 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| | | | | | | | |
This is an old line of diecast models from Japan that
is very unique in the market. They are very heavy,
being almost entirely metal, and the panel lines are
still the best you will find in the scale. They are finely
etched and look "true to scale". Plus, Marushin really
nails the profiles of the models in the line.
Compared with newer models, however, the
cockpit detail -- or, rather, lack thereof -- may be
disappointing to some. Plus, the gun barrels are just
plain silver rods, as is the flightstick. Many of the
plastic parts may need filing and/or glue to get to stay
on, as do some of the metal parts -- particularly the
rear stabs.
Being a Japanese company it should not be a
surprise that the focus is on Japanese models -- but
that's fine as so far no one other than Franklin Mint is
doing any of these. Marushin also makes a P-51D,
which I have yet to see.
The Holy Grail of the line is the Betty, which was
issued in two schemes and is long sold out and
discontinued. They cost $300 new, and go for
$500-$600 on ebay when they do appear, which isn't
often.
In general, these are expensive models, costing
anywhere from $50 for a Zero to $300+ for the Betty.
The average is probably around $80-100.
Right now, Aikens Airplanes is the only U.S.
retailer still selling the line (they are the U.S.
distributor). There is a regular supply of some of the
more common models on ebay, and you can also get
them from HobbyLink Japan, or hlj.com.
is very unique in the market. They are very heavy,
being almost entirely metal, and the panel lines are
still the best you will find in the scale. They are finely
etched and look "true to scale". Plus, Marushin really
nails the profiles of the models in the line.
Compared with newer models, however, the
cockpit detail -- or, rather, lack thereof -- may be
disappointing to some. Plus, the gun barrels are just
plain silver rods, as is the flightstick. Many of the
plastic parts may need filing and/or glue to get to stay
on, as do some of the metal parts -- particularly the
rear stabs.
Being a Japanese company it should not be a
surprise that the focus is on Japanese models -- but
that's fine as so far no one other than Franklin Mint is
doing any of these. Marushin also makes a P-51D,
which I have yet to see.
The Holy Grail of the line is the Betty, which was
issued in two schemes and is long sold out and
discontinued. They cost $300 new, and go for
$500-$600 on ebay when they do appear, which isn't
often.
In general, these are expensive models, costing
anywhere from $50 for a Zero to $300+ for the Betty.
The average is probably around $80-100.
Right now, Aikens Airplanes is the only U.S.
retailer still selling the line (they are the U.S.
distributor). There is a regular supply of some of the
more common models on ebay, and you can also get
them from HobbyLink Japan, or hlj.com.
Marushin, 1:48
Marushin Zero
Marushin Val
Marushin Tony
Marushin George
Marushin Frank