A simple list of what features can be found in various 1/24 scale kits, attempting to answer 'what kit do I need for feature x' questions.
In case of multiple kits, the kits are ordered by preference (most accurate/best detailed one first).
Links point to a description of the exact kit.
I limit this list to 1/24 scaled kits because parts from differently scaled kits are rarely interchangable, whilst parts at the same scale can usually be made to fit other kits.
For now I skipped the Rx-7 FB because of the two 1/24 scale FB kits, the recent Hasegawa kit outclasses the old Tamiya kit on all levels and it looks like Hasegawa is planning yet more Rx-7 releases.
So I expect the Hasegawa kits to become a great source of mix-and-match parts to customize an Rx-7 model of your choice.
Another interesting thing is that the Hasegawa Rx-7 SA kit and the Monogram/Revell Rx-7 SA kit are very close in dimensions, which makes it possible to transplant a Monogram engine bay into a Hasegawa kit.
Rx-7 SA | ||
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Feature | Best Kits | Remarks |
Accurate Chassis Details | Most older Japanese kits suffer from motorization. | |
Engine Bay Details | Monogram has separate engine; Early LS kit has engine bay insert. AMT also includes a detailed engine bay insert, but is 1/25 scale. | |
Accurate Interior Details | The new Hasegawa kit brings interior detail to a new level. | |
Lefthand Drive | Fujimi dashboard is easiest to adapt to fit Tamiya kits | |
Automatic Transmission | Use parts from Fujimi FC kit, bezel needs to be cut to size to fit console. | |
High-back Seats | ||
Two-seater (No Rear Seats) | ||
Tinted Windows | ||
Raised Headlights | Most 1/24 SA kits offer optional raised headlights except Monogram/Revell and IMAI. ARII, LS and Tamiya kits include a mechanism for raising and lowering the lights. | |
Door mounted Rear View Mirrors | Fujimi parts A23 (R), A24 (L) in all ID-4 based kits; Monogram has left side mirror only. | |
RX-7 FC | ||
Feature | Best Kits | Remarks |
Accurate Chassis Details | Fujimi chassis is highly simplified; Aoshima uses RX-7 FD chassis and suspension. | |
Engine Bay Details | Tamiya has separate engine; Aoshima uses multipart insert | |
Accurate Interior Details | Aoshima and Fujimi offer separate fully detailed door panels; Fujimi offers multi-part instrument cluster. | |
Lefthand Drive |
| |
Automatic Transmission | Separate handle and bezel, could also be used on SA/FB. | |
Bins instead of Rear Seats | ||
Tinted Windows | ||
Raised Headlights | Tamiya kit has hinged lights, the others require cutting the lids out of the body. | |
RX-7 FD | ||
Feature | Best Kits | Remarks |
Accurate Chassis Details | In 2005 Aoshima made a cutout in the fuel tank to clear the lefthand FC muffler, so early kits are best. Old Aoshima suspension parts (C-parts) are the most accurate (the new F-parts, marked 05-33, were made more narrow to clear bushes inside wheels); Rosso has nicest floorpan, Aoshima has finest suspension and Powerplant Frame details; Note that Fujimi uses Skyline R32 chassis. | |
Engine Bay Details | ||
Accurate Interior Details | Only Aoshima offers separate fully detailed door panels | |
Lefthand Drive |
| For the US Aoshima also did lefthand drive versions of the Mazdaspeed GT-Concept and C-West kits. Notes: only an FD passenger door has a handgrip; the panel around the shifter is handed, Aoshima has a RHD panel molded in with the interior tub, Rosso and Tamiya both offer a separate left handed panel. |
Automatic Transmission | Handle on bezel and pedal set. All Rosso RX-7 kits contain these optional parts. | |
Bins instead of Rear Seats | All Fujimi RX-7 FD kits sofar have luggage bins. | |
Bose Soundsystem | ||
Tinted Windows | Both the Aoshima and the Fujimi kits include a set of tinted windows in addition to the set of clear windows. Most recent Aoshima rereleases contain these extra tinted clear parts. | |
Raised Headlights |
Notes: