Went to Moson model show yesterday and since I only have something like 10 unbuild WW2 japanese planes I picked up the new Ki-51 Sonia from Wingsy Kits (Ukraine) and Ki-15 from Fine Molds (Japan). Now imagine my surprise when I opened the box and realised that both kits are in hugely the same quality. I like in fact the surface of the Wingsy kits more and whats more, Fine Molds didnt even bother to provide an open canopy option ! Now I would normaly not comment on this, but this realy struck me and I dare to draw a comparison here, since both kits are new : 2019 and 2018 respectively, both are of the simmilar subject and both have a simmilar price range (4 Euro difference for me). Now imagine that this would be unheard of 10 or 20 years back, when japanese model makers produced not only the best what was available, but they took special pride in portraing japanese military subject. So much so that no western company would even dare to do a kit of something japanese, with the odd Zero ofcourse. Now I know that Fine Molds had some issues with quality in the past and the Ki-51 is still no match for Tamyia level stuff, but I have to say that Im thrilled by these new offerings and hope we will see some more competition in japanese subjects (1/48 Ki-43, Ki-36 and others are very much needed aswell as some twin engined bombers in 1/48).

Finemolds windshield and fin angle is not perfect by quite a few degrees...

I think the Ukrainian Ki-51 will be superior...

G.

Wingsy kits is one of my very favourite brands, everything about them oozes quality! Treat yourself to one of their kits.

I look forward to both of these kits.

I need both in 1/32 NOW!