Hi all,

Isn't it funny how one can get side tracked so easley these days with the internet?

Back in December I was looking on our local version of ebay with strict instructions from "she who must be obeyed" to sell some of my toys... while I was looking for similar items (think I was looking up Verlinded 1:32 bf-109 cockpit sets I came across a le Rohne WWI motor kit, now being a rather large fan of the Neuport 11 I just had to investigate further.

After a little bit of digging it became apparent that this model is long since out of production and now extremely hard to come by... Que huge disappointment by me, large sigh of relief from my (much) better half!

But my curiosity had been aroused, what are partwork models? What else is available? there was of course a links page that then took me on a multi-day adventure through the internet bringing me eventually here!

My mind was completely blown away! U-96, D51 steam locomotive, MP 4/4, Lamborghini Countach LP 500, the Millennium Falcon immediately caught my attention. But for me the ultimate was the 1:16 Zero.

Even sitting her now I cannot put my finger on exactly what it is about the Zero, I normally tend towards German WWI and WWII aeroplanes with a few from the British, French and Americans. I think it is the construction, the way that even when complete you can see the beauty of the internal structure.

But alas the Zero was too sold out, I could see requests for kits from other people being returned with the same answer. "sold out and no plans to re-release the kit" and over at the Partwork Models Forum several people had posted wanted to buy adds with also no response. Not to be discouraged I scoured ebay, both the US and the UK looking for the elusive Zero. I kept looking all through January and February but not a Zero to be found! Then I read somewhere how a person had tracked one down in Japan. Some more digging and I found out that the Zero was produced by IMCTH and the white metal parts cast by MFH all exclusively for De Agostini. I contacted IMCTH in the hope that they might know where I could possibly purchase a Zero, they unfortunately where not able to help but I did purchase one of the amazing 1:32 kits as a conciliation prize.... http://imcth.co.jp/english/

Finally as a last resort I turned to yahoo Japan, now if you have ever looked into the Japanese auctions then you know how difficult it is for a non Japanese speaking person to find your way around let alone make a purchase! Contact with the seller was impossible and despite my best efforts to quantify the total costs involved I was shocked when the bill came through for the postage. 3 huge boxes with a combined weight of 26kg cost just under $600.00 USD! (that's just the shipping)

No matter, as I had decided this was the kit for me! The 3 boxes arrived last week and are piled up in the lounge.

So easy to get side tracked these days.... and I never did get around to selling anything

Chris

Hi Fooesboy

Firstly welcome to the forum and what a tale of your search for that elusive kit,I too have the same one and will say you wont be disappointed with her. Did your Japanese kit include the optional electric motor with original Sakai engine sound hopefully you did as this item is also now as rare as hens teeth like the kit. Will you be doing the fully skinned version or the half and half or skeleton either way another build diary will be welcome if you feel up to it.

Regards

Andy

Hi Chris

You have some very happy days ahead of you opening those boxes to peruse the quality of the parts and detail. I have added a couple of links below with info on the electric motor.

http://forum.model-space...aspx?g=posts&t=7878

Engine running video


https://www.youtube.com/...?v=4tkJ5Lg16rE&lr=1


Regards

Andy

Hi davetwin,

I too did not (and still don't) have the funds for this kit but I could see that if I waited then there was a real chance that it would be gone forever so I have chosen to "go without" for any other luxury purchase for some time to come!

Andy, I have seen the electric motor and am VERY, VERY tempted. It would be great to have the white metal motor on a stand next to the model and have the prop turning and the sound.....

Because I wish to start my journey in Model Space Forum by giving back (i.e contributing) I have posted a "How To" on using a Magnetic Polisher, a must have too for anyone with a model like the Zero to build!

It's in the "How to" area, check it out, I hope you like it.

Chris

Chris

Hope you get lots of joy out of your zero build.

There have been so many and I am sure still many great kits being offered by Deagostini it's really difficult to decide what to go for ( all would be nice but money always seems the obstacle ). Have learnt though that if something takes your eye it really is best to buy/subscribe sooner than later because once gone they are not easy to track down.

Chris, Kev, Alan, Tony and Steve,

Thanks guys for such a warm welcome! I'm sure my time here will be fun!

Chris