galaxyg Posted July 17, 2022 Share Posted July 17, 2022 Background: I decided to model something that'd remind me of being on holiday in Asia and also - this HiAce is the second oldest kit in my stash, having been there some 9 years. This model of the HiAce, the H200 - is pretty ubiquitous all over Asia - especially Japan, Thailand and Malaysia amongst others. It is to Asia what the Ford Transit was to the UK during the 70s/80s - Everywhere for everything. This one is inspired by a Japan Rail version I saw online, but I've made this one with the custom parts rather than some bog-standard steel-wheels-and-black-plastic-bumper version of the HiAce. Pros: Very well moulded, little cleanup required and nearly everything fits together well. Nice decals, although no number plates. Entire chassis and interior is great. Cons: "Fits together" is not the same as "joins together". As is typical with many other Aoshima kits I've built, the overlapping areas they give you to glue parts together are often very small. For example the chrome lights, front bumper and body have a lot of pieces of plasticard overlapping and reinforcing the joints on the inside. And as will be obvious from the photos, the rear hatchback cover does not fit very well at all. I think Aoshima were more interested in the opening feature (a gimmick to my mind) than how well the door sat when closed. Also the entire body sides were a little bowed - since corrected during the build. Verdict: It's OK. Very well done in parts and not so in others. I have built better Aoshima kits. The fit of the back door is disappointing. Build notes: Built over the course of 3 weeks in June/July 2022. Tamiya Pearl White, Racing Green and Gloss Aluminium, with custom decals, including the number plates which are the year of my birth. I've also changed the wheels as the boxed versions were much too bling. 24 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keefr22 Posted July 17, 2022 Share Posted July 17, 2022 Good job, nice to see something different and built so well! Like the pics too! Keith 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spiny Posted July 17, 2022 Share Posted July 17, 2022 Nice model, great to see something different to the norm too. I feel your pain with the tailgate as I'm having similar issues with Revell's VW - it's a nice idea but as you say, if it doesn't close properly, it can spoil a good model. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yg Models Posted July 18, 2022 Share Posted July 18, 2022 nice finishes😊 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desert falcon Posted July 19, 2022 Share Posted July 19, 2022 Top job, all way around 👍 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anteater Posted July 19, 2022 Share Posted July 19, 2022 Look good, I can see quite a bit of potential for kitbashing one of those. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FunkyChiken Posted July 29, 2022 Share Posted July 29, 2022 That foto shoot makes it look real too! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zephyr Posted July 29, 2022 Share Posted July 29, 2022 Great job, I hate to be repetitive but it's nice to see something different! Those window and windscreen rubbers... respect! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulyoung666 Posted July 29, 2022 Share Posted July 29, 2022 Love it and brings back some good memories of the bullet train !!!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richellis Posted August 4, 2022 Share Posted August 4, 2022 Very nice, it’s a good looking build. Ive made a start on mine today, just chopped the roof off to make a high roof 😱 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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