Reviews : Tamiya Nishikisuisen Rufe

I ordered this plane because I wanted a Japanese plane that was outside of your typical fighter. This kit by Tamiya was so clear and coherent in its instructions. There was a packet in English and a packet in Japanese. The directions were so smooth, and ordered so well (for example, step 1 contained directions for gluing three separate, unrelated parts of the plane so that they would all be dried by the time that you needed to add them to fuselage in steps 3 and four). It also came with a beautiful color poster of the final product in two different paint patterns. I went with the all white with the two smaller wing pomtoons colored red for effect. It comes with a stand which wouldn't work unless you put some sort of weight in the nose (The Directions, though, TELL YOU to put something in the nose to weigh it down evenly. Again, a testament to the fabulous instructions). My final product is slick and beautiful (I'll be uploading photos soon). I hope all of Tamiya's models are like this. If so, I will pay extra to buy a tamiya version of a plane over a Revell. Kudos to Tamiya!

This kit is an old one from Tamiya (1977). The excellent quality is still there. This kit would be great for beginners with the overall light grey color. But if you are looking to expand you painting skills? The dark green, light grey pattern will help your skill. I went with the dark green, light grey and painted the yellow leading edge on the wings. I also added antenna wire and a hand hold under the tail section. Pros: Excellent fit and clear instructions. Two figures are included. One pilot sitting in cockpit or one standing outside. Two sets of canopies. One in closed position (one piece) or in open position. The decals went on smooth and give you plenty of squadron options stationed in the South Pacific islands. CONS: Since this is such an old kit. Tamiya does not give you their paint numbers to follow (Example XF12). So, I went back to a more recent Zero instruction and matched the correct color paints (acrylic). Overall, this is a great kit and a fun one to build.

This kit was amazing! Every piece fit very well together with virtually NO cleanup! I had to sand not a thing! The cart holding the plane was easy to build, the float assembled PERCECTLY both together, and on the plane. I took my time with this kit to have it turn out really well and a week later I am astounded with how it turned it! I will definitely be buying another one for the other painting scheme. I would recommend this aestheticly pleasing kit to ANYONE. Great work Tamiya!

I have built several really nice looking Zero type model aircraft and this was no exception. The detailing was excellent for a basic kit and the fit of the parts went well. The instructions were very clear on the location of the floats and their supports. I have added this one to my collection of famous Japanese aircraft as they were part of history as well. I painted and detailed the model with the appropriate decals which I found were very easily placed on the model.

Although a very old kit the molds have held up well, zero flash and excellent parts fit. The rolling cart is a nice addition for displaying the finished build. Don’t forget the weight in the front of the float and be careful with that antenna, I broke mine three times even after waiting to install it at the end of the build. Would definitely recommend for a unique addition to your collection.

Saw this by surprise, was inexpensive and I immediately put it into a takeoff diorama in my mind. Like the kit, it is simple and uncomplicated and don't have to wrangle landing gear into correct angles. Planning on starting the diorama sea base any day now so will hold off pictures until then.

Very, very old set, molds 1973 and corresponds to a detail, but for the money not a bad set of the day, who do not have much experience in the assembly will be easy to collect.Good budget set. Very good decals, cockpit canopy.Trim seams by internal, external places

The size was a little smaller than my others that are that size but over all good kit was not to bad to get together decals weren't bad just a little smaller than I am use to

I was impressed when I opened it. It had clean parts with little flash, good details. It looks just like a zero fighter but with a float attached. I like it.

Really well put together kit that captured the importance of a land on water, scout, recon, or protect bay pontoon boat.

PROPELLER TURNS,NOSE COWL PAINTABLE, FLOATS,MAIN FLOAT ,FRAME ALL PAINTABLE AND DETAILABLE, GOOD KIT GOOD PRICE.

I wanted a model I could easily display in flight, the Tamiya Rufe fit the bill perfectly and includes pilot

great model , easy build had alot of fun with this one looks great next to my other ww 2 planes

Great kit. worth the money entry level for my kids. Will recommend this model kit.