The Little World

The judgement can finally be delivered on the relative merit of the Airfix Aichi Val vs the Fujimi example.

The AIrfix model wins – despite being older and sporting the ancient raised rivets.

The verdict is based upon the ease of assembly, the fit of the parts, and the quality of the decals. Admittedly, the Fujimi model tried to make two different models of the plane with the one basic kit – a hard call in any case – but the imprecision with which they approached it cancelled out all pretence.

Airfix made one model – it could have open canopy or not, but that was about it. To get to the present aircraft I have had to add wing-bourne bombs, close the canopies, and use the Fujimi IJA decals – as well as reference the cut-off box lid from the Fujimi kit for the green Army scheme.

The decals are typical Asian products – well-printed but thick and inflexible – combining the worst characteristics for anyone trying them over raised panel lines or rivets. I found this out on the wings, but the fuselage was worst – the side emblems tore off a day after they were supposed to be stuck down. At best, the tail stripes and wing hinomaras were in place and that was that. I resorted to the Airfix fuselage insignia and was grateful to get them.

I would be nervous in the extreme with Hasegawa or Tamiya decals should they be required to make complex tail schemes or go over compound curves.

In the end, I am delighted with the AIrfix Val – crudities aside – and will display it alongside the Fujimi naval version.