GVoakes

Don't give him too much credit. First off, it's not the only flying Zero in the world, but it is the only early model Zero capable of flight. Secondly, very little is original, as after 40+ years in the jungle, there was not too much that could be reused. While Diemert started the restoration, it was ultimately completed by a group of US restorers in Minnesota. I knew someone who was working on the restoration, and it was fascinating to listen to him talk about the restoration process... Grant

Don't give him too much credit. First off, it's not the only flying Zero in the world, but it is the only early model Zero capable of flight. Secondly, very little is original, as after 40+ years in the jungle, there was not too much that could be reused. While Diemert started the restoration, it was ultimately completed by a group of US restorers in Minnesota. I knew someone who was working on the restoration, and it was fascinating to listen to him talk about the restoration process... Grant

1/48 Gemini Titan II (injection molded)

Also, check out Mike Mackowski's Space in Miniature site. http://www.spaceinminiature.com/ His books on building the various bits of hardware are well worth the price. Also, John Duncan's Apollo Saturn Reference page: http://www.apollosaturn.com/ Grant

It depends - I found some good deals on Tamiya kits when I was there in 2009. Also, some Japanese manufacturers (Fine Molds) were slightly better priced (although still expensive). Factoring in shipping costs, I came out ahead. Italeri, Revell, etc. were all much higher priced. My main focus was not on kits as much as it was on aftermarket accessories that never make it across to us, or are only available trhough companies like HLJ.

Go! You won't regret it. I'm hoping to head back in a year or so, and spend significantly more time there than I have before. So much to see and do(and new restaurants to try out as well!). One spot to add if you have the time - Yasukuni Shrine. Japan's main war memorial and a really interesting historical museum. Thought provoking and sobering at the same time, and a chance to see some actual hardware (A6M5, Type 97 tank, Kaiten, etc...) G

There is also a Tamiya outlet store close to Shimbashi station. Great for finding all things Tamiya, as well as kits that they bring in (such as Italeri). If you're time is limited, then Akihabara is definitely the way to go. When I was there in 2009, I made the trek down on a Saturday night - shops were in open, place was packed, and the neon was amazing! Pricing was reasonable at that time - not sure what it may be like now. Now I'm craving a cold beer and some Yakitori...

No following for anime? Hardly! I've been watching this thread for quite a while. Great work! I like how it's all coming together.

There were 12 individual titles that I know of in the series, and the F4U volume was definitely released as I have a copy.

Wow! Looking really good! I've never used fiber optic before, but really like the look of the lighting on the flight deck. May have to give it a try myself.

Well, I'm a dylan fan.... (Great pics by the way...)

Very Cool! I've been watching Yamato 2199 (although I need to do some catch up) and have toyed around with picking up a couple of the new kits they have coming out. Did the Bandai Yamato back in the day (~ 1981) and would love to take a crack at the 1/350 scale kit they have out. I would definitely be interested in a WIP thread!

I'm thinking a Gemini Titan stack - picked up the 1/72 RealSpace kit a month or so ago and want to get going on it, but have held off to clear off some of the other projects that are on the bench. With luck, I'm heading back to KSC in a few weeks so I should be able to get some more reference pics (I'll have to figure out what I didn't photograph the last time I was there). Of course, all bets are off if someone releases an injected mold 1/48 scale Saturn I SA-5.... (one can dream, right?)

Well, this appeals to me! I'm not sure what I would build, but I have plenty that would qualify. I'm in!

The majority of pilots did not use kill markings. If there were any on the aircraft, it was usually for the number of shootdowns that the airframe or unit had, not the individual pilot, as they tended to focus more on the group/ unit than on the individual.