Background:

The FD3S RX-7 is my favourite looking Japanese sports car. I've built a Tamiya one and a Fujimi one so it's time to add to that collection with an Aoshima one, and for variety I've picked this tuner-style heavily modified version.

Kit review:

Pros:

Awesome subject. Mostly goes together easily, well moulded with few seamlines and no flash. Good wheels and tyres (even thought I changed them). Nicely detailed chassis and interior and convenient that the instrument dials are all on one decal rather than 5 seperat circles. Seats fit very solidly.

Cons:

The rear lights are hard to get to stick in place, as are the door mirrors. It'd be better if the engine vents were open. No JDM plates in the decals. No engine.

Verdict:

Great. Aside from the couple of tricky bits of gluing, it's an easy to build kit giving a great looking result.

Build notes:

Built in a little over 3 weeks in September 2025. Painted with "Mazda Smoky Rose" paint from a rattle-can. Seats are Ford Dove Grey. Clearcoated with Mr Hobby Premium Gloss. I've changed the wheels for a set of Aoshima RAYS RE30, changed the steering wheel and the exhaust tip and also added Hobby Design seat belt retainers, front mats, PE bonnet pins and a few extra detail elements into the chassis none of which (for the chassis) - as usual - can be seen in the photos. But I know they are there :). The decals are all from the parts box except the RE Amemiya ones and the number plates which were custom printed by indycals.A very satisfying build and a contender for the 2025 top 3 which is looking like the hardest year for me to pick the 3 favourites from.

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