing, is there anything the Tamiya kit does better than the full detail Monogram?  

Hard for me to say without looking at Monogram kit, but just by looking at the pictures that I googled, the wheels and tires for sure. The moldings seem a lot crisper, too - but that could be just perception.

Monogram might be a better kit, but here is the thing - after my long time hiatus, I realized that the reason I wanted to build models was to have fun while doing it.

Superdetailed builds are certainly give you sense of accomplishment and all that, but let's be honest, the process of researching every little detail and then recreating it in scale sometimes can be daunting, and this is the reason a lot of these ambitious projects take years to complete, if ever. You just loose focus and interest. These "quickie" box-stockers are super fun to build, reminds me why I picked up this hobby in the first place.

Its something that took me a while to come to. Not every model has to have an engine or full suspension detail. Not every detail on the model has to be right and 100% true to the original. Bob Downie once told me this very thing and I don't think I understood it back then. I do now!

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On 19.10.2018 at 10:11 PM, Italianhorses said:

Superdetailed builds are certainly give you sense of accomplishment and all that, but let's be honest, the process of researching every little detail and then recreating it in scale sometimes can be daunting, and this is the reason a lot of these ambitious projects take years to complete, if ever. You just loose focus and interest. These "quickie" box-stockers are super fun to build, reminds me why I picked up this hobby in the first place.

Its something that took me a while to come to. Not every model has to have an engine or full suspension detail. Not every detail on the model has to be right and 100% true to the original.

My opinion absolutely, nicely put. I try to commit myself to the level of detailing (which equals level of work) I intend to put into a kit, prior to even starting it. Needless to say, this does not always work as you grow on the model and mostly discover lots of its shortcomings no sooner than in the middle of the process. I'm glad I've not only grown as a modeler but also in character (if you know what I mean) - compared to my first "great building period" 20 or 25 years ago - which gives me the patience to put a build on hold for a while, if necessary. Which is exactly what I am doing now with the Porsche build because I felt that all the adjusting work for the aftermarket parts is not that much fun anymore at the moment. You see I'm in it for the fun of building too, but unlike in former times I won't let impatience get the better of me. I guess that when you're a bit older you don't want to waste good results easily anymore...

Edited by Tommy124
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52 minutes ago, Tommy124 said:

My opinion absolutely, nicely put. I try to commit myself to the level of detailing (which equals level of work) I intend to put into a kit, prior to even starting it. Needless to say, this does not always work as you grow on the model and mostly discover lots of its shortcomings no sooner than in the middle of the process. I'm glad I've not only grown as a modeler but also in character (if you know what I mean) - compared to my first "great building period" 20 or 25 years ago - which gives me the patience to put a build on hold for a while, if necessary. Which is exactly what I am doing now with the Porsche build because I felt that all the adjusting work for the aftermarket parts is not that much fun anymore at the moment. You see I'm in it for the fun of building too, but unlike in former times I won't let impatience get the better of me. I guess that when you're a bit older you don't want to waste good results easily anymore...

Totally agree. My skills have improved while my adherence to detail has come down. I realize now once I build the model, no one (including myself) seems to have much appreciation for the high level of detail in the least visible areas. These include the under-body and some interior details in a non-convertible model. I look back sometimes and say "why did I worry so much about that, i cant even see it". Meanwhile, my body errors and detailing are super apparent. I spend a lot more time on the finish and accents now. 

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On 10/19/2018 at 4:11 PM, Italianhorses said:

Hard for me to say without looking at Monogram kit, but just by looking at the pictures that I googled, the wheels and tires for sure. The moldings seem a lot crisper, too - but that could be just perception.

Monogram might be a better kit, but here is the thing - after my long time hiatus, I realized that the reason I wanted to build models was to have fun while doing it.

Superdetailed builds are certainly give you sense of accomplishment and all that, but let's be honest, the process of researching every little detail and then recreating it in scale sometimes can be daunting, and this is the reason a lot of these ambitious projects take years to complete, if ever. You just loose focus and interest. These "quickie" box-stockers are super fun to build, reminds me why I picked up this hobby in the first place.

Its something that took me a while to come to. Not every model has to have an engine or full suspension detail. Not every detail on the model has to be right and 100% true to the original. Bob Downie once told me this very thing and I don't think I understood it back then. I do now!

I fully agree with the "built for fun" ethos you're talking about Alex. I mostly ask because I've long been a fan of the Monogram kit but if there are things to pirate from the Tamiya kit to improve it, I'm curious to know. 

It's kind of like my personal debate over 240Z kits. I do LIKE the Fujimi 240Z kit, but good lord does it look wonky compared to the the Hasegawa or even the old Revell kit. 

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On ‎19‎/‎10‎/‎2018 at 9:11 PM, Italianhorses said:

Hard for me to say without looking at Monogram kit, but just by looking at the pictures that I googled, the wheels and tires for sure. The moldings seem a lot crisper, too - but that could be just perception.

Monogram might be a better kit, but here is the thing - after my long time hiatus, I realized that the reason I wanted to build models was to have fun while doing it.

Superdetailed builds are certainly give you sense of accomplishment and all that, but let's be honest, the process of researching every little detail and then recreating it in scale sometimes can be daunting, and this is the reason a lot of these ambitious projects take years to complete, if ever. You just loose focus and interest. These "quickie" box-stockers are super fun to build, reminds me why I picked up this hobby in the first place.

Its something that took me a while to come to. Not every model has to have an engine or full suspension detail. Not every detail on the model has to be right and 100% true to the original. Bob Downie once told me this very thing and I don't think I understood it back then. I do now!

Absolutely so true! Recently, I've been thinking this myself.

I look forward to seeing your progress on the RX-7 Alex.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Ah childhood memories, it seemed that every Japanese model kit s was motorized back then, my dad had (has) 1/24th scale motorized tanks.

My first Tamiya kit I built (with the help of my dad) was a Racing BMW323 in City corp livery...still have it....but it got a respray and ficticious sponsor decals.....I should dig it out when visiting my parrents...

 

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15 hours ago, Luc Janssens said:

Ah childhood memories, it seemed that every Japanese model kit s was motorized back then, my dad had (has) 1/24th scale motorized tanks.

My first Tamiya kit I built (with the help of my dad) was a Racing BMW323 in City corp livery...still have it....but it got a respray and ficticious sponsor decals.....I should dig it out when visiting my parrents...

 

I just bought this kit!

10 hours ago, wisdonm said:

Good to see you back Alex. Give 'em hell.

Haha, yes sir!

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8 minutes ago, Oldmopars said:

That is looking really nice. I love the color.

And the Green finger nails are a good look on you. :lol:

 

Haha, that's what I get for forgetting to put gloves!

My wife also gave me compliments on well-done manicure. Though, she said its rather radical color.

I said it was all the rage back in the 70's Japan! :)

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